Christmas is Coming

Christmas is coming and it's coming soon!

I haven't forgotten all  that  I've  promised you,  it's just  there  have  been  just  a few teeny tiny stepping blocks along the way.

Mainly the stinkin  computer... it won't load the pictures. What's a blog without pictures?

I'm  trying to take  lots  and  lots  of  pictures  of  everything  I've promised and all the fun we've  been having and load them all at once on picture CD.

Sam's is  going to  load  over 200 pictures on  1 CD  for  me for one price of course. Shhh... it's only like $2 and some stinkin change. Now don't  go and tell everybody because we don't want the lines to be long. It doesn't even take them an hour. We are frugalistas after all!!! ALWAYS remember that!!!

My family doesn't just have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then it's over...no sir and mam.... we have the big family Christmas and then Christmas visits with our friends and neighbors and then parties and then New Year's Eve and then New Year's Day Brunch. 

THE PARTY  HASN'T EVEN  STARTED  !!! 

Now I  have to get back to work and we will for sure talk later.


Happy Festivities,

The Cute Couponer 

"My Grown Up Christmas List"

The best sign that you really have grown up is knowing that this is your real Christmas List.

1. No More Lives Torn Apart

2. Wars Would Never Start

3. Time Would Heal All Hearts

4. Everyone Would Have A Friend

5. Right Would Always Win

6. Love Would Never End

This is my grown-up Christmas List this is my only  life-long wish.

Hope Your Enjoying The Holiday Season,

The Cute Couponer 

Everything is Special in December

What's Coming This Holiday Season


Mom's Christmas Open House

Doggie Christmas Fashion Show of 2010

Lots of Shopping Trips (even if they are last-minute)

Cookies and Christmas Treat Recipes

Apartment Decor at Christmastime

Christmas Light Show Tour

Designer Labels for a Dollar $
    


Simple and Spectacular Christmas Craft



Beverages of Christmas

Boutique Shopping at Christmas Time

Hope you enjoy a little hint on about all the special times to come this month.

I Can't Wait to Share,

The Cute Couponer

  

Oh Where Does The Time Go

First of all, Is it Thursday again already?

I've only made it shopping to two stores this week and the trips were just little mini ones.

If I can ever get this computer to consistently load pictures I guarantee you will like this blog so much better.

I think Santa needs to bring me a new computer for Christmas. Hint...hint...

I can't begin to tell you how much Christmas shopping I have left to do but I am holding out for some real deals.

Not sure what has gotten into me this year but I have truly become a cheap skate. Last night I hit Wally World....aka Wal-Mart and I only walked out with one tiny little thing.

Pitter Patter my heart ... but even I can wait for some better deals. 

In the meantime I have to bake and decorate up a storm. 

So many of you who know me personally always ask why I don't write more about my decorating and cooking projects and I want you to know I have decided that I want to. What do ya'll think about a couponing, decorating, cooking, and singing blog complete with blog pups? How's it sound?

See by using coupons I can free up other cash in order to have the moolaa to finance some of my other passions... like decorating, cooking, and singing.  For those of you who have performed you know those outfits ain't cheap. ( Sorry mom and grandma for using the word ain't but I am trying to make a point :)

If your going to do something don't they say.... GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!!!!!

Anyway toodaloo I need to start my photos. I have so much to do over the next three weeks. Let's all pray to the coupon gods together to see if they well send us some killer deals.

Have A Happy Day,

The Cute Couponer

Super Saturday Shopping

 
I found this picture a few months ago. It's my Grandpa, his neighbor Lee, and me. My Grandpa has since passed away and I miss him terribly everyday, especially at this time of year. He used to play Santa on the Lake and I got to go along and play an elf and give stockings full of goodies to all the kiddos on the lake. His memory always helps me to remember, it's better to give than receive!




On to Super Saturday,



I went Super Saturday shopping at the mall and I came home with absolutely nothing. 


Now those of you who know me know this might come as quite a shock. 



There doesn't seem to be any great deals yet this year.


In fact the only thing I bought was a set of doggie steps  at Walgreens on sale for $6.99.

I'll show you a picture once I put them together.


For real, there isn't much out there yet. I'm crossing my fingers and saying my prayers hoping that  there are many deals to come.

So back to cooking and decorating I go.




Happy Saturday,


The Cute Couponer

Super Saturday

I had huge dreams of going Black Friday shopping but they were all totally smashed when I found out a had to work ....GRRRR!!!!!!!!!

I'm not even in retail!

So anyway my Black Friday has turned into Super Saturday and I can't wait to hit the stores later.


Check Back this week to see what I can find.

Happy Shopping,

The Cute Couponer

Happy Turkey Day

Happy Turkey Day to you and yours!!!


I have lots in store over the next few months.

Happy Shopping Tomorrow,

The Cute  Couponer

Getting Ready for the Major Shopping

I have so much to say and so little time...

1st ---- go buy lots of Sunday papers today......I mean alot

2nd ----google black Friday ads

3rd-----write down what you really want

4th------create a plan to go and get it

5th---- stay tuned to the cute couponer I have big plans over the next few months..

Let's see how I finance Christmas this year!

Happy Preparations,

The Cute Couponer

Back In The Game

It's Time!

It's just about that time again to get back in the game.

The great money saving game of couponing.

I want and need to save lots of money.

Stay tuned! Many exciting things are coming!

I spent the day cleaning up egg-nog. This morning I had the bright idea to re-arrange my living room and set my glass of egg-nog on top of the entertainment center and down it went. To be exact, to the VCR, the DVD player, the TV, the antenna, the remote, the boxes the picture frame and don't forget the wall. Who knew how sticky egg-nog could really be!!!!!!!!!!!

If the egg-nog wasn't enough I went to vacuum the bedroom and the heater cover fell off, I didn't even touch it! Then I opened the closet door and the door knob went flying off. Did I mention ants are coming out of my shower where the maintenance people have yet to replace the shower stall and I still have no faucet. My sink is full of dirty dishes and the hot water doesn't work. The cold water has no pressure and I've had enough! My lease is up soon and I am so going back to the wonderful world of living in a house! 

Pardon Me!

My doggie Holland just threw up all over the furniture and Little Miss decided to hop up on the computer chair and eat my dinner why I was taking care of Holland. I'm a great multi-tasker, I can eat and type.

Just think It's only Sunday! 

Hmm...

No wonder I haven't had time for couponing lately.

Have A Great Week,

The Cute Couponer

I'm Back

Hello to my dear sweet loyal followers. I know I have abandoned you for the last month and I apologize profusely! There have been some super huge changes going on in my life which have left little time for couponing. Now that things are settling back down again I will be back to deals in no time. Please don't think I am going to abandon you during the absolute best shopping season of the year. I have missed you all dearly and can't wait to hear from you. Thank you for all the wonderful messages telling me you miss me and checking in on me. Please start checking back soon.

Can't Wait to Share,

The Cute Couponer

Multiplicity

 Happy Sunday Ya'll! It's already been an absolutely crazy day. I have yet to get to the store to buy some papers. Going to do that in a few. With all the craziness the last few weeks I can't help but think I should multiply myself x 4. One person to take care of the house, one person to take care of the family, one person to work, and one person to shop and socialize. It that a terrible idea really?

Wish me luck today as I finally try to get a grip on my revolving to-do list. I have upteen posts to catch up on and you won't believe all the pictures I need to add to the blog. So many plans so little time.


Happy Rest of The Weekend,


The Cute Couponer

Eloise is Home/ Grandma in Hospital Does the Madness End?

100 Stolen dog posters, $150 in gas, countless phone calls, and so many miles walked Eloise is FINALLY home. Some friends of the people who took her called me and told me the situation. A surprise visit from the police worked and they returned her to our backyard. Praise God!

Finally, thought I could sit down and look at coupons and start my Halloween decor and then Grandma ends up in the Heart Hospital.


Oh my Goodness! Lord may I please have a break?



Be Back Soon,


The Cute Couponer

Lost Dog Reward Available

Hi everyone! My little black and tan manchester terrier has gone missing. She is a friendly little girl who has asthma and needs her medicine. She was lost sometime Sunday evening or Monday morning. If you know anything please contact me via e-mail at singinglady5@hotmail.com or the comments section of this post. I can't get the picture added so you can see what she looks like.Stupid blogger! Uugh! She went missing from Bethany, OK or Oklahoma City. I am offering a reward for information leading to her return. Please any information would be greatly appreciated.

Please note I will be taking a break from blogging until I can bring my baby home. She is everything to me and I need to focus  my attention on finding her and getting her home safely.

Please Keep Her In Your Prayers,


The Cute Couponer

Amen It's A Sale

Well yesterday, I had to go running around to my local grocery stores to pick up their new sale ads and finally, score! Buy For Less is having an anniversary sale. Nothing major but a few different deals I can live with. Pork Roast is on sale for $1.00 a pound the limit is 4 a day. Hmm, wonder if I can shop everyday until Tuesday when the new ad comes out?

I am for sure going to hit the sale tomorrow morning, I will let you know how I do.


Happy Shopping,

The Cute Couponer

Born To Shop

My mechanic told me yesterday he is going to change out the tag on the front of my car to say "born to shop" vs "love to sing." Now you might ask why does my mechanic know I shop alot? Well I don't know. Beats me! Apparently everybody has heard. I do love to shop ALOT but there is just one problem... there is no shopping to be done. That's right! No shopping. I was thinking that once again we would have a great week but man this man totally blows with shopping. It doesn't help that my internet is still not hooked up, don't ask, and I have to come over to my mom's to post on my blog but people the stores have nada going on. So since we can't shop we are so going to have to talk about more fun things like decorating.

Today and tomorrow I will be at mom's helping her get her house all decked out for Fall. I have great plans. First, I have to get the lawn back in shape with grass seed thanks to our Summer drought and then we will talk via photo later in the week.

I will see you in a couple days.


Happy Decorating,


The Cute Couponer

"Why They Call It Falling"

My mom happens to live in one of the prettiest places in America during the Fall Season. Old houses with pretty porch swings, towering oak trees, and white picket fences. Last year we had over 120 trick or treaters. I plan on spending my day tomorrow cleaning the house and starting my Fall decor for the upcoming weekend with my dear friend Carrie. I am so excited!

I don't know what it is about Fall but it has quickly become my favorite season. I love Pumpkin Spice frappucino's, rose hips, pumpkins, and scarecrows.Maybe it's the homemade caramel corn and candy apples. It could possibly be my pumpkin spice bread, apple cider, or even roasted pumpkin seeds.


If there is a season where I have big plans it's Fall. Every year I take my munckins trick or treating. That's right doggie trick or treat. I will show you pictures this year just to prove it!

In the next few days I am hoping to load some pretty pictures of my Fall decor. As the trees change, look forward to the prettiest show of leaves you have ever seen. Maybe the people in Vermont can compete!

I hope each one of you has started to think about the upcoming season and share your thoughts. Do you have any Fall family traditions? Can't wait to hear.


Happy Fall,


The Cute Couponer

Time To Plan A Party

Well, is it Wednesday already? Sorry about yesterday's post not much to report. I hit the store for a few, and I mean just a few deals. I bought yogurt 4/$1 not great but OK. Cubes of ice-cream were .99cents (limit 2). I would have bought 10 or 20 if they had allowed but only 2. I bought carrots 2 packages for $1.00 and voila that is the extent of my shopping.  NOW EVERYONE CAN SEE WHY I AM BUYING 10 SETS OF COUPONS A WEEK!

The only killer deal I saw this week was those bags of lettuce for .50 cents a piece at Aldi so I am going to stock up on a few. Since the deals are slow and I need to put the finishing touches on my new place I decided that I need to throw a party. My dear best friend is coming in from Kansas this weekend and we have big plans. I will take lots of pictures. Hopefully she will bring lots of great luck with her so come Sunday we can go shopping for some killer deals. I am going to show her how this couponing thing rolls in person.

I finally got my new monitor for my computer, now if the cable company will just install me already I can upload all my pictures of the great recipes I have to share and of course the upcoming party pictures.

Hope You Have A Fantastic Week,

The Cute Couponer

More Moving

I am 100% sure that I am sick and tired of moving. Today I am finally going to hit the grocery store for a few things we can't go one more day without, like toilet paper. Tomorrow we will see if I can finally get a good deal on everything else when the grocery store fliers come out. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!


As of today I am still without cable, there are still only 3 drip pans, and I am still waiting for them to come and fix my shower. The water only sprays out of 1/2 of the shower head and then comes out of the faucet. Very entertaining! Thank God I don't pay the water bill. :) !

My new neighbors totally rock and the dogs absolutely adore them. The newbies have to be the friendliest people I have ever met. We have spent many evenings sitting on the front porch laughing our heads off. One of them is a retired marine his stories are fantastic. Maybe I will ask him if I can share one or two.

I will let you all know how I do at the store tonight. I've never heard of clearance toilet paper but I would sure love to find some. That reminds me I need to order some coupons too.

Alrighty people have a fantastic evening and I will visit with you all tomorrow. I will pray that we get some killer deals soon.

Happy Shopping,


The Cute Couponer

Roll With It Baby

So all week long I have been thinking about what to write about. I can't write about recipes because the new oven doesn't work. Now the 3rd oven works but the drip pans don't fit. I can't write about couponing because there are no good sales this week, unless of course I want to stock up on Alive vitamins. I need everything people I have no food since the move! We are going to starve and I refuse to pay full price. I can't write about gardening because I haven't had time to plant. Bottom line people have you ever had a week where you work your hiney off and the end of the week rolls around and you say," what the heck did I get done all week?" That's me this week!. I am so ready to settle in on this temporary move so the permanent move will come faster. Don't worry I will share with you over the next few months the reason I opted for the temporary move. Now Sunday I am so hoping the sales improve so I can show you some serious deal making. In the meantime I have like 3 more boxes to unpack and a few more things in my kitchen to settle and I have to make a trip back to storage to find things like my can opener, cutting board, and silverware.

Now who would of thought that a girl would need silverware or her dust ruffle?


We will talk on Sunday and I will be back daily, I SWEAR, come then.

Have a Fabulous Weekend,

The Cute Couponer

I Haven't Forgotten You

Alrighty so we made it through the challenge. I think it's safe to say I lost a few pounds too. I saved a fortune and broke a nasty habit. I would say I saved around $400.00. The $400.00 came in very handy for my recent temporary move. I will only be where I am at for 6 months so that means I must restock my stockpile from scratch. I think it's safe to say I have like 10 things to eat in the house. The worst thing about moving besides the moving everything part is that my new oven and stove don't work. Brand spanking new too. I have been waiting a week for them to come and fix it. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!

I have had to eat out a handful of times this week and it hasn't tasted worth a darn. I'm pretty sick of sandwiches and tv dinners too. Let's hope for some great sales this next week because there is nada going on this week.

I have plenty of recipes to share with you but bare with me for awhile because the cable and internet people can't install for 2 weeks. Is anyone else feeling my pain?

So please share everyone, how did the challenge work? Did you save money? Did you cheat? Are you going to keep doing it?

I can't wait to hear.

Happy Shopping,

The Cute Couponer

Trucking Along

I know my posts have been a little lean the last few days but I am preparing to make a temporary move to a new place until I buy a more permanent home. In other words I'm moving and bare with me.

Today is day 16, we are more than 1/2 way done. Woo hoo! I have a confession to make though, I kinda sort of made a itty bitty mistake. I had to go out of town a week ago and stopped at the gas station and why I was in there bought a pop. Really, I should have gone to the grocery store and bought some for the road but I didn't. Shame on me.

Stopping in at 7-Eleven and buying something without thinking about it tells me everything though. Many of our most costly food decisions are impulsive. It's no wonder McDonald's makes a fortune. When you are in a hurry and tired watch out they know how to get your money.

On a side note, I will resume all of my shopping sometime next week, unless of course, there are some killer deals this week.

How are all of you doing? Any boo-boo's?

I am buying pizza for all my buddies who are helping me move this next weekend but it's from Papa Murphy's Take n' Bake and I have a coupon. My mom says it's like a pizza store. What's the difference if I buy it from the pizza store vs. the grocery store?  I tend to agree with her.

I have to get back to work now.

Happy Monday,

The Cute Couponer

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad Yummy!

I want to share with you one of my favorite simple recipes. This is good any season of the year.

Ingredients

3 Tomatoes ( use your favorite kind) -cut up into small chunks
2 Cucumbers -peeled and sliced into small pieces
1 Red Onion ( you can also use sweet white or vidalia) peeled and chopped into small pieces
1 tsp. Cilantro
1 tsp. Lemon Juice (fresh if you can)
1 drizzle of Olive Oil
2 pinches of Celtic Sea Salt

Take a medium size bowl dump the veggies in it. Toss in the Cilantro and sprinkle on the lemon juice. Cover it all with just a drizzle of Olive Oil and the 2 pinches of Celtic Sea Salt.

Stick it in the fridge to cool for 30 minutes and serve it up.

Happy Eating,

The Cute Couponer

"Pretty in Pink Strawberry Cake"

Last week at work I literally tasted the most divine strawberry cake ever. I don't use the word divine often since very few situations warrant it but this cake, which was originally designed to be cupcakes, deserves the title. Thank you Debby for sharing it with me.

Ingredients For the Cake

1 Package of Plain White Cake Mix
1 Package of Strawberry Gelatin
1 C. Finely Chopped Fresh Strawberries with juice.  ( Feel free to use frozen if you don't have fresh.)
3/4 C. Milk
3/4 C. of Vegetable Oil
 4 Large Eggs


Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Place the cake mix, gelatin, strawberries, juice, milk, oil,and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Use your electric mixer and blend it all together. Really make sure it is all  thoroughly mixed together.

Once you are ready, pour it into your greased 9x13 Pyrex dish.

Stick it in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

While you are waiting make sure you enjoy licking the bowl. (It's the best part of cooking!)

When it's done pull it out and let it cool.

Now for the best part...

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

1 8oz. Package of Cream Cheese at room temperature.
4 T. (1/2 stick) of Butter at room temperature
3 to 3 1/2 C. of Powdered Sugar (Sift it if you need to)
1/2 C. Fresh cut up Strawberries

Stick the cream cheese and the buuutter in the mixing bowl and stir it all up.Now add 3 Cups of the Powdered Sugar and whip that baby on again.Make sure it all turns fluffy. If you want it a little thicker add another 1/2 C. Powdered Sugar.

Once you have reached your desired fluffiness ( I so love that word) than spread it all over the cake.

Don't be shy make it pretty and cover every last bit of it.

Last but not least if you have a few more strawberries stick them on top for garnish.



Strawberries are necessary for me kinda like chocolate is necessary for some women. Strawberries are heaven.

Hope You Enjoy...

Have A Berry Good Day,

The Cute Couponer

Tuna Casserole

I think this has to be an American favorite.

Ingredients

1 Bag of Egg Noodles (Don't fret if you don't have egg noodles and noodle will do.)
2 Cans of Tuna ( Drained)
2 Cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 Cans of Milk (Just dump the milk into the soup cans when they are empty to measure LOL)
1 Block of Velveeta Cheese ( If you are out of Velveeta just use 1 1/2 C.'s of Shredded)
1 Pkg. of Saltine Crackers (Potato chips work great if you are out of crackers.)

First things first, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Boil your water for your egg noodles. Cook them however long the package says ( I like to under cook mine just a tad.) When you are ready, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Next, take a small saucepan and dump the 2 cans of soup and 2 cans of milk in it. Put it on low and keep stirring it until it's very smooth and creamy.

Just when it turns smooth, cut up 3/4 of the block of Velveeta (into little chunks) and dump it in. Keep stirring it until it is all melted in together. Please make sure you leave it on low or you will end up with a scorched pan.The last thing you wanna do is clean up a super messy kitchen!

Now for the fun part. Take out a 9x13 Pyrex casserole dish ( or a metal pan if you don't have Pyrex) spray it with just a little Pam ( it works wonders for cleaning up.) Spread a few noodles on the bottom and then take a gravy ladle and pour in a little of the soup mixture. Keep rotating noodles and then soup. My grandpa and grandma taught me to do this and it makes every casserole much juicier. Only fill the dish 3/4 of the way full.

If you have extra put it in a small baking dish and you can have it for lunch tomorrow. That is if there is any left.

Now If you are using Velveeta cut the last 1/4 up in tiny little chunks and throw it on top. If you have a package of shredded cheese just spread some more across the top. The cheese is my favorite part.

Last, open your bag of crackers and crumble them on top. Potato chips work great too if you are out of Saltines.

Cover your dish with foil and stick it in the oven for a good 30 minutes. We like ours juiiiiiicyyyy!

When the timer goes off pull it out and serve it up.

My family and friends have absolutely no problem just eating the casserole. If you like serve it with a salad and some of your favorite bread.

With Fall just around the corner and having been sick, there is nothing quite as delicious as comfort food.

Now the answer to your question is yes I have pictures and of course in true Cute Couponer fashion I can't get them to load either.  Don't know if it's me or the camera. I know what your thinking and your probably correct it's me... Watch for the pictures to be added to all the recipe posts this week. I kidnapped a camera expert to do it.


Happy Cooking,

The Cute Couponer

Sick and Making It Day 9

 Don't ask me how but I woke up Saturday morning feeling miserable. Not eating out and not eating period hasn't been much of a problem the last three days. Sorry for my lack of posts this weekend, I haven't been feeling great. It's day 9 and I've still been a good girl and haven't been eating out. I will double up on my recipe posts to make up for this weekend.

I think we are all doing well hanging in there considering computer problems, camera problems, the egg recall, and being sick.

I've made it this far and I have no plans to turn back now.


Back to Bed,

The Cute Couponer

Dr. Pepper Brownies Day 6

I know my recipes have been a long time coming, but I want to share with you one of my new favorites. Dr.Pepper brownies sound weird but I can assure you they are delicioussssssssss.

For the batter

1C. butter
1C. Dr.Pepper
2C. Flour
2C. Sugar
1tsp. Salt
4 Tbsp.of cocoa
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. vanilla

First, heat the butter and Dr.Pepper on stove until butter is melted.  Make sure you have the temperature is on low.


Next, mix the dry ingredients together.

Then combine the buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla. Then add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Make sure it's distributed evenly.

Then add the Dr.Pepper mixture. (it's very runny)


Pour into a 13x9" Pyrex dish and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.



Now for the frosting...

Bring to boil
1/2 C. Butter
6 Tbsp. Dr.Pepper
3 Tbsp. of Cocoa


Once boiling mix with 21/2 C. of Powdered Sugar. You want the icing to be warm and you wanna spread it on the warm cake.


Cut it into squares when it cools, and it stays warm forever. It must be the DP.

You might wanna serve these yummy brownies with a glass of milk. They are super sweet.

I wanna thank my friend Debra's sister in law Deanna for introducing me to this great new recipe.You might have noticed it's egg free.

I will add the pictures a little later this evening.

In the meantime, I have lots of cooking to do. Check back often this weekend.


Happy Friday Evening,


The Cute Couponer

Egg Recall

Happy Day 5 everyone,

 I am very busy cooking in the kitchen and have many recipes and pictures to share over the next few days. Just wanted to give you a quick reminder if you have bought eggs in the last few weeks double check your cartons with the recall #'s. Part of why I have procrastinated on my recipes is because I hadn't had time to look up the recall and sure enough mine are on the list. Bummer!

Here is a quote from the Huffington Post
"On one end of each egg carton is stamped with a number starting with a P (which stands for plant). If the number on your carton is P1720 or P1942, look carefully at the three-digit number that typically follows it. If that number falls within the range of 136 to 229, the eggs are part of the recall. (The numbers represent dates: The 136th day of the year was May 16; the 229th was Aug. 17.)
If you're checking eggs for the first time, also look for these plant numbers from the original recall: P1026, P1413, and P1946. That recall involved date numbers 136 to 225 (May 16 to Aug. 13)."


Mine fell into this category. This totally stinks. I have to go egg shopping to complete all my recipes. Yikes! Please excuse the delay.. Surely, by Friday evening I will find some good eggs.

Have A Great Thursday,


The Cute Couponer

Great Summer Drought of 2010

Ladies and gentleman welcome to what I call the Great Summer Drought of 2010.
The 1st picture above is what I used to call our grass. It hasn't seen rain in weeks.
Apparently all the money I am saving from not eating out is going to go to pay the $300.00 + water bill that waters the dead grass. Hmmm..... if you don't like a product at a store you return it.... I wonder what the city would say about a refund on my water bill?

This picture is what I like to call our former bushes. They sure did look pretty all Spring....

 This is what used to be a peach tree.... she's looking a little shabby right now.

My bush looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you think?

Even the violets are dying. I gave them a drink of water and it still didn't help one bit.

This is what's left of one of my favorite bushes... she's hanging on.

Just little bits of green... with hoses spread everywhere.

 Say bye-bye to the elephant ears and groundcover.

Toodaloo  front yard bushes

Nice seeing you this year hostas.....even the monkey grass is dying.

The webworms are out in full force.

Apparently I grow weeds very well.

Now this is what the trees look like... poor little things.

Wanna know the very worst part of it all? The leaves have already begun to fall. Uugh! I guess I can subtract 6 bags from the usual 189 I do every Fall. I'm so not kidding, I pick up 200 bags of leaves in our yard every year. It was 189 last Fall. I know I kept count.

Well my dreams of showing you pictures of our lush landscaping and beautiful flowers and veggie garden pictures are over for this year. I will definitely try again in Fall. Mums are already in the stores. Hmmm?

Hope It Rains Soon For Everyone,

The Cute Couponer

Just an Okie Prayin for Rain Day 4

Good Morning to Ya'll and happy day 5 of the challenge!


The Challenge is going great right now. I have several recipes planned to make this evening special. Last night we ate BBQ. I didn't have a recipe to share because I bought this prepackaged stuff at the grocery store and it was soooo good. Who knew prepackaged BBQ was soo good! BBQ beef sandwiches, BBQ beans with meat, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream sundaes for dessert. Yummmmy.... The best part is I get to take some for lunch today too.....

Some of you are putting your own spin on the challenge and I love it. Remember, this is about making it work for you and your family.  Many of you have asked does it count if you eat out. If you are not paying ... no is my answer... by all means eat out. I have a ton of those free drink coupons, no purchase necessary, from Taco Bell and I haven't used them yet... but you can bet your bottom dollar I will this month. What I mean is no out of pocket expense for eating out....

If you are participating in the challenge, first make sure you have clicked the follow button on the side of the blog. Second, e-mail me a picture of yourself if you like and a link to your blog if you have one, and a short story about you and your family. Everyone wants to know who you are. If you don't feel comfortable no biggie. I would love to share with the readers how it's going for you. Give us a general idea how much you spend eating out a month and what your food budget is.

On a side note, I don't know how all of your Summer's have been but ours has been long, dry, and hot. We haven't seen pretty flowers and green in weeks. The leaves are falling off the backyard trees it's soooo dry. I have prayed for rain and finally went to wash my car and it rained for a whopping $10 minutes. Can you believe that? I'm seriously considering washing my car everyday.....I wonder if that would work.... hmmm...

***Check back this evening and I will load the pictures to see the drought and all the recipe pictures.Something is going on with blogger right now and I can't get them to load I've been sitting hear for 53 minutes trying and I gotta run and get to work ***

Can't Wait to See What's Cookin In Your Kitchens,


  The Cute Couponer

Preparing For The Challenge Day 3

Happy Tuesday Morning to Ya'll

Well I spent most of last week in long lines at stores trying to cash in on a few deals that are few and far between. Knowing I was planning on spending more time at home for the next 30 days I wanted to make sure to wrap up some loose ends. Let me know how I did.....

First I moseyed ( I have no idea how to spell that word) to Target to pick up a few doggie deals for my munchkins. We get along MUCH better when they have treats and looots of them. Targets everyday price is $2.99 I had $2.00 off 1 coupons making them .99 cents a piece. Now had I been a good little couponer I would have had 10 inserts from May where there was a Target coupon in the paper for $1 off 1 and I would have gotten them all for free. See why it's important to buy multiple copies? That's why I'm stepping it up a notch.

While I was there I also wanted to get in on the magic tape deal at .17 cents a roll with coupon but of course they were out. No biggie though I got a few rain checks and had a few laughs and went along my merry way..

                                      
I made my now weekly mad dash into Staples and Office Depot where 90% of my stuff was free after rebates .....

                                       
I got this

                                         
and this

                                         
I bet you all know what I use these for...... look above

                                        

All the post-it's were totally FREE...... it was an internet printable.



Last but not least I needed lots of these since I am going to be home more cooking and all.....

Crest one of our local grocery stores in still having their Grand Opening Sale... and these Ziploc containers were on sale for .99 a piece..... I had $1.25 off 2 coupons so every two cost me .73 cents each.... Not too shabby.....


Now for the challenge, we really have been eating leftovers and things that were at risk of spoiling for the last couple of days so I don't have much to report. I am ready for lots of deals because I have lots of recipes to share and I absolutely refuse to pay FULL price.

How about you? There are six of us taking the challenge now. Can I get a Woo-Hoo! How are you ladies coming along? Any issues? Whatcha eatin? Anything good cookin in the kitchen? What's the fam think? I would love to know....

Look forward to many recipes in the very near future....


Happy Nesting,

The Cute Couponer

P.S. Many of you have e-mailed me telling me you have had trouble clicking the follow button. My understanding, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, is that you must have a hotmail or yahoo address. You can create a google account using an existing e-mail and it will let you follow. If you need help e-mail me.

Day 1 of The No Eating-Out Challenge

Happy Sunday evening to you all! What a crazy beginning to a new week. Wow, I can't say I have done anything  special today in preparing for the challenge. I did however spend the entire day painting this clubroom again. It's been three weeks since this project began.

Have no fear though I have lots of fabulous recipes lined up for the next 30 days and come Wednesday I plan on sharing them with you. First I decided I needed to use up the leftovers and everything that is at risk of going bad. Make sure you clean out your fridge and use up what you have before we go shopping for more. Wait that's not a coupon rule! I'm incredibly tired can you tell? I've had it with painting, I'm a wallpaper kind of girl. It goes up easy and is a cinch to clean up.

Well my assignments are simple for the next day or two I'm going to finish cleaning out the fridge. I wanna show you Monday night what I did this entire last week to get ready for this challenge. The digital camera is back and charged and ready to go.

Before I forget there are 5 of us taking the challenge. The more the merrier!

Now, finally a late night dinner at 10:00 p.m. and more painting.


Have A Fabulous Monday,


The Cute Couponer

Preparing For The Challenge

I know I have been a bit absent for the last few days but I have a great excuse! I have been preparing for the 30 day challenge. It hit me that if I am going to make this challenge work.....because you definitely know I am... then you know a girl must be prepared! I bought new dishes and looooooootttttsssssss of them! Lots and lots and lots.... in pretty colors too! Don't worry I will be sharing them with you over the next month. Make sure you check in Saturday to see my final preparations to get ready for the challenge. This is going to be a fantastic month of lots of exciting recipes, home interior tips, and shopping galore. I'm so excited to share it with you. 

Three of us have signed up for the challenge and I'm hoping a few more might hop in once we are started. 

Thanks so much for tuning in.... It's going to be a great ride.

See You Soon,

The Cute Couponer

Take The 30 Day No Eating Out Challenge

                            Starts Sunday August 10, 2010


I've been toying around with the idea of doing a 30 day no eating out challenge. That means no breakfast, no lunchie, and no din din eating out. It means no pop, no coke, no ice-cream sundaes, no chips out of the vending machine and no eating in the cafeteria at work. Every single time I eat out I realize that I can save a small fortune by eating at home and usually it taste sooo much better. My family and friends always say they wish I would just make it at home. NOW IF THEY WOULD JUST DO THE DISHES...WE WOULD HAVE A DEAL!!!!

After much thought and feedback I decided I'm so going to do it and with pretty pictures too. Don't worry I have my camera charger back I just can't get those darn pictures to load. I'm definitely thinking that in order for it to work right this is what's going to happen. I am going to post last night's dinner the next day. What do you think?

Everybody keeps telling me they want fast, affordable, easy, healthy, and fun recipes. It seems you all want to know how much it's going to cost too!

Now for the fun part, I want you all to take the challenge with me. Regardless of what the holiday or special occasion is why don't we all help each other out and take the challenge together. I promise to do my part and come up with delicious recipes and to stay true to my word. All I need for you to do is sign up to follow the blog and take the challenge with me. The reward to you is alot more money in your pocketbook at the end of the 30 days and a new habit that will save us all a fortune a year.

What I need for each of you to do is to start thinking about how much money you spend every month on eating out. Dig out those check card receipts ladies and gentleman.Estimate how much change you pop in the vending machine at work. Figure out just how much you spend at 7- eleven every single time you pop in for gas too. Don't forget to add Starbucks, the donuts you pick up on the way to church, and all the money you drop at the ice cream shop and food court at the mall. The only way this is going to work is if we are all honest with ourselves.

I almost screamed last night when I saw the $400 + a month we spent on eating out and all these silly little things,when I have a full pantry at home. In case you missed that it means I would give myself a raise of $4,800.00 a year.

So I pose this challenge to all of you. Will you join me? Can you or will you choose to take the 30-day no eating out challenge?

If you are going to participate please click the follow button on the side of the blog and post a comment at the end of this post.

Whatcha think? Can we or will we make it through the 30 Day No Eating Out Challenge?


Take the Challenge,


The Cute Couponer

10 Fabulous Things About Being A Couponer

1. You have plenty of food for lots of parties and it never breaks the bank.

2. If you like something and they discontinue it... you have a great supply until you find  
 something new you love.

3. You have money to spend on other things... like pretty clothes, shoes, bills, and braces.

4. No Credit Card Debt....I'm amazed at how many people put food on credit cards...eating out.

5. You save a fortune on food bills.

6.  You can make almost any recipe without going to the store.

7. Once you get good at couponing... you start finding coupons for everything.

8. You have plenty of gifts on hand for lots of parties and holidays.

9.  You limit how much you eat out... because you realize you are wasting money... and can   make it at home.

10. It's like playing a long, fun, and rewarding mathematical game.


If this doesn't convince you to coupon I don't know what will.
I'm at work and snuck online to write this. Shhh Don't tell. I have lots of things to share with you this week.

Happy Couponing,


The Cute Couponer

Eating Out

First of all I rounded out Saturday evening by taking my mom out for dinner and I must say I am so proud of her.  She is finally thinking like a true couponer.  Let's just say we had many errands to run together today and she definitely started to wear out so I left her in the car at a few stops, with the air-conditioner running, while I popped inside for a few end of the week freebies.

Walgreens was my first stop and I ran in to get the free Washable Crayola Markers, free women's vitamins, and free box of crayons. I wanted a raincheck for the .19 cent pkg.'s of pencils but my cashier refused to call the manager to write one and I didn't feel like arguing so on my way I went.

Half a dozen stops later I end up at Wally World and picked up some .50 cent end of Summer clearance glasses and came across the most adorable pink colored George Foreman Grill for $15.00. I had to have it! It's pink and only $15.00. The last one I bought 5 + years ago has since disappeared and was over $20 at Kohl's so I decided what the heck.

   Finally, I made it to Office Depot. Well all I can say is I was a bad little ad reader this week because I missed the reams of paper for $1, limit 2 per person, good for last Sunday only. Shame on me! I never have enough paper. It wasn't all bad. While I was there I calmed down the nicest older lady who was horribly upset they had nothing left. I told her not to worry there are many more sales to come. She seemed happy! What can I say I have a calming effect on people! :) I made it out the door with 3 pkg.'s of pens and 3 protractors for a grand total of .......98 cents. Even the cashier was surprised.

Well after a few more stops and a couple trips home my mom started whining saying I'm hungry! Isn't this backwards? Shouldn't that be me whining I'm hungry? Well, I offered to take mom to lunch but she just wasn't in the mood but dinner was another story. Seems that while I was running in and out of the store mom found my stash of Zio's Italian Kitchen Coupons that came in the Sunday paper two weeks ago and decided to give it a try. Now we love Zio's and frequent it often but I am trying to give up eating out so you know it had to be a good deal for me to give it a try. Get this, the family feast feeds 4 people at 19.99. The insert also gives directions for texting for a free appetizer. Let's break this down 4 meals and one appetizer for 19.99 SOLD!!! I was too tired to call anybody else to come with us so mom and I headed in and headed out full. Even the manager was impressed. The food would feed about 6 people. So 6 meals, 4 salads, and one appetizer for 19.99 + tax. I'm a happy camper. Did you hear the bells a ringing? Oh wait it's not Christmas time! For those of you who have a Zio's around I highly recommend stopping in. Oh I forgot to mention our traditional game of tic tac toe. Make sure you check your inserts from last Sunday's paper. If you don't have the code to text, e-mail me or flip the flier over to the front side and voila another free appetizer coupon.

Overall not a bad day for procrastinating from finishing up my redecorating project. Painting in 103 degree heat just isn't much fun. I will make sure to post my latest redecorating project pictures this next week. Of course it will finally be done. In the meantime, have lots of fun shopping and pick up several copies of tomorrow's paper.


Happy Dining Out,


The Cute Couponer


P.S. I have tried the online discount rest. coupons for my area and there is never anything good. That's why I gave in and went tonight. We needed a treat because I am about to start my 30 days of no eating out challenge. Not quite ready for that to begin though.

Valerie's Cheesey Steak Rolls

The other night I was looking for something simple and carefree to make for dinner. Knowing I had just bought a discounted pack of Flank Steak, $5.00 for a huge package to be exact, and having some fresh basil that was about to go bad I decided to get creative. (By the way Flank Steak is never this cheap)

 1 Medium Pkg. of Flank Steak
 8 Slices of Provolone Cheese
 1 Small Pkg. of Fresh Basil
 A Few pinches of Salt
 A Few pinches of Fresh Garlic ( I like the Organic glass jar stuff)
 A Few pinches of White Pepper
 A Dash of Greek Seasoning


  Lay out your flank steak and cover in the spices. Make sure you coat the front and the back. Take the provolone cheese and roll one slice of cheese and one piece of basil with every piece of flank steak into a roll. Think pinwheels. Do this until you have them all rolled up and then stick them in the oven (don't use toothpicks) on 350 degrees for 10 minutes and voila .... A simple elegant delicous dinner. I would of gladly taken pictures but my family wolfed these things down immediately. It has been requested that I make more so I promise when I do I will add the picture.


  On a side note my boss who comes to visit from New Jersey called me yesterday at work and told me she was checking out my blog again. She told me to start sharing my many recipes that I make with all the food I buy. Look Colleen,  I obeyed!

Happy Creating,


The Cute Couponer

Crest Grand Opening Sale Yippee!!!!

 The other night I was surfing the internet for deals to see if there was anything great this week. Much to my surprise I saw they were opening a new Crest on the other side of town. Knowing there wasn't a chance that I could make it down there this week I just decided not to be upset and realized more deals will come around again. So last night on the way home from work I decided to pop into my neighborhood Crest and much to my surprise a great big sign on the door greeted me saying GRAND OPENING SALE !!! I was a very happy lady!

  Now I didn't quite know which direction to turn first so I went through the entire store and this is what I found. I used a total of one coupon, because I didn't take them with me, and spent a whopping $68.00 and change.

 
 Del Monte canned goods for .40 cents a can limit 10.

Bulls-Eye BBQ Sauce for .68 a piece. I only bought two. I'm a KC Masterpiece girl and I like free. But I'm up for trying new things.

Penne pasta and pasta shells were .50 a piece

Rodeo hot dogs were .68 a piece. I only bought four because  I'm a Ballpark girl who prefers free.

Pop Tarts for $1.00

My favorite Juices for $1.00 a bottle

My favorite vice Crystal Light Green Tea for $2.50. There have been no coupons out for this stuff lately!

My favorite PB for $1.25 a jar

Easy skillet pkg. noodles 3 for $1.00

 Pasta Salad Pkg.'s for $1.00 This is the only coupon I used which was $1.00 off two making them .50 cents a piece. Yummy donuts were also only $1.00 a bag.


So overall, not bad for a last minute trip with zippo coupons! I picked up a few more odds and ends like a l6 oz bag of pretzels for $1.00. I bought three bottles of Chocolate milk and strawberry milk for .33 a piece and of course my favorite string cheese for $2.50.

For those of you  who live in Oklahoma go check out Crest Today.

Happy Grand Opening Shopping,


The  Cute  Couponer

Walgreens Friends and Family Day

Today only save an extra 20% in store at all Walgreens locations. Make sure to print this coupon. http://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/friendsandfamily.jsp?stop_mobi=yes&ec=hn8821_friendsandfamily 



I'll let you know what I found tonight.

Happy Couponing,


  The Cute Couponer

Surprise Clearance at Wally World

 Well my mom and I were on our 3rd trip to Home Depot ( I will tell you more about it later this week) and decided to pop on over to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. Sales seem rather grim for the week but I'm still waiting on three more stores ads to come out tomorrow so I decided to just get the bare necessities. My goal was simple to run in and out but then I saw this pile of people around these two shelves so you know I had to go see what was going on. Well in a matter of minutes the two shelves were more or less emptied but I was fortunate to be able to grab my fair share.

I bought 5 bottles of Ajax dish liquid for 50 cents a piece.

I also happened to score 20 packages of my favorite Hollandaise Sauce Mix for .50 a package and to make it even better the Bernaise sauce was discounted down to .50 too! Usually these are a $1.69 I have never seen them on sale and they are simply marvelous!

Well Jimmy Dean Gravy Mix that usually sells for $1.50 happened to be marked down to .50 and then something fabulous happened when I got to the register and they rang up .25 a piece. Lucky Me!

I bought 7 boxes Idaho Instant Mashed Potatoes marked down to .50 a piece, usually $2.00.

The yummy Cranberry Stove Top Stuffing was on sale for .50 a box and I bought two boxes. I would  never dream of making store bought dressing for the holidays but I might be in the mood for it a few times in Fall.

Last but not least the much coveted Terra Sweet Potato Chips. Now let me tell you how hard it is to get your hands on these things. First you have to drive to the other side of town to the health food store to pay $5.00 a bag for them and that's when they have them. When they are out you go to another far away grocery store almost the same distance away to pay almost $5.00 a bag for them too. The one time we found them at Wally World they were over $4.00 a bag  and they were stale. We forgot to check the date. EXPIRED!!!  Finally  today of all days with no coupons in hand my mom comes rolling up with 9 bags in her cart with the biggest grin on her face and says they are $2.58 a bag should I get them. I put a huge grin on my face knowing I have taught her well to stock up when things are on sale and said YES!!!  Don't worry I checked the dates for her.



You know sometimes when you least expect it there are deals right around the corner. Keep your eyes open wide and swing by Wally World today!


Have Fun Clearance Shopping Today,


The Cute Couponer