~ Aug 2013~ Sew what... We've gotta find a way back! Part I!!

[tatar63]

WOW! Amazing detail on the Jesse bag, Love it!
I was away a week and I was behind 10 pages, this is a popular thread
I teared up on the Friend Post Also love the Peace bag.
Glad you and Alli are feeling better and pray it stays that way!
Monica

 

[DMGeurts]

Sorry I don't know your name I did CRT once and will never forget it Dinner was deliciius
but the whole experience was magical I was solo & was in there hours
This isn't something you want to rush through in an effort to experience
the next thing In fact when you're inside & feeling so special
you will totally forget about 'outside'

When you first enter you will be escourted into a room for photos
No one will rush you & with a party of 8 this will take time

Then you'll go upstairs order eat & interact with characters
Again no one will rush you I would just focus on this magical
experience you are going to have an awesome time

Ruthie
didn't mean to highjack but may help anyone else with plans after CRT

You are making me so excited for this meal Ruthie!

I think I have caught up on your Pre-Trip report. I'm not quite sure because I'm reading it half sleeping

Welcome home Lillian!!! I am so excited to have you back - and I cannot WAIT to hear all about your trip. Please post a link in my PTR when you start your TR - I am sure that many people here will want to follow your adventures!

I got home to day from my trip. After a 22 hour journey and 28 hours since I last slept in a bed ( I got about 3 hours of sleep on the first flight and 2 hours of sleep on the last flight home) I'm really tired.

I'm trying not to go to sleep now so I can sleep when the night comes. The time is 4.35 PM here now so I still have some hours to go until I can go to bed and hopefully sleep all night.

I'll be you are tired... I'll never forget how awful that jet lag was when we went to Amsterdam... Not fun! I hope you were able to get lots of sleep last night.

How great that your Disney trip is in your budget now even if you have to work hard to save the money for the trip and maybe shorten the trip 2 days to make it all happen. I few days at Disney is alway WAY better than no day at Disney.

Yes, it does make it easier to have it in the budget - I feel so much less stressed about it.

The pictures of the girls is great. And the goofy pictures with them together looks like fun.

Thank you - they are some of my favorite photos of them together.

I'm so sorry to hear that Alli got sick and had to go to the ER. I'm glad to hear that she is now well and back to her old self. I hope that the doctor can find out what's going on so if it's something that need treatment so it doesn't happen again she will get the help she needs.

Thank you - she is doing much better. You'd never even know she was sick at all.

It's not good that your work gave you a hard time after your surgery. I'm glad you boss understood and got the load off you so you can recover fast and be fit for fight and doing all the things at work as normal again soon.

Yah - I am kind of frustrated about it... but I think that things will go better now.

I have to get some rest and get all my things sorted after my trip before I can get my trip report going. But I will write my trip report in a few days.

Glad to have you back - looking forward to it.

So glad to hear that Allison is feelingi better, but sorry you had to take her to ER. But I always say better safe than sorry.

And I'm sorry to hear that Target was giving you grief about your workload after surgery. I sometimes wonder if people stop and think before they talk or react.

Thank you Kathy... That was my thought too...

I know - I felt really guilty and then kind of angry about it... But I am must trying to breathe and not let it bother me. I am sure it was an honest mistake and I hope that things go better next week.

Glad to hear Alli is feeling better! Sounds a lot like some kind of food poisoning... I had something like that after I ate at Outback one time Hopefully it's all over now!

I can't wait to see your new bag!!

Thanks Stephanie... Yes, we initially thought food poisoning too, but now one else has been sick, we've all eaten the same things...

Dear me! I've been away with some personal stuff on top of getting ready for Spring Break at the Science Center where I work and I have missed things.

No worries Ruth - I promise!

Ali's quite the trooper. Good for her, even if she is a bit too literal. next time the prescription might need to be "Buttered Toast and WATER!!" or other clear liquids.

Yes, LOL... All of her life, I've drilled into her "fluids when you are sick"... I guess it was just assumed that she knew. LOL Next time - I will remind her of everything.

One of the personal things is ...I'm cleaning up my sewing room. I managed to actually clear space on one wall (if you ignore the other 3/4th of the room that is packed to the gills) and, of course, over did it. Did something weird to my back that, thankfully, the chiropractor was able to snap, crack and pop back into goodness.

Yay for sewing room organizing (mine's a pit right now... sigh)... Oh no about your back - glad your chiropractor got everything put right again.

Humoring cranky appliances...our dryer is like that too: we have a magnet attached to keep the contact so it will run correctly.

This made me LOL because it's totally something we would do.

And yes, the swearing is just me. Generally the swearing is good-natured and because I'm doing something stupid and know it.

LOL

Good luck on your sewing and I can't wait to see the auction items!!

Thanks, me too!

Glad Allie is all better. And glad someone at work has your back. You should be able to do what you feel comfortable doing without any hassle.

Yup - Alli is totally fine... YOud never know she was sick at all.

I agree... I am sure I am being much more cautious than I need to be at this point, but like I said - I am just a baby about things like this.

I'm really anxious to see the bag you're working on. You really have me wondering. Hope you were able to get a good amount done before taking the girls to town.

It's posted...

I had to laugh about your shortened trip. I didn't realize it at first, but your "shortened" trip is one day longer than my longest ever trip. But any time you can get extra days so that you can have "down" time, it's good. Also, I wanted to let you know that I think Earl of Sandwich now has their Holiday Sandwich all year around. We were in line there last year and there was a cast member in front of us and she told us it was the best sandwich ever, so DH and I got one. She was right! I'm telling you, it is TDF! If you get a chance, grab one of those puppies on one of your DTD days. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.

LOL - I know, I have absolutely NO reason to complain about my shortened trip... it's not really that short.

Love EoS... I will have to try their holiday sandwich this time! Thanks for the reminder - I've added it to my list!

Also, splitting meals is what Dan and I do. With or without the meal plan. I would LOVE to be there at the 50's PT when you order the sampler and 3 forks!! There are some TS places that charge you to share...don't know which ones, just remember reading about it on a couple of menus. All this talk about food is making me hungry. And I haven't been hungry all day, so that's good.

LOL - I am sure they'd have a fit. But after last time... Well... They deserve it. LOL

Have a good evening and hurry and finish that bag...I'm dying here!!!

I went as fast as I could. LOL

Thanks D, I looked earlier and couldn't find that post about the shirts. It was further back than I though! I did find it. narrowing down the poster made all the diff! thanks lol

Glad you found it!

hope everything is ok & youre just busy Unless I missed something,

Everything is fine - sorry to worry you all... I should have posted to let you know this morning, I did hop on The Dis, but I didn't realize how late it was, and I wanted to get on the road early.

I usually have my morning coffee with you

That's good, because I have my morning coffee while I am talking to all of you too!

glad you
spoke up & HR has your back, stay in your comfort zone

I will, I promise.

Speaking of backs Ruth Sewmess glad yours was easy fix be careful

Lois DisneyChic2 oh you are sooo right abt EOS holiday sandwich
TDF it was my thanksgiving dinner last year, their bbq ham pineapple is
another favorite Now I am trying to figure out how to
get to area of Epcot flower & garden that is selling spiced rum
dole whip.....so far to walk but sounds delish !


just realized big grocery shopping day for you, I missed that, maybe I better eat something ..brain going fuzzy
RuthIE

Hmm... bbq ham pineapple??? That sounds interesting.

Yes, it was grocery shopping day for me... And whoa... Did I get some crazy good deals!!!!

**********************************************************

Yesterday was a great sewing day for me... I was able to finish most of the bag. I had to finish the last little bit when we got home this afternoon... I am soooo in love with it!

And because I love that bag so much... I am seriously considering auctioning off my original planned bag and making myself a Toy Story themed UPB - it's a much better fit for my personality. We'll see... It depends on how much time I have... as it is - I am running behind on everything - OK not everything... Just my big auction items and our own customs... but that's still a lot!

I can't remember anything else that happened yesterday, and I am not sure if I want to tell you all about my great couponing adventures today - or if I should hold off for tomorrow morning - since it was definately the highlight of my day today. I think I may wait...

OK - I think I am caught up for now... I hope you all have a wonderful remainder of your day... I'd like nothing better than to sneak to bed for a nap... but - it's a bit late for that now.

D~

 

[jkfandel]

Glad to hear that Ali is feeling better!

Can I ask what LL Bean shirts you guys are talking about? I am searching for some new clothes for sure and shirts especially.

Hi ~ I do not like tight shirts so I tend to buy them large 1x or 2x. I have bought the cotton ts in most all or their multicolored styles. I tend to go to a short sleeve v neck and they are always comfortable and not too tight around the middle and butt. Have also purchased a cotton blend that is nice as well but not as cool as the cotton for me.

Sorry for the delay I have not been online for a bit.

D~ Hope all is well in your world. The new bag is fabulous as usual!

 

[cogero]

I am totally in love with your Jessie Bag and my girl loves it too. We are big fans of Jessie here.

 

[Luvchefmic]

CRT-D :

I'm glad you're getting excited about going to CRT I have a LOT of great memories of my FL trips in the past 30 + years and if I had to narrow it down to the best it was CRT, Discovery Cove, and the hot air balloon I finally did & kick myself that I should have done it much sooner

You will all love it !


Love the Jessie bag too, perfect capture of expression

 

[solana131]

Can I ask what LL Bean shirts you guys are talking about? I am searching for some new clothes for sure and shirts especially.

Hi Erin...glad you found the post. I want to say again that I have heard they have changed this year's BeanSport tee quite a bit. Last year's version (the one I have 7 of) were kind of scoop neck and not fitted, but not boxy...just perfect. I have heard the neck is more crew neck this year and the fit is way larger. I hear the sleeves are a little longer now too, not elbow length, but more than the cute cap sleeve of last year. I will make a trip in to Freeport to check them out in person here maybe this weekend. I looked in our closest outlet today, to see if they had any of last year's version marked down, but they didn't. I did get another of their fitness skorts that go with the shirts though That is my go to Disney outfit...the LLBean skort with a BeanSport tee or tank. So cool and comfy. Easy care and moisture wicking. Anyway...I will let you know when I try the new version.

Maybe it is closed? I never really paid much attention - this will be the first MK am EMH that we will ever make it to - I just assumed that the 3 mountains would be open... Stupid if they aren't. Oh well - maybe we can get other stuff done and work on Frontierland when they do open. After all - it's still better to get it done early.

It was closed last July and it is listed on the AllEars site. Just wanted you to plan around it. You can still get TomorrowLand and Fantasyland done during EMHs....totally worth it!

I'm so glad Alli is alright. Boy, you are going to have that in the back of your mind all vacation down there in that heat! Lots of water

And that Jesse bag is just perfect...you did an amazing job on her! Love!

 

[Iamthequeen]

I love the Jessie bag! Awesome!

My go to outfit during the summer is tank tops and skorts - that's also what I wore in Hawaii most of the time. I'm going to check out the LLBean skorts!

 

[lovingeire]

Sorry I don't know your name I did CRT once and will never forget it Dinner was deliciius
but the whole experience was magical I was solo & was in there hours
This isn't something you want to rush through in an effort to experience
the next thing In fact when you're inside & feeling so special
you will totally forget about 'outside'

When you first enter you will be escourted into a room for photos
No one will rush you & with a party of 8 this will take time

Then you'll go upstairs order eat & interact with characters
Again no one will rush you I would just focus on this magical
experience you are going to have an awesome time

Ruthie
didn't mean to highjack but may help anyone else with plans after CRT

Thank you so much for the advice Ruthie! I really appreciate it! I know that especially the other family we're eating with will want to take their time as they have two little girls who will be gaga for the princesses! I have been wanting to do this forever so you're very right that we should take our time. With two boys I may not get the opportunity again so I need to milk it for all it's worth!

I'm going to look at our schedule and hopefully we have a second evening at Magic Kingdom because I need to see the MSEP! I haven't seen it since they stopped having at Disneyland and it's my childhood favorite! If we weren't dealing with trying to rent our house out of state I'd add an extra day on. I was hoping it would be rented by now so we could! But you never know what the situation will be in a month or two! Fingers crossed!

 

[lovingeire]

D - I spy with my little eye...a redhead! (Not the redhead I hinted at, but being one I love all redheads!) I'm excited to see your couponing deals. I went to the commissary and got tons of chicken (because they were sold out after a "payday weekend" last time and some steaks, but need to plan a menu and grocery list before I tackle the shopping.

 

[ladylyons]

Love the new Jesse bag!! You did catch her expression perfectly!!

 

[nannye]

Hi Erin...glad you found the post. I want to say again that I have heard they have changed this year's BeanSport tee quite a bit. Last year's version (the one I have 7 of) were kind of scoop neck and not fitted, but not boxy...just perfect. I have heard the neck is more crew neck this year and the fit is way larger. I hear the sleeves are a little longer now too, not elbow length, but more than the cute cap sleeve of last year. I will make a trip in to Freeport to check them out in person here maybe this weekend. I looked in our closest outlet today, to see if they had any of last year's version marked down, but they didn't. I did get another of their fitness skorts that go with the shirts though That is my go to Disney outfit...the LLBean skort with a BeanSport tee or tank. So cool and comfy. Easy care and moisture wicking. Anyway...I will let you know when I try the new version.


And that Jesse bag is just perfect...you did an amazing job on her! Love![/COLOR]

Thanks Suzi, I looked and saw that they didn't come in a plus size, so I'm doubtful they will fit, but If I spot them when i'm in Michigan next month I will definitely try them on, thanks!

 

[disneychic2]

Thanks for posting your latest bit of fabulousness!! Didn't mean to rush you, but those hints were making me crazy to know what it was. You do not disappoint, that's for sure! Great job! Going to bed now and will check tomorrow to see about all your bargains.

 

[DMGeurts]

OK - this is the 3rd time I have had to redo this post this morning... And I just don't have the time to do individual responses for the third time... I am so sorry... If I have the time to do individual responses after I update at the bottom - I will - but I've been working on this for almost 2 hours! Otherwise - I will stop back this afternoon to do them.

I do want to apologize, in advance, for the extremely long lenth of this post... If you have no interest in couponing or deals - you may not want to read this post at all today - because that's pretty much what it's all about.


**********************************************************

So, yesterday started off with me waking to rain. The temp was hovering rigth around 32 degrees (my alt symbol is not working this morning - and that is why my page keeps rebooting... Grr... So you all will have to deal with the word "degrees" and no symbol. LOL - Hopefully Cheryl doesn't see). Rather than work on updating my thread - I opted to watch the morning weather, I was worried about frozen roads, and the weather man was too.

The girls and I were on the road by 7:30... I wanted to be to Target when they opened at 8. I dislike shopping in crowds - especially when I am couponing, because it takes so much concentration (for me, anyways) - I just feel like I am under less pressure if I can get there early.

Allison went with BFF and I, V stayed at BFF's house. We warned Alli that we would be there for HOURS, and sometimes in the same aisle for a loooong time - but she still wanted to see what it was all about. So, I made her promise no complaining.

Target...

We always start off by the make-up, and move towards H&B, then Chemicals, then grocery and finally Refrigerator/freezer.

We were there for 2 hours before we even lined up to check out...

When I started unloading my cart - I was very careful to warn the people lining up behind me that not only was my belt FULL - but I had a TON of coupons - so if they chose to line up behind me - it could be a LONG wait. I always hate to inconvenience people with my annoying coupons. Most people left, and finally a woman chose to stay... I think that secretly - she wanted to watch. LOL

OK - are you all ready?????

When the cashier first started my coupons, there were a few people watching... BFF, Alli and the lady in line behind me... As we were progressing through the coupons, there were 2 more cashiers, the GSTL (head cashier) and some random guy there watching. It was kind of weird.

Here's my Target rundown...

Beginning Total was $205.74 (yikes - that is waaay over my budget)... My ending balance, after all of my coupons, discount and Target Red Card discount was.... $62.34!!!! OMG!!! I couldn't believe it! For a total savings of exactly $143.40 or 70%!

For me to say that I was on cloud 9 is a total understatement... It was the coolest thing EVER!

Some of my best deals were...

Thursday night, the Target website posted a manufacturer coupon for BOGO on our coffee creamer... Josh goes through about 4 little bottles every pay period, and I go through about one, so this is something we definately have to budget for and we use a lot of. I also had a Target coupon for $1 off of 2 creamers. I had 4 of each of those coupons... So, I purchased 8-32oz creamers (medium sized bottle), for a total of $9.16 (not including my discount) or $1.15/bottle.

My other great deal was on razors... With 3 girls in the house - we go through TONS of razors... You could not even believe it! I chose the mens razors (let's face it, there is not much difference between men's and women's razors other than the color, and I honestly think the men's razors work better)... The men's razors were $1 cheaper than the same women's razor I could have used the coupon on. So, the razors were $8.49 per package... I had a Target coupon for -$3 and a manufacturer coupon for -$4. Which made each package $1.49 (not including my discounts). I purchased 8 packages.

I was able to get a TON of deals on female products - which I won't go into detail about here, since it's a public forum... But usually - Target runs their free Gift Card promotion as buy 3, get a $5 Target GC. This week, their promotion was buy 2, get a $5 GC... Which is a good deal. I ended up with $15 in GCs + I had manufacturer coupons to boot.

I have a rule... And I am pretty good about sticking to it. Sometimes it's hard, because you run across these "deals" once you are in the store for items that aren't on your list. So, my rule is... If the final price is under $1 - I can put it in my cart. That keeps me from putting more in my cart than I can afford to purchase... Yet, I can still take part in some really great deals.

A few of the items I purchased yesterday fell under this rule... I had a -$1 coupon for any manual Colgate toothbrush... They were priced at $.94 - so I got a free toothbrush. Garnier Fruictis shampoo and conditioner was priced at $2.99/bottle... I had a -$1 Target coupon and a -$1 manufacturer coupon - so I stacked them for $.99/bottle.

Cub (our grocery store)...

Cub was a bit more deflating... My list was very short - but I just can't get the deals at Cub that I can get at Target. According to my short list - my total should have been just under ~$70.

I will admit - I did not stick to my rule totally - there were a few things I purchased that were not on my list. I am a bit disappointed in myself for that. But it is what it is.

My total here before coupons was $171.46. After coupons was $96.84. For a total savings of $74.42 or 44%.

Now - there was a bit of a fiasco at the register... Allison was all annoyed because she was trying to find BFF... so I was distracted by her - which I shouldn't have been. But when I looked up at the register, the cashier was scanning my coupons, but my total wasn't going down. I told the cashier, but she just kept scanning. Sigh. So, when she was all done, I repeated myself - I knew which coupon she was on when I noticed it. She was very frustrated - and so was I. The head cashier came over... I offered just to pay, and we could take my coupon pile, along with my receipt over to guest services and we could look it over (because I did have a line of people behind me)... So, we had to stand there and sort through my coupons... It looked OK in the store, but when I got home - I found several items on my receipt that didn't have a discount that should have. It's less than $5 - but $5 is $5... I won't make a special trip - but the next time I am in town, I will stop in to see if they will adjust my price, or give me a GC towards my next trip?

A few of the best deals I got at this store...

Our laundry detergent is normally $4.49-$4.99 for the same size bottle at Target. It was on sale at our grocery store this week for $2.99/bottle, limit 2. I had a -$1 manufacturer coupon, which made it $1.99/each. BFF purchased 2, I purchased 2, and Alli purchased 1.

Pillsbury flakey buiscuits were 10 for $10 ($1 each), I had 2 manufacturer coupons for -$1 off of 3. So I purchased 6, which made them $.66/each - normally, they are approx $2.29 - $2.99 each.

Oh and more razors... I wasn't planning to do this deal - it wasn't as good as my Target deal, but like I said above - we use razors, and if I can get them cheap - I will. So, there was an instore promo, Buy 2 Bic disposible razors Get 1 free... I had tons of -$2 manufacturer coupons, which I could use 3 on each set. The razors were $6.29 each package x 2 = $12.58 - $6 in coupons, made them $6.58 / 3 = $2.19 each. Not the best deal - but decent.

Over all - I am OK with my overall savings at this store. I am much happier with my savings at Target though.

**********************************************************

So... How do I get all of these coupons you ask?

First of all - I have said this many times... I would not be able to do this with out BFF... She is so helpful!

I start out with clipping my coupons from my one Sunday paper.

BFF subscribes to 3 Sunday papers + she has 4 neighbors that give her their Sunday coupons... So she gets WAAAY more than I do.

I also check Target.com daily. Since I can stack coupons there + my discount and my Red Card discount, this is where I do the bulk of my shopping because I get the best deals.

I also check www.totallytarget.com - this is a FANTASTIC website... All they do is Target deals, and they are very good about telling you which coupons are the best deals at target - where to find them, and what the final price is. I love this website and I check it daily.

I also have a local website that give me similar deals for some of our local stores - which would be anything in the upper mid-west... www.creativecouponing.com

Then, for printables... www.coupons.com, www.redplum.com, www.smartsource.com - those are my main ones.

**********************************************************

Bff made me take a photo of my loot from yesterday - so I uploaded it to show you all... yes, I know - it looks like everything is just thrown in there, it kind of was at the end, so we didn't smoosh everything from Target. LOL I think it would have fit nicer if I would have used paper bags - note to self for next time. (And no, the coffee pot was not a purchase for yesterday - it was destined for a trip to Goodwill, but DH decided he wants me to bring it to the lake)

**********************************************************

Today, I plan to work on the applique for my auction bag for a few hours. Then I plan to hang out with my family.

I hope you al have an amazing weekend!

D~

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Chicken alfredo hotdish with pillsbury flakey biscuits on top... A totally Minnesotan dish - LOL)...

Well I guess this shows my true colors! I was silently rooting for you throughout your surgery & recovery, appliance woes, budget logistics, trip variables, offspring illness, and what brings me out of lurking to comment? FOOD! Please give details about this dish. I think this Georgia girl neeeeeeds it.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Well I guess this shows my true colors! I was silently rooting for you throughout your surgery & recovery, appliance woes, budget logistics, trip variables, offspring illness, and what brings me out of lurking to comment? FOOD! Please give details about this dish. I think this Georgia girl neeeeeeds it.

you're terrific Mrs Bradbury thanks for making me laugh this morning I soooo needed it

Ruthie

 

[Terkina]

This coupon thing is a little fascinating since we don't have anything like that here. Here we only get deals where the store reduce the price and that's it. Almost all the stores have new deals every week.


70% saving is great Pluss the 44% at the other store. You did an amazing job getting so good deals on your shopping (I know you got some help from you BFF but I'm still very impressed)

 

[Luvchefmic]

Living here in Green Acres (which I love don't get me wrong) I don't even have access to a newspaper that has coupons I'd have to head over to the WDW area for the BIG Sunday paper and I never seem to be in the area then


Your savings are GREAT job loved the picture of the back of the car (times like this I miss NY)

 

[KatMark]

D, love the Jessie bag is adorable and I can see a little girl falling in love with it.

As for the couponing...my husband clips them every week, but then he forgets to bring them when we go grocery shopping. Thankfully, we basically get the same things week in and week out since it's just the two of us, so our grocery bill is usually pretty low to begin with (we do our big "meat" shopping every three months at a butcher in the city and freeze it)

 

[ladylyons]

Awesome savings!!! I really need to start doing that!! I get the sunday paper but barely have time to even look at it some weeks. I know you said it before but how do you keep track of which coupons you have?

 

[disneychic2]

You did an amazing job with the coupon deals!!! You also reminded me just now that I was in Target this afternoon and forgot to pick up razors. Darn! But now I will check online for a coupon before going back tomorrow. Well, I guess I mean later today. Anyhow, thanks for sharing your booty with us. Now that just didn't sound right. Should I call it bounty? Okay, it's 4AM and I'm a bit loopy. Scary thing is, I'm getting ready to go down and do some sewing. Who knows what I'll end up doing?

Hence forth, you shall be known as: SHOPPING DIVA!!!