Sunday Coupon Preview 10.17.10

Looks like there is only two coupon inserts in this week's paper, but still a good chance to stock up and save.  Since my house is a central hangout spot for the Soldiers in our unit, I better make sure I have plenty of food on hand to feed them!  

Smartsource coupon insert
El Monterey Mexican Snacks: Taquitos, Tamales, Mini Chimis, or Quesadillas, bag Save $1.00/1 (1/15/11)
El Monterey Taquitos Save $1.00/1 (1/15/11)
Valio Real Goodness Lactose-Free Milk, 1/2gallon (64oz) Save $1.00/1 (12/31) DND5
Yoplait Greek Yogurt Cups Save $.30/1 (12/11)
Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt 4pk Save $.50/1 (12/11)
Pillsbury Sweet Moments Refrigerated Desserts Save $.75/1 (1/8/11)
Pillsbury Refrigerated Baked Goods products Save $.75/3 (1/8/11)
Hamburger, Tuna or Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meals Save $1.00/5 (12/11)
Chef Boyardee Big or Whole Grain Pasta AND 4 cans Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta Save $1.25 off wyb BOTH (11/30)
Healthy Choice Frozen Meals Save $1.00/2 (12/31)
Healthy Choice Soups, microbowls or cans Save $1.00/2 (12/31)
Welch’s Healthy Start 100% Juice Save $1.00/1 (1/31/11)
Depend Underwear in Colors, 6ct Save $3.00/1 (11/14)
Depend Underwear in Colors, 6ct Save $2.00/1 (1/9/11)
Brita Pour-Through or Faucet Mount System Save $4.00/1 (11/28)
Brita Multipack Filters Save $1.00/1 (11/28)
Huggies Diapers Save $1.50/1 (11/13)
Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers Diaprs Save $2.00/1 (11/13)
Huggies Baby Wipes, 320ct+ Save $2.00/1 (11/13)
Pert Plus 3-in-1 or 20in01 Product Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
Sure Anti-perspirant & Deodorant product Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue, 8+ Rolls Save $1.00 (11/28)
Scott Paper Towels, Long lasting or Mega Rolls, 4+ Rolls Save $1.00/1 (11/28)
Scott Naturals Flushable Wipes, tub or refill Save $.50/1 (11/28)
Scott Rags, 200ct box Save $1.00/1 (11/28)
Silk Pure Almond Almondmilk, half gallons Save $2.00/2 (12/31)
Jell-o Gelatin or Pudding, boxes Save $.50/2 (11/14)
Gerber Good Start Formula, 24oz+ can Save $3.00/1 (12/17)
Gerber Cereals Save $1.00/2 (12/17)
Bic Disposable Shaver or Bic Soleil Refillable Razor Handle or Cartridge Refills Pack Save $2.00/1 (11/14)
Krusteax Muffin Mix Save $.50/1 (1/31/11)
Eckrich Smoked Sausage Save $.55/1 (12/31)
Pepperidge Farm Toast or Loaf Frozen Bread Save $.55/1 (12/26)
Barber Foods product Save $1.00/1 (12/04)
Kraft 100 Calorie Packs Cheese Bites Save $1.00/1 (11/17)
Xtra Detergent or Fabric Softener products Save $1.00/2 (11/30)
Orajel product Save $1.00/1 (12/31)
Kim & Scotts Gourmet Pretzels or Stuffed Bagels, box Save $.50/1 (12/31)
Hershey’s, Reese’s, or Kit Kat Snack Size Bags, 9-22oz Save $1.00/2 (10/31)
Lysol Fabric Mist Save $1.00/1 (11/16)
Lysol Neutra Air Aerosol Can Save $1.50/1 (11/16)
Ricola Cough and Throat Drops bags Save $1.00/2 (12/17)
Glade Automatic Spray Refill Save BOGO up to $5.49 (11/13)
Purina One Dry Dog Food, any size/variety Save $2.00/1 (11/17)
Purina One Dry Cat Food, any size/variety Save $2.00/1 (11/17)
Theraflu Max-D Severe Cold & Flu Save $2.00/1 (12/4)
Theraflu product Save $1.50/1 (12/4)
Nivea Lip Care product FREE wyb Triaminic Cold & Cough product Save up to $3.99 (10/31)
Comtrex product Save $1.50/1 (12/31)
4-Way Nasal Spray product Save $1.50/1 (12/31)
Excedrin product, 20ct+ Save $1.00/1 (12/31)
Excedrin product, 80ct+ Save $1.50/1 (12/31)
Benefiber product Save $1.00/1 (12/31)
Benefiber orange product Save $1.00/1 (12/31)
Maalox Advanced product Save $1.00/1 (12/31)
Maalox Advanced products Save $2.50/2 (12/31)
Prevacid 24HR product Save $2.00/1 (11/20)
Bufferin product Save $3.00/1 (12/31)

RedPlum Coupon Insert

Abreva Product Save $3.00/1 (12/15)
AcneFree kit any Save $3.00/1 (12/31)
AcneFree non-kit treatment Save $1.00/1 (12/31)
Bestlife Buttery Spread or buttery Spray Save $.50/1 (12/16)
Breathe Right 26ct or larger Save $2.50/1 (12/31)
Breathe Right 12ct or smaller any Save $1.50/1 (12/31)
Carbona Silver wipes Save $1.00/1 (1/15/11)
Domino Organic or Demerara Sugar product 24oz Save $.30/1 (12/31)
Domino Sugar products 2 lb or larger .50/2 (12/31)
Kellogg’s cereals any 10oz or larger Save $1.00/3 (11/28)
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and/or Cocoa Krispies Cereals 12oz or larger Save $1.00/2 (11/28)
L’Oreal Healthy Look haircolor Save $2.00/1 (1/9/11)
Nestle chocolate Halloween candy fun size bags 11.5oz or larger Save $1.00/2 (10/31)
Nivea body wash for women 8.4fl oz -16.9fl oz Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
Nivea body wash for women 8.4fl oz -16.9fl oz Save $3.00/2 (11/30)
Nivea for Men body wash 16.9 fl oz Save $3.00/1 (11/30)
Pedigree Marrobone treats for dogs any size Save $1.00/1 (11/28)
Pedigree Jumbone treats for dogs Save $1.00/1 (11/28)
Pedigree food for dogs 8.8lb or larger Save $2.00/1 (11/28)
Pedigree food for dogs 8.8 lb or larger Save $1.00/1 (11/28)
Perdue Oven Ready product Save $1.00/1 (12/12)
Rimmel product Save $1.00/1 (12/31)
SlimShots Liquid Portion Control Save $3.00/1 (12/31)
SuperPretzels any .50/1 (12/31)
Temptations treats for cats Save $1.00/2 (11/18)
Tylenol Precise no trial Save $3.00/1 (12/12)
Whiskas multipack Save $1.00/1 (12/11)
Whiskas dry cat food bag Save $1.00/1 (12/11)
Whiskas tray any flavor Buy 2 get One FREE up to $.69 value (12/11)
Wonka Halloween fun size bags 9 oz or larger Save $1.00/2 (10/31)

FREEEEEEE Halloween Candy at Rite Aid

Yep..you heard it correctly.  I scored 16 bags of candy for FREE at Rite Aid tonight.  The best part....I didn't use one single coupon.  Not sure if the deal is good all this week or not, but here goes.  First, if you haven't signed up for Rite Aid Rewards, you need to because that is how you score the deal.

Rite Aid had the following candy on sale this week:  buy any 2 for $5.

buy the exact ones listed in any combination of two.
Caramel Cremes 12 oz
Cow Tail Minis 10 oz
Charms Blow Pops 10.4 oz or 11.4 ozDum Dum Pops 11.4 oz
Jolly Ranchers 14oz

Jolly Rancher Pops 10 oz

Lifesaver Mints Wint o Green 13 oz

Skittles 14 oz
Sour Patch Kids 14 oz
Starburst 14oz
Swedish Fish 14 oz

You initially will pay $5 for the two less any coupons.  Receive a $1 +Up Reward for each pair.
Here is the bonus...you also get two $2 Mystery +Up Rewards for every two bags you buy.
Final cost: FREE!

So initially I bought 8 bags of candy for $20 and when my receipt printed out I scored $20 in Up Rewards which roll over into the next purchase.  So armed with the rewards I received, I went back and scored 8 more bags and got another $20 in rewards.  Not too shabby...and halloween is taken care of this year!

Yankee Candle Mega Sale

So I scored the mother-load in savings at Yankeecandle.com tonight.  SEVEN small jar candles for $26.75 including shipping, handling and tax.  Here is how it works...pick any 7 small jar candles normally priced at $9.99 a piece, add them to your cart and make sure they drop down to $5 a piece.  When you go to your cart, enter in the following promo code into your cart CRM010B which gives you $15 off any purchase price of $35 or more.  

Sunday Coupons 09/26/2010

Looks like there is only one coupon insert this week and it is a doozy:


Smartsource coupon insert
2000 Flushes Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Save $.55/1 (12/31)
Act bottle, 16.9oz+ Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
Act II Microwave Popcorn, 3pk+ Save $.75/1 (11/30)
Barilla Plus Save $1.00/2 (11/22)
Bird’s Eye Steamfresh varieties Save $1.00/3 (10/24)
California Pizza Kitchen product Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
Carnation Evaporated Milk, 12oz cans Save $1.00/3 (11/30)
Celebration Food or Carvel Ice Cream Cake Save $2.00/1 (12/31)
Dole All Natural Fruit, glass jars Save $1.00/2 (12/31)
Duncan Hines Decadent Cake or Amazing Glazes Save $.75/1 (12/31)
Efferdent, 36ct+ or any Effergrip product Save $.75/1 (12/31)
Glad Storage products Save $1.00/2 (11/6)
Glade 4oz Jar Candle BOGO up to $3.89 (11/6)
Glade Automatic Spray Refill Save $1.50/1 (10/16)
Glade Carpet & Room Odor Eliminator product Save $.75/1 (11/6)
Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator product Save $1.00/1 (11/6)
Glade Plugins Scented Gel products Save $1.00/2 (11/6)
Glade Plugins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions Holder Save $3.00/1 (11/6)
Glade Plugins Scented Oil Twin Refill BOGO up to $5.99 value (11/6)
Glade Premium Room Spray, 9.7oz BOGO up to $3.19 value (11/6)
Glade Sense & Spray refills Save $1.00/2 (11/6)
Glade Sense & Spray Starter kit Save $3.00/1 (11/6)
Grande Tortilla Chips, 12oz+ Save $1.00/1 (12/31)
Healthy Choice Frozen Meal FREE wyb any (5) Healthy Choice Frozen Meals $3.00 value (11/30)
Hershey’s Bliss Chocolates Bar, 1.3oz Save $.55/1 (12/26)
Hershey’s Bliss Chocolates, 8.6oz+ bags Save $1.00/2 (12/26)
Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate Filled With Caramel or hershey’s Kisses Chocolate Meltaway Milk Chocolates, 8.5oz+ Save $1.00/2 (11/28)
Hershey’s, Reese’s, or Kit Kat Snack Size Bags, 9-22oz Save $1.00/3 (10/16)
Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers Save $2.00/1 (10/23)
Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers Save $3.00/1 (10/23)
International Delight Pints Save $1.00/2 (11/30) *DND9*
International Dilight Quarts Save $1.00/2 (11/30) *DND9*
KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce or Marinade, 8.5oz+ Save $.50/1 (11/30)
Kingsford Charcoal Briquets OR Kingsford Match Light Briquets wyb Meat Save $2.50 off wyb BOTH (11/30)
Koolaid Packets (4) FREE wyb (10) $1.00 value (11/7)
Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip, 22oz+ Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Kraft or Cracker Barrel Natural Cheese, shredded or chunk Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Kraft Sliced Cheese: Singles, Deli Deluxe or Singles Melt Downs Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Marie Callender’s Frozen Meals Save $1.50/4 (11/30)
Maxwell House International Cafe, Maxwell House Coffee or Yuban Coffee Save $1.00/1 (11/7)
Nabisco Cookies or Crackers, 4.04-26oz Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Northland Dark Fruit Juices Save $1.00/2 (12/31)
Oscar Mayer Hot dogs Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Oscar mayer Lunchmeats packages Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Planters Nuts, 5.75-21.25oz, excludes trail mix products Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair Save $1.00/1 (11/7)
Pledge Multi Surface product Save $1.00/1 (11/7)
Pledge products Save $2.00/2 (11/7)
REdpack Tomatoes cans, 14.5oz+ Save $1.00/3 (12/31)
Reynolds Wrap Foil, excludes 20,25,30sq.ft. Save $.75/1 (10/31)
Scrubbing Bubbles Antibacterial Bathroom Wipes Save $.55/1 (11/7)
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Refill FREE wyb Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Starter Kit, excludes twin pack $4.49 value (11/7)
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Refills Save $2.00/2 (11/7)
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaners Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean or Daily Shower Cleaner Power Sprayer Refill Save $1.00/1 (11/20)
Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean or Daily Shower Power Sprayer Starter Save $3.00/1 (11/20)
Scrubbing bubbles Fantastik All Purpose Cleaner Save $.55/1 (11/7)
Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 Starter Kit or refill pack Save $1.00/1 (11/7)
Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer Save $.75/1 (11/7)
Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel Save $1.00/1 (11/7)
Shout Laundry product Save $.55/1 (11/20)
Swanson Broth Can, 14oz Save $.50/5 (11/7)
Swanson Broth Carton, 32oz Save $.50/2 (11/7)
Swanson Stock Carton, 26oz Save $.50/1 (11/7)
Tetley Tea, box Save $.55/1 (12/31)
TGIF Anytime Quesadillas Save $1.50/2 (11/30)
TGIF Anytime Sliders Save $2.00/1 (11/30)
TGIF Complete Skillet Meal Save $2.00/1 (11/30)
Velveeta Shells & Cheese or Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Save $1.00/2 (11/7)
Windex Glass Cleaners Save $1.00/2 (11/6)
Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner or Wipes Save $.55/1 (11/6)
Woolite by Dry Cleaner’s Secret Save $1.00/1 (10/31)
YoBaby, YoBaby Meals or YoToddler Organic Yogurt or YoBaby Drinkable Organic Yogurt, 4pk Save $1.00/1 (12/31)


Source:  Sunday Coupon Preview

Sept 19, 2010 Sunday Coupon Preview

Looks like it is going to be a great week in coupon land. I plan on buying 4 papers this week!

9-19 Smartsource Coupon Inserts

Sunday coupon preview
Regional coupon inserts & value differences are to be expected!

(/X) after coupon = expiration date
() before coupon = multiple of same coupon
ETS = excludes trial sizes
DND5 = coupon states Do Not Double, but barcode starts w/a 5

Smartsource coupon insert
Air Wick Scented Oil Twin Refill or (2) Single Refills Save $1.00 off (10/31)
Air Wick Warmed Unit FREE wyb any Air Wick Scented Oil Refill – up to $2.19 value (10/31)
Air Wick Candle Save $1.00/1 (10/31)
Air Wick Aqua Mist Save $1.00/1 (10/31)
General Mills Cereal, listed: Boo Berry, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, Count Chocula, Dora, Franken Berry, Golden Grahams, Kix, Lucky Charms, Reese’s, Trix Save $1.00/2 (10/30)
Total Cereal, box listed: Whole Grain, Raisin Bran, Cranberry Crunch, Blueberry Pomegranate, Cinnamon Crunch, Plus Omega-3 Honey Almond Flax Save $.75/1 (10/30)
Fiber One Toaster Pastries, box Save $.50/1 (10/30)
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Frozen Entree Save $1.50/1 (11/13)
Dannon Light & Fit (1) 4pk or (6) Single-Serve Cups Save $.40 off (10/17)
Prevacid 24HR product Save $4.00/1 (10/16)
Benefiber product Save $1.00/1 (10/16)
Benefiber Orange product Save $1.00/1 (10/16)
Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes (2) 36ct+ Tubs or (2) 42ct Refills or (1) 72ct+ Refill Save $.50 off (10/31)
Campbell’s Healthy Harvest Condensed Soups Save $.50/2 (10/31)
Campbell’s Select Harvest Healthy Request soups Save $.50/2 (10/31)
Campbell’s Chunky Healhty Request soups Save $.50/2 (10/31)
Scotch-Brite Scrub Sponges, Scour Pads, Dishwands or Dishwand Refills Save $1.00/2 (10/31)
Colgate ProClinical Toothpaste Save $1.00/1 (10/9)
Tabasco Brand product Save $.75/1 (10/31)
New York Brand Frozen Garlic Bread product Save $.40/1 (12/19)
Marzetti Caramel Dip, 12oz+ Save $.75/1 (12/31/10)
Cream of Wheat Hot Cereal Save $.75/1 (12/31/10)
Polaner with Fiber jars Save $1.00/2 (12/31/10)
Arm & Hammer Power Gel Detergent Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
Arm & Hammer Laundry products Save $1.00/2 (11/30)
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, 12oz+ Save $1.00/1 (10/19)
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Save $1.00/2 (10/19)
Lysol Healthy Touch Hand Soap Starter Kit Save $3.00/1 (10/19)
Hormel Refrigerated Entree Save $1.00/1 (11/24)
Country Crock Side Dish Save $.50/1 (11/24)
Wheat Thins Crunch Stix, 8oz Save $1.00/1 (11/21)
Dietz & Watson Deli item, 1lb+ Save $1.00/1 (10/1)
Purina Beggin’, any size/variety Save $1.00/2 (12/19)
Purina Busy, any size/variety Save $1.50/2 (12/19)
Arnold Dutch Country bread AND Musselmann’s Single Serve Apple Sauce Save $1.25 off wyb BOTH (11/14)
OxiClean Versatile Powder, 56oz+ Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
OxiClean MaxForce Power Paks or OxiClean Liquid Gel Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
OxiClean Pre-Treater Save $.75/1 (11/30)
Finish Quantum 20ct or 25ct, Powerball Tabs 32ct or Gelpacs 32ct Save $1.00/1 (10/17)
Finish Quantum 12ct, Powerball Tabs 20ct or Gelpacs 20ct Save $.50/1 (10/17)
Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent or Turbo Dry Save $1.00/1 (11/14)
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Save $.40/1 (11/14)
Rubbermaid Reveal Cleaning product Save $5.00/1 (11/19)
i-flex, 120ct Save $5.00/1 (12/31/10)
i-cool for Menopause Save $5.00/1 (12/31/10)
Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility Dog Food, 4.5lb bag Save $2.00/1 (10/31)
Woolite Rug Stick Save $3.00/1 (11/30)
Woolite Heavy Traffic Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
Woolite product Save $1.00/1 (11/30)
Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra Refill – BOGO up to $5.29 value (10/31)
Purina Yesterday’s News cat Litter Save $1.00/1 (12/26)
Silk Pure Almond Almondmilk, half gallons Save $2.00/2 (11/30)
Jell-o Refrigerated Pudding, Gelatin, or Mousse Snacks Save $.35/1 (10/19)
Hershey’s Special Dark: Minatures, with Almond Nuggest, or Kisses, 11oz+ Save $1.00/1 (10/22)
Noxzema product Save $.75/1 (10/31)
St. Ives Body Lotion Save $.75/1 (10/31)
Airborne product Save $1.00/1 (11/13)
Leap Frog Leapster or Leapster Explorer Game over $19 Save $5.00/1 (10/31)
Leap frog Tag Book over $9 Save $4.00/1 (10/31)

Source:  Sunday Coupon Preview

My Greasy Mechanic

Yep. I always knew I married a hard working man.  This picture was featured in a recent article for the Army.  One of my buddies says that when he picks up the hubs for dinner, it is not unusual for him to be covered in grease from head to toe.  This picture proves my point.

Man I cannot wait for him to get home.  I miss him so much!

I am tired, yet encouraged.

I am really really tired.  These past few weeks have been emotionally draining on me as I have had to respond to one call after another helping out families all over my husband's battalion.  I love being an FRG Leader, but lately things have been harder to contend with and I have been forced to cry out to God for answers.  Through it all, I hear God's voice and am reassured that despite those who wish harm on me, that I have God protecting me.  In my quiet times I am reminded that Christ, who was repeatedly accused of things he was innocent of, remained silent. Instead he responded to His accusers with compassion.

Today was no exception.  After a particularly exhausting morning answering some issues which had popped up, I went to work tired and at that point really missing my husband.  Not more than 30 minutes into my morning, a woman came into the store looking for a particular Bible and as i started to help her, she stopped me, looked at me and said "you look really tired." I told her that I was beyond exhausted.  She joked around and said I needed a spa day.  I quipped back that I wished my husband was home to rub my feet, hug me and tell me that everything was going to be ok. Immediately, she grabbed me around the neck, gave me a huge hug and told me that despite all the attacks against me, that God had my back.  She then started praying over me to have peace, understanding, patience, and to feel God's love despite the emptiness and separation I was experiencing.

I almost cried.  Those who know me often comment that I am a bleeding heart.  So much so, that often times I end up getting burned by those I care for the most.  I will give the shirt off my back, the food in my pantry and the things I have the least to give, my time, in order to do what I can to improve the quality of life for people.  I give and give and give until it hurts, and for the first time in a long time, somebody actually turned around and poured back into me.  It was so refreshing.

What was even more profound, was the lady who prayed over me was an Army wife who faithfully served for 27 years.  Her husband was the Garrison Chaplain for years and she connected with me immediately.  I told her nothing of my week, yet she seemed to understand and before she left, she reached into her purse, pulled out her card and told me to call and/or email her.  Maybe this is the break I need.  It is as if God heard my cries and brought somebody in my life to encourage and motivate me despite the agony I often feel when others try to hurt me with their words or actions.

I give because I care, I care because Christ compels, I love because Christ died,  I forgive because that is the essence and message of the Cross.

Ruh Roh

my golden retriever talks to me.  she used to just bark, but now she backtalks when i tell her to go do something that she doesn't want to do.  it sounds just like scooby doo and it is quite comical.....whine, moan, groan, when this dog wants something she is as relentless as a two year old begging for candy.  i mean let's get real.  who needs an alarm clock anymore?  every morning at 08:15 she nudges me with her nose and in her scooby doo voice tells me, no demands that i let her outside.  punk!  maybe this is God's way of getting me ready for children.

here is her favorite way to sleep...with just her head stuffed under our bed!

My Shower Addiction and Other Adventures....

I have an addiction to taking showers.  In the past 36 hours I have taken four of them.  That is one for every nine hours of living these past couple of days, and I am not the least bit ashamed to admit it.  There is something so amazing about washing off the grime of the day and putting on a cool pair of cotton pajamas.

I have an addiction to clean towels.  Matter of fact, I only use a towel once before I throw it in the wash.  My husband is the same way.  We got a full set of towels from my brother and his wife as a wedding gift, and I wouldn't let him use them.  Not yet.  These are soft plush towels, the kind you want to keep around for a long time and more importantly, are not the towels I use when I bleach my hair.

Maybe I am a little weird, but I like clean smells. Being an army wife, I find amusement in the simplest of things such as putting a spritz of my husband's cologne on a piece of paper and walking around with the paper against my nose.

I dislike poopy smells.  To me, bathroom spray is poopy spray and I don't understand why people can't courtesy flush when they go kayaking on the toilet.  If you are going to pitch a tent while in there, at least be kind to the animals who wander in after you.

I can't stand gas.  Being married to my husband has ruined that for me.  He has a reputation for making noises in his mouth that sound like the world's worst gas.  Case in point.  A couple of Christmases ago (when we first started dating), we were in the Holiday/Garden Center at our local Walmart (which is horrific enough), when to my utter horror he started to make gas noises.  The poor lady in front of me thought I was the one doing it.  He died laughing until I turned around, grabbed the front of his shirt, and hissed at him to knock it off.  Can't complain though. Growing up with two very athletic brothers, I was forced to endure their endless shenanigans in the back half of my parents van on long distance roadtrips.  Their favorite thing to do was eat the raunchiest, methane inducing food possible, not clue me in on what was about to be expelled and watch my face when the scent finally hit my nose.  To make matters worse, they used to lock the windows so I couldn't let any fresh air in and they would bust a gut laughing watching me dry heave.  Oh well, boys will be boys and I married a shower loving, clean towel sniffing, gas passing Soldier who is all mine.  I feel a shower coming on...drats, all my towels are in the wash right now!

It's Not the Swineflu

I asked my husband for a picture tonight...

this is what I got.

My Big Goofball!

Poiema

I have been keeping to myself lately and deeply thinking about the significance of a Greek term I recently stumbled across. It is the Greek Word "Poiema" and out of curiosity I looked it up just to see it in Biblical context.  It means "Masterpiece of God" and it appears in Ephesians 2:10.  


If you start off broadly, it basically entails anything artistic or beautiful which conveys a message.  If you reverse the direction of the message, it basically entails any medium captured through art, music, sound, visual, literary, or creative means.  In Ephesians the word "poiema" means we are the expressed created masterpieces of God and we carry His likeness. Likewise, our beauty is the artist expressing Himself to the rest of the world. We were made by God and for God. After all, it is through Him that we live, move and exist.

How freaking cool is that?  Think about it.  The word poiema is where we get the term poem, and basically means we are the song of God and the expression of His artistry.  Well duh.  All of creation reflects His artistry and mankind was the last thing He created and declared good.  I cannot help but consider what this means for those who feel their lives are insignificant or who question whether or not God really cares about them individually.  Our lives are so much more than we can even comprehend.  

Consider the perpetual hunt and chase by collectors of things like stamps or coins. They will tell you that something which has been mass produced has more value if a flaw is discovered, so they hunt for that rare piece which is missing from their treasured collection.  In the same way God has made millions of people, full of flaws, yet we are no less treasured by Him.  Just as a collector seeks and desires for that which is imperfect, God seeks and desires to connect with us.  We are His treasure, His Poiema, and our flaws make us irreplaceable in His eyes.  


Value is not derived from what you get, but comes from who you are as God's masterpiece.

Publix Jackpot on Dog Treats

I got a good deal on the Purina One Begging Strips at Publix this week, so in true BOGO fashion, I couldn't resist going back and getting some more.

Here is what I got on my last run to Publix a few minutes ago.  

Deal 1:  Purina One Begging Strips Normally:  $3.00 a bag.  Here is what I scored:  Using a B1G1 for every Purina One Begging Strips bag I purchased, I also scored a free Busy Bone Dog Treat...which basically translates to any newbie couponer the following deal:  B1G3 Free...in other words, I bought 1 bag of Begging Strips, got another one free PLUS two Free Busy Bones.

Total Price Paid:  $6 for four bags of Purina Begging Strips and four Busy Bones.  If I had paid full price for all of them it would have cost me $26. So I saved 77%!!!! or $18.

Deal 2:  Bic Mechanical Pencils for Back to School:  Normally $2.69 a piece.  They were on sale for $1 or 3 for $3.  Bought two and used two $1 Target coupons.  Paid:  FREE and saved $5.38 or 100%.

Deal 3:  Contessa Microsteam Shrimp:  Normally $6.99 a piece.  They were B1G1 this week knocking the price down to $3.50 a piece.  Using a $2 off coupon, I got it for $1.50 and saved 79%.

Grand Total I would have paid:  $38.37

Actually paid:  $7.50

Savings of:  80%.

Yeah, those who think that couponing is a waste of time are really not doing their homework.  I bought almost $70 worth of stuff today for $15.  With the savings I just made, I can either go get an hour massage, fill up two tanks of gas or go get a mani AND a pedicure.

Pens and Post It's at Rite Aid

So....just got back from Rite Aid and combining coupons with store sales I stocked up on pens and post it notes for back to school.  Here is a breakdown of what I got:

Deal #1:
8 packets of Bic Cristal Pens Regular Price:  $1.99 per ten pack. They were B1G1 this week, plus I had 4 x $1 off coupons on any two Bic stationary products.
Full Price:  $15.92
Paid:  $3.96
Savings:  75%

Deal #2:
4 packets of 3M Post It Notes:  2 x $3.49 per pack and 2 x $2.99 per pack.  They were B1G1/2 this week, plus I had 1 $2 off a $10 or more 3M purchase and 4 x $1 3M Coupons
Full Price:  $12.94
Paid: $3.71

Plus I bought a 20 oz Diet Coke for $1.11

Paid:  $10.05 plus received $3 in UP Rite Aid Rewards for my next purchase.  So, in total I spent $7.05 for 4 packs of Post Its, 8 packs of pens and a Diet Coke.

My Chunky Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are a great tool for surviving Operation Enduring 

Deployment!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup Cocoa Powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chunks

PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Spray down a cookie sheet with non stick spray (trust me, you will thank me later!)

COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chunks. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. 

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

My Favorite Song Right Now

OPSEC and Why I Keep My Mouth Shut

This is a reminder of why it is important for us to maintain our silence.....how quickly we forget that there are Terrorists out there monitoring our web activity.

By being a Family Member, you will often know some bits of critical information regarding our unit such as flight schedules, ship movements, installation activities, homecoming dates, and our Soldiers’ locations. This is sensitive information that needs to be concealed and protected, so please DO NOT discuss them outside of your immediate Family and especially not over the telephone or on the computer/Internet.


Your diligence in Operations Security (OPSEC) is key to ensuring our effectiveness in operations and our collective safety. When reintegration nears, I completely understand how excited everyone will get – it is great news – but it is not news that needs to be posted/said for anyone to read/hear. With resources such as Facebook and MySpace, it is easy to slip up and post, “One more month until my Soldier comes home,” “Our 12 month deployment is almost over . . . just one more week,” or “My Soldier will be on the Main Body flight coming in on 15 January,” but PLEASE DO NOT POST ANYTHING SIMILAR TO THIS – anyone can access your information online. You can protect your Family and friends by protecting what you know of the unit’s day-to-day operations. There are many countries and organizations that would like to harm Americans and degrade our influence in the world, and many of them collect significant amounts of useful information by using spies.

OPSEC is a vital element in protecting our Soldiers and missions, and I want to stress how vital a role every member of our Battalion plays in ensuring that we deny our adversaries potentially useful information. OPSEC protects our operations – planned, in progress, and those completed. Even though information may not be secret, it can be what we call “critical information.” Critical information deals with specific facts about military intentions, capabilities, operations and activities. If an adversary knew this detailed information, our mission accomplishment and personnel safety could be jeopardized. It must be protected to ensure an adversary doesn’t gain a significant advantage.

Here are a few things to remember:

Limit what you say about:

- Military movements (deployment/redeployment dates, dates of field exercises, flight information, etc.)…next Tuesday is a specific date

- Any issues with the unit

- Anything concerning security specific issues

- Equipment issues (what, no flak vest?)

- Locations of units (it’s OK to say they’re in Iraq, but not to say specifically where located)

OPSEC measures you should practice daily:

- Be aware of your surroundings

- Keep sensitive discussions in designated secure areas

- Keep a need-to-know attitude (if they don’t need to know, don’t tell them)

- Safeguard sensitive but unclassified information

Some other things to keep in mind:

- Make sure that your Family knows that the information you tell them is to stay between you and them

- Limit what you say on telephones. Whether they’re land lines, cordless or cells phones, they can all be ‘tapped’. Try using code words, or use birthday and anniversaries as time frames – i.e. “Our vacation will be two months after my grandmother’s birthday.”

- Censor what you put in e-mails. Anything sent out on the Internet can be seen by anyone on the Internet. (Keep in mind that the AKO and vFRG website is a secure site, hence why certain information can be posted there.)

- Limit what you say out in public. You never know who is trying to listen in on your conversations

Thank you all for taking the time to read this e-mail. Please, let’s all practice better OPSEC guidelines and protect ourselves and our Soldiers . . . watch what you say and watch what you do!

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Life is Short. Make an Impact

Somebody on my Endurance Triathlon Team was tragically killed today by a drunk driver.  The tragedy goes further, for he was in a car with his three sons coming back from a movie.  All four were killed.  The driver was just 20 years old, travelling at high speed and is being tested for drugs too.  He ended four lives and now his life is over for drinking and driving.

Please pray for the McConnell family.  Roy was an amazing man of Character who often poured out heartfelt insight into the challenges a triathlete faces running their race.  He died tragically, but he died loving his Savior with every fiber of his being.

My endurance team mourns the loss of a dear family member.  Roy, we know you are in a better place and seeing Jesus face to face.  RIP brother.

WHAT A LETDOWN

So I got all excited when I woke up this morning.  I thought it was the beginning of the month, which means for an extreme couponer like me all of the internet printables on Coupons, All You, Redplum, and Smartsource have reset.  Not so much.  I get to the websites only to find out that it is still July and I have to wait another day. 

Sunday Coupon Preview

No worries though, just looking at the coupon preview for this week it looks like a ton are going to be in the local papers. 

Woohoo!  Savings like this are like Christmas in the Raschke household.

As You Wish

Without fail my husband calls me his Princess Bride every single day when he greets me or when he signs off for the night. It is his nickname for me. When he does say it, I always think of this scene, but now I can honestly say that I don't know what to think. I am bossy, so the fact that Buttercup orders Wesley makes me look like a jerk. LOL...

To be perfectly honest. I am truly blessed. I really do have the most amazing husband! I love you baby!