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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Bellies

36 weeks pregnant

That was last week. I hit 37 weeks on Saturday. Full term. This pregnancy has officially outlasted my first. Not having serious medical complications is nice, but trying to keep up with a toddler who has more energy than I do is rough. 

She was up for 14 hours today with no nap. I slept for about an hour when hubby got home. Which is part of the reason I'm still up now. It's hard to get comfortable at night and my acid reflux is in full force. I'm looking forward to being done with pregnancy, but not quite ready for the reality of a newborn and a toddler.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Easter Dress Redux

Easter 2008
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Easter 2009


Last year's dress still fit this year. It was a lot longer last year. I'm amazed by how similar and different the little girl wearing it looks.

A great shopping trip!

We did a GREAT job saving at Target this week. Between in-store savings, manufacturers coupons from the newspaper, mail and coupons.com, a Target baby mailer full of good coupons that I combined with manufacturer's coupons, and a shopping pass for 10% off, I saved $135 at Target! My bill, tax included, was $299. We stocked up on staples, toiletries, diapers, cereal, my favorite Easter candy, and more. 

The cashier, bagger, and I were all amazed by the savings. My husband, not so impressed. ("You spent $300?!?" The man has no idea how much stuff like toilet paper, diapers, and his favorite snack foods cost and pays a lot more on the rare occassion that he picks some up.)

Highlights included 4 cans of Gillette shaving cream for about $2. Two packs were $3.99 each, and when you bought two you got a $5 Target gift card. I had a $1 off coupon from the P&G brandsaver coupon insert. I didn't need the second pack of shaving cream yet, but since spending another $4 got me a $5 gift card, I bought it. I also bought two packs of Always Infinity pads for postpartum needs. I had $4 in coupons from the P&G brandsaver and buying two packages got me another $5 gift card. And I combined a $5 off manufacturer's coupon for Huggies Gentle Care with a $2 off Target coupon to get diapers for the new baby at an amazing price!

I'm most excited about my stockpile of Cadbury Creme Eggs for half price plus the extra 10% off. I've managed to get them 75% off at the grocery in the past, but some years I can barely find any. I loooooove that candy.

My 10% off shopping day was earned with my Target Visa, aka Red Card. For every $1000 you spend at Target (or $2000 elsewhere), you earn a 10% off shopping pass good for an entire day. I LOVE Target and buy most of our household basics there, along with quite a few grocery items, and all of that really adds up. When I have a discount day, I stock up on a few months' worth of toiletries and bigger purchases I've been waiting on. That big shopping trip puts me that much closer to my next discount day. AND Target donates 1% of my Target spending (0.5% of other spending) to the school of my choice. I may not write checks to my alma mater, but I do give them money...

That great savings trip was with a tired toddler in tow. Just imagine the savings if I'd gotten out by myself when I could concentrate and pick up a few more things!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Free diapers!

(because sleeping is only one of the things they do a lot)


For a free sample of Huggies new Pure and Natural diapers, check out http://www.huggiespureandnatural.com/FreeSample.aspx

They are only available in size NB, 1, and 2. Ms. Cranky is in a size 4, but I requested some 1s for the new baby. The way newborns go through diapers, every one is useful, and I may really like these!

If you have a baby or are expecting one, sign up on Pampers and Huggies websites to received coupons and sometimes samples in the mail. Do the same with other baby products you are interested in coupons for. In my experience, the formula companies find you regardless, but if you plan on using that, make sure you sign up on those sites.