Pinterest Inspirations

After my trip to Michael's I wanted to share a few inspiration pictures I've gotten from pinterest.  If you're not on www.pinterest.com yet, I highly suggest it!  There's all kinds of great crafting ides, recipes, and funny pictures, too!  Think of it as bookmarking meets social media meets pictures.  Let's get to it!

http://toriejayne.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-baking-pretties.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TorieJayne+%28Torie+Jayne%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

I must buy a couple spaghetti jars as holders for all my cupcake holders.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79405859/alabama-crimson-tide-grapevine-wreath?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_type=all&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_search_query=alabama+wreaths&ga_page=2&ga_facet=

I will make my own football wreath.  I like the ribbon around this one, but mine will be a house divided wreath.  (Maybe add a basketball along with the football.)   This is also the reason I bought the ceramic elephant.  Must find a ceramic wildcat and spray paint both.

http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2011/06/chocolate-custard.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LynnsKitchenAdventures+%28Lynn%27s+Kitchen+Adventures%29

I now own my own ramekins, so I will make this custard!  I actually follow Lynn's blog on google reader and she has a ton of great recipes on her site.  She even has a big allergy section for gluten-free and peanut-free items.  And there are a few other ramekin desserts - which I also look forward to trying.

Coupons for Montgomery Advertiser 10-16

I'm telling ya, I'm starting to get a little crazy with the posts!  But I thought this morning, with the help of www.sundaycouponpreview.com, I would share a little about the coupons I received in today's paper (October 16).

There were supposed to be four inserts in the paper - Smart Source, Red Plum, Procter & Gamble, and Target. The Montgomery Advertiser delivered to my house only had the Smart Source and Red Plum.  Below is a full listing of all the coupons available if you were to get the full inserts.  Coupons that I actually received are in blue at the top of the list.  There are some regional coupons as well that I received that were not on the list.  Those are in green below.  You will note, the full inserts give a TON more coupons than what the Montgomery Advertiser actually carries.  The Birmingham News is often a better paper to buy.  They do not carry the full inserts either, but they do have much more, usually.  This morning I went on a trek to find the Birmingham News - but was unsuccessful in finding one that actually had any coupon inserts.  And I probably made Josh late for a conference by conducting my search.  :(  Hopefully in future weeks, I will have both papers for a coupon comparison!

Smart Source

Air Wick Save $1/1 Flip & Fresh (11/27)
Finesse Save $1/1 product (1/30/12)
Philips Save $25/1 Sonicare DiamondClean, FlexCare+ or FlexCare rechargeables toothbrush (1/31/12)
Philips Save $5/1 Sonicare product; handle or brushhead (1/31/12)
Tyson Save $1/1 Any’tizers wings (1/16/12)
V8 Save $1/2 Splash 46oz+ (11/27)

Field Save $.50 on any Hot dogs, bacon, or lunchmeat
Land O Lakes Save $.50 on any 1 package of Land o Lakes buttery taste spread products
Steak and Shake coupons

4-Way Save $1.50/1 nasal product (1/13/12)
Act Save $1/1 16.9oz+ bottle (11/26)
Alpine Lace Save $1/1 deli cheese 1lb (11/30)
Alpine Lace Save $1/2 deli cheese packages (11/30)
Arm & Hammer Save $1/2 laundry products (12/11)
Barber Foods Save $1/1 product (11/26)
Bausch+Lomb Save $5/1 Ocuvite product (1/31/12)
Benefiber Save $1/1 product (12/31)
Benefiber Save $2/1 Stick Pack (12/31)
Bic Save $1/1 disposable razor ets (11/13)
Bissell Save $1/1 carpet cleaning powder or cleaning foam (12/25)
Blue Diamond Save $1/2 Almond Breeze almondmilk chilled or shelf-stable (1/31/12)
Blue Diamond Save $1/2 almonds 6oz+ cans (1/31/12)
Blue Diamond Save $1/2 Nut Thins or Nut Chips 4.25oz (1/31/12)
Bufferin Save $2/1 130ct Low Dose product (12/31)
Bufferin Save $3/1 130ct product (12/31)
Clear Care Save $1/1 12oz+ Cleaning and Disinfecting solution (11/26)
Clear Care Save $3/1 twin pack Cleaning and Disinfecting solution (11/26)
Comtrex Save $1/1 Cold & Cough (12/31)
El Monterey Save $.50/1 family pack burriots (1/31/12)
El Monterey Save $.75/1 Mexican snacks (1/31/12)
Everybody’s Nuts Save $1/1 bag (12/31)
Excedrin Save $.75/1 20ct+ product dnd (12/3)
Excedrin Save $1.50/1 80ct+ product dnd (12/3)
Filippo Berio Save $1/1 olive oil (12/31)
Freshpet Save $1.50/1 Dog Joy Treats for Dogs dnd (1/8/12)
Freshpet Save $2/1 Select Roasted Meals for Cats & Dogs dnd (1/8/12)
Gas-X Save $1/1 Prevention (12/11)
Gas-X Save $1/1 product (12/11)
GenTeal Save $1.50/1 (2/29/12)
Hershey’s Save $1.50/3 snack size bags of Reese’s, Kit Kat, Hershey’s, York, Almond Joy, Mounds or Twizzlers 9oz-22oz (10/31)
Imagine Save $1/1 broth, stock, soup or gravy (1/31/12)
Johnsonville Save $.50/1 Italian Sausage (12/31)
Keri Save $2/1 lotion (12/31)
Luster Save $1.50/1 White 7, Power White or Sensitive (12/31)
Luster Save $5/1 1 Hour White (12/31)
Maalox Advanced Save $1/1 product (1/14/12)
Maalox Advanced Save $2.50/2 products (1/14/12)
Nestle Save $.60/1 Nesquik powder (1/15/12)
NoDoz Save $1/1 product 36ct (12/31)
Oxy Save $1/1 product (12/31)
Oxy Save $3/1 Clinical product (12/31)
Play-Doh Save $1/1 Halloween bag 20ct (10/31)
Playtex Save $1/1 36ct+ feminine care item (12/17) (Target coupon)
Prego Save $.75/2 Italian Sauce (12/31)
Prevacid 24HR Save $7/2 products (11/12)
Purina Get 2 free 10oz Beneful Prepared Meals with purchase of 7llb+ (12/31) (Target coupon)
Scotch Save $2/1 Fur Fighter Pet Hair Sweeper starter kit (11/30)
Scotch-Brite Save $.50/1 Botanical Disinfecting Wipes (11/30)
Simply Sensible Save $1/1 fresh entree (1/31/12)
Snapware Save $3/1 food or home storage product (12/31)
Softlips Save $1/2 products (12/31)
Stayfree Save $1/1 288ct+ feminine care item (12/17) (Target coupon)
Triaminic Save $1/1 Fever Reducer Pain Reliever product dnd (12/31)
Triaminic Save $3/2 products dnd (12/31)
Ultimate Flora Save $2/1 Probiotic (12/31)
Vagistat Save $2/1 Vagistat-1 or Vagistast-3 (12/31)
Welch’s Save $.75/1 64oz Refrigerated Fruit Juice Cocktail or 59oz Healthy Start 100% Juice (1/31/12)

Red Plum Insert 10-16

Suave Save $.25/1 deodorant (11/13)
Suave Save $.50/2 Kids shampoo, conditioner or detangler products (11/13)
Suave Save $.50/2 Men shampoo, conditioner or styling products (11/13)
Suave Save $.50/2 Professionals shampoo, conditioner or styling products (11/13)
Suave Save $1.50/2 body lotion product 18oz+ (11/13)
Suave B2G1 free body wash up to Save $3 (11/13)
DiGiorno Save $1.25/1 Pizza & Wyngz, Pizza & Cookies or Pizza & Breadsticks (11/16)
Temptations Save $.50/1 Treats For Cats (11/26)

Ballpark Save $.75 on 1 package of Deli Style Beef Franks
Ballpark Save $.75 on 2 packages of Ball Park Products
Domino Save $.50 on 1 4 lb. or 5 lb. granulated sugar
Domino Save $.50 on 2 1 lb. boxes of brown or confectioner’s sugar
Hillshire Farm Save $.35 on any 1 package of lunch meat
Hillshire Farm Save $.75 on any two packages of smoked sausage

Abreva Save $3/1 product (12/31)
Azumaya Save $.55/1 tofu product (1/31/12)
Azumaya Save $1.25/2 tofu product (1/31/12)
Breathe Right Save $1.50/1 12ct or smaller (12/31)
Breathe Right Save $2/1 26ct+ (12/31)
C&H Save $.40/1 24oz Organic or 32oz Washed Raw sugar (12/31)
C&H Save $.50/1 4 or 5lb granulated sugar (12/31)
Caltrate Save $2/1 Gummy Bites (11/27)
Centrum Save $3/1 Specialist multivitamin (11/13)
Garnier Save $2/1 Herbashine (11/27)
Marcal Save $1/1 Small Steps towel 8 roll+ or bath tissue 12 roll+ or Save $1/2 napkins (11/20)
Nature’s Bounty Save $1/1 vitamin or supplement (11/30)
Nestle Save $1/2 fun size bags of Halloween candy 11.5oz+ (10/31)
ProNutrients Save $3/1 supplement (11/13)
ProNutrients Save $5/1 Probiotic supplement (11/13)
Purina Save $1/2 dog snacks (1/16/12)
Rimmel Save $1/1 London product (12/31)
Rimmel Save $1/1 Moisture Renew lip product (12/31)
Schick Save $.75/1 Hydro shave gel (11/13)
Schick Save $2/1 Hydro razor (11/13)
Schick Save $2/1 Hydro refill (11/13)
SuperPretzel Save $.50/1 Soft Pretzel product (11/26)
Tio Pepe’s Save $.50/1 Churros product (11/26)
Wisk Save $2/1 laundry detergent 45oz+ (11/6)
Wonka Save $1/2 fun size bags or Halloween candy 9oz+ (10/31)

Target Insert - not in Montgomery Advertiser

Axe Save $1/1 hair care item; shampoo or conditioner ETS
Axe Save $1/1 hair styling item ETS
Axe Save $1/1 personal care item; bodyspray or deodorant ETS
Axe Save $1/1 shower gel ETS
Best Foods/Hellmann’s Save $1/2 9oz+ mayonnaise items
Degree Save $1/1 deodorant ETS
Dove Save $1/1 Men+Care body wash ETS
Dove Save $2/2 4 or 8-pack Men+Care body & face bars ETS
Dove Save $2/2 Men+Care deodorants ets
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Save $.75/2 items
Lever 2000 Save $1/1 personal care item; 6 to 12pk bar soap or 18oz body wash
Pond’s Save $1.50/1 facial care item ETS
Q-Tips Save $1/1 357ct_ cotton swabs
Skippy Save $.75/2 15oz+ peanut butters
Suave Save $1/1 Professionals men hair styling item ETS
Suave Save $1/2 Men 12oz body washes ETS
Suave Save $1/2 Professionals men shampoos ETS
Vaseline Save $2/2 3.1oz+ lotions (Manu. coupon)
Wish-Bone Save $.75/2 7oz+ salad dressings

Proctor and Gamble insert - not in Montgomery Advertiser or on sundaycouponpreview.com

Michael's - Under $20.00

My second post in as many days!  Something must have gotten into me!

Since I've started "hard-core" couponing, I really enjoy scouring the clearance sections at stores.  And because of pinterest, I'm getting a ton of crafting ideas.  Which leads me to my Michael's trip today.  I've found the best way to save money at Michael's is to sign-up for their e-mail list.  I think you can do this one their website.  If not, the sales clerk is supposed to ask you when you check out if you would like to sign-up, and it really is a quick process.  Wait for them to e-mail out a 20% off everything coupon and also take a couple of the 40% off one regular price item coupons - just in case there happens to be something full price that catches your eye.  Honestly though, so much of what they have is on sale, it can sometimes be difficult for me to find something I want even with a 40% off coupon.

Here's my stash from today.

Two cute scarecrows on stakes.  This will go out front under a group of trees we have (or they might be the neighbor's trees.  They're really close to the property line and we're just not sure).  On sale for 3.99.  I already have the brother and sister to these guys in the house sitting on a shelf.  

5 cupcake liner sets at a buck a piece - snowman, Santa, wreath, sled, and Halloween

2 cranberry colored ramekins for 99 cents a piece - so excited to make some goodies in these!

1 ceramic elephant for 79 cents - will spray paint this guy for a wreath idea

2 bags of jingle bells at 1.49 - is this a good price?  no idea, but they will be used for Christmas crafting

1 package of 3 footballs for 99 cents - also for the wreath

1 blue canister - only a penny!!!

Later, I'll share some inspiration from pinterest and what I hope to do with some of these craft items.  For now, it's time to be a tom boy, go eat some BBQ, and watch football!

Halloween Candy (and extra candy for us)

I would love to make a living off blogging.  Here recently, it's become my brainstorming topic.  I think I have one of those every few months.  It's normally just that - a brainstorm about how I can make money by doing something I really, really enjoy.  But to make a living at blogging, that means that I have to DO it!  I've been a little absent from the blog world lately.

So, to get back on the right track, here's my latest shopping trip.

CVS and Walgreens

At CVS I bought: 

2 bags of Pretzel M&Ms

1 bag regular M&Ms

1 bag fun size Snickers

1 bag fun size Milky Way

I used 4.00 in man qs, a 4 ECB from a few weeks ago, and a 2 ECB quarterly bonus

Total before coupons and deals: 21.55 (before tax)

Total after coupons and deals: 2.50 (before tax)

Percent saved: 88%

ECBs remaining: 3 and 1 (from green bag tag)

At Walgreen's I bought:

1 small bottle of clorox

1 Carmex healing lotion

1 Nestle Nips candy 

1 small caramel (filler)

I used a 1.00 man q on the lotion, Walgreen's q for the Nips, and $3 Register Reward from last trip.

Total before coupons and deals: 14.46

Total after coupons and deals: 6.86

Percent saved: 53%

Register Rewards remaining: $4.00

Somehow I went to buy Halloween candy and ended up with much more candy for myself.  Can I hand out the Nips you think?  Maybe if we get desperate?  Or does that automatically scar our house forever as "the-house-where-they-hand-out-hard-candy?"  I'm very excited!  This is the first year I've ever lived in a subdivision for Halloween, and I think it will be so much fun to hand out candy!  It's a big deal - I have to build up a good candy reputation.  :)  No weird black/orange covered chewy-taffy-like things here!

Now, back to this making money by blogging thing...feel free to leave comments and suggestions on how it can be done.  I know there are people out there who do it, and it would be pretty cool to join their ranks.  I'm thinking something along the lines of a "I'm No Martha Stewart - My Journey through Reviving Home-making."