Life Here Lately

It has been a long few weeks for my family!

We have been without a computer, so blogging has been difficult. I wanted to give a few life updates though!

Wednesday, Gail gave us a really big scare with a severe cyanotic episode. 911 was called that morning, and we spent all day in 2 different emergency rooms. I have literally NEVER been as scared as I was during her episode! The doctors are thinking it may have been a seizure, so the referral was put in for neuro, and we're waiting for them to call with an appointment.

 Thursday, Gail had her cardio appointment. Her left side structures are growing nicely, but the right side of her heart is a little too big, so open heart surgery may be sooner rather than later. This COMING Thursday, she's scheduled for a spleen scan to check her splenic function.

As for yesterday? My 5 year old had a little too much fun on the 4 Wheeler, and is now sporting stitches.

It's pretty safe to say that this mama is ready for an emotional meltdown after how the last few days have played out, haha!

Here's to hoping that all of my readers have a wonderful and positive week!!

Fried Computer...

Our household computer has been having many issues lately! The result is that our computer won't even START now. As a result, my posts may be less frequent until we get a new computer (a tablet can only do so much).

I'm still going to aim for posting the Chronicle coupons on Sundays, it just may take a little longer!

For now, I'm off to drink some coffee as I try not to cry over the loss of our computer, haha! Have a great day, everyone!

Houston Chronicle Red Plum Coupons 8/9/15

Houston Chronicle Smart Source Coupons - 8/9/15

Houston Chronicle Red Plum Inserts - 8/2/15)

Houston Chronicle Smart Source Insert - 8/2/15

Market Basket Ad/Coupon Matchups - 7/29/15

Last Week's Adventures!

I know, I know...I'm late on posting about last week's adventures!! Life happens....and so do massive, crippling, toothaches (more on that at another time). Anyways, the pain has subsided, so it's time to finally get around to posting!

For the most part, things were fairly quiet last week. I didn't feel like running to the grocery store, so I got creative with things that we already had on-hand in our food supply. I try to bake at least one treat a week for our family. It's cheap to bake from scratch, and I love to keep our taste buds satisfied!

Digging through our pantry & fridge, I found two of my favorite ingredients: white chocolate chips, and cream cheese! Naturally, I got on Pinterest to see if there were any delicious recipes with a combination of the two. Our treat for the week ended up being white chocolate cream cheese cookies! Granted, you couldn't really taste the cream cheese in them (I couldn't, anyways), but they did have a more chewy texture than the white chocolate cookies I usually make, so that's a plus! I'll definitely be reusing this recipe in the future!

Houston Chronicle P&G Insert - 7/26/15

Houston Chronicle Smart Source Insert - 7/26/15 (2 Inserts!)

Houston Chronicle Red Plum Insert - 7/26/15 (2 Inserts!)

Market Basket Ad/Coupon Matchups - 7/22/15

5 FOR $5 MIX-OR-MATCH SALE

Betty Crocker Cake Mixes (15.25 oz.; Assorted)

Hamburger or Chicken Helpers (4.2-12.2 oz.; Assorted)

-Use $0.75 off (3) Helper or Ultimate Helper Skillet Dishes (7/12 SS; Exp. 9/5)

-Final Price: $0.75 Ea.

Del Monte Vegetables (11-15.25 oz. Cans; Assorted)

Parade Pastas (16 oz.; Elbow, Macaroni, or Spaghetti)

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Shapes (5.5 oz.; Assorted)

Del Monte Pineapple (15.25 oz.; Crushed, Sliced, or Chunk)

Pictsweet All Natural Vegetables (10 oz.)

Banquet Meals (6-12 oz.; Assorted)

Parade Whipped Topping (8 oz.; Reg. or Light)

Lil' Dutch Maid Creme Cookies (16 oz.; Assorted)

Ricos Ready to Eat Popcorn (3.5 oz.; Assorted)

Kool-Aid Bursts (6 Pack)

Nursery Water (Gallon; Fluoride or Non-Fluoride)

Crunch & Munch Snacks (3.5 oz.)

Gold Peak Tea or Vitamin Water (18.5-20 oz.; Assorted)

Hunt's Tomatoes (14.5 oz. Cans; Whole, Diced, or Stewed)

Rothbury Croutons (5 oz.; Assorted)

Parade Plastic Cups (16 oz.; 18 Ct.)

Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid (10 oz.)

Sparkle Paper Towels (Regular Roll)

Oscar Mayer Basic Lunchables (2.25-4.4 oz.; All Varieties)

Oscar Mayer Turkey Bologna (16 oz.)

Bar-S Jumbo Meat Franks (16 oz.)

Rath/John Morrell Meat Bologna or Salami (12 oz.)

Fast Bites Heat & Serve Sandwiches (4.2-5.5 oz.; All Varieties)

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Links (5.2 oz.; All Varieties)

-Use: $0.55 off (1) Jimmy Dean Breakfast Product (7/12 RP; Exp. 8/16)

-Final Price: $0.45 Ea.

Farmland Bacon Wrapped Pork Fillets (4 oz.)

John Morrell Smoked Sausage (7 oz.; Regular or Hot)

El Monterey Heat & Serve Burrito Singles (10 oz.; All Varieties)

Top Care Coated Aspirin (100 Ct.)

Close-Up Toothpaste (4 oz.)

Oral-B Cavity Defense Toothbrushes (Assorted)

-Use: $0.50 off (1) Oral-B Pulsar, 3D White, Pro-Health, Complete, Sensi-Soft, Indicator, OR Cavity Defense Toothbrush (7/5 PG; Exp. 8/2)

-Final Price: FREE (Doubles)

Top Care Mouthwash (250 mL.)

Mrs. Freshley's Dreamies (2 Ct.; Regular or Rainbow)

Fresh Goods

Seedless Red or Green Grapes - $0.97 Lb.

All Purpose Russet Potatoes (5 Lb. Bag) - $1.47 Ea.

Orange, Red, or Gold Bell Peppers (Mix or Match) - $0.97 Ea.

Red Ripe Roma Tomatoes - $0.77 Lb.

Red Ripe Grape Tomatoes (10.5 oz. Pkg.) - 2/$3

Green Cabbage - $0.47 Lb.

Leafy Green Kale (Bunch) - $0.97 Ea.

Fresh Juicy Mangos - 4/$2

California Peaches - $1.17 Lb.

Fresh Express Salads (5-7 oz.; Assorted) - $2.97 Ea.

Baked Fresh Six Grain Bread (22 oz.) - $2.99 Ea.

Store-Made Meringue Pies (Lemon, Coconut, or Chocolate) - $5.99 Ea.

Store-Made Glazed donuts (13 Ct.) - $2.99 Ea.

Cafe Valley Cream Cakes (20 oz.; Lemon or Chocolate) - $4.49 Ea.

Fresh Baked Cookies (6 Ct.; Reese's Pieces, Heath Toffee, Hershey Chocolate Chip, or White Chip Macadamia) - $3.99 Ea.

Pita Pal Variety Pack Hummus (16 oz.) - $4.99 Ea.

Hand Breaded Golden Fried or BBQ Chicken (8 Pcs.) - $6.99 Ea.

Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (Pint) - $3.99 Ea.

Kretschmar Lunchmeats (8 oz.; Pre-Sliced) - $3.99 Ea.

Reser's Salads (15-16 oz.; Mustard or Original Potato, Macaroni, or Cole Slaw) - $2.99 Ea.

Meat Department

MB Premium Select Angus Beef T-Bone Steaks (Limit 2) - $5.99 Lb.

MB Premium Select Angus Beef Shoulder Boneless Country Style Beef Ribs (Family Pack; Limit 2) - $3.99 Lb.

MB Premium Select Angus Beef Boneless Shoulder Steaks (Family PAck) - $4.69 Lb.

Swift Premium Natural Bone-In Loin End Pork Chops (Family PAck; Limit 2) - $1.19 Lb.

Swift Premium Natural Bone-In Center Cut Pork Loin Chops (Family Pack) - $2.99 Lb.

Swift Premium Pork St. Louis Style Center Cut Spareribs - $2.99 Lb.

Swift Premium Natural Boneless Pork Tenderloins (Twin Pack) - $3.99 Lb.

Swift Premium Pork Boneless Petite Shoulder Roast (Whiskey Black Pepper Dry Rub Seasoned) - $2.99 Lb.

USDA Inspected Fresh Fryer Leg Quarters (10 Lb. Bags; Limit 2) - $0.35 Lb.

USDA Inspected Fresh Fryer Pinwheels Combo Pack (4 Drumsticks & 4 Bone-in Thighs) - $0.79 Lb.

USDA Inspected Fresh Fryer Boneless Skinless Breast Tenders (Family Pack) - $2.99 Lb.

Fresh Certified Angus Ground Round (Family Pack) - $4.59 Lb.

Bar-S Sliced Bacon (12 oz.; Regular or Thick) - 2/$4

Bar-S Deli Shaved Ham or Turkey (8-9 oz.; All Varieties) - 3/$5

Bar-S Corn Dogs (2.67 Lbs. Family Size Box) - $4.49 Ea.

Land O Frost Bistro Meats (5-6 oz.; Peppered Beef, Turkey Breast, or Black Forest Ham) - 2/$5

Earl Campbell Smoked Sausage (40 oz. Family Pack) - $5.99 Ea.

Tennessee Pride Sausage & Biscuits (29 oz.; 20 Ct.) - $5.99 Ea.)

Frozen/Refrigerated

Coffeemate Flavored Creamers (16 oz. Liquid; Assorted) - 2/$3

Grower's Pride Orange Juice (59 oz.) - 2/$5

Kraft Shredded or Chunk Cheeses (16 oz.) - $4.99 Ea.

New York Texas Toast (7.3-11.2 oz.; Assorted) - 2/$4

Parade Classic Ice Cream (Half Gallon; Assorted) - 3/$11

Beverage Department

Budweiser (Regular or Light; 24 Pack; 12 oz. Longneck NRs) - $19.99 Ea.

Miller Lite Beer (24 Pack; 12 oz. Longneck NRs) - $19.99 Ea.

Coors Light Beer (24 Pack; 12 oz. Longneck NRs) - $19.99 Ea.

Natural Light Beer (6 Pack; 16 oz. Cans) - 2/$10

Coke or Dr Pepper (12 Pack; 12 oz. Cans) - 3/$12

Coke or Dr Pepper (8 Pack; 12 oz. Bottles) - 3/$13

Health & Beauty Buys

Head & Shoulders Shampoo (13.5 oz.; Assorted) - $4.79 Ea.

Top Care Cotton Balls (70-300 Ct.; Reg. or Jumbo) - $1.19 Ea.

Bic Disposable Razors (4 Pacl; Simply Soliel or Comfort Advanced) - $4.29 Ea.

-Use: $2.00 off (1) Bic Disposable Razor (7/12 SS; Exp. 8/1)

-Final Price: $2.29 Ea.

Crest Toothpaste (8.2 oz.) - 2/$5

-Use: $1.50 off (2) Crest Toothpaste (7/5 PG; Exp. 8/2)

-Final Price: $1.75 Ea.

Other Advertised Deals

Lou Ana Cooking Oils (48 oz.; Vegetable or Canola) - 2/$4

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (8.5 oz.; Limit 6) - 6/$2

Hatch Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz.) - 2/$1

Hatch Enchilada Sauce (15 oz.) - 2/$3

Hatch Sliced Jalapenos (12 oz.) - $1.39 Ea.

Maruchan Instant Lunch Soups (2.25 oz.) - 3/$1

Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning (7-8 oz.; Regular or More Spice; Limit 2) - 2/$1

Tony Chachere's Sauce or Rice Mixes (1.3-8 oz.) - 4/$5

Tony Chachere's Fish Fry or Hush Puppy Mix (9.5-10 oz.) - 2/$3

Tony Chachere's Injector Marinades (17 oz.; Assorted) - 2/$6

Tony Chachere's Pourable Marinades (12 oz.; Assorted) - 2/$4

Terra Delyssa Olive Oil (17 oz.) - $3.59 Ea.

Langers Cran-Grape or Cranberry Cocktail (64 oz.) - 2/$4

Malt O' Meal Twice-As-Much Cereals (24.4-36 oz. Bags; Tootie Fruities, Cinnamon Toasters, Berry Colossal Crunch, or Mini Spooners) - $2.89 Ea.

Kellogg's Cereal (21.4-26.8 oz.; Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, or Corn Pops) - $3.59 Ea.

Nabisco Toasted Chips (4.5-8.1 oz.; Assorted) - $2.79 ea.

Nabisco Oreo Cookies (10.1-15.35 oz.) - $2.99 Ea.

-Use: $0.75 off (2) Nabisco Cookie or Cracker Products (6/28 SS; Exp. 8/8)

-Final Price: $2.61 Ea.

Fritos Corn Chips (9.75 oz.; Assorted) - 2/$5

Fritos Bean or Cheddar Dips (9 oz.) - 2/$5

Angel Soft Bathroom Tissue (6 Double Rolls) - 2/$7

Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent (43.7-50 oz.) - 2/$7

No Coupons in Today's Paper

This means that we all get a break from clipping today.....YAY!!! I, for one, am going to enjoy my coffee in peaceful solitude now!

May you each have a blessed Sunday!



~Jen

Our Little Step Back Into History

The girls and I had quite a busy day Wednesday! We hadn't really done much this summer, and I wanted them to be able to have a few enjoyable experiences (while staying frugal, of course)! I had our day planned out weeks in advance, as there was one particular experience that I was aiming for us all to enjoy!

History is one thing that I absolutely LOVE. Pictured here is the Lucas Gusher monument, located at Spindletop/Gladys City in Beaumont, Tx. There are a FEW reasons why I wanted to take the girls on this adventure! For starters, my husband works in the oilfield, so it's a big part of our lives. The girls have known the oilfield life since before they were ever even old enough to walk!

I took them to Spindletop & Gladys City so they could really gain an understanding of the role that Spindletop played in the oilfield industry during the days of the oil boom. I also thought it'd be neat to show them how different life was back then!

Bonafide Baby #BabyCarSeatCovers Review

***Sponsored Post*** I received a Pink Chevron car seat cover from Bonafide Baby in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed in this review are genuinely my own.

As a mother, I am always looking for new products and ideas to help make parenting easier. As a result, I was delighted to have the chance to try the pink chevron cars seat cover, made by Bonafide baby. With my older two daughters, car seat covers were something that I never really thought about. My youngest daughter, however, was born with congenital heart defects, which means her immune system is weaker than that of a completely healthy person. As a result, I'd been in the market for a car seat cover as a way to ward off germs when in public places! With all of that being said, let's get down to business on this great product that I was able to try!

I was sent the pink chevron design to try. On the front, you've got a white & baby pink for the colors. I love the soft blend of these colors! On the back (as you can see in the top right corner of the collage) you have more of a hot pink coloring, with a super soft fabric (the front is more of a plain cotton fabric).

As you can see in the bottom picture of the collage, this car seat cover provides adequate coverage of the entire car seat. I love this because it really gives my daughter protection from outside disturbances (or germs) when we're in the grocery store! The soft fabric on the back also makes this cover a great makeshift blanket when nap time rolls around if we're our visiting friends or family!

Market Basket Ad/Coupon Matchups - 7/15/15

A Week of Yummy Creations

I usually try to post about weekly adventures every Sunday, and yesterday I did not. The truth is, I just couldn't get out of my kitchen last week! Part of learning to live a frugal lifestyle means never letting food go to waste. Last week, we had an ABUNDANCE of food that would have gone to waste if my husband and I hadn't gotten creative!

Houston Chronicle Smart Source Insert - 7/12/15

Houston Chronicle Red Plum Insert - 7/12/15

#Fertilify Reproductive Health Supplement

***Sponsored Post*** I received a bottle of Fertilify Reproductive Health Supplement at a discounted price in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated in this post are genuinely my own.

Fertilify, which can be purchased here, is a product designed to help maintain reproductive health with the use of key vitamins and nutrients that a woman's body needs.

Vitamins found in Fertilify tablets include: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Co-Enzyme Q10.

All of the vitamins listed above help to boost and support the body in order to promote the best possible reproductive health.

July 4th Adventures!!

I realize that I didn't really post last week....like....at ALL. Honestly? I just needed time to unwind, and spend time with my girls!! Sometimes it's GOOD to forget about routine, and just enjoy the moment. Yesterday was ALL about moments, and good memories!!!

In case y'all didn't know, eating good food happens to be one of my favorite hobbies!!

In the spirit of July 4th, we DEFINITELY had plenty to go around! All of the sides were prepped and ready the night before. Basically, all we had to do yesterday was fire the pit up to cook all the meat.

I cannot tell you how HAPPY this made me, to have so much good food to chow down on, haha!

Houston Chronicle P&G Insert - 7/5/15

Houston Chronicle Smart Source Insert - 6/28/15

4 Word-of-Mouth Websites for Reviewing Free Products

Soooo, I've been meaning to get around to this particular post for quite a WHILE now!! As many of you know, I tend to type up a lot of reviews. Many of my friends are always asking just how I manage to score all of the awesome products I've been given, so it's time to get around to some answers! Haha!

The websites listed below are primarily word-of-mouth websites; this means that big name companies are depending on influencers to spread the word about their products....to as many people as possible!

Market Basket Ad/Coupon Matchups - 6/24/15

Muller Dessert Inspired Yogurt!

Our Father's Day Adventures (Mostly in Pictures)

I said I would post about our Father's Day adventures.....so here goes! Our day yesterday was very relaxing! We decided to do something that we haven't done in a WHILE now. We went fishing!! It's seriously been a few years now since the last time we actually went. It was also the girls' first time to truly enjoy the experience!

What I love the most about yesterday is that it gave "daddy" the chance to really spend time with the girls. He works a LOT, and rarely gets time off of work, so it's not often that he gets to have real bonding time with them!

Stock Up on Kids' Summer Clothing!

Summer's HERE y'all!! If your kids are like mine, then it's a fairly safe bet that they've gone through some growth spurts, and may need some new clothes for summer. Right now, there aer a number of different stores having some great sales to help in this department!

A Very Very WET Week of Adventures!!

I'm typing this one out earlier in the day (MUCH earlier) than what I usually do, for the simple fact that it's Father's Day! There MAY be a post later this evening about how our family's Father's day plays out....it just all depends on how the day goes!

Our past week didn't hold TOO many adventures, as we were trapped inside for a good part of the week, thanks to good old tropical storm Bill.

Houston Chronicle Smart Source Insert - 6/21/15

Houston Chronicle Red Plum Insert - 6/21/15

Midori Spring Matcha Green Tea Powder Review

***This is a sponsored post*** I received Midori Spring Matcha Green Tea Powder free, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are genuinely my own.

Being as healthier eating is something I've started introducing my family to, I was happy to be selected for the opportunity to try Midori Spring's Matcha Green Tea Powder. Not only was I excited to try it as a traditional tea, but I was excited for the possibilities of how I can incorporate it into different recipes! I bake a lot of things from scratch, so I'm delighted to say that I was not left disappointed...and neither was my family! Also, the tea has become a great alternative to coffee for me lately!

All You: July Edition Coupons!

Chronicle Vs. Enterprise (Why I Fluctuate Between the Two!)

I understand some of you may be confused for as to why it is that sometimes I'll post the inserts for the Houston Chronicle, while at other times posting for the Beaumont Enterprise.

The truth is, my primary goal is to post ONLY the Houston Chronicle inserts, as it usually has the better coupons in it! This is why I subscribe to have the Chronicle delivered to my door in those deep dark EARLY hours every Sunday.

Sometimes, however, there will be a mishap, and the newspaper delivery person will accidentally throw the Beaumont Enterprise into my driveway (as was the case this morning) instead of the Chronicle. When this happens is when the Inserts I post will be for the Enterprise. It's not ideal for me to wait til the paper gets delivered to the stores and then go buy one to type up, as my children are already awake and being rowdy by that point, and my focus must be on THEM when they wake up.

My sincerest apologies for the fluctuations! Fingers crossed that the correct paper gets delivered to my door next week!

Blessings and BIRTHDAYS!

Some people say that double rainbows are a sign of blessings to come, and I believe that is most definitely true! I took a picture of this double rainbow Friday evening. The sad part is, I may not have even noticed it if it weren't for my oldest daughter exclaiming :Mom, look! A Rainbow!!" I moved to get a better view, and sure enough, there was this beautiful double rainbow, WAITING to be seen! Curiosity prompted me to get on Google to see if there was symbolic meaning for it.

After how this past weekend has played out, I'm a VERY firm believer of it standing for blessings! Friday, in itself, was a blessing because it was my sweet middle daughter's fifth birthday!

The day was spent making memories, too! She was SO happy to finally be celebrating HER birthday, since we'd celebrated her older sister's just 10 days prior. I totally made BOTH of their day that day by taking them to get DONUTS for breakfast!

Beaumont Enterprise Red Plum Coupons - 6/14/15

Beaumont Enterprise Smart Source Insert - 6/14/15

Schick Hydro Silk 2-in-1 TrimStyle Razor Review!!

This is a review that I've actually been really super excited about, being as Schick is my ABSOLUTE favorite brand as far as razors are concerned! As a member of BzzAgent, I was sent the Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor for free in return for my honest opinions and review.

First, I have to admit that the Hydro Silk series produced by Schick have always been my favorite razors, and for a good reason! I love that the blades not only are made to bend to adjust to bodily curves, but I also love that nifty little strip on them that leaves your legs moisturized and SMOOTH! If you've ever used a Schick Hydro Silk razor, then you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about!

Homemade Strawberry Muffins

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
1 1/2 cups sugar

My Review On "The Book Thief"

Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian - Avaliable for Pre-Order!!

I am an avid reader, so new book releases are something that gets me EXCITED, to say the least! I won't lie, I'm one of the MANY people who got caught up in the thrill of the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. In fact? It took me less than 2 weeks to wipe through all 3 of the books! That's why I was super excited to see that the newest book in the series (told from Christian's point of view) is now available for pre-order over on Amazon! If you're a fan of the series, be sure to pre-order yours too so you can be one of the first in line to read it! Simply click below to be taken straight to the page!

 

~~~ HELLO SUMMER VACATION!! ~~~

It's officially summer vacation at our house, YAY!!! I cannot tell you how excited this makes me!! I'm happy to finally be able to spend good quality time with my girls!! It was a long week to get here though!!

Tuesday, Gail had her appointment with the cardiologist after it had been rescheduled due to flooding the previous week. It went GREAT!! Sort of. My sweet, sweet, child who is always the best baby you could ever imagine while getting an echo done? She was NOT so sweet this go-round. In fact? She screamed bloody murder the entire time that the tech was trying to get the needed images. At one point, they actually had to call in a SECOND tech, and the two worked together to keep her distracted and still long enough to get the pics that they needed.

Houston Chronicle Smart Source Insert - 6/7/15

Houston Chronicle Red Plum Insert - 6/7/15

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle MOIST Review!!

 

Johnsonville Grillers Review!!

Soooo, THIS is one that I'm really excited about! As part of Johnsonville's #SausageFamily community on Crowdtap, our family was given the opportunity to try the new Johnsonville Grillers!!

Amazon Smile: Support A Charity!

Houston Chronicle P&G Insert - 5/31/15

Houston Chronicle Red Plum Insert - 5/31/15

Houston Chronicle Smart Source Insert - 5/31/15