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I want to be able to write about topics, including parenting, couponing, and life in general. I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to leave comments and follow me.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Joys of Moving to a Home Office

Well after a month and a half of trying to get out of our office building, We Finally Did It!!

Boy that was a lot of work!! And it's not over yet. Still have to get our email up and running.

Pros of working from home:
  • Can Stay In Jammies if I want
  • Save $$$ on gas
  • Save $$ on childcare
Cons:
  • Are there any?  :)
  • Back to being with my boss (haha!)
Now I can focus more on my Pampered Chef business as well.  Anyone want to host a show??

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Addicted to Saving-Publix Deals from newpaper circular

So yea I went crazy on the Publix coupons this week, but sounds like I am going to get some great deals.

Below are the coupons and matchups for the new Publix Yellow Advantage Flyer.  I would recommend you focus most of your attention on the Publix store coupons in this flyer   Some of the sales are good, but a sale is never good until you can match it with a coupon! 

Also – don’t forget that Publix allows us to stack a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon. 

If you look below, you will see coupons in Green.  The Green coupons are all Publix store coupons or competitor store coupons.  The black coupons are manufacturer coupons.

In-Ad Publix Store Coupons

$1.00/1 Aquafina, 16.9 oz 24 pk when you purchase any 3 Pepsi 12 oz 12 pk products
$1.00/1 Mama Mancini’s Sunday Sauce and 6 large beef meatballs, 20 oz
$1.00/1 Rold Gold pretzels, 7-16 oz
$1.00/1 Tostitos tortilla chips, 9-13 oz

$1.00/any 2 Hillshire Farm rope smoked sausage or links, 14-16 oz-$0.75/2 Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage 4/10/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/1/2011)
-$0.55/1 Hillshire Farm Lower Sodium Product
-$1/2 Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage 4/10/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/1/2011)
-$2/2 Hillshire Farm Product
-$0.55/1 Hillshire Farm Lower Sodium Product

$1.00/any Brothers or Millstone coffee purchase, 10-12 oz bags or 1 lb whole bean bulk
$1.00/any Frito-Lay Baked product, 8.75-11.5 oz

$1.00/any R.W. Knudsen family juice, 32 oz or larger when you buy any 1 Kashi product, 6.7 oz or larger-$0.75/1 R.W. Knudsen Just Juice

$1.50/any 2 Kashi all natural pizzas, 11.9-12.7 oz
Buy any 1 Heluva Good Dip, 12 oz and get 1 FREE-$0.50/1 Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dip or Cheese (IE)  Printable (FF)

Buy any 2 Kellogg’s FiberPlus cereals and get 1 Kellogg’s FiberPlus bar, 6.3 oz pkg FREE-$0.70/1 Kellogg’s FiberPlus Cereal 4/17/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/29/2011)
-$1/2 Kellogg’s FiberPlus Chewy Bars 4/17/2011 RP Insert (exp 6/12/2011)

Buy any 4 Honest tea or Honest ade, 16.9 oz bottles for $5.00 and Get 1 Publix reusable bag FREE

In-Ad Manufacturer Coupons

$1.50/1 3M Command item
$1.00/1 Scotch lint roller, 30-70 ct

In-Ad Deals

Amy’s pizza, 11-14 oz, $5.49

Angel Soft, 4 double rolls, 2 for $5.00-$0.50/1 Angel Soft Bath Tissue
-B1G1 Clorox Product WYB Angel Soft Product Publix One Stop, One Store Flyer (exp 4/25/2011)

Aquafina, 16.9 oz 24 pk, $4.99
Arm & Hammer plus Oxi Clean detergent, 125 oz or Power Gel, 110 oz, $7.49

Back to Nature nuts, 10-11 oz, 2 for $8.00
Bar Harbor clam juice, 8 oz, $1.79
Barilla Plus pasta, 14.5 oz, $1.89
Bear Naked granola, $3.69-$1/1 Bear Naked Product
Bear Naked trail mix, 4.5 oz, 2 for $4.00-$1/1 Bear Naked Product **makes it $1.00
Biz 2X concentrated stain fighter, 25 oz, $4.99-$1/1 Biz Product 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/29/2011)
-$1.50/1 Biz Product 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/1/2011)
-$1/1 Biz Stain Fighter Product
-$2/1 Biz Product
-$2/1 Biz Product **makes it $2.99
Blue Diamond almonds resealable zipper bag, 16 oz, $5.99
Breakstone’s cottage cheese, 16 oz, 2 for $4.00
Cadet brand dog treats, 3.6 oz, 2 for $5.00
Cesar Canine Cuisine, 3.5 oz, 10 for $7.00-B2G1 Cesar Canine Cuisine Entree
-B3G1 Cesar Canine Cuisine Entree
-B1G1 Cesar Canine Cuisine
Chatham Village croutons, 5 oz, .99c

Chi-Chi’s salsa, 15 oz or Snackers, 3-3.5 oz 4 pk, 2 for $4.00
-$0.25/1 Chi-Chi’s Snackers Product (IE)  Printable (FF)

Chung’s for 2 frozen entrée, 20 oz, 2 for $6.00-$0.35/1 Chung’s Asian Food Product (PDF)

Comet bathroom spray cleaner, $1.99-$0.35/1 Comet Spray or Comet Soft Cleanser 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2011)
-$0.35/1 Comet Spray or Soft Cleanser 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2011)
-$0.35/1 Comet Spray or Soft Cleanser 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2011)
-$1/2 Comet Bathroom Spray or Comet Cream Products **Buy 2, use one $1/2, makes them $1.49

Crisco pure vegetable or canola oil, 64 oz, $4.99
Deer Park or Zephyrhills, 700 ml 6 pk or 8 oz 12 pk, 2 for $5.00
Del Monte SunFresh jar fruit or Orchard select, 19-20 oz, 2 for $5.00

Disposer Care, 4.9 oz or Dishwasher Magic, 12 oz, 2 for $5.00-$0.55/1 Disposer Care 3/20/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2011)
-$0.75/1 Disposer Care (IE)  Printable (FF) **makes it $1.75
-$0.75/1 Dishwasher Magic **makes it $1.75
$0.55/1 Dishwasher Magic 3/20/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2011)
$0.75/1 Dishwasher Magic (IE)  Printable (FF)

Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, 14 oz, 2 for $4.00
Edwards Thaw & Serve pies, 25-36 oz, $5.99

El Monterey chicken & cheese taquitos, 24 oz, taco beef & cheese taquitos, 22.4 oz or chicken & cheese mini chimis, 21 oz, 2
for $10.00

-$1/1 El Monterey Mexican Snacks 3/6/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/30/2011)
-$1/1 El Monterey Mexican Snacks 1/30/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/30/2011)
Fab detergent, 50 oz liquid or 3.41 lb powder, $2.99

Fancy Feast Appetizers for cats, 2 oz, 5 for $5.00- $1/3 Fancy Feast Appetizers for Cats 1/30/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/30/2011)

Folgers brick coffee, 10.3-11.3 oz, $2.99-$1/1 Folgers Coffee 4/10/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/14/2011) **makes it $1.99
-$1.50/2 Folgers AND International Delight Products
-$1.50/2 Folgers AND International Delight Products All You Apr 2011 (exp 5/31/2011)
-$1/1 Folgers Coffee
-$1/1 Folgers Gourmet Selections Coffee 4/10/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/14/2011)

Frappuccino, 9.5 oz 4 pk, $4.99-$1/1 Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drinks 2/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/30/2011)
$1/4 Frappuccino Coffee Drink (IE)  Printable (FF)

FRS healthy energy drink, 11.5 oz can, 10/$/10
Gatorade Prime singles, 4 oz, 10/$10
Gatorade Recover, 16.9 oz, 2 for $3.00

Ghirardelli stand up bag, 4.69-5.32 oz, 2 for $6.00-$0.75/1 Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Bar or Bag (IE)  Printable (FF)
-$0.50/1 Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Bar or Bag
-$0.75/1 Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Bar or Bag (IE)  Printable (FF)
GladWare deep dish, entrée, mini round, soup & salad, tall entry or family size, 3-8 ct, 2 for $5.00
Hebrew National franks or Knockwursts, 11-12 oz, 2 for $6.00
Hood Simply Smart, ½ gal, 2 for $6.00
Jell-O gelatin or pudding, 4 ½ cup servings regular or sugar free, 4 for $3.00
Jif peanut butter, 17.3-18 oz, 2 for $4.00
Kaboom Foam-tastic bathroom cleaner, 19 oz, shower, tub and tile cleaner, 32 oz or toilet cleaner, 14 .5 oz, $3.49
Kashi all natural frozen waffles, 10.1 oz 8 ct, $2.99
Kashi crackers and cookies, 8-9 oz, 2 for $5.00
Ken’s Steak House dressing, topping & spread, 24 oz, 2 for $4.00
Le Sueur sweet peas or whole carrots, 15 oz, 5 for $5.00
Mardi Gras napkins, 500 ct, Vanity Fair dinner napkins, 80 ct, every day napkins, 200 ct, Dixie

Rainbow napkins, 360 ct or Brawny towels, 2 roll, $2.99-$0.55/1 Vanity Fair Napkins, Plates, Bowls or Cups Better Homes & Gardens Apr 2011 (exp 7/31/2011)
-$0.55/1 Vanity Fair Products Good Housekeeping Magazine (exp 6/30/2011)
-$0.55/1 Vanity Fair Products Martha Stewart Living Magazine (exp 6/30/2011)
-$0.55/1 Vanity Fair Products Family Circle Magazine (exp 6/30/2011)
-$0.55/1 Vanity Fair Products Country Living Magazine (exp 6/30/2011)
-B2G1 Brawny Paper Towels Publix One Stop, One Store Flyer (exp 4/25/2011)

McCormick assorted gravy mix, .75-1 oz regular or low sodium, 3 for $2.00

McCormick pure vanilla extract, 2 oz, $4.99-$0.50/1 McCormick Spice, Herb, Extract or Food Color
-$1/1 McCormick Product 3/13/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/24/2011)

Mentos fruit or mint roll, 1.32 oz, 2 for $1.00-$0.35/1 Mentos 3/20/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/15/2011)
Old Orchard 100% pomegranate or tart cherry juice, 64 oz, $4.99

Oxi Clean Max Force spray, 12 oz, gel stick, 6.2 oz or Oxi Clean laundry stain remover, 21.5 oz, $2.99-$0.75/1 OxiClean MaxForce Gel Stick or Spray
-$2/1 OxiClean MaxForce Power Paks or Liqui-Gel (if included)
-$2/3 OxiClean 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2011)

Oxi Clean versatile stain remover, 3.5 lb, $5.99-$2/3 OxiClean 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/30/2011)

Pedigree Dentastix treats for dogs, 5.57-6.1 oz, 2 for $6.00
-$1/1 Pedigree Dentastix for Dogs 3/20/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/30/2011)
-$1/1 Pedigree Dentastix Treats for Dogs (IE)  Printable (FF)
-$1/1 Pedigree Dentastix Treats for Dogs (IE)  Printable (FF)

Pedigree dry dog food, 4.4 lb bag, $3.99

Pedigree GoodBites treats for dogs, 6.7 oz, 2 for $6.00-$1/1 Pedigree GoodBites Treats For Dogs
-$2/1 Pedigree GoodBites Treats For Dogs 3/27/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/30/2011)
-$2/1 Pedigree Good Bites Snack
-$2/1 Pedigree Good Bites Snack **makes it $1.00
Pedigree Jumbone treats for dogs, 6.34-7.10 oz, 2 for $6.00-$1/1 Pedigree Jumbone Treats for Dogs 4/17/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/29/2011)
Pedigree MarroBone treats for dogs, 2 for $5.00
Pepsi products, 20 oz, 4 for $5.00 or 12 pk, 3 for $10.00
Pet evaporated milk, 12 oz, .99c

Pop Secret microwave popcorn, 4.8-10.5 oz, 2 for $4.00-$1/2 Pop Secret Products 4/17/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/29/2011)
-$1/2 Pop Secret Products

Propel Zero, 710 ml, 2 for $1.00-$1/2 Propel 2/13/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011) **makes them FREE

Purina Beggin’ Strips, 10 oz, 2 for $8.00-$1/2 Purina Beggin’ Products 3/20/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/20/2011)
-$1/2 Purina Beggin’ Product 2/20/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/20/2011)
-B1G1 Purina Busy WYB Purina Beggin’ 1/23/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/24/2011)

Purina Beneful dry dog food, 3.5 lb, 2 for $9.00
Purina Kit & Kaboodle dry cat food, 3.5 lb, 2 for $7.00
Purina T Bonz, 22 oz, 2 for $8.00- $1/1 Purina T Bonz or Purina Tiny T Bonz 1/30/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/24/2011)
Quilted Northern ultra-plush or soft & strong bath tissue, 18 double rolls, $9.99-B1G1 Clorox Product WYB Angel Soft Product Publix One Stop, One Store Flyer (exp 4/25/2011)
Rosetta Pasta, 18-25 oz, 3 for $10.00
San Pellegrino, 750 ml or Perrier, 25 oz, 3 for $4.00
Scotch-Brite dish wand or refill, 2 for $3.00
Scotch-Brite sponges or easy erasing pads, 6 pk, $4.99-$1/2 Scotch Brite Greener Clean 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011)

Sister Schubert’s dinner or Parker house style rolls, 11-15.8 oz, 2 for $6.00-$0.75/1 Sister Schubert’s Product Woman’s Day Apr 2011 (exp 6/22/2011)
-$0.75/1 Sister Schubert’s Homemade Frozen Rolls
-$0.50/1 Sister Schubert’s Product All You Apr 2011 (exp 6/25/2011)
-$1/1 Sister Schubert’s Product 2/27/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/27/2011)

Smart Balance omega non-stick cooking spray, 6 oz, 2 for $5.00-$0.75/1 Smart Balance Cooking Oil or Spray 3/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/20/2011)
Sobe Lifewater, 20 oz, 10/$10.00
Sour Patch or Swedish Fish, 6.5-8 oz, 5 for $5.00

Spic and Span multi-surface & floor cleaner, 40 oz, $2.29-$0.50/1 Spic and Span Product
Stonyfield OIKS organic Greek yogurt, 5.3 oz, 4 for $5.00

Tabasco pepper, chipotle or green sauce, 5 oz, 2 for $5.00-$0.50/1 Tabasco Pepper Sauce Flavor
Talenti Gelato or Sorbetto, 1 pint, 2 for $7.00
Tidy Cats scoopable cat litter, 20 lb, $7.99
Tropicana Pure Premium, 12 oz single serve, 5 for $5.00
Weiman glass cook top cleaner, 15 oz, 2 for $7.00
Weiman wipes, 30 ct or Trigger spray, 12 oz, 2 for $7.00

Yoplait Delights yogurt, 16 oz, 2 for $4.00
-
$0.55/1 Yoplait Parfaits Delights Publix Store Coupon
-$0.50/1 Yoplait Delights Multipack 3/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/30/2011)
-$0.50/1 Yoplait Delights Yogurt Multipack
-$0.50/1 Yoplait Delights Yogurt Multipack **Buy 1, use one $0.55/1 Publix, use one $0.50/1 man, makes it $0.95

Hope this helps you guys.  I'm so excited.

Monday, April 18, 2011

My Thirty One party



Hey Everyone!

I am having a Thirty One party Saturday, May 7th at 7 pm. Wine and apps will be served.

Please contact me or order via the website www.mythirtyone.com/lesliebell. Go under "My Events"
Host Name is Whitney Simone.

Hope you can make it!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Atlanta Storms

I have never been so freaking scared in all my life.  I was in class until 8.  Thankfully my professor let us out early, because the presenters didn't show up.  If she had kept us in until 7:45 pm, I would've been in trouble


I got to my car approximately 7:38 pm. It was only strong rain.  As I got on 75, it grew worse and the sky started getting that eerie green color in the sky. 


I was just ahead of the storm the whole way. At one point, everything was quiet and the chill in the air.


Thankfully as was well.  My body was so sore when I got home it wasn't even funny. Talk about a white knuckle trip.



Thursday, April 14, 2011

My start to couponing has begun

So I decided to take this couponing head on.  It's definitely not easy and I know I just need to stay organized.  My hubby tells me that I have to stick with this.  I know I can and any tips are welcomed.


I was able to get the binder for $7 at Walmart.  The Business Card Holder pages are being taken back.  Found a better deal on Amazon.  100 pages of Baseball Card Holder pages for $15.  That has 1800 pcokets.  :)  Keep scissors and circulars in the pocket of your binder to have everything with you.  I am putting restaurant coupons in a separate envelope but in the binder as well.



KEEP BINDER IN YOUR VEHICLE.  You never know when you need to make a stop and you'll have your coupons with you.

STAY ORGANIZED.  There are many ways to make your system work for you.  I have the binder and a file box for other circulars that are dated and organized by type.  Such as RedPlum, SmartSource, etc.




Any other pointers that you have would be great.

Post them here.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

My New Adventure

OK, so I got an invite from a friend that she wants to start a team for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk in Atlanta.  Initially I was like hmm maybe, now I'm all in.  There are 6 of us so far for the team.  I think it should really be fun. Then I think of 20 miles a day!!
Oy!

I had a friend do this a couple years ago in honor of her sister who is a survivor.  I know I can do it!  So who's with me?  Anyone else care to join us?  It's a great cause and I think it will be a lot of fun with the more people we can get. If you don't know anyone who's a survivor, walk to support women's health.

If you would like to donate, let me know.  We haven't officially formed our team yet, but I will keep track and email you when we do.

Ahh my 30s!!  I can do this. I think I can. I think I can!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Trips

So life is what you make it?  With the economy the way it is, "Staycations" are becoming more popular.  What are your favorite places for your staycation? The best thing is to become a member of websites such as Groupon, Living Social and other discount priced websites. What websites do you use?

With this Spring Break, I took Ava to the local parks, movies and did gardening.  She seemed to like it. We did more bonding things, like working on her alphabet and other pre-school items, since we no longer have her in her school.

I am looking forward to the Summer coming up quickly.  Lots going on!

Upcoming Trips:

May-Michigan to see family and take care of Grammy. Yay! A whole week.  That never happens.

June-Chicago, IL for Rascal Flatts!  This is also Steve and I's foodie trip.  Steve wants an Italian Beef Sandwich so bad.  Never even heard of those until we saw a place on Food Network.

Any trips you're looking forward to?

Monday, April 11, 2011

Demands, demands, demands

OK Parents.  Here's what I'm looking for.  I need advice on how to stop the 3 year old demands.  All I'm getting from mine is "I want." She is a sweetheart, but just want to curb the attitudes a little.  Any advice?

Thanks!

3 Year Olds


My daughter is my world and I know many parents have to laugh at their kids.  I say you have to hold onto all the good times, because with 3 year olds, we know they can be a handful.  My daughter tries everything to get herself out of trouble.

A very wise friend of mine once told me, "The Terrible 2s, The Fricking 3s and the F--king 4s." 
 I hold onto that thought every day, because I definitely think there is truth to that.

MY WINE LIST

OK Ladies and Gents!! I know these are on the cheap end, but these days that's what matters.

Here is a list of my TOP wine choices:

RED

Yellow Tail Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Jacob's Creek Cab Sauvignon

WHITE

Leelanau Wines Winter White (http://www.leelanaucellars.com/)
Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc