New Look!

Now that Spring is finally 'in' the air, I decided to change the look of my blog.  Like it? 

Lincoln is 11 months

Well, I'm a little behind on posting this - oops.  My son is going to be a year old in just a few weeks and I'm soaking up all the 'babyness' that's left before then.  He is not quite crawling yet but will be soon.  I think it's a combination of him just being lazy and heavy.  He now takes a bath without having to sit in his baby bath.  Some of his favorite foods are sweet potatoes, turkey meat, chicken, veg soup, bread (ok almost everything).  The boy loves food:)  He loves to 'talk' when he gets the chance (Eden is a chatter box).  He likes playing peekaboo and pretend to talk on the phone.  Here are some pics.  Videos to come.

His first hair trim (Before)

 

After

Playing and Eating at the same time

Cute little personality

My sweet baby boy

Giveaway - I really like this blog

diaryofacraftaholic giveaway

Check it out!

Check out this giveaway!

Make It and Love It giveaway

Check it out!

New Hobby;)

My friend, Jeanna, recently introduced me to a website that is saving me a LOT of money on groceries.  It's called Hip2Save.  In addition, I have also been advised to check out Southern Savers for similar information.  I tell you what:  I'M HOOKED!.  I started saving and printing a ton of coupons that I would potentially use.  My goal is to save more than I spend and work on stock piling so that each week I only have to buy perishable goods.   This weekend I did my research online at the stores that I usually shop, made my detailed list, printed/gathered as many coupons that I would be allowed to use and headed to Winn Dixie with my reusable bags in hand.  I took advantage of their deal where you buy two Digiorno Pizza's a get Salad, Monkey Bread, 2 liter Mtn. Dew, and Totino's Pizza Rolls for free.  I also took advantage of their BOGO sales.  The Result:  I saved more than I spent and I'm building my stock pile.  Mission Accomplished.  My new goal is to increase the difference between how much I save to how much I spend.  That will come with time and experience.  Here are some snapshots of my receipt. Note: I went over budget on my grocery spending but I'll make it up the next few weeks I go.

Never have I had such a long receipt

 

This is how much I spent.

  

This is how much I saved

  

This are the items that were on sale or BOGO

  

These are the items I got for free

  

These are the coupons that were scanned

  

This is the breakdown of my savings

 

Whew.  Like I said, I have a ways to go before I really start saving more money; but, I have to say that the hubby is very proud of me for gearing toward a more frugal lifestyle.

On a similar note here are some things I got free from target this morning using information from the two websites I mentioned above.  I may print out more coupons and stock up on these freebies:)  The last picture are Animal Crackers that were $1 each perfect for my kids' Easter baskets.  Happy saving and thanks to all you ladies who have inspired me to follow in  your footsteps:)

To No Avail

This morning I woke up feeling a little sad because I still can't find my ring:(  The one place that I hadn't thoroughly looked in was my kids' bedroom.  I decided to take everything, except the crib, out.  And why not clean while I'm at it! 

 

Although I didn't find my ring, the room was spotless and I even left a pair of flipflops for Eden for when she comes back later today (I can't wait to see my girl).

 

  

  

On a slightly unrelated note, I've been thinking of ways to organize Eden's hairbows and I saw a great idea on a website and decided to make my own version.  It turned out pretty cute and I don't have to search through a box for what I need:)

 

Well, I guess I'll have to wait a little longer for my ring to show up:(

Giveaway

Saw this on a friend's blog and decided to enter myself.  Check it out!

Vintage Pearl Giveaway

Spring is {almost} in the air!

This past weekend made me long for consistently warmer days.  I can't wait to take my kiddos to Audubon park and snap some pictures of them.  Then I will most definitely redesign my blog.  I'm in the mood for brighter colors - enough of the brown!!!!