May 16, 2013

Smiley360 AVEENO NOURISH+Dandruff Control



http://smiley360.com/1770961.cfm

I received a new mission from Smiley360; Aveeno Nourish+Dandruff Control. I received (2) coupons for FREE shampoo and conditioner. The price is a bit high for such a small bottle but it works great for mild dandruff. Doesn't have a harsh or strong smell. I would recommend this product to others.

April 25, 2013

Johnsonville Cajun Celebration



About two months ago my sister let me know about a great FREE GIVEAWAY from Johnsonville sausage. The giveaway was for a Cajun Celebration Kit. I had entered, as so many others did, and won one of the kits. Their was a glitch on Johnsonvilles side and too many applied, more than the allowed number of kits. At first Johnsonville said sorry we cannot send out all the kits. I was very disappointed because I was really excited about this giveaway, as 1,000s of other people were. A few weeks later Johnsonville came back and apologzied and honored the giveaway to everyone who had entered. I actually forgot about the kit until a UPS driver came to my door the other day.

The box was a bit heavy, about 4lbs! I cut it open to find a box filled with goodies! GREAT coupons inside, full sized products, some Mardi Gras beads and masks as well as recipes, an apron and cutting board.

Kit includes: 3 Mardi Gras masks, beads, apron, recipes, magnet, measuring spoons, cutting board, reusable bag, 1 can of Red Gold Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, 1 bottle of Louisiana Hot Sauce and a magnetic shopping list. Coupons that were included in kit: $1 off Pompeian Olive Oil, FREE Red Gold Product ANY VARIETY, $1 off Klondike brand potatoes, BOGO FREE Gourmet Garden Herbs & Spices, FREE ANY Uncle Bens Ready Rice and a FREE 1 Package, Any Flavor Johnsonville Premium Cooking Sausage.



I was going to wait til the weekend to make something from the recipe booklet I received but couldn't wait! I looked through the recipes and found one I liked, Red Beans & Rice. I love to cook! I also love to come up with my own thing, or take two recipes and combine them. I did follow the recipe somewhat, I didn't add some ingredients and cut some in half. We aren't 'full' onion type of people. I know you cook until soften but we can still taste them. I don't want the dish to be overpowered by onions.




Red Beans & Rice

3 tbls. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 14.5oz cans of Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed (I used 2 but I think 1 1/2 is enough)
2 c. Rachel Ray chicken stock (I have noticed that the Rachel Ray brand is a bit healthier than Swansons)
1 tbls. McCormick Gourmet Cajun Seasoning (less if you don't like it spicey)
1 tbls. garlic, minced
1/4 yellow onion, minced (This is 1/4 of a large onion, not 1/4 cup. Again we aren't big onion people, but recipe calls for 1 large onion)
1 8oz. Uncle Bens Original Ready Rice, cooked following package directions
1 13.5 oz Johnsonville Premium Anouille Sausage, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 10oz can Red Gold Tomatoes w/Green Chile, not drained (Rotel will work, I had received this can free in my kit)
Salt & Pepper to taste

In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat and saute onions until soften. Add celery and garlic cook until garlic is lightly browned. Add sausage and stir ingredients until everything is combined. Cook for about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package directions. Add the tomatoes, rice, Cajun seasoning, beans and about 1/4tsp. of salt. Stir in chicken broth and cover, cook for about 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

Serves 3-4, hubby and I both had 2 bowls and still had a large bowl full left.

*What I like to do is add salt and pepper after each step. I just add a pinch here and there to give the food some flavor. Something I have learned from Food Network TV.

April 23, 2013

LOVE LOVE LOVE GARNIER BB CREAM!



Ok first off, let me just tell ya I LOVE THIS STUFF! Garnier BB Cream totally rocks! I recieved a FREE full sized bottle of Garnier BB Cream about a month ago from BzzAgent and was super excited to give it a try! I was using L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream but wasn't too happy about it. Left my skin oily, didn't cover well, a bit dark for me and not a high SPF coverage. Here in AZ you have to make sure you are wearing sunscreen on your face and body!

What exactly is BB Cream?

BB Cream stands for blemish Balm, blemish base or beauty balm.

What exactly is Garnier BB Cream and what does it do?

Miracle Skin Perfector + Advanced Skincare + Coverage
Garnier BB Cream is great for dull, discoloration, blotchy and dry skin.
Oil Free & SPF 20 (Garnier website says SPF 15, but it is actually SPF 20)
6 Benifits: Controls Shine / Minimises Pores / Evens Complexion / Corrects Blemishes / Hydrates / UV Protection
24 hour coverage with enough coverage as a makeup

The first time I tried the BB Cream was for Easter, a pool party at my sisters. I knew I needed some coverage, but didn't want to wear a lot of makeup because it was hot out. I applied the BB Cream and added a light dusting of my Revlon Mineral Powder. It looked as though I took a long time to do my makeup. Looked like I was wearing a liquid and a powder. No one could tell it took me under 20 minutes to do my makeup! The BB Cream gave me great coverage, didn't leave my face oily and lasted all day! Now that summer is coming, it's great to know my makeup routine has been cut down in time and will stay on all day.



First time I applied the cream



Second time applying the cream



**Although I said first time applying the cream and second time applying the cream. I used the cream in between their as well. I am wearing this cream everyday! It truly covers and is perfecting my skin!

Both pictures I used my BzzAgent Neutrogena Colorstick that I received free as well. Love that colorstick! I also am using my FREE BzzAgent Got2Be Powderful! I am officially a BZZAGENT WALKING BILLBOARD! LOL

@GarnierUSA Oil-Free B.B. Cream


**Gotta give some love to my Big Brother Mijo! If you look at my shirt you will see it says DON'T DRINK & DRIVE. I made it in memory of my big brother Gilbert Quintana-Sena who was killed by a drunk driver 10/5/2011. PLEASE DON'T DRINK & DRIVE! I love you big brother!!

Got2Be Powderful Volumizing Styling Powder

Hi everyone I've received another FREE product from BzzAgent and here to let y'all know what I liked and didn't like about the product. The product I received was Got2Be Powderful Volumizing Styling Powder; one for me and 2 extra for friends! I was very surprised to find 3 full sized products! BzzAgent is very generous in their campaigns!

What is Got2Be Powderful Volumizing Styling Powder?

*Exactly that; a volumizing powder that can be sprinkled into the roots of your hair or sprinkled into your hand. If you sprinkle it into your hand, rub your hands together and then work the powder into your hair. No tools are needed to get volume with this product! The weightless powder texturizes and gives you a boost of volume.

Ok so now for the pro's & the con's:

Pro:

Works a bit better if you put it into your hand
Smells good
Easy to use
*I used it the following day before mousse* Gave me some volume

Con:

*When poured onto scalp* Left my hair super tacky and sticky
*When poured into my hand and then distributed into my hair* Hair was tacky and a bit sticky

#got2bfamous #GotItFree #BzzAgent



AFTER PHOTOS:



I reapplied the following day without mousse in my hair to see if it does actually give you volume. It did, not as much as I would like but it does give you volume.

April 17, 2013

Windex Touch Up Review



I keep seeing commercials for the new Windex Touch Up and have looked into the reviews. I found nothing but positive reviews and thought this would be a product to try out. It sells for $4-5 at local grocery and mass retail stores. Last week Fry's Food had it on sale for $2.49 and I was able to print a coupon for $1.50 off one Windex Touch Up. Great deal huh!? And also their was a Catalina for SC Johnson products. I believe it was BUY 4 SC JOHNSON PRODUCTS AND GET A $3 OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER CATALINA. Made the deal even better!

Now if you know me you know I love to cook! I make a big mess when I cook.....I don't mean too, just happens! Lol! I normally use Clorox wipes or 409 spray. Both work great and have a 'clean' smell. Scents are big for me, especially if it's a cleaning product. Laundry soap and household cleaners have to leave my house and clothes smelling clean and fresh. Unless of course I am using an unscented product.

Review:

1. Easy to use
2. One dab isn't enough to clean the whole counter. I like the whole area to get a bit saturated with the cleaning product.
3. Dab - clean an area - dab - clean an area & repeat
4. The smell was HORRIBLE! If something is a 'citrus' scent I think an orange tree or fresh squeezed orange juice.
Smells clean and ahhh....NOT THIS CITRUS SCENT! Have you or your hubby used Fast Orange, cleaner for the mechanics hands?
You buy it at the local auto parts store. Smells just like this grease cleaner. It also smells like the product Goo Gone.
5. When I pressed down onto the top, the cleaner spritzed through the paper towel, onto the back of my hand. NOT COOL!
6. It's a bit oily like the Goo Gone.
7. Would I recommed it?? No. Crappy thing is I bought one for the bathroom too. They seem like a waste of money to me.

April 6, 2013

Garlic & Herb Chicken with Brown Butter Green Beans





I came across some new seasonings last night while shopping at Safeway. Weber Just Add Juice Garlic and Herb marinade. They were Buy One Get One Free and I had $1/2, so I bought 3 packets. I like that fact that you add the juice of a lemon or lime instead of mixing the packet with oil. For one packet it takes 1/2 cup of juice. I used 3 large sized lemons to get 1/2 cup. To get more juice out of your lemon or limes, roll and gently press the lemon. Cut it in half and juice. I marinated the chicken over night and then after the chicken was cooked and plated, I drizzled lemon vinaigrette on top. So much flavor and o'so good!

For one of my sides I had oven roasted red potatoes seasoned with dill and Mortons Roasted Garlic Sea Salt Grinder. I cut them into bite sized pieces, put them into a Ziploc freezer bag and added some Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Then I added the seasonings. I let the potatoes sit and marinate while I get out the other ingredients needed for dinner.

Another side was Green Beans with Brown Butter and Pine Nuts. Pine nuts are kind of pricey, $4-$5 for a 2.25oz bag. I only use a little bit for this recipe, I don't use the exact amount recommened. Roll the bag tightly and place in a Ziploc bag and store in the freezer til next recipe. They will stay good for a while.

Green Beans with Brown Butter and Pine Nuts (Sandra Lee, Food Network)

Total Time: 13 min.
Prep 5 min.
Cook 8 min.
Yield:8 servings.
Level:Easy

Ingredients
2 (1-pound) bags cut green beans, frozen
2 tablespoons water
1 stick butter
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1/2 cup pine nuts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place green beans with 2 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and cook for 6 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium low heat. As the butter bubbles it will start to turn brown and give off a nutty aroma. Once it has reached a light brown color, add garlic, cooked and drained green beans and pine nuts. Toss to combine and saute for 1 minute until heated through. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately.

I thought I would a little salad as well to place the chicken on. I used about 2 cups of washed and cut into pieces kale. I heated some olive oil in a pan and browned 1tsp of diced garlic. I added the kale and tossed it in the oil. I then added about 1/4 cup of lemon vinaigrette.

Lemon Vinaigrette (Martha Stewart)

Yield Makes 1/2 cup


Ingredients

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil


Directions

Combine mustard, lemon zest, and juice in a jar; season with salt and pepper. Add some of the oil, then cover and shake to combine. Continue adding more oil and shaking until all the oil is incorporated and mixture is thickened and uniform in color. Serve immediately.

**I didn't have Dijon mustard so I didn't add it to my vinaigrette. I also used 5tbls of extra virgin olive oil.



**When your meat is done cooking, take it out of the pan and let rest before cutting. It will hold all of its juices. If you cut it right away, your meat might be a little dry.

**If a recipe calls for an ingredient that is pretty pricey, $5 pine nuts or $5 cheese, I will pay it. I like to add what the recipe calls for. I know I didn't add dijon mustard to the vinaigrette, but that ingredient we do not eat.

I say $5 cheese because I just bought some Manchego cheese last night for another recipe I want to try out tomorrow. Chorizo stuffed piquillo peppers. That cheese at Fresh and Easy is $13.99/lb!!! Yes you read that right! $13.99! I just grabbed what was cheapest, hope I have enough. Check out this recipe for the stuffed peppers.

Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with Chorizo and Manchego (Anne Burrell Food Network)

Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.
Prep 30 min.
Inactive 20 min.
Cook 15 min.
Yield:4 servings.
Level: Easy

Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small onion, finely diced
Kosher salt
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 garlic clove, smashed and finely chopped
1/4 pound chorizo, casing removed and finely chopped
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated aged Manchego
1/2 bunch Italian parsley, leaves finely chopped
1 (10-ounce) jar piquillo peppers, drained and patted dry
2 cups washed baby arugula
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
2 scallions, white and green, cut very thin on the bias
Sherry vinegar
Big fat finishing extra-virgin olive oil (high quality)

***Sherry vinegar was about $2 more that red wine vinegar. So I bought the red wine vinegar instead. Online it said they are comparable.***

Directions

Coat a saute pan, over medium heat, with olive oil. Add the onion, season with salt, to taste, and toss in the crushed red pepper. Saute the onions until they are soft and very aromatic, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 2 to 3 more minutes. Stir in the chorizo and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the bread crumbs. Let the mixture cool. When cool, add the Manchego and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Stuff the peppers with the filling and arrange them on a sheet pan. If there is extra stuffing, press a little on top of each of the peppers. Put the peppers in the oven to warm through, about 8 minutes.
While the peppers are in the oven, combine the arugula, almonds and scallions in a large bowl. Dress the salad with sherry vinegar, big fat finishing oil and salt, to taste. Check for seasoning and divide the salad between 4 serving plates.

Remove the peppers from the oven and arrange 2 peppers on each salad. Serve while the peppers are warm.


**I acutally found sliced almonds at Safeway for $1.99 on sale and their was a $1 off peelie on the package. SCORE!!

Hope y'all try out these recipes!

March 7, 2013

Chocolate-Cinnamon Salty Fudge



I watch a lot of cooking shows! I love to cook! I don't go near any type of sea food, well except tuna in a pouch or can....but even that I like to think it is chicken. If you ask my husband he will tell you "It's just chicken" haha That's what I say when I eat it. When I cook I will buy every ingredient needed. Now baking I cannot do! Jello No Bake Cheesecake, I can make that all day long! But to make a cake from scratch, forget it!

I was watching Giada At Home last week when she made Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge. It looked super simple and just a few ingredients. I thought I can make that! So I went to Safeway last night to get the chocolate chips and canned milk and decided to make some. Wow it was super simple and didn't take long to make. The only thing that took long was the 2 hours it had to sit in the fridge. By the way, longest 2 hours of my life! Lol

Recipe is from foodnetwork.com / Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing the pan
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound (about 2 cups) bittersweet (60 percent cacao) chocolate chips (recommended: Ghiradelli) see Cook's Note
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
Kosher or flake salt, optional

Directions


Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with a sheet of parchment paper, about 14-inches long and 7-inches wide, allowing the excess to overhang the sides. Set aside

In a medium glass or stainless steel bowl, combine the condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips and butter. Put the bowl on a saucepan of barely simmering water and mix until the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 6 to 8 minutes (mixture will be thick). Using a spatula, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with salt, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

Run a warm knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the fudge. Remove the fudge to a cutting board. Peel off the parchment paper and cut the fudge into 1-inch pieces. Store refrigerated in an airtight container or freeze.

Cook's Note: The fudge can also be made using 1 pound (about 2 1/2 cups) of semisweet chocolate chips.




Don't mind me peeps, I'm just a happy couponer!!




I haven't followed a coupon blog in a very long time! Yes I 'LIKE' coupon blog pages on Facebook, but I don't follow them. I may see a deal here or there, but ya know what.....I FIND MY OWN DEAL! It's much more satisfying to say "CHECK OUT THIS DEAL I FOUND"!! Plus theirs no drama and I know the deal is legit. So many times have I found a blog owner saying "such and such is on sale and if you use these coupons it's a MM (money maker)". They proceed to say the coupon isn't for the exact product, but it scans. That bugs me to my couponing core! Just because a coupon scans, doesn't mean it is legit! I actually had a coupon beep today and for a second the cashier was thinking about questioning me! I had $1/1 Hefty Waste Bag and I was buying Hefty TRASH Bags (wordage might of been vice versa, forget what the coupon said). I thought to my self, don't question me lady! She did sit their thinking and checking coupon and product. My thinking was TRASH BAGS VS. WASTE BAGS.....same thing right?? She ended up pushing it through.

I went to Safeway a few weeks ago and found $1.50/1 McCormick Gourmet Seasoning. Plus at the time Safeway had a deal going on BUY 2 GET 1 FREE and an in store coupon for $2 off. I bought some at the time but made sure to grab extra peelies. I am so glad I did! Seasoning is sooooo expensive! I find myself getting the store brand or better yet the little baggy of seasonings in the Spanish Culture isle.

Last night I went in to Safeway for a few fudge ingredients and decided to check out the McCormick seasonings. I had loaded a Just4U price of $3.63 and had the $2/1 in store coupon as well as my $1.50 peelie in hand. After I rang out and paid I started thinking, that my bill came out cheaper than expected! I bought sweetened condesed milk $2.99/can, chocolate chips $3, flowers $8 and a few other items. I got home and noticed that the seasonings were a $8.69 MM!

I went back today and did another seasoning deal, immediate COUPON HIGH AND HAPPY DANCE!

Deal idea:

Buy 3 McCormick Seasonings *Prices Vary

Just4U Price $3.63

Saffron $19.49

J4U Price -$15.86
In Store Cpn -$2
Manu Q -$1.50

Final Price $.13

Toasted Seasame $5.19

B2G1Free -$5.19
Manu Q -$1.50 (Don't know why coupon was used for this it was free. But that is how the register scanned it.)

Final Price -$1.50 (overage)

Cajun Seasoning $5.69

J4U Price -$2.06
In Store Cpn -$2

Final Price $1.63

(Total Price $.26)

(2) Hefty Trash Bags $17.98 (Save $3 when you buy 2, sale running right now)
Card Savings -$7
J4U Price -$4.84
Manu Q -$2.00

Final Price $4.14

***TOTAL SPENT $4.96 (including tax)
***SAVINGS 91% $43.96


When I loaded the JUST4U price I thought their would be exclusions seeing how some seasoning was $15 and up! But I didn't see any exclusions. So I thought I would test the waters and grab Saffron which was $19.49! HOLY CRAPOLY THE JUST4U PRCE OF $3.63 WORKED!!

You can find the $1/1 Hefty waste bags coupon in the 1/06/2013 Red Plum or on Hefty's Facebook page.

Hope you get the JUST4U price and find peelies!

***Stores/cashier may vary and prices will vary depending on your JUST4U price and coupons used***

March 5, 2013

Bzz Campaign Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Peel



Another BzzAgent Campaign! I love being a BzzAgent!! Being a BzzAgent means you get FREE products to try out and test. Yes I said FREE! BzzAgent is such a great word of mouth company! I have been with them for a year now and have no complaints! I like that I have a chance to try a product for free before going out and spending money. What if you don't like a product? Such a hassle to return an item and what if it is a 'unreturnable' product such as coffee.

Here is my before and after picture. I only used this product for 8 days because I did get a few whiteheads while using this product.



Now I know I said this product made me breakout, but I think it is because of my sensitive skin. I love the Garnier brand! I actually use the Skin Renew moisturizer daily and have never had a problem! Their hair care products are awesome! I plan on giving this product another try and promise to report back!

Positives of Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Peel:

No perfumey, strong smell. Easy to apply.

Negatives of Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Peel:

Sticky even after you let it dry for a minute. Not super sticky but a little tacky.



#GotItFree

Neutrogena BzzAgent Campaign



WOOT WOOT! I just received my latest Bzz Campaign which was Neutrogena cosmetics. Being a BzzAgent means you get FREE products to try out and test. Yes I said FREE! BzzAgent is such a great word of mouth company! I have been with them for a year now and have no complaints! I like that I have a chance to try a product for free before going out and spending money. What if you don't like a product? Such a hassle to return an item and what if it is a 'unreturnable' product such as coffee. Which I also received from BzzAgent. I received Cafe Escapes coffee/latte/cocoa a few weeks ago, YUM! I am usually a coffee with creamer and Sweet and Low type of girl. This coffee changed my mind! Not only do I get tro try out great products for free but I also get high value coupons to share with my friends. So WIN WIN FOR EVERYONE!

Alright lets get back to Neutrogena cosmetics campaign. This is what I received in my campaign:

(1) Crease Proof Eye Shadow #40 Constant Copper
(1) Crease Proof Eye Shadow #50 Lasting Taupe
(1) Healthy Lengths Mascara #02 Black
(1) Mouisture Smooth Color Stick #30 Sweet Watermelon
*All full size products

Reviews:

Mascara

*Positive: Doesn't flake and when I had a little crying episode the mascara did not burn my eyes
*Negative: The applicator is too long and the brush isn't thick enough. I didn't feel like my eye lashes had length and volume. I ended up using another mascara on top to add volume and length.

Eye Shadow:

*Positive: Not sticky, doesn't crease and easy to blend when using it alone.
*Negative: I like to add layers of and blend. When I used a regular powder eye shadow, I was unable to blend the powdered eye shadow and the crease proof eye shadow. It left a line of the second color, which I didn't like. Also when I added my eye liner, the eye liner stuck a little to the crease proof eye shadow. Didn't glide on.

Color Stick:

*Positive: Smells great, easy application, stays on for a few hours and doesn't dry out my lips.
*Negative: NONE

STEP BY STEP APPLICATION:



(Bottom left picture and top right piture need to be switched. Ooopsies! I use elf eye shadow primer before applying any eye shadow.)



FINAL PRODUCT:





THANKS BZZAGENT & NEUTROGENA #GotItFree



PRODUCTS I USED TO GET THIS LOOK:

February 7, 2013

Cafe Escapes



Well by now you should know I am a BzzAgent. What exactly is a BzzAgent? BzzAgent is a WORD OF MOUTH company. People are able to try out new products, recieve great coupons and reports back to BzzAgent on your thoughts about the product. Simple, easy and a great way to try new products!

My newest campaign is Cafe Escapes. Now this is the first time I have tried these, I normally drink regular coffee. Their was a 'how to make' list which I did not read, so I used my normal 1 1/4c. of water. BIG MISTAKE! The carmel flavor I brewed today was watered down. I guess I should've read the 'Official BzzGuide' that was sent to me. Brew these coffees with 8oz of water. Adding more water means less flavor. Next time I drink it I will make sure to report back and let you know if less water means more flavor.

The kit I got in had a variety of flavors to choose from. I recieved the following flavors: Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa, Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa, Cafe Mocha, Chai Latte, Cafe Caramel and Cafe Vanilla. I also recieved $2 off 12 K Cups.

My husband is not a coffee person, so I was excited to see the cocoa included in my kit. I have made those little packets of cocoa with water and milk. You can never get the clumps out! Doesn't matter what method you use. Pour a little powder into liquid, stir repeat til packet is empty. That doesn't work! But you know what I am talking about! Plus the powder makes a mess!

Want to know my ahhhhhh moment? Sitting by the firepit outside where it is nice and quiet and the cool breeze comes through. The smell of fire in the air....ahhh!





O by the way I love my lil Keurig! Love the teal color!!! Goes good next to my Kitchen Aid Breast Cancer Raspberry Ice mixer! A lot of color goin on in my kitchen!

My cup doesn't look bistro-ish like theirs, but I love my REBEL cup :-)

January 31, 2013

After a short break from CVS, I gave in and did a run



I paid $17.80 / $6.71 was in tax! / $6 overcharged / $12 in ECB from Gillette Fusion and Physcians Formula

After I was reimbursed my $6 I paid $11.80 and SAVED $105.34 plus I received $12 in ECB's!

I hadn't done a CVS trip in a long time because I keep having issues there. And what do you know....had issues again today! Now I know why I stopped going there. But hey I kicked ass on my deal and saved a ton so POOP ON THEM! LOL


I got the Fusion razor for free and got a $5 ECB / The Physcians Formula was a BOGO + $3/1 and I got a $7 ECB (I actually had overage. BOGO coupon was rang up as $13.90 then the $3 off coupon. Coupon wouldn't scan, the max value of the BOGO was $13.86 so she was just going to give me $13 off. But I questioned her and she gave me an extra .90cents. Yes I know it's just .90cents but it all adds up!)

CVS Clearance



Right Guard Total Defense 5 (6) Pack of bar soap $1.37
**The bodywashes have $1/1 Total Defense Product peelies on them!!**

.37cents for 6 pack of soap


Irish Spring 2 pack bar soap .62cents
**If you have wrote to Palmolive company you would have recieved the .30cents off coupon**

.32cents for 2 pack bar soap


Softsoap liquid hand soap 2 pack $1.19 (Can you believe it was $4.79 before!?)
**No coupon available, but I think it's a really good deal**


Softsoap liquid hand soap .74cents
**No coupon available**


Softsoap foaming hand soap .99cents
**.35cents/1 8oz Softsoap 1/20 SmartSource insert**

.64cents for 8oz Softsoap


$1.37 for a 48oz bottle of bubble bath
**No coupon available but wow that is cheap!**


Colgate Enamel Strength 4.6oz $1.74
**I had coupons I found at Walmart for $1/1 Colgate Total 4oz or larger**
**.50cents/1 Colgate Total 1/20 SmartSource insert**

.74cents to $1.24 depending on which coupon you have


Aquafresh Iso-Active 4.3oz $1.24
**No coupon available, but it is a very cheap price!**


Gum 150ct. Floss Picks $1.12
**No coupon available, but SUPER cheap!**


Oral B 3D White floss $1.12
**My sister and I found $2/2 peelies on various Crest & Oral B products**
**.75cents/1 Glide Oral B floss 1/27 P&G insert**

.24cents WYB 2 when you use peelies
.37cents WYB 1 when you use P&G insert

**MY PEELIES DIDN'T SCAN. THEY DID BUT I WAS CHARGED $2! INSTEAD OF THEM BEING MINUSED IT WAS ADDED TO MY BILL. BE AWARE OF THIS IF YOU HAVE THOSE PEELIES!!**


Johnsons Vanilla Oatmeal Baby Lotion $2.24
**$1/1 Healthy Essentials website / $1/1 Johnson's website**

$1.24 when you print out the $1/1


Similac Expert Care for diarrhea $4.24
**No idea if their are coupons available or if this is a good price.**





January 30, 2013

CVS Deal

I went and scanned my CVS Extra Care card this week and received $2/2 Tresemme. Plus I have the $1.75/1 peelies which makes for a great deal! I also received a $10 off $50 or more when I scanned my card! Here is the deal I plan on doing

Tresemme 2/$7 (6 bottles)
Physicians Formula $12.99 (2 Happy Booster Blush)
Gillette Fusion Razor $10.99 (1)
Gillette Disposable $11.99 (1) *Crazy the disposables are higher than the refillable razors!

= $68.96

CVS Coupons

$10 off $50 or more
$2/2 Tresseme (3)
$2 off any cosmetic purchase of $10 or more
$2.50 off any $12 razor purchase
$2 ECB from previous deals

Manufacturer Coupons

$3 off Physcians Formula Happy Booster
BOGO Physcians Formula Happy Booster, Max Value $13.86
$10 off one Fusion razor WYB disposable
$3 off disposable razor
BOGO Tresemme, Max Value $6 (3)
$1.75/1 Tresemme (3)

FINAL PRICE $2.22 and I will receive $5 ECB from Fusion Razor and $7 ECB from Physcians Formula $5 ECB from Beauty Rewards

*Final price is if the BOGO coupons scan at shelf price. If the auto scan I will have overage and will have to grab a few more items.....ah shucks :-)

January 29, 2013

No sleepy meds for this girl!


I have had trouble sleeping for a very long time! My mind races and I can't stop thinking. Thinking about this and that and then all of a sudden it's 3a.m.! I normally play my DSi or play games on my iPad. I had tried sleeping pills such as: Seraquil, Zzquil and Advil P.M. But I don't like how they can be habit forming. And that Seraquil knocked me out for 2 days! YES 2 DAYS! So my therapist recommended some herbal drops. Bach White Chestnut and Valerian Root. They are a bit pricey, but they last a long time! I believe it was around $30 for both bottles. The valerian root is a bit stinky, but you get used to it. The valerian root is 100% gluten free. Here is the recipe for the cocktail (given to me by my therapist):

Bach White Chestnut
5 drops in 2oz of water / sip slowly

Valerian Root (liquid)
1 dropper full in 4oz of warm water / sip slowly

Valerian Root: Valerian may be indicated for the relief of insomnia, stress-related anxiety, and nervous restlessness. It may also be used to ease stomach and menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), some of the restlessness that accompanies attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and migraine symptoms. And, more rarely, it may be used to treat convulsions from a seizure disorder. In its most well-documented use, however, it is used as a calmant to help people sleep.

Safety, Side Effects and Warnings:

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) gives valerian a class 1 safety rating, indicating that it is a safe herb with a wide dosage range.

Some people, however, experience adverse reactions to valerian. Rather than feeling the calming or sleep-inducing effects, they suddenly feel nervous, anxious and restless after taking the herb and may experience heart palpitations.

*Taken from Insight Journal

White Chestnut: is the remedy for unwanted thoughts and mental arguments that intrude into the mind and stop us concentrating.

*Taken from The Bach Centre

Although I do this little cocktail nightly I thought I would try something new. I found Celestial Seasoning Honey Vanilla Chamomile tea at Walmart for around $2.50. I added 6 drops of Bach White Chestnut to the tea and a packet of Sweet and Low. Within an hour I couldn't keep my eyes open! I was so tired!! D and I were going to buy a movie from Cox on Demand and I said no because I was so tired. I haven't felt that tired in a long time! I slept so good that night, heck I didn't want to wake up. I didn't feel groggy the next day, like you do when you take prescription or over the counter drugs.

I would recommend trying these few herbal remedies before going for the habit forming ones.


January 23, 2013

8 Transactions and 4 Hours Later.......

My sis and I went couponing today, we left my house at 10:30 and didn't leave the grocery store til 4! We had no idea what time it was! WOW!!!!Yes we are crazy! But it was so worth it! In order for all coupons to be scanned and to make sure we follow the rules we had to do multiple transactions. I did 8 small transactions, I think my sis did 4. We had to seperate everything into their certain piles and make sure the coupons being used were with that pile. WHEW! A LOT OF WORK BUT IT ALL PAYS OFF IN THE END! It helps also when you have awesome cashiers. We went to self checkout, but the cashier who scanned our coupons was super friendly and helpful.




My average saving was 80-90%! On one order I had -.31cents! Which ate up my tax and I paid .43cents and saved 100%! WOOT WOOT **HAPPY BUTT SHAKIN DANCE!!**

I spent $36.34 on:

(4) Wholly Guacamole
(4) Wholly Salsa
(14) Rotel
(3) Oatmeal Creme Pies
(2) Red Baron French Bread Pizza
(4) Bush Best Beans
(11) Progresso Soups
(6) French's Mustard
(4) BBQ Sauce
(15) Knorr Pasta
(4) Glade Air Refill
(4) 4pk Angel Soft (My parents)
(4) Velveeta Shells and Cheese
(12) Packs of Tuna
(3) Finish Gel Tabs
(3) Colgate Toothpaste
Plus a few odds and ends
**Not Pictured**
(10) EAS Protein Bars
(1) Marie Callendar Turtle Pie

TOTAL SAVINGS FOR TODAY: $220.91
Because I bought (4) Glade Air Refill I received a coupon for $2 off my next shopping order. Not only did I get (4) cans free but I also recieved $2 off my next order.