Whirlwind Grocery Week

**sidebar, I will be out ot town tonight through Tuesday, and won't be around a computer so everyone have a Happy Easter, and I'll see ya when I see ya!**


I love Harris Teeter during Triples week (but I'm exhausted so I'm glad it's over!) Also, it was a great week for paper goods at Food Lion! I spent WAY more than I usually do but I also bought a lot of stuff that I like to stockpile that we were low on.

First trip:

(quantity- item- retail price- what I paid)

4 Reynolds Baking cups- $4.76 $3.26
2 Mahatma rice- $1.78 FREE
4 Lysol 4in1- $11.96 FREE
3 Lysol toilet bowl cleaner- $8.07 FREE
1 Quaker True Delight bars- $2.99 $.74
4 Special K fruit crisp- $12.76 $3.76
2 Ortega refried beans- $2.58 FREE
3 French's yellow mustard- $5.37 FREE
1 French's spicy mustard- $2.15 FREE
1 French's honey mustard- $2.99 $.50
2 Frank's wing sauce- $5.98 $1.00
3 Bumble bee tuna pouches- $4.17 FREE
2 McCormick grinders- $5.58 $.75
2 Texas Toast croutons- $3.70 $.70
5.22lbs of chicken breast- $26.00 $8.98
3 lbs strawberry- $14.97 $4.99
2 Betty Crocker frosting- $3.98 $.98
2 Nestle Tollhouse morsels- $5.58 $1.08
1 Quaker rice snacks- $2.19 FREE
1 Natures Own bagels- $2.99 $.74
1 Natures Own rounds- $2.99 $.74
2 Heluva good onion dip- $3.98 $.48
2 Oscar Meyer turkey bacon- $5.98 $1.48
2 Glad forceflex- $9.98 $3.99
2 Glad odor shield - $9.98 $3.99
3 Quilted Northern 6pk - $17.97 $5.98
3 Brawny paper towels- $14.97 $5.98
2 ALL detergent- $11.98 $3.98
3 (5lb) whole fryer chickens-$19.35 $7.05

TOTAL RETAIL: $228.65
TOTAL SPENT: $61.05

TOTAL SAVINGS: $167.60 – 75%


Second Trip:


(taken separately because I left them at work for the ASPCA Drive)

1 Lysol toilet bowl Cleaner $2.69 FREE
2 No Yolk egg noodles $5.30 FREE
4 Dunkin Hines cake mix $5.00 $1.70
2 Dunkin Hines Frosting $3.98 $1.35
1 Bumble Bee Tuna $1.39 FREE
6 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls $16.14 $4.35
3 Betty Crocker Potato Pouches $4.50 $.06
15 Mighty Dog canned dog food $14.85 FREE
(used $1.50 from previous Catalina deal, and $4 Walgreens Register Rewards)

TOTAL RETAIL: $53.85
TOTAL SPENT: $.90 (!!!!!!!!!)


TOTAL SAVINGS: $52.95- 99%!

GRAND TOTALS:
TOTAL RETAIL: $282.50
TOTAL SPENT: $61.95
TOTAL SAVED: $221.45 OR 79%!

Here's a Tip Tuesday: Grillin' Time

**Before we get started, here are a few add on's to the tips from last weeks edition:

Sarah let us know: "I use baking soda to clean my shower!! It is amazing.. I used to scrub and scrub with those nasty chemicals and now it is a cinch!"

Amanda filled us in on more lemony goodness: "Just the other day, I learned if you cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, you can scrub your pots with them and they'll look shiny & new!"

Regan added: "Lemon~ freeze left over rind for a quick way to clean and deodorize your garbage disposal."**

Thanks so much ladies!! :)

On to this weeks HATT!

Last weekend Jason bought a massive, 140lb box. 3 hours later, a brand new commercial series, infrared, something-rather, grill was born. And I can't wait to sink my teeth into a piece of beef that has done some time on this baby (how to vegetarians do it?!?).


So, it seems fitting that with my mind on the grill, that I pass along a few tips about said topic.


Whenever barbecuing, use tongs to turn the meat. A fork should never be used as it will punch holes in the meat and allow the natural juices to escape, causing the meat to lose flavor and become chewy. Turning only once during cooking time is recommended.


When grilling corn, baste with butter or olive oil just as you would baste grilled meats.


Tomato and/or sugar based BBQ sauces should be added only at the end of the grilling process since these products burn easily.

Use leftover pineapple rind as "wood chips" when making tropical dishes.


Have some of this on hand at all times, (I use it on everything even in rice and on baked potatoes):

BBQ Rub:
1/4 firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sweet paprika
3 TBSP black pepper
4 TBSP coarse salt
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp celery seed
1 tsp cayenne pepper

If you're mouth isn't watering right now you might want to check your pulse! :)
Do you have any tried and true BBQ tips or tricks to the perfect grilled meal? Do share! :)

My Etsy Shop :)

I'm so excited (even though I only have a handful of items listed at the moment) to annouce the opening of my Etsy shop; The Paisley Lane.

A little background...it's called The Paisley Lane because Paisley Ln was the first street I ever lived on. Seems like something crafty/decor-aty has been my destiny since I was born!

Below is a picture if the types of items you will see in my shop. It will mainly be an etched glass gift shop if you will. There will be lots of options for personalization and monogramming (who can resist a monogram??).



In the coming days/weeks more items will be added, so come stop by!

Weekly Deal Round Up!

It's time again to highlight the best deals for the coming week. So get your coupons ready cause here we go!
WEEK OF 3/28


Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste 4oz or Oral-B Advantage Toothbrush 1ct $2.99= 2 ECB (Limit 1)
.75/1 Crest Toothpaste, 4 oz+ or Liquid Gel, 3/7 PG
B1G1 Oral B Advantage Toothbrush, 3/7 PG
$1/1 Oral B Pulsar, CrossAction or Advantage Toothbrush, 2/7 or 2/21 PG
Final cost: As low as FREE (buy 2: use B1G1 and $1/1)

Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers or Pull-Ups $8.99= 5 ECB wyb 2 (Limit 1)
(excludes Overnites)
$1.50/1 Huggies Pullups Training Pants, any jumbo pack+, 2/28 SS
$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers, 3/21 SS
$2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers diapers, 3/21 SS
$3/1 any Huggies Diapers, printable or printable or printable
$4/1 Huggies Diapers AND Huggies Wipes, CVS coupon printing on receipts
$2/1 Pull Ups 3/28 SS
$1.50/1 Pull Ups 2/28 SS
Final cost: As low as $3.49 each!

Crest Whitestrips 3D White 10-20ct. or Advanced Seal 14ct. at $39.99=10 ECB (Limit 1)
$10/1 Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal, 14 ct. or Crest 3D, 2/7 PGor 3/21 RP
Final Cost: $19.99 (the $39.99 starting pice is even cheaper than Wal-mart's $43 price tag)

Listerine 500 mL or pocket paks 72ct $1.99
$1/1 Listerine 1/3 or 3/7 RP
Final cost: $.99!

Revlon Makeup B1G1
$1/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic or Nail, 3/7 SS
$2/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic, 2/21 SS (expires on 3/28)
Final cost: varies

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts 8ct $1.66
$1.25/3 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts, 8 ct or higher, 3/28 RP
Final cost: $1.24 each wyb 3



Claritin 15-20 count $17.99
Get a $2 Single Check Rebate #12
Use the $3/$15 Rite Aid coupon found here (expires 3/31)
Use the $4/1 coupon from the 3/28 SS
Pay $10.99
Get back a $2 SCR
Final Cost $8.99!

Soleil, Comfort3 Advance, Hybrid or Flex 4 Disposable Razor 3-6 count $4.99
Get a $2 Single Check Rebate #41
Use the $2/1 coupon from the 3/28 SS
Final Cost $0.99!

Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant 3-3.25 oz./Secret Invisible Solid 2.6-2.7 oz. 2/$5
Get a $2 Single Check Rebate #45 (must purchase 2 deodorants to qualify)
Use the $1/2 Old Spice coupon from the 2/7 PG or 2/21 PG (both expire 3/31!) or from the 3/7 PG
Final Cost $1 each!

Hershey’s, Reese’s, Nestle or Cadbury Easter Bagged Candy 8-10 oz. $1.99
Use the $2/3 coupon from the 3/14 SS or found here
Final Cost $1.32 each!

General Mills Cereal (Fiber One, Honey Nut Cherrios, Total) Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Use $1/2 coupon from the 3/7 SS or 3/21 SS
Final Cost: ??

Coke and Coke Products 6 pack bottles 2/$5
Use the $1/2 in-ad coupon
Final Cost $2 each!

Excedrin 20-24 count 2/$5
Use 2 $1/1 coupons found here
Final Cost $1.50 each!

24 Hour Prevacid 42 count $25.99
Use the $5/$25 Rite Aid coupon found here (use zip code 43666)
Use the $10/1 coupon from the 3/28 SS
Final Cost $10.99!!

Clean & Clear Skin Care Products Save $2 with in-ad coupon
Buy 1 Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub $4.99 (based on on-line price)
Use the $2/1 coupon from here
Use the $2/1 in-ad coupon
Final Cost $0.99!

Dove Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers 2/$6
Use the $2/1 coupon from here
Final Cost $1!


Del Monte Canned Veggies 14.5 to 15.25 selected $.65$1/5 Del Monte Canned Fruits, Vegetables (11-15.25 oz) 2/7 RP
$1/8 Del Monte Canned Fruits, Vegetables(11-15.25oz) 3/21 RP
Final cost: as low as $.45 each

Revlon Color Stay 12 hour eye Shadow $4.99
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick $4.99
Revlon 1oz PhotoReady Liquid Makeup $9.99
Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick $6.99
$1/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic Product or Nail Enamel, 3/7 SS
$1/1 Revlon Lip Color Cosmetic MQ on Target Site PRINT
$1/1 Revlon Face Color Cosmetic MQ on Target Site PRINT
Final Cost: varies

Air Wick iMotion or Freshmatic $6
$1/1 Air Wick I Motion Starter kit Target Q printable x4/3
$5/1 Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra i-Motion Starter Kit,, 3/7 SS
$1/1 Air Wick Scented Oil Twin REfill pack OR 2 single Refills, 3/28 SS
$4/1 Airwick scented oil i-motion starter kit, 3/7 SS

Easter Candy $2.69
Reese’s Miniatures 11oz
$2/3 Hershey’s Easter Candy (Cadbury Reeses Etc) 8-16 oz PRINT
-$2/3 Hersheys Reeses or cadbury candy 8.oz or larger, 3/14 SS
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Eggs 10oz
$2/3 Hershey’s Easter Candy (Cadbury Reeses Etc) 8-16 oz PRINT
$2/3 Hersheys Reeses or cadbury candy 8.oz or larger, 3/14 SS
Cadbury Mini Eggs 10oz
$2/3 Hershey’s Easter Candy (Cadbury Reeses Etc) 8-16 oz PRINT-$2/3 Hersheys Reeses or cadbury candy 8.oz or larger, 3/14 SS
Jelly Belly Jelly beans 9.25oz
Hershey’s Kisses 11oz
$1/2 Hershey’s Kisses Product, Any – All You, February 2010
Snickers Eggs 6pk
$1/3 Candies for Easter (9.8oz+), M&M’s Speckled Chocolate Eggs (9.8oz+), M&M’s Fun Size Candies for Easter, Snickers Minis, Twix Minis, 3 Musketeers Minis, Milky way Minis, Minis Mix Spring Variety Bag, Dove Silky Smooth Egg (8.5oz+), 3/7 RP

Life Savers Jelly Beans 14oz $1.88
$1/2 Lifesavers Jelly Beans PRINT

Starburst Jelly Beans 14oz $1.88
$1/2 Starburst Jellybeans, Any 14oz, 3/7 RP

Bliss Chocolate Eggs 8.8 $2.99
$1/2 Hersheys Bliss 8.6oz or larger, 3/14 SS

Dove 9.5 oz $2.99
$1/3 Asst. Candy Q (Dove Silky Smooth Egg (8.5oz+) included), 3/7 RP

Come visit me...

over at For The Mommas! I am a featured shopper!

Here's a Tip Tuesday!

Welcome to another HATT! The weeks are just flying by, and I'm ready for the warm weather to stick around.

Today I will go over some creative uses for 3 everyday household items.

THE DRYER SHEET

Keep bugs away: Tuck some in your pocket or under lawn furniture to repel bees and other insects
In the kitchen: Soak cookware with burnt or baked-on food in warm water, with a dryer sheet or two. Makes clean-up a breeze. Also works on cook tops.
Clean paint brushes: Soak your used paintbrushes in warm water with a dryer sheet, and that pesky latex paint will come off in no time.
In toilet paper: Roll up a dryer sheet in your toilet paper roll. Each time you spin, it releases a little freshness into your bathroom.



THE LEMON

Cleaning the microwave: Popping popcorn or cooking something with a strong odor in the mircowave can really leave its mark. Once you have sprayed down and wiped off excess loose dirt, add a cup of water with a few slices of lemon. Heat for 4 minutes on high. Remove and wipe excess dirt once again. Add a fresh cup of water with a few slices of lemon and heat for another 3 minutes. The microwave should be as good as new!
Garlic be gone: After chopping fresh garlic, rub your hands with a cut lemon. I also like i sprinkle my fingers with baking soda or Kosher salt before I use the lemon. The smell of garlic on my hands drives me crazy!
Sanitize a chopping block: Run a slice of lemon over the surface to disinfect.



ALKA-SELTZER

Clean jewelry: Drop your dull-looking jewelry in a glass of fizzing Alka-Seltzer for a couple of minutes. It will sparkle and shine when you pull it out.
Unclog a drain: Drop a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets down the opening, then pour in a cup of vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then run the hot water at full force to clear the clog. This is also a good way to eliminate drain odors.
Clean your toilet: Believe it or not it is an effective toilet bowl cleaner too. Drop a couple of tablets into the bowl for 20 minutes or so. When you return, a few swipes with a toilet brush will leave your bowl gleaming.


Have any tried and true uses for common household items?

We Will Revive! (a Cornhole game)

("as long as we know how to paint, I know we will revive!" WOW, funny what a Monday morning can do to a person. Anywho...)

Why it's called Cornhole is unknown (and ridiculous to me) but it doesn't change the fact that this simple backyard game is awesome.

If you've never heard of it, all it is, is a basic bean bag toss game. 2 teams, each with 2 players, stand behind 2 wooden boards and toss bean bags into the hole of the opposing team’s board.

Now to the point. Our friend Kerri is a lover of both East Carolina University (ECU) and Cornhole. She came to me with the idea of making our own game boards. You can buy these boards all over the internet for close to $200. Like any thrifty DIY gal, I decided we could totally do it for ALOT less.

After some research about the regulation dimensions of the boards (this is serious folks) we planned a weekend to dive in head first. Well, as luck would have it, just a little over a week ago, I was at the beach and Jason and I drove in close to 9pm. We were about to turn onto the street where the house is, and like a shining light, there on the side of the road, was a set of Cornhole boards! Now, there was a reason they were abandoned.



Again, this is a game where you throw bean bags. If it was a game where you threw something like rocks, this might be suitable. I imagine their board tore up their beanbags pretty badly.

So we scooped ‘em up and decided to give them a new life. This was a HUGE plus and cut out about half of the projected cost. All that had to be bought new was 2 top board (1/2 plywood), spray paint, and the decals. Now, on to the overhaul.

They must have used regular latex paint and a blindfold when they first painted these things. Either that, or they just dunked them into the can.

(Stella can't stand to be left out. Diva)


The lazy, I want to get to the fun part, side of me just wanted to paint over this disaster. But, given I had a few minutes before Kerri arrived, I decided to get a head start on the BORING sanding task.


When she arrived she got right to work... at this point my hands were killing me so I was happy to become the photographer.

After almost 2 hours (I told you the paint job was AWFUL), we had the sides at least smoothed down enough for them to take a nice even coat of spray paint.


Next up, trim the boards down a little bit and drill the holes. Kerri is a bit of a rookie at the DIY stuff so she lent Jason a hand. She decided that now she MUST have a chalk box. You know, who doesn't need a chalk box?


Then Jason removed the old boards and we were left with this- (and again, Stella had to squeeze her way in)


The new boards went on next (we got excited and started painting too soon!)
(there is an awful lot of pink in this picture isn't there)

Finally, time for paint, each board got 2 good coats of black outdoor spray paint




I got to use my Cricut for this project as well. I cut out 2 phrases "No Quarter!" and "No Fear!" to go on each of the boards. After all our hard work spray painting, we wanted to ensure we didn't mess it up.



They got 3 very light coats of white spray paint to ensure no drips!



After a few minutes of drying, time for the big reveal!


Ok, maybe not yet. Showing you now would take the fun out of it :)
Then on went the decals. Nothing fancy, just a basic peel and transfer decal.




Done! Now you can see :)





She loves them! I love them! We all love them! The bean bags are on their way and I can image we will get plenty of use out of them this summer. This isn't the last you'll see of us sticking it to the very overpriced Cornhole man. Keep an eye out for a second DIY set (completely from scratch) in the next couple weeks. We have to have a Georgia set for our house of course :)

What are your favorite backyard/tailgate games?

Headed over to BNOTP for Met Monday. Come on over and see all the wonderful projects!
You can find me over at ASPTL for DIY Day!

Am I Dreaming?!

Could it be? Could my fireplace mantel before and after really have made a feature at THE LETTERED COTTAGE?! Yes, that one, the Layla and Kevin Lettered Cottage.
It did, and I must say, I'm pretty happy about it :)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, it sure has been a beautiful one here in NC!

30% Off Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic Coupon

Incase anyone is in the market for cute summer clothes, thought I would just let you all know there is a 30% off Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic coupon HERE that is valid through the weekend. You can use it as many times as you like, and it's good for everything in the store, including sale and clearance.


Enjoy!

Weekly Deal Round-Up

Later then usual but it's Saturday again (whoo hoo!) and it's time for the Weekly Deal Round-Up highlights for the week of 3/21-3/27. I spent this gorgeous 78 degree outside working on something I'll post next week!

(personally not loving CVS this week, the toothpaste and mouthrinse will probably be all I get)
Colgate Total Advanced, Enamel or Sensitive Toothpaste at $3.99=$3.99 ECB's (Limit 1)
.75 off Colgate Total, printable
$1 off Colgate Total Toothpaste 3/7 SS
Final Cost: $.75-$1 Money Maker!

Pampers Diapers Jumbo pk or Easy Ups $8.97= 3 ECB's (Limit 2) (I don't have kids, but people are excited about this deal so I'm guessing it's a good price for diapers!)
$1.50/1 off Pampers Diapers or Pants 2/7 PG
$1.50/1 off Pampers Easy Ups Trainers 2/7 PG
$1.50/1 off Pampers Extra Protection Diapers 2/7 PG
$2/1 Pampers Swaddlers, Cruisers or Extra Protection Diapers, PG 2/21 or RP 3/14
Final Cost: As low as $3.97!

Crest or Oral B Products Listed at $3.99=2 ECB's wyb one of the following items(Limit 1)
Pro Health Toothpaste 7.8 oz, or Rinse 14.8-16.9 oz
$.75/1 Crest Toothpaste 3/7 PG
$1/1 off Crest Rinse 3/7 PG
$2/1 off Crest Rinse 2/7 PG
Scope Outlast Toothpaste 7.6 oz., or Rinse 25.4 oz
$1/1 off Scope Rinse, 710mL 2/21 or 2/7 PG
Glide Floss or Picks 30ct
.75/1 off Crest Glide Floss, 35m or Glide Floss Picks, 20 ct. or more 2/7 PG
Cross Action Toothbrush
.75/1 Oral-B Pulsar, Cross Action, Advantage Toothbrush 2/7 or 2/21 PG
Final cost: as low as FREE with the $2 Crest Rinse coupon

Dawn Dish Soap 96¢
-.25/1 off Dawn, PG 3/07, “Home Made Simple” home mailer
-$1 off Dawn Renewal “Home Made Simple” home mailer

Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, All Bran, Frosted Flakes, Mini Wheats, or Special K $1.97
$1/2 Kellogg’s All Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, or Raisin Bran 3/7 RP
$1/3 Kellogg’s Cereals 2/7 RP (expires on Sunday 3/21)




Always maxi pads 12-22 ct, pantiliners 40-60 ct or wipes, Tampax tampons 20 ct (excludes Pearl) $2.99
Submit for $1.00 SCR #51 (limit 1)
$2/1 Always Infinity 3/7 PG
$1/1 Tampax Product 3/7 PG
$1/1 Always Pads 3/7 PG
$1/1 Always Pantyliners 3/7 PG
Final Cost: as low as FREE

Huggies Goodnights, Pull-ups, or Jumbo pk diapers $8.99
Submit for $1.00 SCR #53 (limit 1)
$3/1 Huggies diapers printable (no longer available, hope you grabbed this one!)
$2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers 3/21 SS
$1.50/1 Huggies Pullups Training Pants 2/28 SS
$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers 3/21 SS
$2/1 Huggies Diapers Jumbo Pack AD PERK or
$2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups or Goodnites AD PERK
Final cost: as low as $2.99!

Buy Almay Foundation, get Concealer Free
Submit for $5 SCR #7 wyb (2) (limit 1)
$1/1 Almay Cosmetic 3/7 SS
$2/1 Almay Cosmetic product 2/7 SS
Final cost: FREE for any 2 products $9 or less

Cover Girl Mascara B1G1
B1G1 Cover Girl Face product 2/7 PG(makes both FREE)
$1/1 off Cover Girl products 2/7 PG
$2.50/2 Cover Girl products 2/7 PG
$1/1 off Covergirl Product 3/7 PG
Final cost: as low as FREE




Monopoly $7
$5/1 printable

Dial NutriSkin Hand Soap $1.37
$1/1 Dial Nutriskin Target Coupon
.35/1 Dial Liquid Hand Soap 3/7 SS
Final cost: .02!

Airwick Freshmatic Ultra iMotion Starter Kit $6.00
$5/1 Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra i-Motion Starter Kit, 3/7 SS
$1/1 Air Wick I Motion Starter kit Target Coupon
Final cost: FREE

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo or Conditioner $3.44
$2/1 Dove Hair Care Shampoo, Conditioner, or Daily Treatment Conditioner HERE
$1/1 Dove Hair Care Product (Shampoo or Conditioner) ETS Target Q HERE x4/17
Final cost: .44!