A Choice of Hope

Terrified and torn, a young woman girl, seventeen, sacrificed so that her firstborn
could have life.

For nine months, perfect innocence was knit together in her womb.

Yet on a blistery Milwaukee March day, she made a choice.

A choice of sacrifice. A choice of redemption. A choice of hope.

Decades later, a mom of five sits at her computer pondering just what that decision means.

I am the result of her choice, her sacrifice, her hope of a better life for a daughter.

Her decision that day has already impacted generations.

Please continue reading a small excerpt of my adoption story over at (in)courage.

Fall Flavors and Tasty Tuesday announcement!

There's something about dropping temperatures that draws me to get that kettle on the stove with savory soups a simmering.
I love the way they make my house smell cozy all day long.
When the weather turns brisk, soups are definitely one of my comfort foods.

Trying to decide on some of my favorite soups is an arduous task.
Chicken noodle/dumpling, taco, chili, baked potato, cream of broccoli and cheese and so many others top the list.
My mouth is watering just thinking about taking that hot french bread straight from the oven and dipping it into any of those favorites.

Another of our frugal favorites is Bean Soup and for the last few days, beans have been a staple.
Officially, five pounds of dried beans have been soaked, cooked, eaten and/or bagged and frozen for future use. Having them cooked and bagged allows me the ease of throwing them in whatever - whether it's a casserole, soup or side.
I have my seven bean soup recipe down to a science...dolloped with sour cream and sprinkled with cheese, this is a recipe that all my children devour.
But don't ask me for measurements.
I don't ever measure with soups. The fun is in the experimental process. :)

So what fall foods are you looking forward to? I can't wait to see them over the next few months here at Tasty Tuesday.
As always, please link to your direct URL recipe post and link back here so others can join in the fun.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
I am in the process of moving my blog to Word Press. It will have the same great feel, just more versatility with an easier search option for these wonderful recipes. :)
This is the last Tuesday where you can find me at inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com.
For next week, please make sure your URL link back to Tasty Tuesday reflects http://www.beautyandbedlam.com

So what are you sharing for Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods?

Party Cupcake Ideas

Some of you may have missed my brother's amazing wedding cupcake stand.
Well, it was a wonder that did his baby sister proud, yes it did.

They focused on the architecture of the stand, but left the cupcakes very simple.




But look at these beauties!
Just the small added embellishment really stands out.


Can you believe how this strawberry makes such a simple, yet elegant statement?

photo credit: hlkljgk

How about these adorable birthday hat cupcakes.
I just LOVE these - what child (or adult) wouldn't?

Party Hat Cupcakes


This is just a sampling of the amazing ideas that you can find at this fabulous new site - Party Cupcake Ideas - sharing cupcake ideas for Parties, Weddings, Baby Showers and Parties.

There is a wealth of creativity over there. Go and spend a few minutes browsing. You will not be disappointed.

I am thrilled to introduce them as a sponsor.

Easy Home Decorating Idea

Slowly, very slowly, I'm frugally decorating my girls' room.
Picking up a dresser here, an end table there, along with lamps, pictures etc. has been a patient pursuit of hidden treasures.
Ironically, the girls' room will eventually be the school room. The boys' room will be the girls' new room, and the boys will move to the hidden alcoves of "the attic."
Did you follow all that? You may need to read it again. :)
I've been slow to finish their room since I was anticipating a move, but how sad that I kept waiting for "the next day."
That "next day" may be awhile, so I'm sprucing things up for the time being.

The girls eyed these Dollar Store decals and were so ecstatic when I mentioned they could put them where ever they wanted. (Don't you just love being the hero for $1?)
I decided to work off that theme with some of my beautiful papers.
Seriously, am I the only one who has an entire used scrapbook store in their closet?
And I am not exaggerating. If only I had put that time into my blog..sigh, but I digress.

With one free wall left, I decided to use some of the papers and my circle punch for a little experiment.
Digging around in "the attic" I found an ugly yard sale painting.
Honestly, ugly paintings with a quality canvas is a great find. It's a bonus if there's a solid wood frame with it. Frames are very inexpensive at yard sales, where as they are costly when purchased brand new.
Remember to think outside the box, and "shop your home".
Frames can be painted any color to create a cohesive look.
Collecting ten various wooden frames is one of my "treasure hunts" these days.
I plan on redoing my family photo area that is showcased up our staircase.

I painted over the ugly painting (sorry, Barbara ? from 1998) with a light green paint that was in "the attic." (Are you seeing a theme...there's a treasure cove up there).

I cut out a variety of circles and played around with the positioning.
This is a wonderful DIY for the kids as well.
I simply glued the circles on with rubber cement, and voila...finished masterpiece.


Previously, I had painted this wood frame and knew it would be a "perfect fit" for my creation.
Doesn't it accent the girls' green walls wonderfully?
Well, it wasn't...a perfect fit, that is, but that's why this blog is Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
So, I am off to "the attic" to find a 12x16 size.
I know I have one up there somewhere.
The beauty of this project is not just the ease, speed and versatility, but the cost...for me...nothing.

My attempt was just an experiment.
I wanted to see how much I liked the finished project, so I did a smaller version of what I originally saw (which was around 2'x3').

Last year, this idea was stirred by Heidi from Mt. Hope Chronicles, it just took me awhile to implement. Now, I'm looking around my walls for a spot that is calling for the larger version to come out and play.

Posted at: We are that family
Rhoda's

Fall Tradition ideas

It's nearly impossible for me to believe that fall is officially here. With it hitting 80 in NC this week, the weather keeps me from switching into fall decorating mode, but I know I must....that post will come shortly.
It's not to early to get those creative juices turning for those of you contemplating some fun, fall tradition ideas that are a bit out of the ordinary.
Our family enjoys so many of the fall/harvest type of traditions (apple picking, hay rides etc.) and on Halloween we participate in our church's Fall Festival which is always a highlight.

Here are just a few tradition ideas to get your October fall festivities off to head start.
I'll be doing one more post with fall tradition ideas, so if you have any unusual ones that you'd like to share, leave them in the comments and I'll incorporate it into my post. :)

Host a Pumpkin-Carving Contest – With neighbors, friends or family, host an annual pumpkin-carving contest. Invite judges to select the winners and prepare some fun fall ribbons to hand out. Try black construction paper ribbons with an orange pumpkin on top where you can write the category. The scariest, the silliest, the most original or just the best all around, are all examples of great awards. Everyone in the family will want to help choose and carve the “family pumpkin.” After the awards ceremony, bring out your refreshments and enjoy! Don’t forget to take photos to add to your Fall/Halloween Album.!

Musical Costumes – This tradition puts a new spin on a favorite childhood game—musical chairs. It’s perfect for an adult Fall/Halloween party. Invite each person to bring a costume in a brown bag. Everyone takes a seat and places their own bag under a chair. Turn on some music and play a game of musical chairs (with a chair for each person). When the music stops, each guest must take the brown bag from underneath their chair and wear the costume that’s inside for the rest of the evening. Your guests will bring outrageous costumes because they know they won’t have to wear them. Be prepared for an evening full of laughter. Year after year, this tradition becomes more hilarious as your guests bring wilder costumes.!
Costume Memory Game – Go through your old Fall Festival/Halloween photos and set aside any that show family members or friends dressed up in sweet, hilarious or spooky costumes. Make copies of every photo you want to use, cut them into identical rectangles (maybe 2” x 2”) and create a memory game your children will never get tired of.
Older children can make this game for the smaller ones, or Mom can make it for all to enjoy. Roast some pumpkin seeds and work on the game together.
You can add new photos each year. If you don’t remember how to play the game, it’s pretty simple. Place all cards on the table, face down in even rows, and take turns turning two over at a time as you try to find pairs. Whoever has the most pairs when the cards have all been picked up is the winner. This will soon become a family favorite and your children will ask to play it over and over again.

Walk Away Your Worries – The fall is a wonderful time to take a walk amongst the brilliant colors of the fallen leaves and breathe in the crisp air which has settled in behind the hot summer months. Plan an annual family walk where you leave your worries behind by picking up a pile of leaves, sharing what your worry is about, praying about it, giving that worry over to the Lord and then throwing the leaves in the air as you walk away.
As you continue forward, talk about all the things that you are so grateful for in your life and only stop when you need to pick up a new pile of leaves, describe a worry, throw them in the air and walk away.

Posted at: Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free

Free Copycat recipe e-book

I am really impressed with this free ebook that I just downloaded. Pictures, great easy "how to" instructions make this a fabulous freebies to recommend.
It includes some of my favorite recipes, including everything from a Wendy's Frosty, Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls to many of Applebee's best.


Click below to sign up, and enjoy.

Delicious Dirt Cake - Tasty Tuesday

I continue to marvel at how God reveals himself through the minuscule, seemingly "meaningless" things.
My daughter happened to mention that she wanted a dirt cake for her birthday months ago. Agreeing wholeheartedly with her, that thought went in one ear and out the other. (Am I the only one that happens too?)
Well, her first ever "friend" party had to be postponed, and dirt cake was the last thing on my mind, (I have enough dirt on my floor lest I create some unnecessarily), that was, until I arrived at a fabulous yard sale.

I glanced at this adorable pot, and the woman volunteered, "Oh, we never planted flowers in there, I just used it for dirt cake. Have you heard of that recipe?"

Had I ever? Well, I about hugged and squeezed off her little neck in excitement, graciously stole it from her for a mere $0.50, and skipped on home.
Entering the door, my daughter was beside herself because this meant that a real life friend party was actually coming to fruition.

I marvel at how the Lord ministered to me through a little old flower pot.
Isn't that so cool? I mean He knew for sure I would never pay retail for one this nice, so He let someone else do it for me. :)


How hard can a dirt cake be to make?
Not hard at all. It's so simple and has such great visual impact that I recommend it for every birthday party, except for the fact that my daughter requested a dirt cake made out of ice cream.
And every single recipe that I googled featured only pudding and cream cheese, so I improvised...which is what I am known for.

Now its official title is Dirt Soup, but I'll know for next time that the freezer is a good thing.
And yes, we still had candles.

And I don't think she minded the Dirt Soup one little bit, do you? :)
Posted at: Chatting at the Sky
Kimba's DIY
Dirt Cake

(this is the most common recipe that is posted...I will highlight how I changed it to suit my daughter's request).

Crush:

1 large package Oreo cookies in blender.

Cream together: (I completely skipped this step)

1/2 stick butter
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. powdered sugar

Mix: (along with this mixture I added a half gallon of vanilla ice cream)

3 1/2 c. milk
2 pkg. French vanilla instant pudding
12 oz. Cool Whip

Add to cream mixture and mix well.

Place Cool Whip lid in bottom of clean 8-inch flour pot. (Umm, I missed this line...huge mistake. I tried sticking some gummies into close the hole after the fact...don't laugh. You are at Balancing Beauty AND Bedlam). Layer cookie mixture and creamed mixture alternately, ending with cookie mixture on top. Chill overnight. (I put it in the freezer only about an hour before serving it. With ice cream replacing the cream cheese, I needed to put it in for most of the day. It was absolutely delicious anyhow.)

Garnish with artificial flowers and serve with a garden trowel or, layer in a sand bucket. Place shovel in the middle or towards the side. Have gummy worms "crawling" out of the dirt. Make sure you end with cookie mixture.

I just found flowers that I had in my home instead of purchasing special ones. Yes, a wire cutter would have been nice for those long stems. I'll be on the look out though for some cute ones for next time. And yes, now my other daughter wants this next year.

So what have you been cooking up this week for Tasty Tuesday. Link up to your exact URL and please link back here so everyone can join in the fun.

Are coupons worth it?

A common question I receive from readers and friends is, "Are coupons really worth the hassle?"

Guess what, 92% of the time...they are not!
Yes, you heard it from the grocery guru's mouth.
92% of the time, the store is going to make money on you whether you cut a coupon or not.
Your miscellaneous coupons will not skyrocket you to grocery guru status.
But understanding that 92% of all items are priced to make money, while the other 8% of the store items are yours for the picking, will make a phenomenal difference in the way you view shopping.

You see, on any given week, 8% of the store has certain items that are "loss leader" products.
In layman's terms, these are the rock bottom prices.
The store needs to move those products out of the store because the manufacturers have new shipments that are coming to town.
I've talked about how sales are cyclical, typically every 10-12 weeks, and at the end of the cycle, stores have a choice -recoup a fraction of their money or lose out completely.
Obviously, they won't to recoup any amount they can, so they slash those items big time.
It's that 8% of the store that I focus on.
If you understand how to stock up on that 1/12 of the store where the prices are slashed, the grocery guru title will be yours for the taking.
I'm at the point now where I shop my own "store", excluding produce, and only replenish at the rock bottom prices. If you are just beginning a stockpile, you can be there as well in just three short months.
Continually I share that just because you might have a coupon, doesn't necessarily make it a good deal. In fact, there were plenty of coupons that I didn't use this week even though they would have been tripled.
I typically let about 50% of my coupons expire. I wait until the product hits their "loss leader" rock bottom price and then I stack on the double (or triple) coupons.

I know many of you have shared that you don't have double coupons in your area. Understanding the "loss leader" cycle at your grocery store, mixed with your single coupons, will still net you an incredible savings.
For those of you with triples this week, take advantage of them, there's no reason you can't become a grocery guru.

(I'm cracking myself up as I reread this. I sound all mathematically minded and I SO am not. :) But, it is interesting...More details on how this works in my "Grocery Guru" workshop.)

**********************************************
I just got home from my Sunday grocery trip.
Take a guess at what I paid for all of this (and you can't even see it all because it's stacked with a bunch hiding behind the yogurts).
One of the many common misconceptions include that couponing is only for processed foods.
Yes, I did get five Grands biscuits, two large boxes of General Mills cereal, three boxes of Chex mix bars, fruit gushers, Chex snack mix, Snyder yummy seasoned nibbles, Welch's jelly, Fiber One bars, and I admittedly splurged on Toaster Strudles.

But within your guestimate, include in your total - 18 Dannon yogurts, two pounds of grapes, two large bags of marked down fresh stir fry veggies, three bags of flour tortilla and ten boxes of Green Giant frozen veggies....

Any guesses?

ELEVEN DOLLARS!!

Yippee, yes, I do get excited at the check out and often do a happy shopping dance (in my head, of course).
Trips like that occur more often than not. I just stopped posting about them all the time because I thought you might get tired of my grocery pictures...hee hee :)

Coming home to this easy family dinner was the best part of my trip.
I pulled out the bagged chicken from this post, tossed it with some soy sauce and steamed the veggies. Serving it over the free rice that I purchased and stocked piled from a previous grocery run, our family of seven feasted on an incredibly healthy, quick dinner that even the skeptics would approve of...for under $3 (with left overs...)
Yes, this definitely Works for Me!

I've even gotten my oldest brother excited about this. I left a voice mail tempting him with a cart full of groceries for under $10.

Guess what? I am taking him on a brother/sister date tomorrow to show him how it's done.
He loves a deal, and I'm even sharing my coupons.
As any true couponer knows...that's the ultimate sacrifice.

"God Watch" Financial Update

*Many of you have asked how my husband's job search is going and how we are making it financially since it's been so long. Here are just a few thoughts for those faithful followers. Regular programming continues next week. :)

Embracing this season during our "God Watch" continues to teach me many things.
Another month has come and gone during this time of unemployment, and more than ever I am passionate in our desire for debt free living, and its importance in today's financial world.

During this economy, life happens, unemployment rises, and houses are being foreclosed.
My heart breaks for the families that struggle through these situations with no support or financial advise. In the midst of the storm, it's sometimes incredibly difficult to see the sunshine breaking through. I've been there years ago and know that pain.
Not only that, but financial tension is the leading cause of divorce.
Stress abounds around money decisions which multiplies the situation.

Yet even being part of that rising unemployment statistic, our family is thoroughly surviving.
Not because of a large salary, but due to the fact that we have had years of living below our means, being committed to Dave Ramsey's financial baby steps (even before he had outlined them. :)

I would be fooling you if I shared that I didn't have nerve racking days.
Yes, moments when I assure the Lord I'm done being refined and wonder when this character building opportunity will end. (ha :) But dedicated to a commitment years ago to stack our emergency fund and save it for a season like this, we're holding on financially.

We are also living off of our "attic fund" (the money that we saved to finally finish our third story). And yes, I know that we are beyond blessed that we even have more space to complete some day.

Admittedly, we were fortunate because my husband knew that his company was being bought out months before it happened. We began living like we were unemployed at the first moment of whispers, and then they offered to keep him on through the transition with a retention bonus. Yes, I had grandiose ideas that we would double dip my husband's income since I was sure he'd be employed within months.
Many are not so fortunate to receive anything once they are let go...reality has hit.

Our bonus money is now past, we are in month eight of our God Watch, and if there are any bits of wisdom I can impart, it's "stop spending money on any more "wants (consumer debt)," until you have paid off those credit cards and are beginning an emergency fund."
For those that haven't been able to hold on or are currently unemployed, of course this doesn't begin to apply to you at all. Ten years ago, we were in a position where I literally had to charge my groceries for a small season...I couldn't even begin to think of putting away for an emergency fund. Total grace here...

Sharing my heart on this issue is only for those of you who have a secure salary, yet wonder how long you could hold on if one or both of you lose your jobs tomorrow.

As my friend shared with me last week, even though her husband makes well into the six figures, if he lost his job, they would not be able to make it for more than one month.
The burden of debt she feels weighs on her, and she understands that's no way to live.
There's no time like the present than to assess that situation.

Debt is the leading cause of this country's financial failures.
I can't express to you the freedom that occurs and the burdens that will be lifted once you begin to walk down this road.
Stewarding your money more wisely, blessing others, modeling financial patience to your children, are all benefits that result through this chiseling process.

Begin living now by reducing your debt and taking those steps to financial security.
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, Crown Ministries and financial books by the late Larry Burkett top my recommended reading lists on personal finance issues.

Yikes, I need to take a breath. I rarely get on my high horse and that certainly was not my intent.
Personally living in the midst of financial UNcertainty brings out every frugal bone in my body.
People scoff at frugal living, but it is fabulous. Speaking from a lifetime of experience, I'm more convinced of that than ever. Frugality allows creative inspiration to thrive, and I think if you browse my archives, you will see that it permeates every thread of our family tapestry. :)

So what is our plan?
Prayer, prayer, prayer... as we wait and watch to see what the Lord will do.
Then...my husband, who in the midst of this unemployment, is doing everything he can to bring in extra income through assisting people with taxes, finances etc.
We live in an amazing country where we can use our creative gifts and entrepreneurial spirit to think outside the box. Being a financial guy, there's not much available for higher management in our area, so he's slowly attempting to build his own company - Uncommon CFO.
Attempting to help five companies, who will hire him just one day a week, is his goal.
(Any guesses on how he came up with the name or why?)

For me, as my blog grows, advertising space helps offset some couponed groceries. :)
After turning down speaking opportunities in the past due to home schooling, the Lord is opening that door for me - especially since my husband is working from home.
Sharing with women what I am passionate about brings such joy.
That opportunity never ceases to amaze me. Maybe I'll meet you at your ladies' group some day.

Thanks for joining us on this God Watch. I'll start updating you once a month with some of the hands on practical life lessons that we're learning through this process.
And no, I will not be one bit disappointed if I don't have to give you any more updates...ever. :)

Creative party decorations on a budget

Browsing around blog land, I often "oohh and ahhh" at the amazing party decorations that are showcased. Often filled with inspiration, I quickly determine that they will either take too much time or money to replicate, so I just think....someday, it will be my season.

Well, not so with this 'easy to make and even easier on the budget' example of fun and fabulous decor that even my two daughters could help make.

My sweet friend, Cynthia from An Accomplished Woman, shared what she did for her daughter's birthday and I squealed with delight. This was something that I could do, and better yet...I wouldn't even have to shoo away my little girlies.


I found tissue paper at Target, but then scored some more at the Dollar Store for 1/3 of the price. :)
Seriously, this whole project could be done for just two dollars. :)
Gotta love that!!
Here are the 'more than simple steps' to mastery.
Take eight sheets of paper, line them up and fold them accordion style.

Once folded, wrap a rubber band in the middle, but not too tightly. Thinking this would be a fool proof craft, I put my rubber band on too tight the first time and my pom pom ended up looking a bit like a dumbbell weight. :)
Once finished, round the ends to make a softer flower look (not pictured :).
Save the ends and use them later for additional decor.
Begin to separate the layers, and carefully pull each sheet out one at a time.
It was easy to have the girls help with this step as we sat on the floor together...bonding. ;)
As I completed one side and went to take the picture, I realized this would be an adorable centerpiece just like this. It makes a fairly large pompom, and the size can be altered based on the size of your tissue paper.
Take any kind of ribbon or raffia and tuck it into your rubber band as the hanger.

TA DAA!! I couldn't believe how fabulously they turned out. My hubby came down in the morning and commented, "Wow, this looks very professional."
Due to time constraints, I only did three large pompoms and hung them from our great room door opening.

Our ceiling is almost ten feet tall, so this gives you an idea of how large they were when finished.
I attempted to get a wide angle shot of all three, but I couldn't fit them all in.
They are still hanging up and I just don't want to take them down. They just make me happy. :)
If I had more time, I would have alternated and made some smaller ones as well to hang in between for a really dramatic flair.

I can't wait to use this for so many differing party occasions.

Look what I did with the left overs from the rounded edges? My daughters had fun sprinkling them all over (and I mean..ALL) over and I experimented with a tiny pom pom...such fun. :)

Enjoy these creative party ideas on a budget - I sure did.

*********************************************************************
Has anyone else made these pom poms? Send me a pic and I'll add them to our "gallery."

Julie just sent me this picture from her friend's wedding. I had mentioned that I thought an "all white" theme for a bridal shower would be gorgeous.
They did a creative, casual twist by hanging the pom poms from a tree.
Look how fabulous this looks. :)


Stephanie showed me the adorable accents in her daughter's room. Check it out!


Kendra sent me this picture of the pompoms that she made for her daughter's birthday. I apologize for the quality. I couldn't get it uploaded correctly, but you get the idea of how cute they were. :)

And since I don't follow Martha Stewart nearly as much as I should, I totally missed this.

Thanks, readers, for letting me know. :)

See Martha's tutorial (but don't make it more difficult than it is)

Posted at Real Life Sarah

Kimba's DIY , Shabby Chic Cottage

Easy meal planning tips - 4 meals in 4 minutes

Welcome to another edition of Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods.

I spontaneously decided to jump into the world of vlogging today, and I'd love for you to come along and laugh right at me. :)
I'm showing you how easy it is to make "4 meals in 4 minutes - Homemade Gourmet lingo" (even though I only got through two of them).
The concept of easy meal planning by separating, seasoning and putting together a simple freezer meal as soon as you get home from the store has been such a time savor.
Thinking ahead with quick and easy crock pot meals saves me stress during my crazy busy fall scheduling.
It helps eliminates the "brain freeze" I feel most nights at 5:00 pm when the family is asking, "what's for dinner?" and I am sure that I just fed them last night. :)
I have lots of tips and ideas on bulk cooking, baking and meal planning with friends under my Balancing Meal Time Mountain section.



Since I am a very atypical blogger and would much rather talk off the top of my head any day than write a big old blog post, thanks for coming along with me for this first "Meal planning" vlog.

I may start doing this once a month for some of my more specific tutorial type posts.
As we were getting ready to leave for football practice, I called my son to videotape for me.
He had the camera pointed at me and said, "Hurry, we need to go."
I then told him I had to think of what to say, and he requested that I do that first before I call him to spontaneously videotape. :)

If you're interested in having me come speak to your group, feel free to hit the "contact me" section.
Posted at: We are that Family



I can't wait to see what you are cooking up for Tasty Tuesday.
As always, please link up to your direct recipe/tip post, and then link back to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
Many people have NOT been doing this and it just makes it easier for everyone to join in the fun if we play by this simple request.

Cut those coupons - deals this week!

I haven't gone grocery shopping in ten days since I stocked up so much during our last Super Double Coupon week.
That is...until last night... when I walked two of my friends through the meat department giving them an in-person tutorial on how to find deals... and did we ever.
Packages of fresh (no preservative) sausages and bratwurst that were $6.15, my meat man marked to $0.60. Yep...90% off!
Now that is a way to kick off an impressive live, in person tutorial for my friends. :)
I even had to step aside and give away my cheap chicken to my mom. She showed up just as I was loading up our cart. I guess there's a down side to sharing your secrets about the specific time local stores mark down their meats. :)

Now get cutting those coupons and go purchase an additional paper from yesterday. There were FIVE inserts with great coupons (to make up for Labor Day weekend when inserts are not available).

The remainder of this post is for those of you working your way towards being a grocery guru....here's a sampling of how my mind thinks during my stockpile couponing weeks.

Harris Teeter begins TRIPLES again on Wednesday.
Score some wonderful printable coupons from my side bar. Internet coupons DO triple, even though it states otherwise. Stores honor them. Store policies vary for how many you can use per transaction. Typically 2-3 of the exact same coupon per visit.

(I've only begun to look at the deals, I will add more as I have time).

I haven't bought frozen veggies since I stocked up months ago with a deal similar to this. I've been waiting since I am getting low, and was thrilled to see this.
An unadvertised special found on the catalinas print offs- Green Giant frozen boxed veggies. Remember, typically you will not see a "sign" posted in your store for this. The ad comes at the end of your receipt. Yes, they're tricky like that.

With the Catalina deal you will receive an additional $1 - $3 off your next order (purchase all veggies at the same time).
Purchase dates 9/11-10/4:
Buy 3 & get $1.00
Buy 4 & get $2.00
Buy 5 or more & get $3.00 coupon off your next order.
There was a $0.50 IP coupon on my side bar recently (tripled...it will be $1.50 off)

Then with the triples and the $.50 IP's (Internet Printable on my side bar) this could even become a Money Maker!

Mahatma yellow Rice (10 oz)-5/$5
$.75/2 08-30-09 SS = FREE
Dannon Yogurt 10 for $4
.60/6 = 08-16-09 SS = $.60/6 or .10 each
*Watch to make sure your coupon doubles/triples correctly!
Chex Mix and Bugles $1.67 ea
IP in database .50/1 = .17 each

Also, the General Mills deal advertised a few weeks ago is still taking place.
Yes, this is where math does comes into the equation. Make sure it's a good deal, even with the coupon.
If you're new to couponing, just remember to take baby steps, and begin slow.
This is taking you to the next level.
I am choosing the items below that are on sale and I have coupons for, or items that will be nearly free...I will make sure that 15 of my 20 coupons will be from items below so that I will get the instant $5 off during my shopping trip (must be purchased at one time).

Here is a scenario using the items below:
5 Pizza Rolls - $2.29*2= 4.58
3 - Grands Biscuits 5ct .80*3= 2.40 -$1/1IP & $.35/1 insert =$.35 for all 3
2 - Chex Mix $1.67 -2 $.50/1 = .34 for both
3 - GG veggies $2.97 -.$50/2 & $.50/1 = .48 for all 3
2 - Yoplait Delights - 2 $.75/1 = free for both

$5.75 - $5 Instant Savings = $.75 for all

& Get back a $1 GG CAT
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Save $5 instantly when you buy any 15 participating GM products.
Gold Medal flour 2 for $4 , Fiber One toaster pastries 3 for $6, Warm Delights 3 for $5
Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Total, Lucky Charms 2 for $6
Fruit Roll Ups and the like 2 for $4 , Fiber One, Nature Valley, Chex granola bars 2 for $5
BC muffin mix 2 for $4 , BC brownies 2 for $4 , Mac Grill and Wanchai $3.99
Chex Mix and Bugles 3 for $5, BC cake mix 10 for $10, BC frosting 2 for $3
Old El Paso 4 for $5 , Old El Paso shells 2 for $3, OEP mixes $.79, OEP dinner kits 2 for $4
Pillsbury cinn rolls 2 for $4, Pill. Pancakes 2 for $4, Pill. Crescents 2 for $4
Pill. Toasters 2 for $4 , Pill pizza crusts and breadsticks $2.19
Pill ready to bake cookies $2.89 , Pill savorings 2 for $6 , Grands BOGO
Yoplait delights 2 for $4 , Wanchai complete meals $5.99
Yoplait trix and go-gurt 2 for $5
Pizza rolls (40 count) 2 for $6
Pizza rolls (15 count) B2G3F
GG—no sauce, special sauce, Simply Steam and immunity boost $.99

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These kind of manufacturer deals are happening nation wide right now.
Kroger is having another mega deal starting this week mostly Kraft and Nestle products.
Lowes Foods is having a wonderful three week stock up sale. Just start looking at how your coupons can match up for your stockpiling adventure.

Creative Concealment - Hutch Redo

Do you know how often I make a small change within my home and then think, "Why in the world did I not do that sooner?"
Well, this is definitely one of those moments. It's not something original or extraordinary, but quite often it's "the little things that are the big things," yet we don't take the time to make it happen.

A few years ago, I bought this beautiful hutch. Well, honestly, it wasn't too beautiful when I bought it and that's why I only paid $5 for it. But I could see the gorgeous carvings and spindled legs and knew with a quick coat of paint, it would be a perfect trash to treasure TV stand.
The nasty brown, dirty wood had not been shown any lovin' for a long time, so I brought it home, cleaned it up, painted it a yummy yellow and then white washed over the color til it was the perfect accent color against my green walls. (Can you tell I rushed the post and took the pictures at 11:45 tonight? It just doesn't capture the subtle shade at all, but I have no patience to wait til tomorrow. )

The door was slightly warped, yet it had such dynamic character that I could barely stand to take it off. But I finally did.
It needed to be put down, poor thing...may it rest in peace in our burn pile...

and so I added this $0.25 tension rod that I bought at a yard sale. Draping this free yard sale swatch of fabric across the rod, created the perfect hiding space for our stereo. No sewing, no fussing...just do it. :)

Isn't this just the yummiest fabric ever? I just want to roll around in it or eat it for breakfast, I love it so much.
But it's one of those fabrics that I could never in good conscience invest in since a few yard would cost more than my entire wardrobe for a year. :) So I gaze at this fabric and appreciate the fact that this wonderfully sweet, rich lady gave me all her samples at a yard sale when she redecorated her home. :) You'll be seeing more of these fabrics.

In minutes, my stereo was creatively concealed, and I think, "Why in the world did I not do that sooner?" It was a virtually free redo that took merely minutes.
Is there something in your house that you have been putting off that would just take a few minutes but make a huge difference? You can do it.

I know all you truly nosy people are wondering why I an not showing the whole hutch, right? Well, then I would have to show you my bedlam moment when I shoved all the phonics and math games in the corner behind the coach/hutch so that my visitor would not see them when they walked in unexpectedly. Looking straight on, they're completely hidden from view.
Yep, another form of creative concealment that I am not too proud of. I'll put it away tomorrow. :)
Did you know that clutter is a sign that your life is out of control?
Yep, I heard it on HGTV from where all real wisdom stems.
I jest, but I am really working on that (everything has a place, and all that jazz).
So until I find a place for those games, I'll just stare a few more minutes at my happy colors.
This swatch forms the basis for the color palette in my great room and kitchen. It's been yellow and green with all white accents for a long time.
Inspired by this, I will slowly be adding in hints of light blue/turquoise as well. I can't wait to share the surprises as I find them on my treasure hunts.

Posted at : The Shabby Nest