Getting my Hands Dirty...

Well, judging by the multi-colored fingernails I have this morning, it is easy to see I have been hard at work on this group of paintings for friends! I always love to have seasonal paintings in the house on a table easel or hanging on the door welcoming friends. I have one for Fall, Christmas, Birthdays, and now Easter! After posting a picture of the one I made for our door, I received several requests for personalized paintings for other families! Seeing as I absolutely love to paint, I said "Yes!" and have been working away ever since. I was able to deliver a couple of them last night, and the recipients seemed pleased, so I was excited!
The painting to the left is one of my personal favorites; I have never really painted tulips, so when I got this request, I was a little nervous, but I am pretty proud of the way they turned out. I love the gold color of the ribbon and the way it complements the painting without taking away from it. This one is going in one of my friend's kitchen. As many of you know, I have always loved to be crafty, but since mommy-hood, I have not taken the time to let the house get a little dirty, so I can be creative. I am dreaming of the day (and hopefully Brad agrees) that I can have my own studio room; that would be awesome!
Another type of art I love to do is painting for kids' rooms! I have done so many of these, and I don't have pictures of all of them, but here are a couple of pictures of one I did for my girlfriend Jennifer's little boy Brandt and one I did for my Ben's room. Although I can do any design given to me, I particularly love to base the artwork off of whatever bedding/fabrics the mother has chosen for the nursery. These two are pretty similar in design (geometric) because I like the simplicity of them and letting the name be the focal point. Personalized paintings are a great gift for showers/birthdays for little boys and girls, etc. For my next child, (Lord willing) I plan on making a painting with with a big bow and spaces to fill in birth date and weight for the hospital room door. I had a personalized wreath on the door when Ben was born and everybody raved about it (thanks to the mother-in-law).
The picture to the left is not a very good one, but it shoes the "Happy Birthday" painting I did for my family. We put it out a couple of days before each person's birthday. We could design one especially for your little one's themed party or just a general one for your family.
Basically, I am ready and willing to paint whatever it is you need. There are really endless ideas, so get thinking about birthdays, babies, Mothers' Day gifts (I've got some cute ideas for this one), wedding gifts (See example stepping stone to the left), or anything else, and please let me know if I can help create a special gift for you are someone you love! Just message me on facebook or leave a comment on the blog or email me at emawiles@yahoo.com and we'll discuss ideas/pricing (reasonable, I promise). Thanks all!

A Few More Deals...

O.k., everybody; although I am glad I was able to write that LONG blog yesterday and get some people thinking about saving, I now realize that a lot of what I wrote is a waste of time! Well, not really a waste of time, but who wants to take the time to match up coupons to in-store specials when there is someone out there in blogger-land who already does it for you?!! I mean, this is the part of pre-planning that definitely takes the longest, but thanks to my good buddy Mary A., I will now be heading over to southernsavers.com to figure out which coupons I need to use each week. This website blows my mind because it not only gives you a detailed list of every sale/promotion item, but it also gives you links to online printable coupons as well as coupons that load directly to your store savings card (i.e. kroger plus card). For the beginner couponer (?), this site spells it out for you!
While I was exploring the site last night, I realized that I had overlooked some great deals with coupons I either already had or with ones I could print off of the site. (So, maybe I didn't get into bed until 11:45, big deal!) With new coupons in hand, I headed back to Kroger today to complete some unfinished business...Today, I was able to score $66.89 worth of groceries for $26.86! That (as you can see in my bragging picture) is a savings of 62%; not bad. I was able to use all coupons, get several items (5) items absolutely free, and since I bought exactly 20 items on the promotion list, I saved another 10 dollars. It was a good time indeed:)
One more thing to fill you in on (as if many of you don't already know these things). I was also made aware of yet another site called iheartwags.com; yep, that's "wags" as in Walgreens. I mean how nerdy can we get...VERY. I must admit I have never explored the world of savings at Walgreens, but after some research, help from friends (thanks Rebecca), and asking a lot of questions to the poor lady at the register, I think I have figured out a little bit about their system. They have something called "register rewards." For instance, I bought Irish Spring mens' body wash and deodorant (not for Brad as he is very brand specific in this category, but I know a sick man at church for whom I wanted to make a goody bag). It was on sale for 2 for $6 + a $4 register reward at checkout. I had a coupon for $1 off of the body wash and .50 off of the deodorant, so after I used the coupon, together, they cost $4.50 ($6-$1.50). BUT I received a $4 register reward, which is like $4 cash towards my next walgreens purchase, so the two items actually only cost me .50! In all, I received $5 in register rewards. The lady informed me (for next time) that many coupon users will check out with their register reward producing items first and then turn around and use them on the rest of their purchase (These ladies are smart!!!)
A picture of my Walgreens finds shows that I bought several household items other than cosmetics (which is usually the only thing I buy at Walgreens and usually at full cost). I spent $43.09 total, but when I added it all up and realized the cosmetics (powder, blush, nail polish, and hair color for my mom...sorry to let the cat out of the bag, mom:) alone would cost $32.96 on a usual trip and once you take away the $5 in register rewards I got, that means I basically paid $5.13 for all of the rest of the items pictured; not bad.
O.k., I guess that's all for this week as far as couponing goes. My favorite part of this is that Brad actually loves hearing about the deals and seeing pictures of all the stuff I get for not too much money! Maybe this makes up for me not really making any money...probably not, but I feel better knowing I am saving my family money! Off to cook dinner and head to church; I love Wednesdays!

Clipping and Saving

I realize it has been more than a long time since I last posted to this blog. I really feel like I am ready to start blogging again. I guess I felt like I really didn't have anything important to write about, but as I read others blogs, I realize that we are all the same. I just like reading about the lives of those I care about, so hopefully some of you will enjoy reading about mine!

Anyway, I recently posted to facebook about getting $159.00 worth of groceries this week for $89.00. I have had several people ask me how they can do the same thing, and they definitely can; it just takes a little time, clipping, research and consideration before heading off on the weekly shopping trip.
The picture above shows the groceries I bought (minus 2 large bottle of arm and hammer clothing detergent that I put away before I took the picture). As you can notice by looking at the items, many of them are non-produce/non-perishable items. Coupons are mainly available from name brand companies only, which means you have to be very careful, or you will still end up spending more at the grocery than if you bought store brands without coupons. I am simply going to let you know my weekly process for grocery shopping, and here's hoping it works for you!
Step 1: First, I look in my freezer, fridge, and cabinets to see what ingredients I already have. Basically, what do I already have that I can use towards this week's meals. I mainly focus on things that need to be used soon. I write down the meals that we could have based off of what I need to use.
Step 2: I stop on the way home from church to buy a Sunday paper. (Make sure the coupon portion is in the paper; sometimes people take the coupons without buying the paper.) Usually after church on Sunday night, I sit down and clip coupons. I don't clip them all, only the ones I think I'll really use. The best coupons are usually .50 off of 1 item because I shop at Kroger, and they double coupons up to $1. So, if the coupon is for .30, it doubles to .60, but if it is .75, it doesn't double (get it?:) Be very careful to check on the coupon to see if it says "do not double or triple" because it will obviously not double.
Step 3: I go to Kroger.com (or coupons.com if you shop somewhere else) under "In Store" at the top, I got to "coupons." There, you can print coupons that are the same as using the ones from the paper. So, I have gathered all of my coupons.
*side note: I have a binder which has envelope labeled for each store section (if you want me to list them, let me know). I sort the coupons into these envelopes for easy access while shopping with a 19 month old.
Step 4: MOST IMPORTANT!! I go again to Kroger.com and go to "In Store" and "Weekly Ads," where I type in my zip code. This is where I look through the store ads to see what is on sale and what promotions are running for the week. (My mom likes to do her coupon shopping once a month, but I prefer weekly because I can take advantage of weekly specials and use my coupons when they benefit me the most.) Look through the ad and note any coupons you have for those products because you will want to use the coupon in conjunction with the sale they are having. This week Kroger is running a "buy 10 participating items, and save $5 at the register" sale. Several of my coupon items were on this list, so this was a good week to shop! For instance, today, I had a coupon for $1.00 off of any 2 Arm and Hammer laundry products. The detergent I bought is usually $6.98, but it was on sale AND on the list for the "buy 10" promotion. So, since I did buy 10 participating items (you have to be sure to keep count) I got each of the detergents for $2.99 plus I used my coupon, so ended up buying them for $2.49 each, a savings of $4.49 a bottle!
Step 5: Plan Meals: Based on the items already in my pantry plus the items for which I am going shopping, I make a detailed meal list on my refrigerator. This helps me shop and also helps me stick to cooking and eating at home to save even more money. This is definitely the fun part!
I know this all sounds confusing, but once you get used to it, it is really easy to know when to buy and when to wait! You will begin to notice trends of when your particular store puts certain items on sale, so you can hold onto your coupons for that item until then.
Here are some final tips for saving money instead of spending more using coupons:
1.) Don't feel like just because you have a coupon, you have to use it. Make sure you are actually saving money by doing so.
2.) Be careful not to buy things your family won't use.
3.) Use coupons to stock up on non-perishable food items and health and beauty products, so you can take those out of your grocery budget for a while and put that money towards something more fun!
4.) Don't be brand specific. If you are like me, you have certain things you only want in certain brands (i.e. toilet paper and peanut butter). For everything else, be flexible, and you will save money for sure.
5.) Plan, plan, plan. Planning for the weeks shopping and meals makes me feel organized, so I can spend my daytime thinking about other things besides "what's for dinner?"
I hope this blog entry has given you some useful info when it comes to clipping coupons. Feel free to comment with any questions or success stories you have when it comes to coupons. I am not an expert by any means, but I do enjoy seeing that "Total Savings: 46%" on my receipt. It makes the time spent planning worth it! Happy shopping!

It's Been a Long Time Coming!

Ben's room

Our Kitchen

Living Room

Bathtime Ben

Hello to anyone who still checks my blog to see if I have updated it! I am soooo sorry for being so lazy in blogging; I stay a little busy:) Well, Lawrenceburg is treating us very well so far! I worried and worried about moving to such a small town; I prayed for us to like it, and God has answered that prayer. We have met such nice people here, and I already have made some friends I feel I will keep for a very long time! Brad is absolutely loving his State Farm agency; he says it is everything he hoped it would be, so I am very thankful!

Ben continues to grow like a weed every day! He is learning so much it is simply amazing! He isn't crawling yet; in fact, he looks like he may walk first. He loves to pull up on my fingers and tries to pull up on anything else in his path! I can't believe how happy he is considering we thought he hated life for the first few months:) I can hardly remember those stressful days, and I now realize I worried too much! Babies do what they want to do in there own time! He has just in that past couple of weeks started taking 2 hour naps in the morning and the afternoon! What a gift for a busy mom to be able to have some precious time to herself! Millie is also doing well, for those of you who were concerned about her well-being:) She does crazy things to get attention now though. If a diaper accidently gets left on the changing table or in the trash, she tears it to shreds while we are gone. She will find and eat anything left on the counter (including Marie's goodies she brings when she comes), so we have learned to put things on top of the fridge! Needless to say, she is adapting to being #2.

We are so excited for Spring. Next weekend is Mule Day (a Columbia favorite). Easter is also right around the corner! My mom is making Ben's Easter outfit, so I can't wait to see how great he looks that day! I'll definately post pictures of both events!

I am going to post some house pictures for those of you who will not be able to get here to see it. We are liking our house a lot, and it is beginning to feel like home. Life is good, and we are very thankful! Happy Spring!

One More Day...

Sweet Santa Baby

I love my boy!
I am already proud of myself! 2 posts in 2 weeks! I am good!:) Well, this is the beginning of what is sure to be a crazy, busy week! Tomorrow morning is the day! We close at 9 a.m. and the painters and the cabinet glazing lady are coming right after that. Although I am still really nervous about moving to a new small town, I am equally excited to meet all of the new people that will enter our lives. The moving truck is coming Friday to pick up our stuff from storage and from my grandmother's house in Nashville. Unpacking boxes will be the activity of choice this weekend for sure! I will be sure to post pictures of the new house as soon as we get it at least half way together!
Ben is having a wonderful Christmas season so far! He is such a great shopper, so he loves this time of year! He is at his best behavior when we are out and about. When he doesn't act so hot is when we stay home all day! So, here is my plan for not shopping all of the time and spending too much money. I really want to get the shut-ins list from our future church, once we choose one, and go visit people who need visiting! I figure that Ben loves to be out and about, and I am sure people would love for a baby to visit instead of just boring middle aged people:) Just kidding. But, I really think it will be good for both Ben and me to do that a couple of times a week. We'll see how that goes!
I am posting a picture of Ben sitting on Santa's lap for the first time! We went downtown last Saturday, and White's camera shop had a great Santa! Ben did so great! He smiled right when he sat down, so the lady only had to take one picture! Not to brag, but she said it was the best picture she had taken all day! O.k., so I bragged a little.

The Moving Mania Begins!

Jumping is Ben's new favorite trick

The (hopefully) new house as of December 15th

Alright, well, admittedly I am the worst blogger ever to this point, but I really promise to get better and more consistent once we move and I get my desktop back! As the title to this blog says, we are FINALLY moving....or so I think, soon! Let me just give a run-down of the past few months since Ben was born! On August 4th, Ben came...then, the moving truck came to Jackson on 12th. Since we sold our house really quickly and didn't know where State Farm would take Brad, we decided to move our stuff into my grandmother's house in East Nashville. We lived there for about a week when we decided we would definitely be moving to Lawrenceburg to open Brad's agency. Brad started to travel to Lawrenceburg everyday for work, so weekends at Mom and Dad's house in Columbia turned in to week days until we finally decided it didn't make sense for Ben and me to stay in Nashville and Brad drive an hour and a half everyday. So...as many of you know, we have been living with Ken and Debbie for pretty much Ben's entire life thus far. Now, I am not complaining at all! I have decided that a lot of Mom's would be much happier if they had as much help as I have had the past few months. By the time Ben wakes up from his afternoon nap, he has 3 or 4 smiling faces waiting to hold him! Great for Ben, better for Mom!
We started looking for houses in Lawrenceburg the minute we found out we were moving there; we thought we would be able to find one right away, but of course, we were very wrong! We searched and probably drove our real estate agent crazy for the next 3 1/2 months. We found what we thought was our house once, but the lady wouldn't negotiate very well. Finally, Brad saw a sign in a yard one day while down for work; he called me, I came to look at it, and we decided to offer on it that day! It needed quite a bit of work, but we loved the street it was on. We got the contract on the house, the inspection went fine, we were ready to close last Wednesday. ..On Tuesday, the title company ran the check on the house, and it turns out that there were multiple tax leans on the house which meant, we couldn't close. When Brad called to tell me, I pretty much just laughed. Here's the good part though. A couple of weeks after we had written the contract on the other house that needed work (I was really hesitant about the amount of work and cash that had to go into this house), I saw another house for sale on the MLS site. I couldn't believe how perfect this house was, and I was so bummed that we had signed on the other before this one came on the market. So, when the title drama happened, I told Brad to check and see if the "perfect" house was still available, and it was!!! The next day, we drove to Lawrenceburg, looked at and loved the house, and wrote a new contract for that house! God definitely had his hand in the seemingly little situation because this house needs no work, has a perfect back yard for Millie, and it reminds us of our little house in Jackson! We couldn't be happier! Lord willing, we close Dec. 15th, and we can leave my parents with less noise, more food, and a much cleaner house! I know they will miss us as much as we will miss them though.
This is way too long of a blog post; I promise to blog more often and for a shorter length!

Where Did the Time Go?

Ben's favorite napping place:)

Daddy time! Love this picture!

Well, as my title states, I cannot believe that Ben is already 7 weeks old! He has his 2 month appointment next week, and I am not looking forward to the shots (I'm sure he isn't either!) I apologize to those of you who actually follow this blog because I have not been able to blog in a long time! We have been a little on the homeless side for since Ben's birth. I mean, we technically have a house in Nashville, but with Brad working in either Lawrenceburg or Spring Hill each day, it just makes more sense for us to stay in Columbia. That's right; we have been living at home with my parents for a couple of weeks! I never thought I would be saying that! My parents have been extremely gracious to allow us ( and a pooping, sometimes screaming baby) stay at their house. Brad and I have been a bit frustrated as of late looking for a house in Lawrenceburg! The prices are crazy; I thought we would be able to get a bigger house for a much smaller price than in Jackson...wrong! The houses are either inexpensive but need a ton of work, or they are way too expensive for the price. Although it is frustrating, I have been praying about it a lot, so I know the right house will come along. If anybody knows of anything available, please give us a call!

Enough about that, Ben is growing like crazy! I am not sure how much he weighs now, but we will let you know after his appointment next week! I am guessing about 14 pounds or so. I am hoping that we have come through the worst as far as his crying goes; he has been fussy but managable. I guess we know how to deal with it better, which makes it fine! We are also battling the baby acne...yuck! I knew to expect it, but it is so sad when your baby's face turns from soft and pale to bumpy and red overnight! He has had it for about 2 weeks, so hopefully, it will say goodbye before too long! Ben has really started to smile more now, which makes every tough moment well worth while! I'm sure all of the mothers reading this totally understand this. He is also sleeping pretty well at night; he wakes most of the time at 1 and 5 to eat, but that's not bad at all! I really do feel like we are getting to know his personality (fiesty, energetic, inquisitive, playful, independent), so everyday is more and more fun! Here is a brief list of things we have figured out that Ben either loves or dislikes:

Ben Loves to...

5.) Be put down anywhere that is warm and cozy when he is really upset. It's like he wants to soothe himself instead of having someone else do it for him!

4.) Have huge, blow-out diapers! He always gives his biggest, most mischeivious grins after that!

3.) Take naps laying against my chest (almost to the point where he cannot breathe)

2.) Sit in his vibrating seat and talk to the purple hippo hangy thing. He has discovered that he can hit it with his hand and make it move, and this makes him very proud.

1.) Smile at and sit with his daddy! I am sure Brad loves this!

Ben doesn't like...

5.) Just sitting around doing nothing; he likes to move around or be put down

4.) Bedtime, but he only has to have one big fit, and then he is out for the night

3.) Baths; well, he is getting better, but they still envoke a red, raging face each time.

2.)I hate to say this but so far, Ben does not do too well at church! We are working on that, and we figure the only way to get better is to keep going each time and get him used to it early!

1.) Being held when he is in the middle of a good meltdown! I learned my lesson early!

We are just loving being parents to this awesome little guy, and I still can't believe that he was in my belly just 7 weeks ago! God is wonderful and amazing!