Summer Reading - Heaven is Here

Inspired by Jen at Epbot - a wonderfully clever blog by the author of Cake Wrecks who never fails to inspire me, I thought it might be fun to share some of my summer reads.  There's just something about summer and a good book, don't you think?  Before we delve in, if you haven't checked out Epbot, what are you waiting for?  I am always amazed by her craftiness and eye for detail.  A table decorated with pennies?  A jewelery holder made from soda bottles?  Where does she come up with these ideas?  And you have to love the sense of humor that has made Cake Wrecks such a hit. Once you can tear yourself away from Epbot, get that cold glass of lemonade and your lounge chair ready.

On to book #1, Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson.  Another one of my favorite bloggers!  I've been following Nie Nie Dialogues for a number of years.  Stephanie and her husband Christian live in Utah with their five beautiful children.  Stephanie blogs about their daily life, crafts and projects she and the kids are working on, the latest antics her children are up to and her strong faith.  Everything changed in 2008 when she and Christian were in a horrific plane crash.  With burns over 80% of her body, she fought just to survive.  Her sister posted updates on her blog, letting everyone know how Stephanie was doing.  Stephanie has since chronicled her daily struggles on her blog, sharing her recovery with us all.  The pain, the surgeries, the frustration of not being able to do the things she wanted to.  In some small way, I felt like I was with her as she healed and grew stronger.  That is one of the most wonderful things about the internet, being able to "meet" people I otherwise never would have.  Looking for updates after she went in for yet another surgery.  Laughing as she shared some goofy story about one of her kids.  Smiling as she posted pictures of her lovely daughter, Charlotte, remembering when she spoke about her fear of not being able to have any more children due to her injuries. 

Her book is naturally written with the same uplifting sense of joy and wonder about the world. I'm not done with it yet, but love it so far.  Its so interesting to hear about their life pre-crash.  They used to live in New Jersey!  I cracked up when I read about how strange the people seemed to her, cold and unfriendly.  Its also so interesting to read about her strong religious beliefs and how that influences how she lives her life. 

Anyone else reading Heaven is Here too?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  If not, what book do you have your nose in right now?

6/3 - 6/9

CVS

• Oral B Adult Manual Toothbrush $2.77, use $1 toothbrush CRT (if you got this from the red machine) and get back $2 EB (Limit 2) = $0.23 profit
• Starbucks Refreshers $1.50, buy two, use two $1 coupons and get back $1 EB (WYB 2, Limit 1) = FREE
• Speed Stick Men's or Lady's or Stainguard $2.99, use $1 coupon (5/20 SS) and get back $2 EB (Limit 1) = FREE/$0.01 profit
• Oral B Cross Action Power Brush or Refill (2 ct) $5.99, use $1 toothbrush CRT (if you got this from the red machine) and get back $5 EB (Limit 2) = FREE/$0.01 profit
• Physician's Formula Cosmetics - spend $10, get back $5 EB (Limit 1) *Combine with rebates below

Rite Aid - not seeing anything good so far

Walgreens

• Brainstrong Kids Gummy Drops (30 ct) $10, get back $10 RR = FREE 
• Omega Smart Ultra Fish Oils Super Critical Softgel (30 ct) $10, get back $10 RR = FREE 
• Walgreens Lansoprazole 15 mg Cap (14 ct) $6, get back $6 RR = FREE 
• Goody Ouchless (select items) $2, get back $2 RR = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

• Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Neti Pot TMF up to $14.99 Exp. 7/13/13 (Email me at frugalsuz at hotmail.com and I'll forward you the form)
• Bounce Outdoor Fresh 8 Month Dryer Bar $5 rebate Exp. 6/30/12
• CoverGirl and Olay Cosmetics (CG items that have Olay in them, not CG or Olay items) Buy $20, get back $10 Exp. 7/8/12
• Febreze Noticeables "Trade Up" Valid up to $3.50 Exp. 6/30/12 (Starts 1/1/11)
• Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist Starter Kits (up to $4.99) or Refills (up to $3.99) Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/12
• Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/12
• Hill's Science Diet Ideal Balance dry pet food TMF up to $12.99 Exp. 12/31/12
• P&G Spend $50 on Venus, Olay, Secret, CoverGirl, Clairol, Herbal Essences, Aussie, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, Safeguard, Ivory, Crest 3D White, Always and/or Tampax, get back $10 and P&G makes a $10 donation Exp. 6/5/12
• Pantene Satisfaction Guarantee - up to 2X your purchase price Exp. 6/30/12
• Physician's Formula Organic Wear Lash Boosting Mascara TMF Up to $9.95  Must include "Try Me Free" label from product to qualify Valid 11/1/11 - 10/13/12
• Physician's Formula Cosmeceutical Youth Boosting Concealer TMF Up to $12.95 Must include "Try Me Free" label from product to qualify Valid 1/1/12 - 12/31/12
• Physician's Formula Cosmeceutical Youth Boosting Foundation TMF Up to $14.95 Must include "Try Me Free" label from product to qualify Valid 1/1/12 - 12/31/12 
• Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/29/12
• Stouffers Farmers' Harvest Steam Perfect Bags Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 9/1/12

• Vaseline Body Lotion (10 - 32 fl oz) Satisfaction Guarantee up to $7.99 Exp. 7/31/12
• Zyrtec10mg Tablets (3, 5, 14, 30 or 40 ct), 10 mg Liquid Gels (12, 25 or 30 ct), Children’s Zyrtec (any size) or Zyrtec-D (any size) Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 12/31/12

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

• Arm & Hammer Single Use Laundry Detergent Power Paks sticker (hot pink color) TMF up to $9.99 Exp. 12/15/12
• Dickinson's Facial Cleanser Hangtag TMF Exp. ?
• Finesse Color Lock Styling Product $2 rebate Valid 4/22 - 7/22/12 (or 4/22 SS)
• Freeman Facial Anti-Stress Mask Hangtag TMF Exp. 12/31/12
• Oxi-Clean Dishwashing Booster TMF Exp. 12/1/12

Buying X to Get Y

I am around $8 shy of the P&G $10 rebate WYB $50.  So I headed to Walgreens to buy the profitable Ecotrin and now I have $8 in free money to use towards buying something for the rebate.  I'll probably pick up a Venus razor or some Olay body wash (BOGO 50% off this week at WAG).

• 2 Ecotrin (45 ct) $1.50 each, used two $1.50 coupons (5/6 RP) and got back $2 RR (WYB 2) = $2 profit
• Nice! Pretzels $0.99
• Total was $0.99

Repeated three more times at a couple stores.  Every time my total has been super low at Walgreens lately, the registers crash and burn so I picked up some pretzels just so I wouldn't have a zero total.  

Awesome Pepsi Deal

Don't know how long this deal will last, so if you live near a Stop & Shop, better get there quick!  Saw this on SD -

• 5 Pepsi 6 pk Bottles (16 oz or 16.9 oz) $3.67 each (shelf price for me was $4.49), got instant savings of $12.95 and got back $7 catalina (for spending $20, based on shelf prices) 
• Total was $7.33 with bottle deposits ($1.50 in total) = $1.17 profit!

Went to another store and bought another five packs and the Tic Tacs ($1).  Used my $7 catalina to pay, got another one and only forked over $0.89.  The instant savings is the glitch, so who knows how long that will last.  The catalina deal is advertised in the circular and will likely continue on based on shelf price.


CVS

• Mars Chocolate Singles (1.08-2.15 oz) $0.75, got back $0.75 EB (Limit 1) = FREE

Rite Aid

• 3 Snapware Containers $4.49 shelf/$3.36 sale for the bottom two and $5.99 shelf/$4.49 sale for the double pack, used three $2 coupons (4/29 SS) = $6.12 with tax for all three

T-Shirts, Keychains and Home Improvements

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!  Its been hot and humid all weekend here but despite that, we had fun.  My parents and sister came up for a visit n' lunch and to see all the improvements we've made to the house so naturally, I had to give the house a good scrubbing first.  That was a barrel full of fun while sweating bullets.  But it needed to be done, especially after all the work we've done downstairs and all the dust that kicked up.  I love that feeling of kicking back and relaxing after you know everything is nice and clean.  I also got the spring cleaning bug and donated a bunch of clothes and tossed a lot of things that I haven't used at all since we moved into the house.  Wished I'd tossed that stuff before moving, would have saved me some lifting!  

My first issue of Real Simple magazine came in the mail on Saturday.  I love this magazine and got a free subscription from the points we've earned on My Coke Rewards.  I couldn't wait to get started on some of the ideas from the magazine!  DBF cut a piece of wood to fit inside one of our dresser drawers and I rolled up all my t-shirts, using the wood as a divider to keep the sections separate.  I have enough room to roll a second layer of shirts on top and this was I can see everything I have all at once.  What a clever idea!

Da boyfriend and I went to a craft fair over the weekend and I spotted this beautiful key chain. Isn't the pattern gorgeous?  

On to the improvements!  I'm so happy that the whole first level of the house is finally done.  Well except for the bathroom, but that's going to be several years before we're able to afford to redo it.  The closet doors are still up, we're going to switch them 

Before...

and AFTER!  The carpeting over the nasty tile floor has made a world of difference.  It actually feels nice to walk on the floor now!  And the light blue paint really brightened up the room.  I love the contrast of the moulding against the paint.

Before....

and AFTER!  Isn't this bench adorable?  We picked it up from Bed, Bath & Beyond and the coat rack is from Christmas Tree Shops.  This whole level is so happy and cheerful now.  And cool, the tile floor under the carpet keeps the floor refreshingly cool to the touch.  It feels like this level is air conditioned.  Its not so nice in the winter, but for now, it feels wonderful.

I've had this little table for years, picked it up at AC Moore forever ago.  Its the first thing you see when you walk up the stairs and is a great place for keys, mail, junk from your pockets, etc.

I don't think I ever took a before picture of this part of the room, but there used to be a door at the base of these stairs.  We think the previous owners had turned the house into a mother/daughter and put in the door to give this level a little privacy.  It was handy when doing demo, we could easily block Shadow and Gigi from coming downstairs and being in the way.  But it blocked the light switch there on the wall and was a pain in the ass, so off it went.  Such little changes that make such a huge difference!

I Don't Always Find NBPR Rebates in the Store...

but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis. :)  I got lucky tonight and found a bunch of NBPR rebates on my travels - Dos Equis $25/$40 beef, chicken, seafood and/or tortillas (Exp 5/31, DOSNA011), Heineken $10/$10.01 fresh/prepared food (Exp 7/31, HKNNA038) and Amstel $25/$100 Groceries (Exp 9/30, AMLNA004 - says "receipt" so you'd have to spend $100 all at once). 

I love going grocery shopping on Friday nights!  The stores are nice and empty, the teenage cashiers who could give a hoot about my coupons are working and there's no traffic getting to and from the stores.  Plus its the end of the sale week for stores like ShopRite and Price Chopper, so I sometimes find clearanced meat, and the start of the sale week for Stop & Shop, so they aren't out of stock on anything yet.  Love it!

Price Chopper

• Hellmann's Mayo $2 with in-circular coupon (and addt't $10 or $15 purchase - can't remember which) used $1 coupon (5/20 RP) = $1
• 5 Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts $1 each, got back $4 catalina (WYB 5) = $1 or $0.20 each
• 6 Ball Park Hot Dogs $3.99 each, B1G2 free sale and used two $1 off 3 coupons (5/6 RP) = $5.98 or $0.99 each *There's an in-circular coupon for Kingsford charcoal at $4.99 WYB 3 Ball Park hot dogs.  We don't have a grill yet so I passed on this 
• Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst $2.50
• 4 Nabisco Crackers - Wheat Thins/Triscuits $2 each, used two $1 off 2 tearpad coupons (my mom found these for me so I'm not sure what store she got them from) = $6 or $1.50 each
• Total was $13.48

I'll use the meat towards a $10 Heineken NBPR rebate on $15.01 of meat and/or seafood (Exp. 7/31, HKNNA039).  As I was checking out, the guy ahead of me was also buying mayo so I gave him a second $1 coupon I had on me.

Stop & Shop - bought 5 OM before this so I'd be able to use the $4 catalina to pay for my larger order

• 5 Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts $1 each, got back $4 catalina (WYB 5) = $1 or $0.20 each
• 4 Land O Lakes Half Sticks Butter $3 each, used four $0.75 coupons (this was from coupons.com a while back but there's also a $1 coupon in the 4/29 SS) = $1.50 each
• 6 Crystal Lites $2 each, used three $1 off 2 tearpad coupons and got back $3 instant savings (WYB 6 qualifying items) = $1 each  *In NY (and possibly other states as well), the Crystal Lite is a gas deal instead of instant savings deal.  I bought these in NJ
• 4 Steak-Umms $4.49 each, BOGO sale = $2.24 each
• 2 Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage $4.49 each, BOGO sale and used two $0.55 coupons = $2.29 or $1.14 each
• 2 1/2 Gallons Milk $2.29 each
• Used $4 catalina, total was $28.85

I'll use the meat towards a second $10 Heineken NBPR rebate on $15.01 of meat and/or seafood (Exp. 7/31, HKNNA039)

The Oscar Mayer packages say "Great for Snacking."  Now I ask you, have you ever had the munchies and thought to yourself, hmm, some ham sounds good right about now?  I didn't think so.  This catalina deal is working at ShopRite too, I just didn't find these size packages there.  It also works on the larger/normal sizes of cold cuts too.

ShopRite

• 2 Children's Allegra (6 ct) $3.49, used two $5 coupons (5/6 SS) = $3.02 profit
• 6 Ears of Corn $0.17 each
• 3 Raid Ant Baits $2.79 each, used three $1 coupons (5/20 SS) = $1.79 each
• Hot Dog Rolls $1.50
• 4 B&M Beans $0.99 each
• Snapple 1/2 Gallon $1.99 - bought this for a TMF rebate but just realized that was for a full gallon so I'll take this back
• Used $2 catalina and $0.15 bag discount, total was $9.35

5/27 - 6/2

CVS

• Mars Chocolate Singles (1.08-2.15 oz) $0.75, get back $0.75 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• Pepsi 12 packs four for $14 and get 5th case FREE = five for $14 *$1 coupons here

Rite Aid

• Snapware Containers 25% off - $2.99 and up, use $2 coupon (4/29 SS)
• Pepsi 12 packs $4, buy three and get back $3 UP (Limit 2) *$1 coupons here

Walgreens

• Ecotrin (45 ct) $1.50, buy two and use two $1.50 coupons (5/6 RP) and get back $2 RR (WYB 2) = $2 profit
• Skintimate Shave Cream/Gel $2.99, use $1 coupon (5/13 SS) and get back $2 RR = FREE/$0.01 profit
• Youtheory Collagen Type 1 & 3 Tablets (120 ct) $7, get back $7 RR = FREE
• Tecnu First Aid Gel (2 oz) $7, get back $7 RR = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

• Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Neti Pot TMF up to $14.99 Exp. 7/13/13 (Email me at frugalsuz at hotmail.com and I'll forward you the form)
• Bounce Outdoor Fresh 8 Month Dryer Bar $5 rebate Exp. 6/30/12
• Febreze Noticeables "Trade Up" Valid up to $3.50 Exp. 6/30/12 (Starts 1/1/11)
• Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist Starter Kits (up to $4.99) or Refills (up to $3.99) Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/12
• Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/12
• Hill's Science Diet Ideal Balance dry pet food TMF up to $12.99 Exp. 12/31/12
• P&G Spend $50 on Venus, Olay, Secret, CoverGirl, Clairol, Herbal Essences, Aussie, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, Safeguard, Ivory, Crest 3D White, Always and/or Tampax, get back $10 and P&G makes a $10 donation Exp. 6/5/12
• Pantene Satisfaction Guarantee - up to 2X your purchase price Exp. 6/30/12
• Physician's Formula Organic Wear Lash Boosting Mascara TMF Up to $9.95  Must include "Try Me Free" label from product to qualify Valid 11/1/11 - 10/13/12
• Physician's Formula Cosmeceutical Youth Boosting Concealer TMF Up to $12.95 Must include "Try Me Free" label from product to qualify Valid 1/1/12 - 12/31/12
• Physician's Formula Cosmeceutical Youth Boosting Foundation TMF Up to $14.95 Must include "Try Me Free" label from product to qualify Valid 1/1/12 - 12/31/12 
• Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/29/12
• Stouffers Farmers' Harvest Steam Perfect Bags Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 9/1/12

• Vaseline Body Lotion (10 - 32 fl oz) Satisfaction Guarantee up to $7.99 Exp. 7/31/12
• Zyrtec10mg Tablets (3, 5, 14, 30 or 40 ct), 10 mg Liquid Gels (12, 25 or 30 ct), Children’s Zyrtec (any size) or Zyrtec-D (any size) Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 12/31/12

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

• Arm & Hammer Single Use Laundry Detergent Power Paks sticker (hot pink color) TMF up to $9.99 Exp. 12/15/12
• Dickinson's Facial Cleanser Hangtag TMF Exp. ?
• Finesse Color Lock Styling Product $2 rebate Valid 4/22 - 7/22/12 (or 4/22 SS)
• Freeman Facial Anti-Stress Mask Hangtag TMF Exp. 12/31/12
• Oxi-Clean Dishwashing Booster TMF Exp. 12/1/12