My week of CVSing.

Because I noticed that there are unpublished EBs available for Softsoap still, I will probably make another trip tomorrow before the new sales start.  I didn't only go for items in this transaction that would give me EBs back because there were other really good sales going on that I know won't be there next week.

Transaction #1

2 Xtra Laundry Detergent
2 Dove Body Wash
2 Herbal Essence Shampoo/Conditioner
2 Clean & Clear Morning Burst Body Wash
3 Powerade
2 Garnier Facial Cleansing Cloths
1 Garnier Facial Brush/Wash

Used: Coupon for $5/$40 purchase, $10 EBs, 1 B1G1 Herbal Essence, 1 B1G1 Clean & Clear, $1/1 Clean & Clear Product, $1/1 Dove Body Wash, (2) $.50/1 Xtra, (3) $1/1 Garnier Cleansing/Moisturizing Product
Total OOP: $27.17
Got: $15 EBs

If I had broken them down into smaller transactions, I would have spent less out of pocket.

The Bottom Line:
I essentially spent $12.17 on all of this stuff!  To put that into perspective, the Dove Body Wash are $6 each, so I basically paid for those and got the rest FREE!

Inside Out Ravioli

Finally, I'm getting around to it!  I printed a version this recipe out from the internet somewhere a few moons ago and just tried it this week.  Super simple and delicious.

You Will Need:
1 box Pasta (I am super partial to Shells)
2 jars Spaghetti Sauce
1 - 1.5 lbs Ground Beef
2 cups Shredded Cheese

Preheat the oven to 350.

Boil noodles according to package - or until al dente.

Brown the Ground Beef in a large pan.  In a large bowl, combine the cheese with the noodles.  I do this first because the cheese gets all stuck inside the shells, which is yummmmmmy.  Then, add your Ground Beef and Spaghetti Sauce. 

Pour mixture into a baking pan.  Top with extra cheese if you want and throw it in the oven for about 30 minutes.

I served it with rolls and a salad and it was devine.

Easy.  Cheap.  Delish.  That's a winning combo!

The Thursday Push!

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Xtra Laundry Detergent - $.99 at CVS!

Attention fellow CVS lovers:

A new coupon has been brought to my attention this morning!  $.50/1 Xtra Laundry Detergent.  This week, Xtra is on sale for $1.49 at CVS, so that brings the price down to a teeny-tiny $.99!  You can print the coupon twice and walk away with two bottles for only $1.98.

Color me excited!

Confessions of a Real Life Mom.

lean on me
when you're not strong, i'll be your friend.

I curse using made up words and acronyms and I cry for hours at a time.

On Sunday, I had an opportunity to be alone after my class for hours.  This is a very rare occasion - one that I was happy to have.  I got home, saw the mess that had accumulated in my house throughout the course of about a day and just cried.  I cried for about two hours while I was cleaning and studying; if there had been cameras in my house, I probably looked like a complete nut.  Crying is super theraputic for me.  I finally got tired from the crying and decided I needed to take advantage of the alone time and take a much needed (and well deserved, if I do say so myself) nap.  I napped, watched TV, pretended to study, and was able to relax.  It was wonderful!

This morning.  OMG, this morning...

I'm up on time (shocker!), Little Steve slept through the night (PTL!), and I was sooooo ready to tackle the day.  I got out to Dora (my Explorer) with the intention of starting her up.  Let's just say Dora had other plans; maybe she needed a nap, too.  I began to pretty up my foul language by using multiple acronyms and made up words like 'fidding;' "Are you fidding me, Dora?"  Big Steve, who never calls out sick, but is home today with a stomach bug (oh, great, more germs!), let me take Betty (his truck) to work this morning.  I managed to get to work only 20 minutes late, with a venti, non-fat, iced caramel macchiato.  By the grace of God, I didn't crash!

The only thing getting me through this morning is prayer, laughter, and knowing that there is someone somewhere else who just had the exact same morning I did.  And maybe a little bit of mussing (mom cussing).

Here's hoping your morning started a little better than mine!

A Tribute to My Wonderful Mama!

Is it bad that I'm not sure how old my mom is?  I think 52?  In any case, I called her bright and early this morning to wish her a happy 74th!  Haha.

My mom is the most wonderful lady I know.  I feel so lucky to have been raised by such a kind-hearted, loving, hard-working woman.  I honestly believe that God has put her here to give joy to everyone she meets.  She works as a Hospice HHA and gives her heart and soul to every patient; after all these years of working in the field, she still gets heart-broken whenever someone passes away. 

My relationship with my mom has evolved tremendously in the last couple of years.  When I found out I was pregnant, though it wasn't under the best circumstances, I had no doubt my mom would be there to support me every step of the way.  Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that my mom had 4 children (6 years old and younger) by the time she was my age!  Having my son has made me realize how truly awesome and special my own mother is; she gives me daily inspiration and encouragment without saying a word.

So, here's to you, Mama!  I love you more than I could ever even attempt to express and am always humbled by your love and compassion toward others.  If I am half the mom you are to me, Stevie will be in pretty good shape.

I LOVE YOU!

What's on Suzie's Menu?

WHAT'S ON SUZIE'S MENU?

OMMonday.  Is it already the beginning of a new week?  I need a vacation!

I am off the hook this week for tonight and tomorrow because I'm celebrating my wonderful, beautiful, awesome, angel-of-a-mom's birthday tonight at Red Lobster, and tomorrow night I have my Medical Terminology Class.

This is what I'm working with this week:

Tuna Casserole
Inside Out Chicken Pot Pie
Inside Out Ravioli
Baked Chicken w/ Hashbrown Casserole
Turkey Sausage Chilli

These are some newbies!  I am especially excited to try the Inside Out Ravioli!  Anything Ravioli is divine in my book...really anything pasta-related is A-Okay.