A Prairie Bitch

Who's old enough to remember watching Little House On The Prairie?  Remember Nelly Oleson from the show?  And who cannot forget darling Laura Engles....though I'm here to discuss the prairie bitch.

I feel we may have a Nelly Oleson in Zoey's class.  And I fear really making the determination that it's true.  I'm sure so many mom's have gone though the same protective, though know you need to let your children grow, thoughts.

Nelly (as we'll call her) comes up to me every day when I pick up Zoe from after school care.  "Hi Courtney", I hear, with a big smile & hug.  Nelly is so sweet, kind, cheerful, cute girl and just a doll.....in front of me.  I hear very opposite stories from Zoey, usually.  Our lil' Nelly is the most aggressive 5y/o I've ever seen.  She is not shy nor does she seem to fear much.  I worry how she treats Zoey.....Zoe is not aggressive like that. 

We recently went to Nelly's birthday party - I've tried to give the benefit of the doubt.  Upon arriving, her mom proceeds to tell me that ~27 kids were invited - 4 RSVP'd - 3 showed - Zoey & 2 boys.  I truly feel sorry for the parents - I don't think Nelly understands the no-shows.  (I'll admit, I sheepishly told the mom, "it is a difficult time of year to plan parties"...that was just to make her feel better.)  But it got worse when Nelly's mom commented on all the notes the Kingergrten teacher sends home:

        Me:  What notes?
        Mom:  All the notes Ms X sends home from school.
        Me:  We haven't gotten notes.
        Mom:  What?  No notes?  Seriously?
        Me:  Seriously!
        Mom: (to her hubby) Honey, you should talk to Ms X about all the notes.

My ears were shocked.  TALK to the teacher about the notes?????  How about talk to your daughter about what's in the notes!?!

My heart felt sad for the whole situation of the birthday party that day.  I told my hubby - if we had never gone I would have never known  but I am glad we were there.  Just 2 boys at your 6th birthday would stink....even if she's a lil' Nelly.

But in the true end - all I worry about is Zoey.  I am doing my best to teach her how real friends treat you & how to nicely walk away if someone is not kind (while voicing why she is leaving too!).  I don't think she's a "leader type" person in this sense but I do want her to just lead herself.  Lead herself to good friends & have good character.

This is a good example for all of us - young & old.  I hope you don't have a Nelly in your life.

So Small Town

Each time we drive by our local Safeway, one of my daughter's will comment about the 'Banana Store'.  And the 'Banana Store' is unique - not only because it's tucked back in our lil' community of Vistancia but because it feels so small town.

Our visits to the store include the usual milk, eggs, fruit.....though they include MUCH more.  They include special samples in produce & getting permission by Mr. Rick to bite into most any piece of fruit (or veggie), which is difficult when your child is really not old enough to know that's not ok....it's only special permission right now.  Our visits also include stops in the Deli where Dad gets the usual premium peppered turkey and the girls get samples (again) of anything they please.  Ed, Bea and Lisa in the Deli will open packages & go out of their way for the girls.  And before every visit is complete, we must visit the Bakery.  The Bakery  is where Miss Jerri freely hands out cookies and sweet samples.  I love seeing the girls, arms stretched wide, running up to Miss Jerri to greet her with a big hug.  And there's always the debate if the girls can eat a cookie now or wait until after dinner.

Here's a recent example of the random fun we have on 'Banana Store' visits.  Last Saturday morning, before I know what happened, my girls were up behind the glass, above the ice of fresh fish, checking out crabs, tuna & the fish on special.  I was somewhat embarrassed when another patron walked up (nice looking lady that looked like she lived in Trilogy - active senior community).  I thought, "oh my, she's gonna freak out with these kids behind the glass."  I was pleasantly surprised when she laughed & seemed to be entertained by the lil' butchers.  My girls smiled, laughed & stepped down from their fish-post after a high-five to the butcher.  (If only I had my camera for a pic of that situation!)

The 'Banana Store' visit concludes with the check-out....where the girls always ask (please) for stickers.  Now realize, the stickers are nothing flashy - they are bright orange/red circles (I'm not really sure what they're used for) or they say something about flu shots.  Seriously, girls???  Every time, without fail, I hear the whisper when we get in line, "Mommy, can I ask for a sticker?"

Needless to say, I wouldn't trade my 'Banana Store' for anything.  It's a familiar place that isn't only for picking up groceries on the way home.  I love going in alone & people asking where the girls are....like my fixtures are missing.  I love that the market is so familiar & a constant in the growing up lives of my kiddos.  I love how small town it feels in our big world of these days.

Huh? What?

As much as I forget, I can remember one thing....I was riding in the car when I said to my girlfriend, "I need to blog about that!  Don't let me forget."

Do you think I remember what I was talking about?  No!  I can remember saying it (& even where I was) but can't remember what "it" is. 

I'd like to blame 8 1/2 months of chemo for my lack of strength in the memory dept.  But I'm not 100% positive that's the culprit.  I will admit to the world - perhaps it's part lazy.  Though it can't be totally that because I really wanted to remember ... the lazy would be when I ask my hubby what time it is & then ask him again about 5 minutes later.  (Yes, I have done that more than once.)  Could I blame my memory on having kids?  Everyone says you lose brain cells when you birth kiddos.  Last reason I can think of is all the craziness I make sure happens:  food on the table, utility bills paid, morgage paid, cleaning done,  husband happy, homework turned in, etc.....

Dang it....this whole exercise isn't even jogging my memory.  I'm not old enough for this wrong-doing on my brain.  As good of an excuse it sometimes gives me, it's immensely frustrating.  What frustrates the hell outta you??

PS - I promise to blog about IT when I remember what IT is.

The Kindergarten War Zone

I took today off.  The day was supposed to be a lil' R&R.  But, if you know me, I can't relax unless I'm on vacation or in an unfamiliar place.  To literally sit around my own house is foreign idea - there's far too much to do & it's literally staring me in the face.  (Forget trying to watch a movie without getting up!)  My brain is constantly adding tasks to my mental to-do list...I'm serious, it never ends.  Hence, I don't sit around.

Back to PTO (paid time off) - I awoke at 5am to get milk & juice for the girls & jump into the shower.  I knew I had errands to do & I didn't want the "Saturday didn't really get dressed" look.  Plus, I had a lunch date with Zoey at school - gotta look good for Z's Kindergarten class!  LOL!

Before I could get to lunch - mind you, at 10:30am, we're talking Kindergarten lunch - I had to errands to run & a special lunch to pick up.  Karli also joined us for lunch - she was SO excited to eat with the big kids. 

So I pick up Karli, we get our 'Visitor' sticker (she was so proud) and we head for the cafeteria.  Before I got in, I could see Zoey looking out the door to see if I was coming - she was so happy to have lunch together her teacher had shared with me.  (I love that teacher & I email often enough to feel quite familiar.)  Karli & I wound our way to the long rolling table where Zoey is parked.  I sat across from Zoe, while her sister sat next to her.  I barely sat down & the shots started firing....

"Zoey's mom - do you know my name?" 

"Excuse me, Zoey's mom - I have a little sister named Zoey"

"Zoey's mom - do you like pizza?"

"Zoey's mom - I'm allergic to cats"

Zoey's mom, Zoey's mom, Zoey's mom......

I hardly had a chance to talk to Zoey.  Our lunchdate felt more like a lunch speed-date.  Perhaps I never realized, as a child, how quickly our conversations "shot" across the tables at lunch.  In one small moment, I did hear Zoey tell a little girl (referring to me), "you can call her Miss Courtney."  I thought that was cute.

Remember how I said I don't sit around??  Well, after my experience of dodging all the Kindergarten bullets of crazy questions & comments....my feet are up & I'm consciously relaxing. 

What's your war zone you need to recover after?

Call Me Old-Fashioned

Since when did a kid having an iPhone, a catered 3rd birthday party, Marc Jacob attire, a TV in their room and brand new EVERYTHING become ok?  What happen to the days of hand-me-downs, sharing a room, watching TV with the family & not getting everything a kid cries out, "I want!" become old-fashioned?

I went to Dunkin Donuts this morning (before school sans kiddos) to pick up food for a breakfast meeting.  As I'm waiting for my buckets of joe, a mom walked in with her school-aged daughter (probably about 1st grade).  The daughter was watching/playing something on an iPhone.  Gosh forbid, she stand patiently like a little lady!  Upon receiving their order - each in separate bags since kiddo was off to school - and starting to walk out, I hear mom say, "Don't forget your phone."  I thought to myself 'YOUR PHONE'?!?!  But what cracked me up was the lady behind them commented what I was thinking.  Hilarious sista!

Don't get me wrong, to each his own - though I will state my case since this is MY blog.

Being a working mom, I can fully understand the guilt of wishing I could spend more time with my kiddos.  However, I resist the urge to give my kids everything because of MY guilt.  How much more guilt will I have if I help create a completely self-centered, demanding, parent-mooching, unappreciative member of society that doesn't feel he/she needs to contribute?  Let alone, he/she feels entitled.  And if that doesn't make you think, consider this....how is that adult child going to treat me when I'm older?

I see it like this - if I'm demanding and clear on what I expect my child to do and give and act like as a little person - I'm doing my best to create a better kid that will give & appreciate more as an adult.  Despite, it's easier to herd them now than later. 

Frankly, this post is starting to scare me.  20 years from now.....oh my!  

You scared....or feeling guilty?

The Kindergarten Beau

I got a text today.  It read:  "You can learn alot in a kindergarten lunchroom...LOL...Ethan is sweet on Zoey"

I have known about Ethan - he is Zoey's kindergarten BFF.  Well, that's what we call him.  For a while there, Zoey was coming home from school everyday talking about Ethan...pictures Ethan draws for her, how she is going to marry Ethan...Ethan, Ethan, Ethan.  I have tried to down-play the whole idea from day one.  I am not about to encourage my 5 y/o daughter to be boy crazy - seriously??  Despite, all the talk drives a Dad crazy.

Though today I couldn't help myself.  My reply to the text read, "OMG - do tell!"  I felt like such a gossip....gossip gathering on my own daughter!  Pretty quick the response read, "Someone said Ethan loves Zoey & is going to marry her and he nodded in agreement - too cute"  I almost didn't know how to respond....my text read, "Oh geez!"  Pete has not heard "the gossip." 

The texts came from my girlfriend, obviously, having lunch with her daughter.  I feel fortunate to have an informant that was able to get to the inside & hear what the insiders are saying.  I feared having a daughter who was CRAZY over Ethan (a very darling boy, I will say) and thinking Ethan had fears thinking she's crazy.  Phew...at least he's agreed to marry her!!  And I have been assured by Ms. Grantham (their teacher) that she won't let them run off to Vegas this year - I can rest, for now.

I am un-encouragingly amused by this whole situation.  However, I will admit I'm utilizing the 'Ethan card.'  An example you ask - a week or so ago Zoey wanted to wear a hideous outfit and I wanted her to wear a darling dress her Ganny had gotten her.  I used the 'Ethan card'....Me:  "I think Ethan will like the dress Zoey...more than that outfit - don't you think?"  After a look, Zoey:  "yes, Mom."

Young love - what's your story?

Sunday Guinea Pigs

Most Sunday afternoons we host dinner.  That (perhaps) old-fashioned tradition - we keep alive at our house & I love it.  As much as I'm probably exhausted from trying to fit EVERYTHING into my weekend, we always try to host Sunday afternoon dinner.

For so long it' been just my Mom & StepDad coming over.  Now my brother is coming which includes his girlfriend & kiddos.  My girls LOVE playing with Uncle - riding on his shoulders, playing sneak...all the fun (sometimes loud!) games.  And the best part of the ruckus is that I think my quiet-preferring mom loves watching all the craziness.

Please know, I enjoy cooking for everyone, as long as everyone is willing to be my guinea pig.  Last week, I threw together orzo pasta with turkey sausage & grilled veggies.  The inspiration came from an incredible Italian seafood stew I had enjoyed.  The week prior, I made carnitas verde in the crock & we made tacos.  It seems that each week comes together randomly - I joke with my brother that I roll a "big fatty" & look through what I have on hand to put together the menu.  I think if that were true I'd munch my way through the menu!

I love our honored tradition.  My dinners are not always a perfect hit but I love that my family tries....in so many ways.  Do you have a tradition you will share with me?

The Happily Odd Friendship

You know what it's like...when you've been thinking of calling someone - they've been on your mind - and next thing your phone rings & it's them.  Sometimes I have mixed feelings:  a little guilt because I should have called earlier & just plain happy to hear from the person.  I know, you'd think I was raised by a Jewish mother for all the guilt....though I usually go with just being plain happy for the call.

Today my ex-hubby called....I had been thinking to call him for days and I even admitted that to him (my Jewish mother guilt).  You have to understand - my ex-hubby and I have a good relationship.  That is something I am proud of & thankful for.  I believe we have a mutual respect for one another & 100% of our hearts want the best for each other.  He even has a really great family! 

WHY we didn't stay married isn't important.  It's more important that we've continued to respect one another - though not an easy road in the beginning.  He's a great guy with a heart of gold, hilarious sense of humor & always willing to lend a hand.  He called today to share the news of what he had bought himself for his 50th Birthday - a 2012 Porsche Carrera.  I was so thrilled & happy for him - I know he'll love it (when it's delivered in April) and I know how proud he is.  I made him promise me a ride next time I'm out.  :)

Thank you Mr. Ex - you continue to make me smile - you are a good guy - you deserve all the goodness that comes your way. 

The Icing on Top - football vs shopping

Tonight was one of those good nights...the one when the kids get in bed & actually go to sleep - no shenanigans.  So, as my husband is watching USC Football, I asked, "what is it you like about watching football?"  Without hesitation he responds, "strategy & execution."  I was surprised by how quickly he had responded.  But it made me wonder, so I asked - "what about the hard hits?" and he told me "that's the icing on top."  Needless to say, this conversation made me wonder.

What is it that 'we girls' love, as much as our men love football?

Perhaps, I clearly have a problem though my first thought is SHOPPING!  Strategy & Execution - we need both for a great shopping experience.  Let's start with strategy:  you need a good shopping partner (if you're choosing to have company), you need to know if you're browsing or have a goal in mind, you need to know if you're planning to score a deal....there may be too many to list.  You definitely need strong execution, as well.  You may even need to execute impecably if you're planning to score a deal.  So whether it's "regular" shopping or clothes - you always need a strategy & execution.

This brings us to the hits - the "icing on top" (according to the husband).  I will admit, when I put this in the context of shopping I instantly think: super awesome piece, you look ultra hot, extreme deal, perfect place to wear it & lots of compliments.  This type of situation is definitely the icing on top!  Last year Pete & I were flying into Seattle for a big celebration - I wanted the perfect outfit.  I was lucky enough to find it and it was my touchdown!  Even to this day, I love the bustier that was the key to the whole look.

Do you have a favorite piece that's YOUR icing on top?

Don't Take Life TOO Seriously - No One Gets Out Alive

Don't Take Life TOO Seriously

No One Gets Out Alive

Please tell me we are all guilty...
consciously, I remind myself FAR too often to chill out, relax, take a deep breath, "did anyone die?", and various other 'stop & think' crutches that my mind requires.

I am a bit serious (I blame my career) and I am a self admitted control freak. A control freak to the degree, when I get a pedicure, I find myself watching what's being done...I know that chick is going to miss or forget something. Gosh forbid it's not perfect. I patronize those nail shops, like the rest of you, the place where you walk in, you hear "you wan' pedikur?" & you can't even tell who greeted you because you're looking at a sea of tiny girls wearing skinny jeans, extremely high heels & their masked faces buried in foot baths. Ok, I'll skip that tangent & get back to it - the nail shop is pathetically where I must nag myself some more. "Relax, enjoy the pedi - you are not the nail lady Courtney." Even when my sandals are being put on after the whole ritual - I have to literally look away & force myself to let the person do their job without my so-called help. It's ridiculous.

And so I seem to be finding more people that are control freaks too. Not all of them are self-admitted though - you can tell by how they jump into situations. These are the times my inner control freak relaxes & I'm amused at watching my own kind.

Seeing my own kind in action seems to make me think. I know, not again, but yes!....I'm back telling myself how much I need to chill. Though, the times I cherish most are when I'm with people I can relax with - I get silly. Believe it or not! I have quite the goofy side - it's almost embarrassing.

So, we may not all be guilty but we may all be a lil' freaky. Do you admit to your freaky-ness?

Gangsta Mutha

They call me the 'Gangsta Mutha'....Stone Cold....The Drive-by Carpool Mom.....

But seriously, you might think the picture is a portrayal of Zoey when I drop her off for Kindergarten. No, it's me dealing with her continued anxiety over school.

We're 9 days into the school year & I'm starting to think about driving through the Kinder drop off line & pushing the kiddo out. Would I seriously? NO! Though (as a dear friend & I agree) you're not a realistic mom if you haven't had crazy thoughts like that. And I really don't feel so special that I'm the first mom that's had the idea.

After gangsta mom (aka frustration) goes away I feel terrible for my little girl. I've explained to her that I have job & she does too - Kindergarten. I've told her about the Truancy Police....yeah, didn't work. I have pointed out ALL the other kids NOT crying on their way to school. I remind her of all the fun things at school she tells me about & we celebrate what she does in class. But after all this - what's going to work?

Secretly inside I'm hoping writing this sends out the happy Kindergartner karma & solves the issue. I just know after writing about the trials & tribulations she'll "show me" by jumping right in & loving school. She was the last kid I thought would be so emotional about this new adventure - boy did I learn (note to self!).

Do you have a kiddo that went to school kicking & screaming & you feared they would be "that kid" in class??

Do The Math +/-

Here's the face of my little girl on the 1st day of Kindergarten...it resembles me thinking about the future sometimes.....

Ok, I really don't think I look so constipated or ready to cry - the crying look only shows when I think about being in my mid-50's when my girls graduate High School. But seriously, starting the whole 'school thing' got me thinking. I've been obsessed with the idea of hitting my 50's while my girls are in HS. Won't I have enough lines on my face - the lines that tell the stories of your life (I really don't want to tell many stories!).

These thoughts started coming on when my youngest turned 3 - a couple weeks ago. Now, showing up at Kindergarten & seeing all the 20 & 30-something mom's: tan, young, NOT needing Botox, fit & perky (boobs that is). It shatters my mom-hood visions. It's for real - I'm an old mom!

'They' say you're only as old as you think - problem is, I'm thinking. If I need a glass of wine at night NOW with toddlers....what the hell am I going to need by the time HS hits??? OMG, it just hit me - THIS is why my own mother drinks GIN ON THE ROCKS! Perhaps the doctor prescribed it -yeah, that's what they do. It's the ol' secret your mom just didn't tell you. THAT is what I'm going to tell myself.

Cheers to you - what's your vice?

Here she comes - Anxiety Girl!

Does anxiety really need to effect you so far away from what might be bothering?? I have a few things on my plate this week - a test, a dinner, a weekend trip, etc....that seem to be causing anxiety. At least that's what I think it is - I'm bitchy & sensitive. I truly hate to admit it but it's almost uncontrollable and it's not me normally. I'm not the anxious type.

The worst anxiety I remember experiencing is how I felt about 5 days before I'd get chemo. I went through 8 months of chemo for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2000. All is well now but that anxiety was THE WORST....talk about bitchy!

Anyhow, the only ways I know to relieve this feeling is deep breaths, exercise & stretching....oh, & continuously telling myself to relax. Actually, I really appreciated sharing some time with a newer friend today - for about 45 minutes I just enjoyed her company & conversation, anxiety-free. Thank you!

I'm off to chill & breath deeply -

Tangled Locks of Love

Are children born with the will or want to help others or is it learned? Some children seem so giving though many seem so very possessive & unsharing. I agree sharing is a learned skill but is sharing to actually help another person?

Zoey, my 5 y/o, & I were combing through her hair after a bath. She proclaimed to me, "I want to grow my hair long to the floor like Tangled." As quickly as she said it, I was overcome with with the fear of having a daughter who grows her hair super long, gets too attached to it to cut it & has an emotional breakdown when I try to coax her to trim it. OMG! I will openly admit - I can't stand "those girls". Those girls that don't cut their hair for YEARS & they are proud of it. Really?! Proud of not taking care of your hair?! Do they not see how crappy that really looks? Sorry if you are one of "those" but seriously.....it's hair....it'll grow back - have some fun! A haircut is not a permanent situation.

Anyhow, back to Tangled & my fear of a locks loving little girl. I quickly inquired as to really how long she was thinking. And why I ever thought to say this....especially to a 5 y/o...I'll never know - I asked Zoey if she would like to grow her hair long so she could donate it to another little girl that didn't have hair...that was sick. I explained to her that she could grow it long & then cut it into the cute bob cut she had before. She was actually very enthusiastic!

5 y/o cute!....I asked Zoey if she'd like to look on the internet & see some of the kids that are sick & need hair. She said yes and then hesitated. She said, "But my hair's not long enough yet." That made my laugh & I explained that it'll take time for her hair to grow but that she could see now kids that are waiting for hair. She agreed looking online was a good idea. She even told her daycare teacher about her plans to grow her hair & donate to "sick kids".

I love the giving heart she is showing. Philanthropy is so close to my heart. For my lil' Z to grow her hair (10 inches she'll need) & cut if off with someone else in mind - THAT makes me a proud mama!!

Should I call it a kill?....

I stopped in Target today for a 'haul' - AKA I popped in Target to focus-shop on some good coupon deals. I did well on quality brand name items I need & could use. Here's the deal:

Food Items:

V8 Fusion Juice - big bottle (2)

Kashi Crackers (2)

Kashi Cookies (3)

(Kashi Special: buy 4 get 1 FREE)

Ortega Diced Chilis (2)

Ortega Diced Jalapenos (2)

Non-Food Items:

Aveeno Sunscreen Lotion (1)

Target Brand Nail Polish Remover (1)

20# Tidy Cat Scoopable Litter (1)

Tums 24ct (1)

NexCare Bandaids (1)

Papermate Ballpoint Pens 2-pk (1)

Scotch 'Magic' Tape (1)

2 Kid shorts for Zoey (under dress shorts I found on Clearance)

Here's the stats less the dry details:

Without planning & stacking coupons: $57.27.

With Zoey Shorts (no coupons), Target & Mfg Coupons: $29.25

Take Zoey's shorts out & my total would have been ~$23.50

- That's $1.31 an item!!!

Mind you, with Zoey's shorts it's an additional 15 cents an item. I was far too lazy to take a pic of all the items DESPITE I think that's "cheezy" when people post that on the coupon sites anyhow. Either way, I was feelin' a bit like a bad-arss to score the quality brands I did at that cost.

Am I crazy for getting so excited over my Target shopping "kill?" I wanna know if I have any hiding closet coupon friends...

I Quit - sort of.....

For almost 3 years I have spent ~$15/mo. (over $500+) for my CouponSense subscription. I have recently found a plethora of websites, let alone, RSS feeds that give me all the info I need. Now, I don't really understand what RSS Feeds are....all I know is that I get LOTS of updates in my gReader & those updates keep me "pumped" & motivated to save $$$. Online I can find all the match-up deals, printable coupons, specials, catalinas & more...without paying! So saving $500+ may not sound like THAT much....but there's lots of things I could do with $500+....cute platforms & a handbag!

Anyhow, as I was saying....saving $$$. I get such a total thrill out of saving $ on things I need. (Drives me crazy to see those crazy coupon people buying all the things they don't even need.) Do understand, I am highly competitive - ask my hubby about playing Monopoly with me. Also, I don't buy all the processed, packaged foods that are many of the coupons offered. I use my coupons to buy toothbrushes/floss, deodorant, cleaners, sunscreen, scotch tape, hair product for the kiddos & more. Oh wait, I got a GREAT deal last week at Target on Morningstar Chik'N Nuggets - so I do buy some frozen goodies.

So I quit my CouponSense...and as I type my hubby is shopping cars online & stressing about getting a deal. I'm already thinking about how he can get a better deal....

Best 50 cents I've ever spent

The ol' saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure"....so true for my 5 yr old daughter, Zoey.

We recently took a trip up to Dad's ranch - 105 acres that borders Nat'l Forest near Pagosa Springs, CO. We decided to drive into town & check-out the 4th of July weekend fair - complete with pony ride, flying elephants, giant slides & of course the standard ping-pong in the fish bowl/goldfish game. On our way home (JoAnne & I had taken a separate car from Papa, Daddy & the girls), we stumbled upon the local church thrift shop. Me....always curious of these types of small shops says, "JoAnne - wanna take a peak?" Both curious, we wandered inside.

Now, when I'm alone, I truly enjoy the quiet time of sifting through racks of clothes. (This is my serious "me time".) And even though I wasn't alone - I ran through some racks quickly & stumbled upon a lil' aqua shrug....the looks of Children's Place. It looked a lil' big for Zoey but I thought she might like it & she'd grow into it. Funny thing, I liked that lil' jacket much better when I checked out - a Winnie the Pooh outfit for Karli, summer dress for Zoey & that aqua shrug. My grand total: $1.60 - that was 50 cents a piece & 10 cents for tax. I about fell over - I've shopped thrift stores in the past but this was the best deal ever.

Back at the ranch I proudly showed Zoey the treasures I found. I loved that even when I tell her 'Ganny & I stopped at a thrift shop....', she didn't blink, whine, judge or make comments. She grabbed the summer dress with flowers and spaghetti straps - held it up to herself & beamed a smile of thanks. Then her eyes bolted to the aqua shrug.....she asked, "is that for me?" She tried it on & walked so proudly showing Papa & Daddy....full on twirl to model the whole thing.

Back to the best 50 cents I've ever spent - every day since we've been home from the ranch Zoey gets her shrug & wears it proudly. The first couple days she did it I had to tell her that it was going to be about 110 degrees outside...she pouted for about 2 seconds & then understood. This morning the shrug was being modeled & I started to say something about how warm the day would be & I heard, "I know mom, I'm just wearing it 'til I go to school."

Moral: Don't ever steer away from thrift shops because you don't know the treasure you may find....for only 50 cents!

Helping Others

This is my proclamation that I am going to blog more often. I've decided though I want to share ideas that will help others save money, simple random tips & easy cooking ideas for our busy lives.

I love to Coupon....and I loved doing it before it seemed to become so popular. I literally get a high from saving money - it's awesome! Whether it's bartering a great deal or planning a grocery trip - getting the best deals gets my adrenalin going. I like nice things & saving money in other places to buy nicer things is part of the reason but I also like to save on those "nice things" I enjoy.

Currently, I subscribe to a service (http://www.couponsense.com/ ) that helps me organize & utilize my coupons with current sales. I recently found a great site, http://www.thekrazycouponlady.com/ , that gives so many great ideas. The site shares not only coupon help but freebies, giveaways, etc. I'm actually considering stopping my subscription to the other service.

So, while others seem to blog on kids & life - I'd like to start sharing good ideas to help others. The subjects may vary but I hope the tips are found useful - that's my goal. And here's to my only blog follower at this time! :)