Here are a few things to pick up this week....
Walgreens:
Starbucks Iced Coffee - 99 cents receive 99 cent RR - FREE. If this is an item you drink regularly, then you might want to get a few. Typically, Walgreens will allow you to complete multiple transactions and earn RR on each one. However, you cannot use the RR of the same item to purchase.
All Might Pacs - $3.50 when you buy two. Use $1 off from redplum.com - $2.50 each or 10 cents a load.
Paper Mate pens 2 pack - $2.29. Use a $2 off coupon in Walgreens monthly savings booklet (usually located at the front of the store) - 29 cents for the two pack!!
CVS:
CVS peppermint flavored antacid - $1.49 receive $1.49 EB - FREE!
2 Dry Idea Deodorant - $3.00 - Buy 2 receive $2 EB - Use 2 $2/1 from RP 3/6 - FREE
3 Wet and Wild Nail Polish - .99 cents - Buy 2 get 1 Free - Use 2 $1/1 from RP 4/6 - FREE
All of this is for very little out of pocket!! Great week to coupon!!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Let them see You
It's Monday and the beginning of another busy week. Lots of Big Whit work to do and I'm already behind, our FIRST wee ball practice, empty fridge so must look for sales, I really need to cook something....anything this week, my FIRST mascara party on Friday, my FIRST training to lead at my new job, neighborhood party, birthday party, Landon's speech evaluation, Ruddick's Early Steps evaluation........seriously it's only Monday.
Did you realize that Easter is just two weeks away?? I have two weeks to get into the Easter spirit and attempt to teach my kids why we celebrate. I found this idea AFTER Easter last year on pinterest and I have been waiting a whole year to try it.
An Easter tree and Resurrection Eggs.
Here is a link to the verses I will use for the Eggs. I will choose my symbols as I go. You can always use a printable picture as a back up if you can't find a tangible picture.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxwbGF5ZWF0Z3Jvd3ByaW50YWJsZXN8Z3g6MWRiODgzY2QyMTdlZjFlNw
I also have a special surprise for neighbors. They are getting EGGED!! Hehe. I will share those details later this week.
Coming off a tough weekend and going into another week, I spent some time trying to regroup myself this morning. I want to share one my favorite songs that really helps to reset me and turn my focus to what is most important.
Sit back, listen, and enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Be1on3JHk
Did you realize that Easter is just two weeks away?? I have two weeks to get into the Easter spirit and attempt to teach my kids why we celebrate. I found this idea AFTER Easter last year on pinterest and I have been waiting a whole year to try it.
An Easter tree and Resurrection Eggs.
Here is a link to the verses I will use for the Eggs. I will choose my symbols as I go. You can always use a printable picture as a back up if you can't find a tangible picture.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxwbGF5ZWF0Z3Jvd3ByaW50YWJsZXN8Z3g6MWRiODgzY2QyMTdlZjFlNw
I also have a special surprise for neighbors. They are getting EGGED!! Hehe. I will share those details later this week.
Coming off a tough weekend and going into another week, I spent some time trying to regroup myself this morning. I want to share one my favorite songs that really helps to reset me and turn my focus to what is most important.
Sit back, listen, and enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Be1on3JHk
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Brookshires
Just a few things noted in the Brookshires circular.
Community coffee kcups $5.99
Did you know that this price is LESS than the walmart great value price??
For whatever reason, my helpful pictures of the circular will not upload. Boo!
There is an entire page of bogo items that you may be interesting in purchasing. Shop the aisles and look out for the red tags.
If you shop brookshires exclusively, please shop the sales. PLEASE! It stresses me out thinking of friends overpaying for items for the family!
I stopped by CVS to pick up a few deals and got a surprise from the magic coupon machine. Yay!
Its spring (today anyway) and sales are happening!!
Here a few I got emails about;
Lowes claims to be having a spring black friday sale
Express semi-annual 40% off clearance.
Pottery barn up to 60% off
Community coffee kcups $5.99
Did you know that this price is LESS than the walmart great value price??
For whatever reason, my helpful pictures of the circular will not upload. Boo!
There is an entire page of bogo items that you may be interesting in purchasing. Shop the aisles and look out for the red tags.
If you shop brookshires exclusively, please shop the sales. PLEASE! It stresses me out thinking of friends overpaying for items for the family!
I stopped by CVS to pick up a few deals and got a surprise from the magic coupon machine. Yay!
Its spring (today anyway) and sales are happening!!
Here a few I got emails about;
Lowes claims to be having a spring black friday sale
Express semi-annual 40% off clearance.
Pottery barn up to 60% off
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Self-Regulation
Every once in a while, I blog about child development. It is one of my passions that I can never learn enough about. Knowledge of child development does not equal perfect parenting. Most of the time it doesn't even equal good parenting, but instead gives me the background to know all the things I mess up on day to day!! :)
Here are a few pieces of information to share today. In today's world there is a HUGE push for school readiness. No Child Left Behind, Common Enrollment, ALL kids ready to enter kindergarten with the tools to be successful. YES it is important that we give our kids the foundation to succeed in an academic setting. But is also just as important that kids are able to succeed socially and emotionally. What does that mean? What does that look like?
Ask yourself a question. How many people do you know that cannot read? Most likely not many or none. Another question. How many people do you know that cannot control their temper? I bet you can name a few, right?! The ability to control your emotions begins in early childhood and is called self regulation.
Even in infancy playing suspense games such as "I'm gonna getcha" and "Peekaboo" teach children how to regulate their emotions. As they get older, parents should help identify the feeling for the child and validate that emotion. "I know you're mad and that's okay".......from there we offer options of "safe ways" to be mad. If they are throwing toys, give another choice like going outside and yelling. Paying attention to how our children handle emotions are just as important as teaching ABCs.
What about handling my own emotions when the kids are out of control?!? Let me tell you, my 1 year old is HARD. I mean really hard. From the time he was born, he struggled. He was poked in the NICU for 7 days after birth (born a month early which probably disrupting his comfort in the womb). Shortly after, he contracted RSV and struggled to breathe. Then right back to hospital and poked again. In his 14 1/2 month life he has been sick 75% of the time. He has struggled.
Beyond his health, he is a hard kid. His struggle in life has probably contributed to his high maintenance need for attention. So many things have gotten in his way to safely explore the environment around him, therefore he is very particular on the way he wants his world to look. This makes it hard for me as a parent to control my own emotion of frustration. On most days, Ruddick cries more than he laughs. Fortunately, I learned something new yesterday that has just been released in studies. They way we respond to our kids in self proclaimed "distress" affects the brain!
Let me give a real life example taken from the Emory household. Ruddick just threw himself on the floor for no reason and is now upset because he lightly touched his head on the rug. He is crying loudly. I, of course, pick him up and comfort him. I am now holding him for the next 10 minutes trying to put him down every couple of minutes, but he kicks his legs and holds on to me tightly each unsuccessful try. Well now I really have to go to the potty. I'm going to have to put him down and listen to him cry. As he cries I am constantly saying "Its okay", "Your okay", "I know, but your okay". He doesn't respond and continues to get TICKED OFF. Guess what happens....I get stressed and start saying "Ruddick....you.are.fine...It is O-KAY". Stress equals stress - parent to child.
New studies reveal that we should change our language. Replace the natural tendency to say "It's okay" to "You Are Safe". Much like we tell our kids when something is NOT safe, lets tell them when they ARE safe. According to the studies, these words change the path of neurons in the brain. Interesting, right? It also changes OUR stress level. Say the phrase "You are Safe" a few times and try to say it in a more intense stressful type of voice. It feels weird doesn't it?
So that is my challenge for myself and to whoever read this!! Try it out.....you are safe!
Here are a few pieces of information to share today. In today's world there is a HUGE push for school readiness. No Child Left Behind, Common Enrollment, ALL kids ready to enter kindergarten with the tools to be successful. YES it is important that we give our kids the foundation to succeed in an academic setting. But is also just as important that kids are able to succeed socially and emotionally. What does that mean? What does that look like?
Ask yourself a question. How many people do you know that cannot read? Most likely not many or none. Another question. How many people do you know that cannot control their temper? I bet you can name a few, right?! The ability to control your emotions begins in early childhood and is called self regulation.
Even in infancy playing suspense games such as "I'm gonna getcha" and "Peekaboo" teach children how to regulate their emotions. As they get older, parents should help identify the feeling for the child and validate that emotion. "I know you're mad and that's okay".......from there we offer options of "safe ways" to be mad. If they are throwing toys, give another choice like going outside and yelling. Paying attention to how our children handle emotions are just as important as teaching ABCs.
What about handling my own emotions when the kids are out of control?!? Let me tell you, my 1 year old is HARD. I mean really hard. From the time he was born, he struggled. He was poked in the NICU for 7 days after birth (born a month early which probably disrupting his comfort in the womb). Shortly after, he contracted RSV and struggled to breathe. Then right back to hospital and poked again. In his 14 1/2 month life he has been sick 75% of the time. He has struggled.
Beyond his health, he is a hard kid. His struggle in life has probably contributed to his high maintenance need for attention. So many things have gotten in his way to safely explore the environment around him, therefore he is very particular on the way he wants his world to look. This makes it hard for me as a parent to control my own emotion of frustration. On most days, Ruddick cries more than he laughs. Fortunately, I learned something new yesterday that has just been released in studies. They way we respond to our kids in self proclaimed "distress" affects the brain!
Let me give a real life example taken from the Emory household. Ruddick just threw himself on the floor for no reason and is now upset because he lightly touched his head on the rug. He is crying loudly. I, of course, pick him up and comfort him. I am now holding him for the next 10 minutes trying to put him down every couple of minutes, but he kicks his legs and holds on to me tightly each unsuccessful try. Well now I really have to go to the potty. I'm going to have to put him down and listen to him cry. As he cries I am constantly saying "Its okay", "Your okay", "I know, but your okay". He doesn't respond and continues to get TICKED OFF. Guess what happens....I get stressed and start saying "Ruddick....you.are.fine...It is O-KAY". Stress equals stress - parent to child.
New studies reveal that we should change our language. Replace the natural tendency to say "It's okay" to "You Are Safe". Much like we tell our kids when something is NOT safe, lets tell them when they ARE safe. According to the studies, these words change the path of neurons in the brain. Interesting, right? It also changes OUR stress level. Say the phrase "You are Safe" a few times and try to say it in a more intense stressful type of voice. It feels weird doesn't it?
So that is my challenge for myself and to whoever read this!! Try it out.....you are safe!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Deals this Week
Here are the deals I like for this week. I have not tried them out yet, but its what I will be looking to score.
CVS:
CVS Antacid Flavor Chew Peppermint (only this flavor) 12 ct $1.49 - Buy 1 Receive $1.49 in EB - FREE
Nexcare Gentle Paper Tape $4.59 - Buy 1 Receive $5.00 EB - FREE
Zarbees Seasonal Relief, 10 ct $7.00 - Buy 1 Receive $7.00 EB - FREE
Buy the Antacid and Tape in one transaction and use the EB to pay for the Zarbees in transaction #2.
Walgreens:
Buy 2 Dove Shampoo or Conditioner $3.00 each when you buy 2. Buy 2 receive 2,000 Balance reward points. Use 2 $2.00/1 Dove Hair Care Product from RP 3/23 - FREE
Target:
BIC Silky Touch Disposable Razors $2.99
$3/1 coupon from 3/9 SmartSource insert
Final Price = FREE
Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner $2.99
$.75/1 Target printable coupon
$2/1 coupon from 3/2 Red Plum insert
Final Price = $.24 each
Let me know what you find!!!
CVS:
CVS Antacid Flavor Chew Peppermint (only this flavor) 12 ct $1.49 - Buy 1 Receive $1.49 in EB - FREE
Nexcare Gentle Paper Tape $4.59 - Buy 1 Receive $5.00 EB - FREE
Zarbees Seasonal Relief, 10 ct $7.00 - Buy 1 Receive $7.00 EB - FREE
Buy the Antacid and Tape in one transaction and use the EB to pay for the Zarbees in transaction #2.
Walgreens:
Buy 2 Dove Shampoo or Conditioner $3.00 each when you buy 2. Buy 2 receive 2,000 Balance reward points. Use 2 $2.00/1 Dove Hair Care Product from RP 3/23 - FREE
Target:
BIC Silky Touch Disposable Razors $2.99
$3/1 coupon from 3/9 SmartSource insert
Final Price = FREE
Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner $2.99
$.75/1 Target printable coupon
$2/1 coupon from 3/2 Red Plum insert
Final Price = $.24 each
Let me know what you find!!!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Monthly Wrap Up
I am feeling kind of down and out today as I post. I will be honest that the last month has really been tough on myself and my family. Both of my jobs have been challenging and time consuming. I use to work my second job because I loved it. I still love it, but now the income is a need. I have even picked up a 3rd job (have you ordered your make-up yet? shameless plug). I started couponing to save money for a new house, now I coupon because there is no other choice. I am overwhelmed, overworked, exhausted, frustrated, sad, but grateful for everything I have!!!
There is an African proverb that says "It takes a Village to raise a Child". Let me tell you, I need every bit of that village. I will admit, I need help. I don't like asking for help and I get burned and my feelings hurt easily especially when it comes to my kids. They are the most precious things in my life. In my head there should be a line of people eagerly waiting to spend time loving on them. On the flip side that village also enriches their lives and provides numerous learning environments and opportunities. Different voices, ways of life, concepts, rules to learn, songs to hear, books to read, and adjustments to make. A village shapes their lives.
I am still trying to balance my life, support my husband, keep my kids healthy, and parent them wisely. Some days I fail and some days I succeed. It is kinda like a guessing game everyday when I wake up. Will I survive the day? What is God's plan?
Okay quit the whining. Here some pictures to cheer us up.....
The point of today's post... my monthly spending breakdown. There was no time for anything this month, so the money spent was primarily for maintaining. We relied heavily on the freezer and whatever it had to offer.
Sams - $84
Brookshires - $60
Walgreens - $26
Wal-Mart - $30
Total for the month was approximately - $200
There is an African proverb that says "It takes a Village to raise a Child". Let me tell you, I need every bit of that village. I will admit, I need help. I don't like asking for help and I get burned and my feelings hurt easily especially when it comes to my kids. They are the most precious things in my life. In my head there should be a line of people eagerly waiting to spend time loving on them. On the flip side that village also enriches their lives and provides numerous learning environments and opportunities. Different voices, ways of life, concepts, rules to learn, songs to hear, books to read, and adjustments to make. A village shapes their lives.
I am still trying to balance my life, support my husband, keep my kids healthy, and parent them wisely. Some days I fail and some days I succeed. It is kinda like a guessing game everyday when I wake up. Will I survive the day? What is God's plan?
Okay quit the whining. Here some pictures to cheer us up.....
The point of today's post... my monthly spending breakdown. There was no time for anything this month, so the money spent was primarily for maintaining. We relied heavily on the freezer and whatever it had to offer.
Sams - $84
Brookshires - $60
Walgreens - $26
Wal-Mart - $30
Total for the month was approximately - $200
Friday, March 28, 2014
Favorite Things Friday
Today I will discuss my favorite music. I am not a huge music changes my life kinda person, but I do enjoy the often mood altering experience.
My likes and dislikes have no patterns and barely make sense. Its all over the place.
In highschool, I chose to listen to whatever was popular or what I could afford to buy on a tape single to play on my awesome dual cassette player. Of course my friends and I made copies for each other to cut down on cost. Friends help friends save money. The more money we save here the more money we have for gas on the weekends to drive around for hours to stalk the popular people in the Brookshires parking lot. Didn't you know? Anyone who is anyone hangs out in the Brookshires parking lot.
In college, I listened to those songs that were clearly written for me to describe whatever relationship problems I was going through at the time. The sad ballads, the empower me as a woman, the boys sucks, the I want you back, the songs that clearly described your life. I would drive around on the back roads with the windows down singing my heart out and imagining that I sounded like Christina Aguilera. I'm pretty sure that I do sound like her a little bit. :)
Lets also not forget the club songs. I most certainly listened to the club songs. I had to be prepared with my steller dance moves. It defined me. Did you also know that I was the DJ for Karaoke night? Yep, I was. I called myself "DJ Jazzy Jules" and my crowd said "What?!?" My staples you ask? Coolio - Gansta's Paridise and Reba - Fancy. Ask me to perform for you.......I may bust out with it.
Into my adulthood music kind of fell off the radar for me. Nothing was appealing. I guess my old mature self just couldn't keep up with the new age music. I don't get the Pit Bull, Beyonce annoys me, Gaga overwhelms me, blah blah blah. It is here that I found Christian music. Love it. Seriously, Love it.
I can honestly say that this music has encouraged and kept my relationship with Jesus Christ on track. Thank goodness!! I am human and a walking sin, so I need a constant back pocket companion. This music keeps my relationship relevant and living every day. If you are local...88.7 is the place to be. Try it out and I promise it will make a difference in your daily life.
Now........I still bust out some old school every once in a while. This morning I jammed to a little snoop dog, just to make sure I still had some skills. I am happy to report.......I still have skills. Mad skillz.
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