scenes from the safe zone

Today killer tornadoes devoured Alabama. I can't tell you how incredibly eerie and unsettling the whole day has felt. My school was on a two hour delay and then an early dismissal as well. Mr. D. is out of town leaving me to defend our child, dog and property from the storms. Here are some scenes from our time in the safe zone. We went in 4 different times over a 3 hour period. Please keep in mind these were taken with my camera phone, so please excuse the poor quality.

See if you can figure out what happened in the next three pictures.................



Shelby discovered I have toes too.....

Easter 2011

how precious

How precious I ask you are these sweet little pancakes that Shelby's Mama made her for breakfast Easter morning?????

Savings recap from this week

I continued to be inspired by TLC's Extreme Couponing. This week was an unusual savings week because we bought Shelby's new big girl car seat (3 bases and a Graco Smart Seat that converts up to a booster). With a coupon I had for ToysRUs we saved 20% plus got a free umbrella stroller to boot. Publix had some great sales this week. Their BOGO's included many things we use. I was able to use lots of coupons there. Also, I saved at Target, Costco and Walmart (receipts not shown).

Total Savings this week: ToysRUs- $76.99

Walmart $15 (Three formulas with the $5.00 coupon)

Publix $ 65.07

Costco $3.68 I didn't have a coupon but when Mr. D. went to pick up our photos the photo guy had one.

Target $24.79 (saved big on Shelby's Easter gifts, dusting spray, new toothbrushes and razor blades)

Total savings for this week: $185.53

With my Similac $5 and $3 off coupons I was able to feed Shelby formula for only $6 as opposed to the usual $40 per week.

Some people have asked what tools I am using. I get the Sunday Paper (or well it was supposed to start last week but didn't. Hopeful for this week). I also told many of my friends I am couponing and they have started bringing me their inserts that they aren't using. At the Mom's Market where I bought Shelby the super cute clothes, I met a lady who has this website and she tells you what is on sale at Publix (which I go to) and Winn Dixie (which I have no clue where is). She also tells you which coupons to use to get the best discount. Publix doubles coupons up to 50 cents every day! She also told me about this website which is a coupon clipping service. When the paper had the $5 and $3 Similac coupons- I ordered more. In fact I had my friends..lots of friends order them too since I was limited to 10. I now have enough $5 and $3 off coupons of Similac to never pay full for another bottle of Similac for as long as Shelby will be drinking it. Yay!!!

I started working on organizing my coupons in a binder today. I am hopeful to get things organized by the end of the month, develop my system and blog some more about it. Meanwhile, I am thrilled to be so successful at saving money so far.

savings galore

This is a photo of my receipt last night from the grocery store.

This week, I have saved over $100 simply by using coupons and store deals. I am actually kind of good at this!

Another first

First day in the new big girl carseat.... Obviously pretty cozy.

hours of fun.....

....for only $1.47.