The FALSE and the TRUTH!~

Well for starters I want to ask you all to keep Donna in your prayers!! (my husbands mom). We were called into the hospital last night around midnight because "She had taken a turn for the worse' (Dr.s exact words). And we were prepared for the worse. Donna has many things going on right now but she had to have emergency dialysis last night. After 2 1/2 hours we were finally ok'd to go home and she is doing much better now. For those of you that are wondering Donna has been in the hospital since Wednesday night and has battled a long 8+ months since her husband passed away last July. There is none tougher then this lady and she truely is an inspiration to us all! Thank you all for your prayers and many kind words in my email box!!! God is good! (ALL THE TIME!)
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Now have you ever heard the saying "you'll spend more of you shop with a friend"???.....well, i say sooooo FALSE!! The TRUTH????........2 heads are definately better then one!

What they heck am I talking about you ask???
I went shopping with a friend today! (Shannon F.)
We got some great deals! I can't tell you how exactly she did it or even what she got exactly!
(maybe she will post to the group!) But she got about $100 worth of stuff for only $3 and some change!! And she even paid full price for a coke ($1.50) WOW!!!!!)


I ended up with some great deals I would have overlooked and so did she. So even though it doesn't work out all the time to shop with a couponing friend, it certainly opened my eyes to just how much we save by putting our heads together!!!! here are just a few deals I got today!!!

you will have to excuse me. Since I have only gotten about 3 hours of sleep last night, i didn't do a very good job at keeping track of the exact deals but I do know they were all sent in email with coupon matchups. BUT I do remember how much I spent on the items....LOL And that is the part that matters! (I also say 'sorry" for any and all typos!!! LOL)

ok the herbal essence shampoos and conditioners were bought at CVS for 0.38 cents/ea (after ecb's and coupons). The Garnier items were purchased at walgreens and I got them for FREE!!!! (after walgreens instant coupon and stacking it with a manufacture coupon)


As for walmart I got a few deals. I bought some Good life cat food , which was $4.77, and I used a $3off coupon and final price was $1.77/bag. I also had 2 purina coupons for $3.50 off and they were the same price so I paid $1.27 /bag for them. I also noticed I had some head and shoulders coupons expiring this month so I got some from the travel size isle and received 6 of those for FREE!

The next few pictures are of Krogers deals. I got 4 boxes of Quaker instant oats for 0.50 cents a box. They were 2/$3 and I had $1off coupons.

Here is where the deals start to get fuzzy! LOL I know I got the kellogs cereal for 0.60 cents/box and the Betty crocker potatos for 0.59 cents a box. Not sure how but I do know that is what I paid after sale and coupons!

The heartland pasta was 0.29 cents/box and the butter all FREE. The Kotex I got at wally world for FREE also!

BAck at krogers,........the fruit snacks were 0.50 cents/box. 4 toothpaste=FREE. 4 tooth brushes=FREE. 4 Scotchbrite pads ....well......they actually paid us 0.25 cents to take them off their hands each!! Got to love that!


And here I bougth some purex HE detergent for $1.79/bottle after sale and coupons. I also got the Kens dressing for 0.50/bottle after sale and coupons! the Suavatel softner was also on sale. I think I paid $2.50????

My total Bill was $151.99 before sales and coupons

I paid total OOP $47.58!!!

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Lookie what Shannon got!........

She paid a total of almost $3 Out of pocket!! and I dont even see the Coke she paid full price for in the picture! You go girl!!!

Till later~

Amy

Ok I just have to take a minute to once again plug Dave Ramsey and what his 'Zero" based budget has done for this family! We love being debt free, it took a lot of hard work but the benefits are great! We finally were able to find a steal of a deal and replace Dave's 97' Ford F150 extended cab with a 2006 F150 crewcab! We plan on having it paid off the beginning of the summer! Wooohooo! Thanks, Dave Ramsey!!! (www.daveramsey.com)

ok well my day starts off at Walmart. Just went there to pick up printer Ink! Well I ended up getting some of the Johnson's Body care lotion (trial size) for FREE after coupon. I also ended up getting Jess 2 pairs of gloves for $.50 total. And do you remember the $5 scarves that were mentioned in the video in one of my previous post? Well they are marked down to $3 so I got a black and Grey one! Very cool!



Now on to Krogers! I am so tired I am not even going to get my receipt out but I do know the total was just a little over $150 and I paid $79 something. So I splurged just a little more then I would normally but I got some things that are gonna last us awhile. I was just looking at my cupboards and if needed I think I could last about 3-4 weeks without having to go to the store again (except for lunches of course!~) Oh and by the way.........the Contonelle IS GONE!!!! BOOOHOOOO! *sniff* *sniff* I am refusing to pay for toilet paper! What will we do??? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ok here I got 2 Arm and Hammer laundry detergent, was priced $4.99 and I had a $1.00 off coupon for each. Made them $3.99. This is the same price as getting the 32 loads for $2.50 (which is my buy price for laundry detergent!) i also got the texas toast, which was $2.49 and I had $.40 Q (which doubled to $.80) then it was part of the $5 off 10 items sale which made them $1.19/each. Then in front of that is lemonade Ice cups which were $1/each and they are part of the sale to which afterwards they were $.50 cents each. (I figure the kids would like these and I needed a filler to receive the sale discount)
here I got instant Quaker oatmeal. kroger had a deal if you bought 2 they were $3 total. I had 2 $.70 coupons which double and my final price for them was only $.10/each. The Ramen noodles were $.10/each. Milk was on sale for $1.99. The small suave deoderants were on closeout for $.71/each. I had $.75/2 Q which ended up making me $.08. The Sure deoderant was also a closeout item at $1.49 each and I had $.75/1 Q's which made all my deoderant a little better then FREE! I use Scrub Free on just about everything even toilets. I saw these cleaners on sale for $2.29 and I had $.75 printable coupons which made them about $.79 cents each.
Here I got 7 boxes of toaster strudels. They were part of the 10 item sale and I had coupons to go along with them which I ended up getting them for $.79/each ($1.99 - .50 promo - $.70Q). The Gortons fish items were also apart of the 10 items deal and I ended up getting them for $1.69/box. ($2.99 - .50 promo - $.80 Q). The eggs were on sale for $1 (they are extra large) and the salsa was 2 for $5 and you got a free bag of tostitos! (we are a huge chips an salsa family)
And lastly krogers had hamburger helper on sale for $1/box. I printed off $1/off 3 coupons so they were roughly $.66/box. Anyone that really knows me knows I am a lotion freak so I saw where they had suave 18oz lotions 2 for $4. I had $1/1 coupons so I got these for a BUCK a piece! and then the mascara (which I only got cause I needed it) was BOGOF and I had 2 $1/1 Coupons so I got both of them for $5.99.

Thats how I did.........how did you all do??? just leave a comment or remember to post your deals on the yahoo group email!!!

oh yeah almost forgot lookie what I got in my mailbox today!!!

Till later~
Amy

Modern Technology~

Don't you just love new gadgets? expecially the ones that make life's little chores oh so much easier? I know this is no new thing to some of you but I just bought a new washer and Dryer at the beginning of Feburary and I hate to use the word "Love" for such trivial things but I am totally in "Lust" with these things!!! LOL I know the newness will soon wear off but everytime I put clothes in and hear the beeps I am saying to myself......"hello friend! you were so worth the money!!!" LOL

I can't quite explain why they excite me so but here are a few things I love about this set. (by the way we bought the Whirlpool Duet--- I am sure other brands are just as great or even better)...

*I love the fact that I never have to worry about the clothes being wet when the dry turns off (it senses the dampness and adjust accordingly)

* The dryer is done just about the same time as the washer due to the washer wringing out the clothes more)

*my ironing is cut down to a 1/4 of what it was , for some reason the clothes I hang straight from the washer dont wrinkle on the line

*I use less water and less detergent! (got to love that)

*theres a light in the dryer! (see I told you I was a dork!~)

The BIGGEST thing is that I am finding myself only doing laundry once a week! WHAT THE HECK? who has ever heard of that? not me and my old set!!! I almost always feel like I am missing something and look for something to wash! LOL our bed linens have never been so clean!!!

Do you have a washer and dryer or any household appliance you love? please leave a comment and share with the rest of us!!!

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On a side note...

Does anyone watch "Class reunion"? This is like a bad train wreck (yeah, opposed to a good train wreck...LOL) Hubby and I have been watching this show and even DVR it so we can watch it together. We both looked at each other the other night and started to laugh......

Here he was on the cough covered up with a blanket with a drink in one hand and the remote in his lap. I was in the recliner with a blanket and pillow looking up deals on the RSS feeds on my ipod touch. We started to laugh and then I said.....................

I don't know if I am happy I am so boring or glad I am normal (as normal as normal gets) LOL

We got a big kick out of that but it is sooooo true. I look at the reality shows and have to admit we watch them because they pick the most interesting or at least the most messed up people to be on these shows! Anywhoo we got a good laugh out of that and I am totally glad my life is boring compared to most! Life should be simple and stress free!!!!!! Don't you think?

till later

~Amy

kroger Trip~

Ok guys, well it isn't much of a "Deal" week....(still praying for super doubles!)
But I did get a few things from the 10/$10 at krogers. And while I was there I got a couple good deals on other things as well.

my total Kroger trip was $148.01
Total out of pocket was only $53.19
You do the math.....LOL
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here are just a few things I got...........

Snuggle softner was $4.49 I had 0.50 Q so final price was $3.49

(I needed softner and didn't want to go to another store)

Air Wick sprays were 10/$10, I had buy 2 get 2 free so final price was $.50/ea

Speed Stick was 2/$3 i had a $.75Q so final price was FREE!

and the Tag spray I got at rite aid, I forget how much it was but I know it was marked

down 75% and I had a coupon and I paid $.13 cents!

knorr's Pasta sides were 10/$10, i had $.75 off 2 Q's which made them $.25 cents each

Fuze drinks were 10/$10 i had $.25cent Q's which made them $.50 cents each

Pringles chips were 10/$10 and i had $.30/3 Q which made them $.80 each

And who can forget the Fiber Plus bars???

They are still 2/$4 and I had $.75Q's which made them $.50 each

pizza rolls are $1.25 and I had $.40/2 Q's which makes them $.85 cents each

and last but not least....

healthy ones lunch meats. These are 5oz packages and they are priced at $1.99...

I had $.75/1 Q's which made them only $.49 cents each. I bought enough to put in the freezer for later!

Well that was my trip!!! HOW DID YOU DO???

Till later,

Amy

Embracing my many layers!~

Ever have one of those days where you feel good inside? Not like a healthy good but a good in a way that you really like who you are faults and all? Well, that is me today. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I love the fact that......

I love without abandon
I forgive when the world say not to
I like to eat just about anything
I like all music
I am a huge tomboy on the inside.
I would like to fish, play ball, get muddy, 4 wheel and dont know why I dont more often.
I like to be girly and love PINK!
I like movies like Valley girl! lol
I like to talk, and talk and share and talk
I sometimes dominate conversations
I am confident
I like to be wild and carefree sometimes even though some think it is dorky
I am a softy for the elderly and the young ones.
I like being different
I am sometimes misunderstood
sometimes I like to just be difficult just because! LOL
I am sure of who I am and who made me!
I usually go against the grain (at least in my head the older I get....LOL)
I like literature and art
I appreciate architecture and dream of living in a different country
I am drawn to others who act like dorks!
I usually am looked at with weird eyes cause I say whatever comes to mind alot of time.
I love being silly
I love to daydream
I like to be the first to do things that others are affraid to do
I am not too shy
I like to be the leader but can also follow very well.
I'm hard headed at times!
People drive me nuts and lift me up at the same time
I think I could have been an actress.
I am the greatest singer in the shower (just as me I will tell you)
I dont always make eye contact (my hugest fault in my eyes)
I am bad at finishing projects sometimes!
I long for the simple things,( ie. fresh cut grass smell, gardens, porch swing, grandpas lap etc...)
I am a list person to a fault~
~ if they are too messy I have to make a new one!
my bedroom is a mess 90% of the time.
I can be defensive and yet melt at one kind word or soft look
I am a crybaby but the strongest female emotionally you will meet in a long time
I am a stickler for rules and yet like to follow my own at the same time....LOL :)
I am not the best person I could truely be and sometimes ok with that.
I somehow cheated everyone out of the best man on earth!~


there are too many traits both good and bad but the one that I can say is 100% right on is...........
(just random thoughts while sitting here listening to jazz music.
maybe I need a xanax? LOL)

I LOVE WHO I AM!!!! I LOVE WHO I HAVE BEEN! AND I LOVE WHO I AM ABOUT TO BECOME!

Do you love you?
start today!

Switching addictions~

Well most of you know I am a Mt Dew addict (well diet mt dew). I am going to switch back to diet coke. Why you ask? well.......I believe that the Mt Dew is making me crave sweets. I might be wrong so I am going to conduct my own little experiment. So I bought a 24 pk of diet coke last night and will see how it goes. I will let you know what happens!

by they way, who else thinks it is totally rediculous to pay $4.48 for a 12 pk of diet coke when you can buy a 24 p for less then $7??? Crazy!

till later,
~Amy

Tonight at Walmart~

Well I just got back from walmart with Jacob and I not only was able to get my 6 free packages of razors (seen below) but I was also able to pick up 4 pairs of shorts and 2 tshirts for only $1/ea.
They have clearance racks back by the baby clothes. The cashier said people were buying the clothes all day long. When I got there they were pretty well picked over. The razors were $1.97/ea and there were $2 coupons in last weeks paper. woohoo! Got to love FREE!



Till later.....
~Amy

Ok Ladies, here are some highlights of my Kroger trip 2 days ago.....
Total Bill = $151.90
OOP =$63.52
total saved= $88.38
thats a 58% savings
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Who doesn't like FREE? Well I know I like it and I got some free deoderant and eyeliner this past trip. The Deoderant was 2/$3 and I had 75cents coupons that doubled! wohooo. I am not sure what the deal was on the eyeliner other then I had coupons, they were marked down and they were also BOGOF!

I also got some deli meat. Dave and Jacob love to take turkey sandwiches in their lunches. These were marked down to $2.51 and I had $1 off coupons! Great deal!
This next picture was what I got at cvs. I got everything here for free only cause I had previous ecb's but the shampoo deal what what I originally went after anyways....LOL


Tyson Boneless chicken breast were $12.99 BOGOF. I had $1 off coupons which made them %5.50 each!

And of course I could not forget the Fiber Plus bars. I got the last 10 boxes on an end cap and used 10 of my 18 coupons so far which made this tasties only 50 cents a box! You guys were right! They do taste great!

So what did you guys get good this week??? Leave me comments in the comment section of this post and share with everyone!

till later....

~Amy

As I have been looking at other sites, getting some much needed motivation, I have stumbled across a conversation about Scarves. I am thinking it all started at Angie Smith's site "Bring the Rain", then from there it led me to "Big Mama's" and from there over to "Brandi and boys".

If you have not visited these ladies sites I highly recommend it. Very good reads and very motivating. You will find a ton of encouragement and find yourself going back for more.

ok back to the topic of scarves.....LOL Yes that is the topic! I have to admit I have never worn a scarf till this year. But, I love them. I only own two but with Brandi's tip on price I think I will own a few more real soon! I find myself watching the teenagers tie theirs when out in public and feeling the need to learn how to tie these things better. So when I came across the next two videos I felt a lot better about my scarf tying skills!!! Take a look, I bet you will want a couple scarves too after watching!~

WARNING: Southern accents in videos are infectious! , please give me a poke if you hear me talking like this in Ohio! But don't their voices just make you all warm and cozy inside? LOL



Scarf Tying 101 from Big Mama on Vimeo.

This next Lady "Brandi" is such a treat to watch. Her mind works like mine!!!

Scarf Conversations from Brandi Wilson on Vimeo.
ENJOY!
till later............
~Amy

Ok, well here I am, I made it! After many prods and pokes from friends I decided I would give the blog world a try. I have to admit it is alittle exciting and alot of work....LOL Not too bad just the part about html and learning how to post and ...well......"Blog"!

I have to admit I have been sitting here trying to figure out what I want this blog to be and came up with the name "Half Baked". That is what I feel like sometimes. Only Half done! But I feel Blessed in life and family 100% of the time. That is where the name came from!!! :)

We had a friend stop by last night to return something he borrowed. While he was here we were talking and something he said hit me like a ton of bricks. I kinda had one of those "Duh!" moments. I can't remember his exact words but he said something to the fact that we have to "live on purpose", we can't just stand here waiting on God to do something then get mad when it is not what we want. I know I knew this concept, because Dave and I do this with our finances. So why hasn't it ever hit me in my walk with Jesus? Well, I don't know either. I think I had this concept before but life just happened and I was more then willing to let it.

So this is the basis for my Bloggin! This is my journey, my walk to drawing closer to a God that will never leave me, will never foresake me and will chase me to the ends of earth and back! This is my journey to drawing my family closer together, not only my "Team Dalrymple" but my extended family as well. This is my journey to becoming the proverbs 31 woman I know God means for me to be. This is my journey to being the wife and mother and all the wonderful blessings that come along with walking in God's perfect will. My journey to nurturing my "friendship" and spreading the love and joy of "Girl Power!" LOL

I prayed a few days ago that God would show me he was still near, because quite frankly I have not felt that close to him lately. And guess what? He answered me in more ways then I expected. He answered me through this past weeks sermon.....through the guest speaker at the Valentines Dinner and through our guest last night! He is letting me know he is not leaving me because he is not done with me!!! ......like I said...................I am only "Half Baked"~

So please join me as I start a blog about the many layers of ~Amy.......from couponing, to digital scrapbooking, to Jesus, to family, to friends, to finances, to food, to fellowship, to work and serving others! I hope you will share your lives with me as well, you just never know who the Lord will place in your , but for this brief moment that someone is me!

till later.........
~Amy