Learning Ebay from the Expert

This is my brother Ricky. He is a Power Seller on ebay and he is teaching me so much! I went to his house during my last visit home to Florida and I learned a gazillion things! Thanks, Ricky! By the way, if you ever get a chance, visit his store on ebay: All for Tito!

Getting Ready for Guests... and Maybe Evacuation!

Okay, so here we are on Saturday afternoon. My dear Mother-in-Law, Mama Roy, Aunt Alice, and one of Mom's teaching coworkers are all on their way to our house from Lousiana. They are also bringing Minnie (Maltese) and Maggie (Schnauzer) with them. It will be a nice slumber party! Then tomorrow or the next day we might all have to leave our house here in East Texas due to Hurricane Gustav. Well, I am a Florida Girl so I know about hurricanes. Need to get supplies... water(first and foremost), then the other essentials: rum, pineapple juice, oh... what else do we make Hurricanes with? Need to call my brother Petie and ask! Have you ever had to evacuate your home?

Crazy about Board Games!

Okay... I admit it... I absolutely L-O-V-E board games! You name it... Scrabble, Balderdash, Scattergories, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, etc... I also love to play some card games such as Phase Ten! And I cannot forget how much fun it was to play Bunko with my Bunko group when I was a teacher. Fun, Fun, Fun! I really think that staying at home, getting some snacks and playing board games is good clean frugal fun! You can have Game Night with the family or have company over. How about you? Do you like games? Which ones? Come on over... I'll get the snacks ready! =)

A Reason for Everything...

Yes, this is one of my favorite sayings and something that TD and I keep saying lately! Sometimes it seems you can plan things out so well but they turn out quite different in the end. I am a firm believer that things certainly do happen for a reason... sometimes we understand and sometimes we don't. Now I am talking about Faith. Gotta have it. Do you worry about things you really cannot control?

My name is Terry and I am a couponaholic...

Tonight I spent some time organizing my coupon binders. Sadly, I had to take out many expired coupons. Luckily, I will be able to send them overseas for our military men and women to use. I am so happy that expired coupons can serve a purpose! I have a total of two large binders and two small paper portfolios. The large black one is for groceries only. I have a semi-large white one for CVS. Then... a smaller one for Walmart and Target as I do not want to lug my bigger ones around those stores and I usually know what I want. My final small one houses restaurant coupons/ service coupons such as Jiffy Lube, Drycleaners, etc. I know it seems like a lot, but it is actually quite organized and easy to use. There is a system I have developed that works really well for me. My MAIN PROBLEM is that I always feel that I have to have every single coupon that I see. Now, that has helped me out a lot in the past since there have been random things on clearance for which I had the coupon and I was impressed with myself. Some of the time, however, I lug around coupons that I do not use. Then I have to spend an evening such as this picking them out of my binder so that I am able to carry the thing around! Two weeks ago, however, out of the blue I had a change of heart. I do not know how it happened. It just did. I told myself to stop being so obsessed with coupons and now I do not spend so much time on them and I do not pick up every coupon ever printed in the modern world. And I am happier. Much happier. How about you? Are you totally coupon obsessed?

That was some good gumbo!

The other night TD gave in and made some of his awesome gumbo. He is truly a Cajun as this is some good stuff! He adapted a recipe from his grandmother, Mama Roy. Before I knew TD, I did not know that gumbo was sometimes eaten with a dollop of potato salad on top. Well, just try to serve me gumbo now with no potato salad and I will wonder where the rest of the meal went! This gumbo had shrimp, chicken and sausage in it. Of course, there is some good rice on the bottom of the bowl. Sometimes we have a problem because I cannot eat very spicy food while TD can eat food that is so spicy a rocket could launch from it. This gumbo was perfect. In the picture you can see the genuine Abita Amber Beer which is what TD likes to drink with gumbo. Makes it a real Louisiana feast. Do you like gumbo... and do you eat potato salad with it?

Another good shopping trip

My trip to Wal Mart went well. Total prior to coupons was $73.58. After coupons the total was $40.81.
Here is what I purchased...

2 bakery cinnamon rolls ( I had no business buying these)
5 Bumble Bee Tuna Salad lunch kits
Planters Mixed Nuts
2 Apple and Eve Apple Juice Box sets
1 Six pack of Dasani water
1 small packet of cumin
1 Simply Orange OJ
6 small gala apples
1 large orange
1 lemon
1 lime
1 plantain
2 garlic
1 bag sunchips
6 packages Huggies Baby Wipes
1 All You Magazine
6 Post It page markers
1 loaf ciabatta from bakery
1 boneless rib roast
1 tyson pork loin roast
package of pork chops
1 bag onions
3 packets kool aid mix
1 mosquito spray (not pictured)
So.. I saved $32.77 in coupons.

I really do not shop at WalMart unless I have a bunch of coupons to use. My most favorite regular grocery store is Publix, but we do not have them here. My other favorite grocery store is Trader Joes, but alas, there are none of those here, either. The good thing about Kroger, where I usually do my grocery shopping, is that the double and triple coupons really help out! Where do you like to do your grocery shopping?

A Peaceful Moment

Here is my beautiful baby, Mineau, showing us that the world can be as chaotic as it wants to be. We can choose to relax. I think I need to follow her example more often. Enjoying the warm sunshine on your face and not worrying about anything... seems like a good thing to me. How about you?

CVSing... Fun on a Saturday Night!

While I was home in Florida for Family Saturday, I went CVSing with my dear sister-in-law Mandy and my brother Patrick, aka Boo Boo.
Here they are holding their binder. It was a really good outing! I was able to meet their favorite cashier, Kelvin, who knows them so well that he knows what their car looks like! It is really cool being able to share CVSing with your family as it is another interest that bonds us closer. So... CVS is more than just a store, it helps bring family and friends closer! Does your family CVS together? ( I guess that CVS has now also become a verb!)

Always Learning...

Okay, so I am not a genius when it comes to modern technology. An understatement, for certain! We had to get a new fax machine because the other one broke. TD is the genius in our household when it comes to computers, the internet, televisions, dvd players, the remote, and practically anything else that runs on electricity or has moving parts! In an effort to make me more comfortable in using "modern technology", TD said that I should try to set up the machine myself. I know, I know...it should have been easy. And parts of it were, but then I came across a snag and had to call in the expert! Needless to say, it is now working and I may have come just a little closer to having some knowledge about stuff like this. Just logging on to my blog and trying to learn new things is something I am so proud of. I know that 99% of the world's population know so much about computers and technology and here I am still learning bit by bit. It really is amazing to me that the youth of today are so intelligent when it comes to anything that has to do with technology. Really, it is reading other people's fabulous blogs that really inspires me to try to learn more. At least I am not ashamed to admit that I need help. Not that I could keep it a secret! Now, if you want to talk about someone who is an expert at playing Wheel of Fortune, I am your gal! Is there anything that you feel you need to learn more about and improve upon?

Coke Rewards!

I am so obsessed with Coke Rewards! Really, I look for those caps everywhere I go! I am not too proud to pick one up in front of someone, either! I could have so made out at the concert on Saturday night since they were selling Coke products, but I did not want TD to have to put up with me doing that there since it was a date night. But, boy, did I think about all the points I was missing out on that night! I have made it a sort of game. My goal is to find at least one everyday that I am out and about, especially if I am out in the field for my job since it takes me all around town. Do you collect Coke Rewards or anything similar?

Poets and Pirates !

TD and I went to the Kenny Chesney concert on Saturday night. This pic shows a different arena, and we were not as lucky as those folks since we did not get to see the great Sammy "I can't drive 55" Hagar. However, it was a great concert! I especially enjoyed Leann Rimes' beautiful voice. And Keith Urban... he was fantastic! He is a great musician. I wanted to go up to him and ask how Nicole and Sunday are doing. He seems so nice that he probably would have chatted to me about his family. It was interesting to see all the outfits in the crowd. I love to people watch! It was a great date night and I was so happy that TD thought to buy these tickets as a surprise. Who would you like to see in concert?

Five Guys Burgers!

Seriously, when TD and I were living in California, we thought that nothing at all could beat In & Out. But... the moment I tasted a burger from Five Guys when we lived in Jax, I completely changed my way of thinking! I think that TD still holds In & Out as the best in his mind, but that might just be due to great memories of California and not so much the burger. So... while at home in Florida over the weekend, Boo Boo, Mandy, Petie and I went to Five Guys... Boo Boo and Mandy are already loyal customers of Five Guys. Petie had never tried a burger from Five Guys and had his first burger there. Here he is. Needless to say, he loved it. My, he has good taste! How about you? Do you like Five Guys burgers?

More Family Saturday!

This is the delish bananas foster made by Boo Boo and Mandy... yummy! I could have eaten it all! Mandy also made a delicious crab rangoon with cranberry chutney dip which she learned from none other than the famous chef, Ming Tsai when she and Boo Boo attended one of his workshops. They were so kind as to give me a personally signed cookbook from the Chef! Yipee! Another yummy dish at Family Saturday was Dad's famous cheese pizza. I had more than my share.

Family Saturday.... and a Pirate Ship!

Here is my dear sister-in-law, Jenna, with her "Little Man" , Tito! They are next to Jenna's wonderful creation for Family Saturday. As you can see, with great skill she handcrafted this awesome pirate ship! Look closely and you can see the image of Tito that she etched into the mast. Beware Tito, as he is quite fierce! Don't you think he is cute?

I'm Back!

I am back and ready to start posting again. There are so many things I want to share!
I'll keep it simple, though, and not share too many things at once!
Here is the deal I got today at Randalls.

8 boxes of Ritz Crackers $4.19 each BOGo
used 8 coupons ($1/1)

One Lays Classic Chips on sale $2.50
3 Kraft Cheese $4.99 each
used 3 coupons (buy 2 Nabisco products such as Ritz, get Kraft cheese free)

5- 12 packs of Coke $5.99 each
Buy 2 get 3 free
used 2- $1/1 coupons

2 Contessa Shrimp Scampi on sale $3.99 each
used 1 - $2/2 coupons

Grand total before coupons was $71.99
Total after coupons and store savings $26.41
Savings of 73%

gotta love those BOGO deals that you have coupons to match with!
What do you think of my shopping trip?

Ahh, Key West!

It has been forever since TD and I were in Key West. What a wonderful place! The thought of not having a care in the world sounds pretty good to me right about now! Just walking down Duval Street, strolling along the water, watching the chickens , applauding the incredible sunset at Mallory Square, and not to mention... drinking a rum runner or two! I admire those conchs that live there! They sure know how to just live and let live. What a great idea! Do you love Key West?

I miss the old Emeril!

TD and I watched the new Emeril Green show this morning at 4 am. So not the same as the Emeril Live show on the Food Network! He was so subdued and matter-of-fact. It made me sad because he was not as lively. I do not know why he is no longer on the Food Network. If someone knows, please tell me. Yes, he was sometimes over the top with all the BAMs and what not, but he was fun to watch and, well, you gotta love a chef that loves pork fat! Do you like Emeril?

I have been thinking alot lately about trying to be more positive about things.
It has been said that people live longer and happier lives if they maintain a positive rather than a negative outlook. It makes sense.
This week my goal is to be very aware of my attitude and try to surround myself with positive vibes. And, of course, try to emit positive vibes.

What about you? Is your glass half-empty or half-full?

Beautiful People

Well, I just got off the phone with Mom and Dad and they told me that Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Tony are coming over tonight. They are my adopted Aunt and Uncle. I actually adopted them because they are truly great people. My Mom and Dad were blessed to build their home next to Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Tony. They are not just neighbors... they are family. Aunt Jeanne is quite the lady. She could teach the Queen of England about how to have teatime. She and my Mom love to have tea together. My Dad and Uncle Tony get along so well... Uncle Tony has a great sense of humor and he always gives you a great big hug when he greets you! What a blessing they have been....

Do you have neighbors that have become more like family?

My biggest food vice...

Since moving to Texas, I have been going back and forth thinking that it is great that there is not a Krispy Kreme on almost every corner because I am addicted to them... then I think what kind of place is this where I cannot drive down the street and see the flashing sign that gives you the welcome news that they have just taken hot doughnuts out of their oven! It is a blessing and a curse! Do you love Krispy Kreme?

This is the land of the Kolache... I had never even heard of one prior to moving here... they are fine, but I sure do love my Krispy Kremes!

A nice little visit

Last weekend my Mother-in-Law, Peggy, and Grandmother-in-Law, Mama Roy, came to visit us along with Mom Peggy's doggie, Minnie. We had a great time! They brought some boudin, which was so yummy. I knew nothing about that stuff until I met TD.

Speaking of food, Mama Roy can make the BEST pecan pie in the world. Hands down.