I am here!

Sorry for the delay in posting! Our internet was just hooked up today, finally! We are busy getting settled into the new house. I love this place! Being 3 minutes from Wal-Mart is great! I will  be posting more pictures soon.

The moving trucks coming to the new place!

The view from the loft..my favorite part!

 Sorry for the delay on the giveaway!

The winner of the giveaway goes to:

Brandy Barnes!!

Congrats! :)

Keep watching the blog this week. I will be starting another giveaway this Friday! If you are having trouble commenting on the blog, "like" me on Facebook, and comment there!

Before the move, we were able to go see the Chapman's on Saturday night. They are a favorite group of mine. They did awesome!

Yes, that's a fast train going by behind them.

That's all for now. Must go unpack :)

Home Sweet Camper

We are on day 4 of the big move. The house is empty now. The movers were great to work with and super nice and helpful. We are just about done staying here! We are now staying in the camper for the next couple of days while we are in transition of the new house, which is sitting in our driveway. It's so nice that we have this to relax in. Plus, it's giving me a taste of my new camper life in a couple months :)

This is from yesterday. We filled two trucks just like this with our stuff. I'm so excited to see it all unloaded in the new house!

Oh, how glad I am that we didn't have to move ourselves!

The movers mark each box with contents, name, etc. The guy who packed my room just couldn't quite get how to spell my name. I guess that would be pronounced... "Kill-see"?
Official moving-in day is Tuesday! More pictures to come!

Tate starts home in 15 days! I'm SO excited! A few days ago, he sent me a couple pictures of a heart he had made by a river in Canada. He made our initials in the middle of the heart :)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! I have received several items in the mail recently and I'm excited to be giving those away in the next couple of week! You can either post on the blog or comment on Facebook. Good luck!



Moving: Day 1

 Day 1 of moving.

Today was packing day for the movers. They arrived at the house about 8:30 this morning. They were able to pack several rooms today with just a few left for tomorrow. Our house is not the most comfortable right now. We have had to make the dining room table our living space for the next couple of days. But, we shall make do! This is much, much better than having to pack and move ourselves.

Thankfully, we have our camper that we will be able to stay in for a couple nights after all of our stuff gets loaded to the moving truck.

A few pictures of the day:

The moving company's "box truck" full of...boxes. What else would you haul boxes in?

Our cat, "Kitty"...supervising.

The beginning of the living room/kitchen box tower..

My poor empty closet.

The box truck...full of..boxes :)

Kitty had a long day..



It's a Giveaway!!

I am having my very first giveaway!

Plantlife Aromatherapy Herbal Soap

The very nice folks at Plantlife sent me some samples of their delicious smelling soaps and lotion.  It is all 100% natural with no chemicals and loaded with pure essential oils. I love this stuff! I don't use everything natural, but I try to as often as I can. The earthy, clean scent is great! I'm sure you will love it as much as I have. This hand cut soap is made in the USA.

One lucky reader of my blog will receive one Plantlife Lemongrass sample soap in

black mesh bag.  

Winner will be chosen on Tuesday, August 30th.

Each reader can enter once a day.

To enter:

1. Tell me what your favorite thing about this summer was.

For additional entries:

2. Become a fan on Facebook!

3. Refer a friend, and get them to subscribe to the blog (and let me know!)

Please comment after each task is completed. This will increase your chances of winning!

Good luck!

Window Washing and Catfish Cooking

Today was a very successful day for us here at home. We all worked hard on cleaning the house in preparation for the big move. My grandma (who we call Nanny) came up and helped us so much today! We no longer have anything hanging on the walls, no curtains, no decorations up anywhere. It's pretty boring looking around here. We washed all of the windows today..this was when it was still fun:

Our fireplace mantle looks so bare now. We are looking forward to our new stone fireplace in the new house..very cool :)

At the end of the day, we were rewarded with catfish, hush puppies, corn on the cob, and fried zucchini. It was SO good! Definitely one of my favorite meals.

More cleaning and sorting tomorrow. I hope to tackle the basement and my room tomorrow. Wish us luck :)

Special Delivery!

I was SO excited today! As you all know, Tate is on a northern tour right now. He's been away for a little over 6 weeks now. I received a package this morning with a really cute sign for our house and/or camper someday and a really pretty tea towel! I loved it! He is the best :) He will be home in about 3 1/2 weeks. I am anxiously awaiting!

Other than that, we took a truck load of boxes containing the things that the moving company will not move. Liquids, food, etc. The movers are coming to pack us on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday they will load the truck, and Monday we get to move in! We are so excited to explore a new area and meet new people there. Mountain Grove is just under 5,000 in population. But, they do have a Wal-Mart..that's worth a lot.

We were happy to finally see this sign in our yard!

I have been asked from a few different companies to review some of their products. If you haven't subscribed to my blog, please do! As I review an item, I will be able to give away an identical item to one of you! Stay tuned..

Why I Shop Where I Shop -Retail

Throughout the years, I have been privileged enough to learn just exactly how to "shop". When you hear the word shopping, what do you think of? Most everyone would think of mall shopping. The only kind of mall shopping I really enjoy is a good outlet mall at the end of a season. For the most part, you aren't going to get the best deal while shopping at your local retail mall. I do on occasion have a few stores that I do shop at. Charming Charlie's to be exact. :)

Some things I have learned about shopping:

1. Sale racks do not always mean the "leftover" rack. As I'm sure you all notice, it is August and several stores are already putting out Christmas decorations! This works the same way in retail stores. Swimsuits come out in February, coats come out in early September. Stores must get rid of their current stock to make room for their new seasonal items. I was out shopping today and noticed that most swimwear was 50% off or more. It's still summer!

2. When shopping for a specific item, it is sometimes hard to find a good deal. Before making any large purchase in-store or online, check for any online coupon codes or printable coupons. Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics, Old Navy, and several other stores almost always have a printable coupon anywhere from 20-60% one item. Try "Google-ing" for coupons next time you plan on making a purchase.

3. "Window shopping" can be lots of fun...and deceiving! We have all done it. We have seen the cute dress in the window of our favorite store. It lures us in, we check the price.. Let's say its $59. But wait, there is a final clearance rack in the very back of the store! Not always, but sometimes there can be very similar items on clearance that very few people even notice. When I'm shopping in retail stores, I usually walk straight to the back of the store, then work my way back out while noticing the clearance signs on the top of racks. Warning: If the rack says 90% off, you better just make yourself comfortable, you may be there awhile. :)

4. Some of my favorite stores are Marshall's, TjMaxx, and HomeGoods. Shopping at these types of stores, you are able to purchase high end, name brand items that you most likely wouldn't have been able to afford to purchase from the actual store it originated from. For instance, I bought a Joe's Jeans leather belt at TjMaxx today for $3. Retail price: $94. No way would I have payed $94 for a belt! I purchased the belt for less money than a Wal-Mart item! I have had several instances like this. I was able to purchase an expensive piece of luggage for my trip to Texas this winter for $30. Retail value was over $200! This winter (off season), I bought a pair of authentic Armani Exchange sunglasses for $5, retail was $110. Less money, better quality. You can't beat that!

And that is why I shop where I shop! I can't tell you how much money my family and I have saved from taking just a little extra time "digging"and not buying the first thing that catches our attention!

 Thrift/consignment version coming soon! :)

Moving, Couponing, and Giveaways!

Hello everyone! I haven't posted in a few days. I have been a little busy with packing, wedding planning, and trying to publish a cookbook! ( I will tell you more about that later! )

As I posted on Facebook, my bridesmaid dresses came, but they were the wrong color. I was so sad, they were such a cute style! I have size small, medium, and large if anyone is interested! They are wrap around and very adjustable. I am asking $40. We do have a backup plan, thankfully!

Today, I decided to tackle the stock pile room. The movers will not pack food or liquids, so this room was our responsibility. As I packed each item, it made me remember how much I really do love couponing. In fact, I visited my local Kroger store today to take advantage of the .88 Colgate toothbrushes that I was going to be able to purchase for .08 a piece. As always, they were out of stock, so I was able to get a rain-check for 38 toothbrushes. I will keep you updated on how that goes.

Moral of the story...10 Lowe's boxes full of pasta, cereal, tuna, dish soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, razors, shaving cream, feminine products, candy, floss, laundry detergent, and lots more......

Here.

Ah, satisfaction.

Due to my large amount of stock pile items, I am in the process of learning how to do "giveaways" on my blog! Please invite your friends...it will be worth it!



Thrift Stores and Spray Paint

    We have slowly been collecting interesting picture frames to use for different things at the wedding. We also found the perfect shade of spray paint at Lowe's. (photo brighter blue than actual frames) So, yesterday I was able to paint 4 frames, a silver tray, and the birdcage that I posted about before! We bought a bigger one at Salvation Army today for $2, but that one isn't painted quite yet. Also picked up a really cool red hoodie :)



Wedding plans are coming along really well. I have booked my photographer. She is super creative and does great work. She is the same one who did our engagement pictures.

Check our her page here: Hodge Podge Photography

Tate comes home in 32 days! Him and his family are in Wisconsin for a couple weeks. From there: Minnesota, Canada, then HOME!

You can check out their website here: Lindley Creek Bluegrass

Whoopie Pies!

Today, my mom, Kori, and I decided to begin taste testing for the wedding. We made whoopie pies!

Some trivia about them: They are a Pennsylvania Amish tradition dessert. According to food history, Amish women would make these cookie pies and put them in farmers' lunchboxes. When farmers would find the pies, they would shout "Whoopie!" Whoopie pies are the official state treat of Maine.

We made the classic version of Whoopies. Chocolate cookie with marshmallow cream filling, yum!

You will need:

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, or margarine
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl, sift together, flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, beat butter, shortening and sugar with mixer on low setting until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for about 3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and beat for two more minutes. Add half of the flour mixture and half of the milk and beat on low until incorporated. Repeat with remaining flour and milk and beat until combined.Using a tablespoon, drop batter on baking sheet two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes each or until pies spring back when pressed gently.

Remove from oven and cool for about five minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

1 T. of batter will make about 48 two inch cakes or 24 pies

2 T. of batter will make about 25-30 four inch cakes or 15 pies

Marshmallow Filling:

1/2 cups marshmallow cream fluff
1 1/4 cups vegetable shortening
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the marshmallow cream and vegetable shorting, starting on low and increasing to medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low, add confectioners sugar and the vanilla, and beat until incorporated. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until fluffy.

Spread marshmallow filling, gently press between each cookie to expose filling.

Roll in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, nuts, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Store in air-tight container.

The finished product!

Watch for thieves :)



My Weekend

 This weekend, we have been making preparations for our big move. Cleaning out cabinets, the refrigerator and freezer, junk drawer (awful), and other things. We have been selling off furniture and extra stuff, which we still need rid of. Couch and loveseat, a mirror, pictures, a guitar, and a play fort...anyone?

We will have packers and movers, thankfully! But, they still don't move everything..including all liquids and food items. Tomorrow, I may try to pack the store room. Oh my, it will be quite a job. 17 boxes of cereal, 40 boxes of pasta, 40+ toothbrushes, 25 tubes of toothpaste, 15 bottles of Bbq sauce, and lots more. I always wonder what people thought about that room when they looked at our house...

The best thing about it...I ordered more coupons for this week's sale. More toothpaste coming this week! It's the right time of year to stock up on items like this. It saves so much money in the long run!

Today we went to church and stayed there for the afternoon. I brought my guitar and was able to jam with the Grape family. (Grape jam? Ha!) We played for about 2 1/2 hours, it was so much fun! My fingers are so sore, but it's good for me :)  I'm hoping to do that again in a couple weeks!

Tell me about your weekend!

We Are Moving!..Finally!

After a year's worth of waiting, we are finally packing up and moving to Mountain Grove. Our house has been under contract for several months, but just recently, everything has fallen into place. We started our house hunt about a year ago, and finally found the right one! It's just a short distance from town and about 25 minutes to my dad's office. I'm really looking foward to living in a small town. Being just an hour from Springfield will be so nice, also! Thankfully, I won't have to leave the new place permanently quite yet.  There is a great spot for a seperate "mini "apartment where Tate and I can stay when we are home, after we are married! 

Here are a few pictures of the new place:

Best part: We love the colors. We won't have to paint! (I hate painting!)

Aside from moving: Tate comes home in 38 days! I'm so excited..just about to the 

half-way point! :)



Coupons..and More Coupons!

After a long break, my mom and I are back in the swing of things of couponing. It was SO worth it today. I noticed last week that Kroger would be having a great sale this current week, so I planned accordingly. We really did good today!

- 10 boxes of cereal

-12 bars of Ivory/Safeguard soap

-22 Oral-B Advantage toothbrushes

-10 Softsoap hand wash

-24 Crest toothpastes

-16 Dawn soaps

-2 Right Guard deodorants

Total price...(*drum roll..)

Roughly.. $10.75

Oh, how I love coupons.

I wasn't able to get everything today, so I hope to finish the rest up tomorrow morning. In the past 9 months, my family and I have not had to pay full price for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, razors, laundry detergent, fabric softener, cereal, pasta, etc. It has been a huge help to us! I'm so glad I was able to learn this now. Couponing on the road won't be quite as easy, but I can still use the basic principles, and save lots of money along the way!

It's exciting to see what cheap/free things you can score every week!

One of my favorite coupon websites:

Krazy Coupon Lady

Enjoy :)

Silver Dollar City!

Hello everyone! I hope you had a good weekend!

As a continuation of my weekend, Sunday we went to church. Sunday afternoon, we went to my grandma's house to visit my dad's family. I was able to spend some time with my cousins, which is always fun.

Here are a couple of my cousins and I. Kyla, Justine, and Me.

Today, my family was able to take off for Silver Dollar City. Moonlight Madness is going on right now, so the park is open till 10 pm. We didn't stay quite that late, but it was still a lot of fun! It was about 103 degrees out, so we hung out on water rides most of the day.

We were waiting in line for Tom & Huck's Riverblast. If you haven't rode it, it's a very slow paced ride, other than your arm is killing you by the time you get off from shooting people with your water gun. It's basically like a human car wash..and yes, you do get that wet. We also rode Lost River several times (my personal favorite).

I sat this ride out. My amusement ride tolerance level is quite, quite low. :)

Kori and Gage had a really good time today, too. They usually get along good together. She is always trying to take care and watch out for him. They are the best brother and sister I could ask for!

Did I mention that it was HOT? We had to pick one of the hottest days of the year, but we did stay hydrated!

Ah yes, my trusty ole' phone. Tate is gone right now, so he wasn't able to come, but without fail..we were able to text most of the day. We will make great old people someday. As I mentioned earlier about my tolerance for rides, Tate feels the same way I do about them. You will not see us in line for Wildfire, Powder Keg, etc. We are more likely to frequent lines for shows..only during Bluegrass festival. You know you are going to a good show when you stand out because you are the only one without gray/white hair in a crowd that large. My personal favorite..the die-hard Rhonda Vincent fans. Oh yes, the t-shirts, the autographed pictures from 1996, the pins, the mugs, the self-portraits with Rhonda, etc.. You know who they are.

 If only it were Bluegrass & BBQ festival all year long..ah, that would be too good.

On the way home, we listened to a really great CD. One of my current favorites! It's by Darin Aldridge & Brooke Justice (now Brooke Aldridge). She has an awesome voice!                       Check it out here:

Darin Aldridge & Brooke Justice -Amazon

That's all for now! Have a good week!