{Post 1,389} The Day in Pictures

Well, this is PART of the day in pictures.  I have done a few more little projects.  On some of them I have procrastinated a long time, only to find out they only took a few minutes!  That's how it is with me.  You're chuckling because you NEVER do that, right?  

I touched up paint from our remodeling in January and in our guest room.  Kimi came around 7 PM.  We are fast friends already.  It seems like I've known her for years and years.

Here is my scrap wallet for my Grandmother's Flower Garden blocks.  I keep this in my wallet so I can see what fabrics I have and which one I need more of.  I don't think I need any more at all.  This is very full.  The box of fabrics will probable make more than one quilt.  I guess if I use up the fabrics making another quilt I can call it the great-Grandmother's blocks or something!

Here is Elisabeth with Timmy dressed in overalls.  And I thought little boys couldn't possibly be as cute as little girls.

I spray-painted my new stools this afternoon.  They need to cure for a little while, but they turned out soooo lovely.  I think I've admired them out loud about 100 times already.  They add so much charm to our kitchen.  I used up paint from 3 different cans.  They were relatively close to each other in color!!  All shades of tan.  I used the two with the least amount to put on the first coat, then used the most full can to do the last coat.  These were a steal for $8 each.

{Post 1,388} Store Scores

I had such a GREAT shopping day.  I hate to shop.  No, that is not exaggerating.  I hate it.  I hate spending money.  I hate the time.  But lately, I have started to not thoroughly detest it.  Now I'm even on the verge of "enjoying" it.  I have been wanting a pretty bed frame.  The one we have was my grandmother's.  She gave it to us when we got married.  Honestly, I have never liked it.  It was made for a double bed.  We have a queen-sized mattress and box springs, so we use a frame that stands alone and just pushed the headboard up against the wall with it.  

Even though I was longing for a new frame, I didn't want to spend much on it.  As I looked at home made ones, I concluded that I'd have to spend at least $100 to MAKE one like I wanted, and even then, I was not sure it would turn out like I wanted.

So here's a partial recap of my shopping day.

On our way back from picking up the intended item (last in the pictures), we stopped to gas up our friend's truck that we borrowed.  There was a Goodwill adjacent to the gas station, and I was compelled to go in.  I am not sure why.  But I ended up getting some real gems.  

Above is an oval picture frame.  It looked like something my grandmothers would have had.  I love things like that.  I entertained the idea of making it a chalkboard, but I'm going to let it marinate.  It holds an 8 x 10 picture.

Next up is two perfect condition (just need a little cleaning love) kitchen counter stools.  Our 3 little ones are so pathetic.  Wobbly, uncomfortable, and just not trustworthy.  These were $8 each.  Since I had the truck, why not get them?  They will match my kitchen perfectly, and there's not a thing wrong with them.  Sturdy and lovely.  I couldn't believe my luck!

Here's the beauty I was going to pick up.  This is my new headboard!!  It is EXACTLY what I pictured having in our room.  The footboard is exactly the same design but has no wrought iron.  The best part is that I didn't want to spend more than $100 on it.  I got it through Craig's List.  It was advertised for $200 (originally cost $600, or so the previous owner said).  When I was looking at it, I kept seeing tiny scratches.  I had planned to restain it and then seal it with furniture wax anyway.  I was sure every imperfection would be covered up and fine.  As I was thinking about it, the seller said, "Will you take it if I lower the price a little?"  Before I could respond, she said, "Will you take it for $100?"  A little to me would be $180 or so.  I could barely believe my ears.  I felt like I'd won the lottery.

{Post 1,133} Shopping Excursions

Last week we were in FL for the birth of our first grandson. My b-friend, Ruth, had told me about a pharmacy that housed a quilt shop.  I had two opportunities to go.  The first time was rushed.  The second time I perused every pattern and book I was interested in.

I bought some fabric.  While that might now seem earth-shattering, keep in mind that I still have over 100 bolts at my house.  Skinnier bolts, but still bolts.

Here's the loot with explanations after each picture.

I bought this pattern for a specific quilt.  I had the pattern in my basket when I saw a fabric I HAVE to use for a Christmas present.  Email me for the URL for my secret blog if you're not a blood relative or even remotely related (and being my daughter's husband's brother's wife's sister counts--that's been tried already!).

From left to right...tiger fabric that along with a set of tiger pillow panels I bought recently that will be in my Etsy shop.  I got them to make for my SIL but my daughter told me in no uncertain terms that he would hate them.  Got it!

A piece of light tan fabric with inspiring lovely words on it to be used for a tote lining or something similar.  I rarely buy anything for stash, but this is one time I did.

The two orange 1/8 yards are for the pattern lying on top of them that I did NOT purchase at this store.  The pumpkins are paper-pieced, and I just don't have much variety amongst my beloved Thimbleberries.

This is a neat pattern for a cosmetic case/small tote.  The two back ones on the pattern use screen and the front one uses vinyl to see what is in the bag.  I make lots of these for gifts.  Another neat feature is that there is no zipper.  The top is kept closed by inserting a length of a metal retractable carpenter's tape measure so that the rounded sides are facing each other. 

The fabrics are for making my avid-knitting daughter a tote bag or purse.  She pinned a pattern that I will be attempting to make for her.  If you look on my Pinterest boards, it's under sewing projects.

This pattern was what made me go back the second time to the store.  I enjoy Atkinson Designs patterns because they have such wonderful directions and are practical.  The Tag Along Tote is small (I think 6" x 8" x 2") and has a patch pocket as well as a diagonal pocket on the front.  It can have a zipper along the top (mine will).  I got the three sewing-themed fabrics to make one and one to sell.  The one on the left has threads running across it.  The one with cones of thread is for the lining.  The light blue with pins scattered is for the patch pocket and part of the handle.

The reason I made a second trip was that I didn't realize until I had to leave the first time that the patterns were all a jumble.  There might have been one or ten of the same ones, but they were all mixed up on the display rack.  That meant I must return and look through them one at a time!  I bought the cosmetic case and Tag Along Tote the first trip, all else on the second.

As I perused the books, I knew upon first glance which ones I would find interesting and useful.  This one just has my name written all over it.  I like each and every one of the patterns, but the following two are my favorites.  You will see these in future blog posts:

As I was leaving the second time there, I heard a noise behind a wall.  There was another room of fabrics back there and a longarm quilter at work.  I took some pics on my phone, but wished I had my camera there.  You know, I'm on a mission to improve my quilting.  Got a little inspiration there in Pensacola.

Thus endeth another post.  I've been a postaholic lately, so make sure you don't miss one.  I know how vital they are to your lives!

Ingles Triple Coupon Grocery Trip

Ingles is probably my least favorite grocery store to shop in. Nothing personal--it's just the truth. They only double up to 50 cent coupons, and you need to spend $10 for every 3 coupons you can use. That is daunting, and usually makes for a not-very-profitable trip.

We needed some basics since we just got home from a nearly week-long trip. I heard through the Bette-grapevine that Ingles was doing triples this week. I nearly missed it! I decided I'd do my stocking up (mostly dairy and meat products) to get my total up, then use as many coupons as possible.

Thank the Lord, my old camera finally arrived home. I didn't realize it until after I took the above picture, however.

Pictured are (with my cost)

4 baking powders 20 cents each

12 boxes of Cap'n Crunch 50 cents each

16 tomato sauce (15 oz.) 38 cents each

2 grape jelly (32 oz.) 28 cents each

4 Betty Crocker Supreme brownie mixes $1 each (for charity desserts)

1 Domino sugar (4 lb.) $1.08

7 Betty Crocker icing tubs 18 cents each

2 No Yolks noodles free

2 Wacky Mac free

8 powdered creamers (my DH's preference) 18 cents each

4 Chex Mix 50 cents each

8 Ziploc bags 80 cents each

8 Puffs facial tissues 23 cents each

16 Manwich sloppy joe and BBQ mix 25 cents each

5 Rotel tomatoes 30 cents each

5 Treasure Cave Bleu cheese 28 cents each

10 Glory honey carrots 13 cents each

12 Minute Rice 52 cents each

The cashier and baggers had a fun time ringing up and bagging my order. The receipt is over 10 feet long...I measured it! I paid 56% of the original price, but that did include a ton of meat and dairy. I'm a happy camper.

All but some of the baking powder, all of the tomato sauce, creamer, Chex Mix, Ziplocs, and tissues are being sold tomorrow. So my total will be even lower! I'll give you a total after I see how much the items sell for. Betcha can't wait!

~Joan

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This picture is worth $37.09. Above is the stash from Wal-mart from my shopping this AM. My out-of-pocket expense was $5.33. We are well-stocked with cereal.

I got some of these coupons (one per item) online. The napkin ones were in the paper a few weeks ago. I had 10 coupons (I did an identical trip to this one yesterday). I had a $1 off coupon for Dixie napkins, any size 160-count and up. I bought the 160-count size because they were $1.47 per packge. I would have saved $1 no matter when I used the coupon, but this way, I bought 10 packages for $4.70.

We're expecting a family of 11 any time now. They are staying with us for a few days. Better go do the last rounds and make sure all is ready.

~Joan

Clipping Coupons...is It Worth It? Well, That Depends

Went to Ingles today to shop. I normally don't find many of my bargains there. My WH had 2 co-workers here for the day (training, etc.). I told them about my shopping adventure when I popped into his home office to say "hi". One of them had never heard of Ingles and thought it must be some spectacular savings store. The other nearly fell out of his chair laughing. He assured her that there was nothing in Ingles in and of itself to make it a bargain-shopper's dream.

But I digress. I was in the checkout line at Ingles. The woman in front of my had about 6 bags of various items that I could not see because it was bagged when I arrived. Her total came to $162.something. She was ranting about the high price of food. Then she pulled out some coupons and her total went down to $150.something after they were scanned. She turned to me and said, "That's a lot better, isn't it?" I smiled and said she did well, and I was happy for her.

Let me pause to interject that I have so much to learn about this stockpiling while prices are rock bottom thing. I feel like the past 4 weeks of this type of shopping (email me for details) has been a whole education in grocery shopping.

Once all my items were rung up, my bill was $120.something. After the cashier scanned my Ingles card it went down almost $20. That reflects lower prices for those who have signed up and present their special card. That was great, right? Even better was my grand total due after my coupons were scanned...$37.86. I thought that was a bit high, but I did buy a few items that never go very low, even on sale. Plus, the coupons were not doubled like they are at two of the stores I shop at weekly.

Here's what I got with that...

~2 candy bars my son asked me to buy him for his brothers as a reward for helping clean up the room the 3 of them share (I will be reimbursed for that tomorrow). That was $1.46.

~20 4-packs of AA and AAA batteries (I will resell 16 packs of them tomorrow and be paid 50 cents more per package than I paid, netting me $8 profit).

~3 Benefiber (38 serving) powder (ditto on the resale, netting me $12).

~10 eight-ounce packages of luncheon meats (honey ham and grilled turkey to be exact). I will also be reselling most of these for I don't know how much yet.

~2 loaves of Italian bread (an extravagance...$1.68 EACH), but we can't do Italian w/o it.

~the big priced item...ground chuck @1.78 a pound. I bought 9-1/2 pounds. This is a good price around here. I brown and drain it all at once, then pack it into sandwich baggies, one pound per bag, and freeze it. Instantly ready for spaghetti sauce, sloppy joes, tacos, cheeseburger soup, etc.

I did fairly well overall. The cashier asked, "Why in the world did you tell the woman in front of you that she did well and you were happy for her?" I replied that I thought she did, and I was. Besides...she didn't know who she was up against ;)

~Joan

Grocery $aving$

Some of you have wondered why I haven't been posting as much as when I started the blog back on December. What am I doing with my time? Why don't I make a new queen-sized quilt every week (that's for you, Marcie!)? Well, I am devoting myself to making shopping an art form.

Notice the above close-up of one of my receipts from this AM. That's me in the lower picture, displaying my mile-long receipt (over 2/3 of it was coupons).

Email me if you want details, ladies. I can get you on the road to grocery savings. Glory to God for grocery savings!

~Joan