Living - No Coupons Used At HyVee Today!

I get a hard time often from friends who think I only shop with coupons.  Well, I just want it noted (and maybe documented for future reference),I used ZERO coupons today on my trip to HyVee.  Today was a day for replenishing the apples, bananas, oranges (and that just reminds me of something I forgot, ha!) and a day for stocking up on chicken and grabbing some goodies to make beef stew (it recently dawned on me that I had not yet made stew this winter)!

I did however, take advantage of sale prices on the meat and a nice sale on the bananas.  So, the trip was not completely unplanned shopping.  It isn't necessary to shop with coupons in order to save money.  Even if you do not have time/energy to devote to clipping coupons, you can make a decent impact on your overall family food budget just by shopping sale items, stocking up when the sale price is fairly decent.  And by making alternative choices on things that may not be on sale.

I grabbed the split chicken breasts that are on sale this week for $.89/lb.  I find this to be a nice price on the split chicken breast so I grabbed 3 packages, which I will cut up for different meals (Cut some smaller breasts from it for meals that involve full chicken breasts, chunks for white sauce pasta meals and salads and strips for fajitas, etc.)  I believe I should be able to get 6 meals out of the chicken, so should be under $2 each meal!  Compare that to the skinless boneless chicken breasts that sell for over $2 a lb!

Also, with the beef stew I want to make I could have easily grabbed a package of the pre-cut up beeft stew meat that is selling for about $5.50/lb (wow!), however I decided to grab a roast that ran me about $3.89/lb.  I should be able to get 2 meals out of the roast, as I will half it and use the other half for either sandwiches or cut up for another crockpot of stew!

I would love to hear from others on how you save at the grocery store without coupons!  Share in the comments.  Your ideas just might help someone else! 

So, there you have it!  I. Used. Zero. Coupons. Today! *smile*

I did come across an awesome deal however and will be sharing it in my next post!  Stay tuned!

Living - Merry Christmas!

As you may have noticed, I have been absent from the blog! Been busy catching up and enjoying time with family!!  I hope you are doing the same!  I have just filled the stockings and am getting ready to go to bed.  I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

I will be away from the blog for a few more days, as I get to enjoy some much longed for time with friends and family.  I hope you will rejoin me late next week.  Hit those after Christmas clearance sales, plan for your New Year's bashes and resolutions (yikes)!

Merry Christmas!

- Anna

Living - Getting Organized - Holiday Version!

With under a week to go, it is helpful to take some steps to getting organized.  Whether it is a to do list, a check list, finishing up your baking, ensuring things are delivered on time and so on, there are certainly things we need to make sure and get done to finish up in time.

What are your favorite holiday organizational tips?  Please share below in the comments!

I implemented one very important organizational method a few years back that I plan to stick with.  When it comes to wrapping presents I utilize 3 rolls of wrapping paper.  1) My immediate family (hubby + kids), 2) My husband's parent's side 3) My parent's side.

By utilizing 3 separate patterns on the paper, it makes it easy to grab gifts from under the tree and know which ones go with us on which date/time/location!  No more roaming through the gift tags 3 or 4 times to make sure they are packed in the right box.  Plus once they are loaded in the vehicle and we arrive at our first destination we know which box of gifts to grab without digging!

Thanks to Betterway Home Books, you can head on over here and download a Free E-book on Holiday Organizing Tips.  It is a quick read and there are a few tips I have written down to utilize now and in the future!  Additionally, there are some great reminder tips!

Living - All It Takes Is A Simple Act of Random Kindness!

I look forward to mid-month Fridays each month, as it is our monthly MOPS meeting.  I am newer to this group, however have grown to thoroughly enjoy it ever more each month.  It gives me the little "break" from being Mommy to focus on my spiritual self and hang with some fabulous ladies. 

Before I left for our meeting this morning, I read this article about  people who are annonymously paying off Kmart layaways for folks.  It left me with a warm fuzzy.  

Coincidentally (?) in our group meeting today, we touched on 'random acts of kindness'.  What a fabulous topic, during a special time of year.  Simple or ellaborate, genuine acts......randomly applied to strangers, acquaintances or loved ones.  Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?!

During our discussion, I was mentally taking note of how I was going to spread the gift of hope and what actions I could take to spread joy through random acts of kindess.  I knew this was something that would be fabulous to blog as well!  Oh, so excited!

Following MOPS, my little guy and I ran a couple quick errands and decided to stop at the McDonald's drive thru to grab a cheeseburger meal to share.  My mind again, back on my busy weekend ahead.

I slowly crept up to the busy McDonald's drive thru ordering our #2 meal.  Of course, my son who is in the back seat is insisting that we get a toy and I was busy trying to explain to him why today was not a toy kind of day. (We've all been there before, right) :-)  I get up to the first window to pay for our meal and begin handing over my payment when the young gal hands me a receipt and a small note and tells me that my meal had been paid for by the car ahead of me.

Wow!

How I wanted to skip the second window and speed off and thank the lady in front of me for her gesture of kindness.  And it dawned on me that someone had just shared a little joy with a stranger, and I was that lucky stranger.  And oh the joy that person must have felt knowing they had made someone's day.  The joy they must feel deep inside imagining how I reacted knowing my meal had been paid for unexpectedly.  And how full their heart must feel.

Thank you, to the gal in the white grand prix that drove away ahead of me.  Your kindness, joy and hope will be paid forward....for sure!

Was this coincidence?  I mean, the article, we had just talked about random acts of kindness at MOPS and then just a half hour following the meeting, I was finding myself the receiver of a random act of kindness.

Wow!  I'm still in awe.  His majesty is amazing.

It is this time of year that we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of our 'to do' list and our 'to wish' list and we can easily get distracted and forget about the simple things.  Waiting a few extra seconds to hold a door for someone walking a ways behind us, grabbing a grocery cart from someone who is finishing loading their groceries in their car, baking an extra dozen cookies so that we can share with a newly widowed neighbor, taking the time to make eye contact and smile at a stranger, sending an extra Christmas card to someone you know may be ill this holiday season. Simple things that remind us of the meaning behind the season.

My hope is that you too will find 'my day' inspiring to do something 'extra'.  Something within your means, whether it is simple or ellaborate.  Below is a list compiled from a previous list I have shared and a few extras from this mornings MOPS meeting and a couple I thought of while contemplating what I might do. 

I would love to hear your random acts of kindness and ideas.  And if you are the receiver of a random act of kindness, please share that too!  Please leave your comments below.

*Bake some goodies for a neighbor
*Pay a compliment to someone
*Grab someone's shopping cart for them when they are finished, saving them an extra trip.
*Write a thank you note (even easier a thank you email)
*Surprise a stranger with a flower
*Pay for someone's meal behind you in the drive thru - or even a designated amount. Ie. Pay $5 towards their meal.
*Share some coupon love - give others coupons that you know they can use :-)
*SMILE - at anyone, everyone! You never know who might be needing even just that little bit of love to make it through to the next day!
*Donate your extras to those in need
*Send cards made by your children to those sick in the hospital this holiday season (drop them off at the front desk and inform them to share them with folks they think might need them most)
*Visit a nursing/care home and bring small gifts, goodies, cards, etc for those that may not have family near them.
*Say something nice to someone.  A great example this morning was to compliment someone on how well behaved their child was.  Think of how great that feels as a parent when someone tells you that, repay another parent with the compliment.
*Forgive someone
*Cook a meal for someone
*Scoop someone's snow (when we get some) :-)
*Write a letter to someone that has made a difference in your life
*Thank your parents
*Leave a sticky note on someone's windshield saying kind words (example: You are someone special)
*Randomly send an extra Christmas card to an address in the phone book, go even further and include a gift card (even as little as $5 is a great surprise)
*Offer friends a couple hours of free childcare while they finish shopping, cleaning or treat themselves to something fun
*Leave a note for your significant other (like a sticky note on the bathroom mirror or on the steering wheel of their car)

You never know how much of an impact your random act of kindness will have on the receiver.  It just may be that ray of sunshine they are needing at that moment in their lives.  And I can tell you the feeling you have by following through on a random act of kindness will be well worth it!

Living - Homemade Crochet Necklaces $8 Proceeds to Fight Breast Cancer!

Are you looking for a special gift to give that special lady on your list this year or maybe looking for a unique birthday gift, thank you gift, etc?  Here is a great gift to consider.  A South Dakota breast cancer survivor, Jean, is crocheting necklaces to help raise money for breast cancer awareness/research.

Her beautiful, handmade necklaces sell for just $8.  This includes if you are needing it mailed.  And all proceeds go to breast cancer causes.

Head on over to her new Facebook page to "like" the page and contact her today (see info tab) to order your necklace!  There are several colors to choose from.

Read her story or watch her video on Keloland.com!

Living - My Black Friday Story!

Well, many of you probably already know from my posts that I am NOT a fan of Black Friday shopping.  This year however, my family has been in the process of scoping out a nice deal on a flat screen TV.  It just so happened that one of the deals I could agree to was valid on Black Friday at Walmart.  Yep, the wee hours of the morning too.  The sale was to begin at 12 AM.

We were in Yankton over the holiday and my sister was also pondering going to the 5 AM sale at Kmart and I decided to join her on this shopping trip.  To avoid a useless trip to Walmart and maybe grab a few more winks of sleep that night before going to Kmart, I decided to call Walmart to scope things out.  In calling them, I learned that all of the TVs I was looking to purchase had already been spoken for and tickets had been handed to all of those in line for them.  It was EARLY?!  It was not midnight.  Ugh.  I truly don't understand all the rules that go into this shopping day!

So, slightly bummed I went to bed.  After finishing our fruitless trip to Kmart at 5 AM, my sister and I decided to make a trip to Walmart to check out a couple things.

Now sit down.....

You will never guess what I happened upon......

While strolling through the VERY quiet, calm, line-less, stressless Walmart store at 5:30 AM, we came upon a Walmart employee by electronics pushing a cart with the TV I was hoping to purchase some 5 1/2 hours earlier.  I quietly asked her if it was for sale and she said yes!  The person that had gotten the ticket for this particular TV apparently decided against it once they got to the register and it was being returned to the sales floor.  For me. :-)

Best. Black Friday. Ever.

Telling my disappointed husband about my win when we got home in the morning, priceless!  He was like a kid on Christmas morning when we got home from our trip today.  And the TV quickly found its way out of the box! 

May each of you find your unexpected bargains this holiday shopping season!

Happy Holidays!

Living - Happy Thanksgiving!

Had the best Thanksgiving Eve today.  Got to spend the day with both kids and we enjoyed the great weather we had today!  I can only hope that Thanksgiving day will bring the same joys.  We are so blessed.

Thank you for stopping by the blog and sharing your time, thoughts and finds with me and the other readers.  I know I am not one of the "big" blogs or timely for that matter (ha, sorry!) but I am definitely glad that you find something worth coming back and sharing this journey with me.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Saving - Shopping Necessity: Expiration Date Check!

One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn over the past year and half (when my obessision with coupons started...lol), is that you cannot trust the face value of a sale and the product on the shelf.

Yes, one would think that stores are held accountable for the products they sell and would ensure that these products would not be outside of expiration.  However, I have found SEVERAL examples of expired products on shelves of many of the stores I shop and trust(ed).

In the picture above, the microwave popcorn I was going to purchase on Sunday (9/11/11) actually expired on December 16, 2010.  Don't let the Month and Day fool you, I'm talking about 9 months worth of expiration here, still on the shelf!  Not 1 box, but more than 10!!!

Here are my tips and/or suggestions while shopping:

*ALWAYS check expiration dates on products (ALL products). 
*Keep in mind that some of the really *hot* sales or unadvertised deep discounts can be an alert for 'close date' (or expiring soon) products.  Businesses are looking to make something off of a product that may be expiring soon, so they drop the price.
*If a product is 'close date', consider your usage for this product.  Can you use it by the date suggested for use?  If yes, be sure to store the product at the front of your pantry, refrigerator, etc to ensure you do not forget about it!
*If the product is expired, *PLEASE* take it up to Customer Service to avoid others from accidentally purchasing the product! 
*If you are purchasing multiples of the same item and stockpiling, check for later expiration dates to the back for the ones that you know you will not be using right away.  And then be sure to store accordingly with the closer expiration dates to the front!
*And of course, be sure to rotate your own stock at home to help avoid your pantry becoming filled with expired items!

There's nothing like getting a deal on something and then going to use it a week later and finding out it expired 9 months ago!!

What tips do you have about expiration dates?!  Do you agree with my tips or have anything to add?  Please share! 

Living - And Today We Remember....Always!

What do you remember most about September 11, 2001?  What will you always remember of that day?  Where you were?  What you were doing?  Images?  Sounds?  Smells? 

For the parents, children, brothers, sisters, grandmothers, grandfathers and friends that lost their lives that day....their families....the soldiers that have and continue to protect us...the soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice....and to all of their families....

May God shine upon you...
May He be gracious....and give you peace...

Let us never forget.....

Living - Happy 4th Of July Weekend!

I just wanted to take a moment to let you all know that I will be away from the computer this weekend, visiting family!  If there will be any posts on the blog, they will be few and far between. 

I hope everyone gets a chance to do what they are looking forward to this weekend.  Have fun and be safe!

Also - just a reminder that you can still add comments to this post regarding your 4th of July traditions, ways to save on fireworks and yummy recipes that you love to share for this great holiday weekend!  I have enjoyed all of the responses so far!

Happy 4th all!

Living - Peachwave Versus Cherry Berry?

So I have a confession to make.  Well, do I dare say it?  Okay, as long as you don't think different of me.  In the previous 5 days I have been to Peachwave twice and Cherry Berry once.  Okay, I said it!  First step to addiction recovery, admitting you have a problem, right?! :-)

I talked hubby into going to Peachwave on Friday, it being his first time he was all about taking the trip.  And then the next night I hinted around to him at supper that it would be fun to try Cherry Berry (it being both of our first time) in the same weekend so that we could do a fair comparison of both spots.

Guess where we got to go later that evening?!  Cherry Berry!

And don't tell the hubs, but the kiddos and I snuck to Peachwave on Monday after a few hours at the spray park!  It's our little secret!

So which one is better?  Hmm?  Should I first say, the kids could care less...they LOVE both!

I honestly don't think there is a fair comparison, because although they are both similar in nature, they definitely have their distinct, yet unique differences. 

Both are fun, self-serve low fat/no fat frozen yogurt shops.  And may I say that they both try and trick you into thinking you don't have much of their yummy goodness in their gynormeous bowls!  It worked on the kids and hubby, but I have you figured out. LOL!

Here are my positive notes for both:

Peachwave
*Awesome customer service!  Each time I have been to Peachwave (3 times now) the employees are engaged with the customers and helpful.  Offering samples and giving a little hint on what to do.
*Tastey yogurt choices with tons of toppings.  Yummo, Pineapple!  (Cherry Berry did not have this one)
*Coupon on Falls Food good for 10% off your purchase.  Expires 6/30/11.  Sure hope they update with another one when this one expires!!
*Frequent shopper program.  With every $20 purchased you will automatically earn 10% off.  Just mention it at your purchase and give them your phone number.  Each purchase will be added.
*Quiet "neighborhood", nice to sit outside

Cherry Berry
*Cute and comfortable seating.  Love the couches!  So comfortable!  My hubby suggested we paint our livingroom the same green color!
*Tastey yogurt choices and a lot of great toppings.  Yummo, White Chocolate Mousse!  (Peachwave did not have this one)
*Like how several of the toppings are located in dispenser containers rather than "buffet" type style. Seems more streamlined.

So tell me, do you have a preference?!

Living - 4th of July Traditions! Please Share!

One of my favorite summer events is by far the 4th of July!  From an annual family reunion to fireworks in the evening.  I think in the end it comes down to the time with family!

I want to ask you all a few questions and look forward to hearing your responses!! 

*What 4th of July traditions do you have?

*How do you save on fireworks (Aside from not buying them! lol!)

*Do you have any awesome potluck recipes for the 4th of July celebrations we all may be attending?

Please share away!  I always look forward to hearing from Living, Laughing, Saving readers!

I will even throw some answers in the comments as well!

Living - Hold Your Loved Ones Near! Simply, Share A Smile!

I hope each of you enjoyed your Father's Day!

I was just reflecting on the happenings of this busy day and was reminded how precious life is. 

As I talked to my Dad tonight on the phone to wish him a Happy Father's Day and let him know how much I loved him, it reminded me of how lucky I am to have him in my life.  So blessed that he came out on top in a recent battle with cancer.  Although he lost his kidney, we still have him.

Today also included a visit to the hospital to meet a friend's baby girl brought into this world on Friday.  So precious and sweet, so many "firsts" ahead of her.  So many precious memories to make.

And this evening's destination, a visitation for a previous coworker who sadly lost his battle with cancer at the young age of 52.  A man who had so much passion for his family and the community.  Praying for God's comfort and strength for his family.

Overcoming battles and celebrating triumphs.  The beginning of life and the end of life. 

I need not say it as we are all aware in our own ways, but certainly we are all reminded life is precious indeed.  May you hold your loved ones near.  Tell them that you love them.  Give them a squeeze before they head out the door.  Say thank you.  Send that 'thinking of you' email or card.  Be kind.  Simply, share a smile.  And be sure to enjoy it all!

This is me, smiling at you! :-)  Have a great week!

Living - Happy Easter!

I really hope that each of you had a chance to spend some time with your family or friends today!  As you may have noticed I have been missing in action since Friday and for good reason!  We were blessed to spend a few days with my family.  Loved every minute of it.  Now enact the de-spoiling process for my kids. ha ha!

Here's hoping each of you had a very Happy Easter!

Living - Our Shopping Escapades!

She picked up a hat at Kmart and She is trying so hard not to laugh!

Although shopping with my 2 year old son and 4 year old daughter can be exhausting (and questionable) at times, there is a certain bonding and real-life experience about it all.  Every moment there is learning.

Whether it is them learning how CRAZY their Mom can be about coupons, how to spot a coupon tear pad, when it is okay to splurge, how valuable the family budget is, etc...they are constantly learning from me.

Just the other day my 2-year old asked, "Mommy, I hold coupons?"  This is a job of priveledge and trust. :-)  Do I dare?  I took the step and handed over the coupons.  He did very well and about 5 minutes later said, "Mommy, I done now" and handed back the coupons.  Almost as if he were testing me....not me testing him.

And then the fun exploded!  How can you not stop and enjoy that goofy girl!

And then there are the times I truly learn while we are shopping.  I learn what great human beings my children are.  What great personalities they have, the ideas they have to share and the energy they have when they are excited.  No coupon can match that value!

Step back and not only enjoy the deals you are 'scoring', but enjoy the life that is happening in front of you.  It is definitely priceless.

Happy shopping!

Saving - Kmart Kool-Aid Packet Deal - $.01 Each! & 10 Alternative Uses!

Kmart has a great deal on Kool-Aid through 4/9.  My family only drinks Kool-Aid very rarely, so I did a little research to find some alternative uses so we can all make use of this nice deal! ha!

Here's the deal!

Kool-Aid packets are on price drop through 4/9 for $.10 (regular price $.25)
Purchase 15 packets = $1.50
Use Buy 10 Get 5 Free coupon 3/13 SS (will deduct $1.25 for reg price)
= $.25 or $.01 each!

And 10 alternative uses I found here and here!

1. Easter Egg Dye - With Easter just around the corner, I was excited to see this idea!  Mix a packet of Kool-Aid in a cup with 2 Tbl vinegar and 1/2 cup water.  (I am going to try 2 packets of the same color to make a deeper color)

2. Dishwasher Cleaner - dump a pack of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid into the soap dispenser, run the wash cycle.  Removes stains and hard water deposits.  (You know that orange color in your dishwasher?!  I gave this one a try and saw a slight change.)

3. Frosting Version #1 - Fold in a pack of Kool-Aid into a container of thawed whipped topping. If the frosting tastes a little too sour, add in a little sweetener to taste.

4. Frosting Version #2 - Mix Kool-Aid packet into vanilla frosting tub.

5. Water Colors - Pour Kool-Aid into ice cube tray, one compartment per color. Stir 1 tablespoon of water into each compartment; stir until the powders are completely dissolved.

6. Tie Dye - You can dye any cotton item such as tee shirts, socks, bed sheets, towels, as long as it is cotton. The article you want to tie dye must be clean and dry. Pour each color package of Kool-Aid into an individual glass bowl. Stir a ¼ cup of white vinegar into each bowl; make sure the powders dissolve completely. Gather the fabric up in several places and secure with several rubber bands. Dip each bunch into a bowl of Kool-Aid. Leave the rubber bands in place and set aside to dry. Once dry, remove the rubber bands and spread it out so it can completely dry. Put it in the clothes dryer by itself and dry on high for 15 minutes to set the colors in.  (I really want to give this one a try!  I think the kids would have a blast!)

7. Lip Gloss - To make a fruity lip gloss put a small amount of petroleum jelly into a microwave-safe bowl. Stir some Kool-Aid in, enough to make it the color you desire. Add a little sugar, then, place the bowl in a microwave oven for about five or six seconds, just enough to soften it. (What a fun idea for a girl's birthday party!)

8. Play Dough - Mix 1 cup flour, 4 tablespoons salt, 2 tablespoons cream of tartar and 1 package of Kool-Aid into a medium-sized pot. Add 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the mixture and stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the mixture forms a ball in the pot. Then remove and kneed the dough until smooth. Put in a plastic bag and refrigerate.

9. Check for Toilet Leaks - Lift the lid off the toilet tank and pour Kool-Aid into the tank. Use a darker colors. Don't flush the toilet! Just watch the toilet bowl, if you see the Kool-Aid float through from the tank, then you have a leak. The test can take from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the leak.

10. Remove Rust Stains - Remove rust stains on your driveway by mixing unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid with just a little water and scrub.

And who knows, maybe the kids will set up a Kool-Aid stand this summer!

Living - Happy Birthday, Monster!

It has been a bitter sweet day!  My "baby" turned 2 today!  I cannot believe my little guy is turning into a little man so quickly! 

I hope each of you has had a great day enjoying time with the ones you love.

I shall get back to the deals shortly!

Living - Hello Out There! I'd Love to Hear From You!

Hello readers!  I hope that you are off to a great start in 2011.  I also hope that you are enjoying and continue to enjoy Living,Laughing,Saving! 

It is one month shy of a year ago when I (finally) became a stay at home Mom.  Shortly after doing so, I began couponing.  Now don't get me wrong, I have always used coupons but not to the extent that I do now.  This blog started out as a simple email to friends telling them some awesome deals I had found along the way.  The blog itself began when several people were asking to be added to the email distribution list.  So I figured it would be fun to just start blogging the info I would have put in the email and it would be available whenever YOU wanted it! 

Although I do not take part in all the coupons or deals that I post, I do hope that the information has been helpful to you. 

I truly do enjoy blogging, as I enjoy sharing what I know with others. 

I would love to hear from you, my readers!  I would like to hear what you would like to see more of or how you feel about the blog.  I would also like to ask that you stop by and leave a comment every once in awhile or send me an email, as that is how I know you are out there!  It's nice to know you are there! 

Also I am hoping you, the readers, can help me out!  Please pass along the deals that you are seeing out there.  Let us know when you see:
*Clearance events going on with great deals
*Unadvertised price declines and deals at the stores you shop
*Tear pad coupons or great peelies
*Online deals
*Etc!

With your help, we will all be sure to take a step in the right direction of meeting our financial goals this year!

And thank you!  Thank you for stopping by and checking out my babblings and sharing them with others.  Thank you for wanting to share in this journey with me. 

Have a great 2011!

Living - Christmas 2 Weeks Away!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....well, certainly it is if you live in Eastern South Dakota!  The wind has not stopped howling all day.  The snow certainly surpassed my expectations. How about you?

My 4-year old even asked me today how long it is until Spring after Christmas!  Ha! 

What Christmas carol describes your day?!

Happy Holidays!

Living - 23 Days Until Christmas! Elf Yourself!

With just 23 days until Christmas, are you having fun yet?  I decided tonight to use Office Max's Elf Yourself product to have a little fun.

I "elfed" my kiddos and then shared it with my daughter.  She giggled her heart out!!  I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard at how much enjoyment she was getting out of it!

Have you elfed yourself (or your kiddos/friends/family) yet?  Give it a try.  You just might laugh yourself to tears too!

The best part of our video is that the kids were just dancing to music tonight for fun and this just accentuates some of the funny moves they were doing on their own! :-)  You can see it here.