tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68986002258992339762024-03-04T23:53:14.737-05:00Money Life DebtOne Dad's Journey to Get Out of Debt, Lose Weight, and to Get Rich!!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-41227062332569310992009-07-01T11:58:00.003-04:002009-07-01T12:23:02.886-04:00Beware of Automotive Places like Sears!!!I just wanted to talk about my recent experience with Sears Automotive. I needed new brakes for my truck. I knew this because you could hear some scrubbing and feel some shaking when you were stopping. It had just started, but I know all too well, the sooner you take care of something like this the better. Well, I have a credit card at Sears and they offer free break inspections at their shops. So I took it in and came out with an estimation of like $425. They said I needed new rotors and brake pads in the front and that the back drums needed resurfacing. So I was like Whoa...$425. I realize some of you people out there might not blink an eye at this or be like I used to be. I would rationalize ..well its gotta be done and they are the pros, they know what needs to be done. And sometimes we as people can just be plain lazy and say, well I have the car here now. So I might as well let them do it. Why should we have to worry about a big retailer like Sears trying to "take us for a ride" and to just squeeze money out of us? Well, now I have proof that we will just as quick as any other shop. <br /><br />I decided to see if my cousin would help me change the brakes out. Its one of the easier jobs to do on a vehicle. So we pulled the front tires off and saw that the pads needed replacing--no problem those can run as low as $14.99! We took the rotors off and thought that we could just have them resurfaced rather than replaced like Sears had said.--by the way--I have the estimate printout listing everything that they said I needed.-- Well we went to O' Reilly's Auto parts and they determined that one could be turned(only $10) and one had to be replaced. So we did that and went home and replaced that the front brakes, rotors, and tires correctly. Then we went to the back tires to check things out. We took those tires off and the drum covers and determined that the pads and the drums were fine. They needed nothing done at this time. Unlike what Sears stated. Can you believe that?<br /><br />Drum roll please........ I only spent $100.57 for parts and labor----I saved $325.00! And just as important I relearned a valuable lesson..be wary of places that can easily take your money. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dont</span> be afraid to get a second estimate or find a friend or a relative that can either do the work or that you can help do the work and pay <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> less and still not have to worry that things were fixed incorrectly!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-10081944342905650892009-06-28T19:38:00.003-04:002009-06-28T19:58:19.258-04:00Corn and Beans!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiArBAJBJ_GdgCMhmVJ2aOEpxQq-95bdOkOl6kGRwURliOCImChhBb9TEMrR-6aVTgQYCaLVGFSpHXA6mqUnSy2pAxse09bcWL3HnEqF3OBOZt0eX9zm_6rnXjRQTzgct6imvJFBGL_A/s1600-h/101_1565.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352528071870125138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiArBAJBJ_GdgCMhmVJ2aOEpxQq-95bdOkOl6kGRwURliOCImChhBb9TEMrR-6aVTgQYCaLVGFSpHXA6mqUnSy2pAxse09bcWL3HnEqF3OBOZt0eX9zm_6rnXjRQTzgct6imvJFBGL_A/s320/101_1565.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTDQBdQYWgX8-wKKVu9CN-VnFUV-wCqEx-fyE24XUZZdWIUiUyrQQQQEOFcJc2TJtj0ALVdEHeRtsiGyZn5FPMHVJ2jc5lAqD36elMOQks3T9G03UAnzmUomgRrQpYVrRRcs6cgQ1YwY/s1600-h/101_1560.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352528064502260690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTDQBdQYWgX8-wKKVu9CN-VnFUV-wCqEx-fyE24XUZZdWIUiUyrQQQQEOFcJc2TJtj0ALVdEHeRtsiGyZn5FPMHVJ2jc5lAqD36elMOQks3T9G03UAnzmUomgRrQpYVrRRcs6cgQ1YwY/s320/101_1560.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Today I decided to pick an ear of sweet corn and some of my snap beans. I have never grown and eaten anything from a garden, so I was a little apprehensive to say the least. Then I jumped online to see how you can tell if they actually ready and how the best way is to prepare them. The corn was the biggest available, but it may have still been just a wee bit small. I decided to give them both a try since everything seemed fine. I found online that you can just throw the corn, husk and all, in the microwave and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. I put the beans in a bowl of water and heated them for about 8 minutes or so. Added a little salt and some butter to the final product, and guess what? It was delicious! The corn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kernels</span> were just a bit small--but everything tasted great. I added pictures and included a picture of my largest pumpkin to date. Two of them are about this size--about the size of a softball or a little bigger! Wow, if everything dies from here on out, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">today's</span> bounty made having the garden worthwhile. Plus the satisfaction of watching it grow has been fun too!</div></div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-74111509344986684222009-06-26T22:56:00.004-04:002009-06-26T23:25:20.256-04:00RIP--Gone Too Soon!I just wanted to say rest in peace to Michael Jackson, Farrah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fawcett</span>, Ed McMahon, and David <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Carradine</span>. The first three really played a part in my life. As a kid, I idolized Michael and at the age of 8 I would do my best <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">MJ</span> moves at the drop of a hat or when his songs played. Although we grow up with out much--and definitely never had the latest style or fad---my brother and especially I had to have a Michael Jackson t shirt and we eventually got the parachute pants. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">dont</span> think we ever got the jacket or glove! Things every kid had to have!<br /><br />I remember Farrah from one of my favorite shows--Charlie's Angels. I remember naming her as a celebrity crush at a young age--prompted by a school project. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">dont</span> think I really had one--but I remember her being very pretty in her younger days.<br /><br />Ed McMahon was Johnny Carson's sidekick for years. I loved The Tonight Show growing up and I know Ed and Johnny had me laughing many times. I watched Star Search -which he hosted. And I know I wished many times he would show up at my door with Publishers Clearing House!!<br /><br />I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">dont</span> remember David <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Carradine</span> as much from his older stuff--although <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Im</span> sure I watched him since I used to love to watch the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kung</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fu</span> shows as a kid. I know he was good in Kill Bill!<br /><br />I know that you can find fault with all of these people. I know I can too! But this is to honor the good things they did in their lives! Every person has faults and none of them are exceptions to having faults or even bad things in their lives. I tend to hold on to the memories of positive aspects of a person!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-38557263465582210572009-06-25T23:25:00.003-04:002009-06-25T23:31:19.783-04:00Harris Teeter Doubles Coupons up to $1.98I picked up a few things from Harris Teeter and saved a ton. Several items were free and some for next to nothing. If you are lucky enough to live by one, this week is a good one to save some money. Deal Seeking Mom can let you in on a few of the deals. Good luck!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-20879797319814095612009-06-24T10:53:00.007-04:002009-06-24T11:18:33.671-04:00Garden Update<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbdn9uoeOKvg7MVvPveAb25VaRB54URsGwigULI7EI7X50sD73WvmZ42rM3_Cn0Kfh6wLO_kEOmBJV7xa8VfrheDNpIRCpij6G_zr1dtphImvpJP7ohmQO_hbY9aEiZngenTU1TmZDc4/s1600-h/101_1559.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350911464081185346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbdn9uoeOKvg7MVvPveAb25VaRB54URsGwigULI7EI7X50sD73WvmZ42rM3_Cn0Kfh6wLO_kEOmBJV7xa8VfrheDNpIRCpij6G_zr1dtphImvpJP7ohmQO_hbY9aEiZngenTU1TmZDc4/s320/101_1559.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yLBy2qFrB2XFvGgpHXtuPAQXB67y1gO_T4STpojAhF0lj8J0sDihXmQ5bgPL2ZHdM6QLcM1RStUnvXrTQxqCQ7ZjMTJvL6k0Ad3J0CBuEMgJfVA95DtKEgbSrdwTq-Ss1r-sRxi6U2M/s1600-h/101_1558.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350911459636501714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yLBy2qFrB2XFvGgpHXtuPAQXB67y1gO_T4STpojAhF0lj8J0sDihXmQ5bgPL2ZHdM6QLcM1RStUnvXrTQxqCQ7ZjMTJvL6k0Ad3J0CBuEMgJfVA95DtKEgbSrdwTq-Ss1r-sRxi6U2M/s320/101_1558.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Well these pictures are about a week old now, but look how much the garden has taken off. Some are actually starting to show some vegetables. Beans, corn, and pumpkins are showing. Also, the cantaloupe, potatoes, peppers, and others seem to be growing fine right now. I am kinda just growing the garden for fun. I mean it would be great to actually be able to eat and give away some of the things I have grown. I have my doubts if they will actually grow to maturity since I have never really done this before. So I will believe it when I see it! If anything, I can take a sense of success with the level the garden is at now. I mean, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know how square foot gardening makes it. Everything seems to be growing so well right now--the pumpkin vines are everywhere and everything seems to have grown so much "together". I wonder if they will allow each other to continue to grow.</div></div></div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-77162788230600404572009-06-17T22:20:00.002-04:002009-06-17T22:30:44.195-04:00I sold it on Craigslist !!Has anybody noticed how resourceful and how many people seem to be using <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Craigslist</span>? I sold my Jeep Grand Cherokee last week on there. This week I was able to find something for a very good deal. I downsized into a vehicle two years older than my Jeep. The two transactions went very smooth.There seems to be a ton of activity on there daily. I know because I have been surfing it quite a bit lately. Its not just limited to cars and trucks. Name it and you can probably find it or sell it in there. Check it out!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-16866691555408040402009-06-14T11:05:00.004-04:002009-06-14T11:27:13.266-04:00NC ZooWe are fortunate to live about 20 to 25 minutes away from our state zoo. A zoo is a great place to visit for the family and it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesnt</span> cost that much money if you plan your meals accordingly.My son, who is 3 now, has been asking me about going since I mentioned it a few weeks ago. We have taken him a couple of times before and taken pictures from those visits. However, I guess now he is getting to the point were he can remember things first hand. This past Monday we decided to go. We also took my nephew, Blake, who is five. He had spent the night the night before. That was also a first--Ryan's first sleepover! You should have seen how happy and excited he was for the sleepover. Plus, the next day was probably better for him to have a friend to share it with.We made sure to take some snacks and bottled water and juice bags and the camera--gotta have that! The zoo has a North American side to visit and an African side to visit. There is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of walking, but there are plenty of benches to take a break and places to stop along the way. This year the zoo features some new baby giraffes! They even built a new deck from which you can feed the giraffes. Right now it is free to feed them, so we ventured in for a look. I think due to poor planning --no one was able to actually feed them. The deck is just built into the natural habitat enclosure, which is probably 3 or 4 football fields long. Of course, all 4 or 5 giraffes were on the other end of the enclosure along with the ostriches and the zebras. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dont</span> get me wrong, you can see the animals from several different points around the enclosure, but you can only feed them from that one spot. I just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldnt</span> see paying to feed the animals if you can not actually do that and the kids <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldnt</span> get the thrill of them being so close.<br /><br />All in all, it was a good day. It was a little hot but we managed that fine too. It was definitely a hit with the kids. I definitely recommend the NC Zoo and hitting your local zoo to save money and still have a nice day out. A Daycation!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-53661082519286287432009-06-02T22:39:00.005-04:002009-06-02T22:49:46.609-04:00The Garden is Growing!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0qccESGO8PMfPTf1GO3JFATVXG0M8FIr7ONgIGpN10Sno6d0mG94cbqMLRcQR__aPMcebi-3b9wPtUBfUraUvEUw1nCJ-H6UlusWDr0S_I4ifyvbbWYm3h2VSS8Vrzd3g8IcvkRQKcY/s1600-h/101_1488.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342927884588345858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0qccESGO8PMfPTf1GO3JFATVXG0M8FIr7ONgIGpN10Sno6d0mG94cbqMLRcQR__aPMcebi-3b9wPtUBfUraUvEUw1nCJ-H6UlusWDr0S_I4ifyvbbWYm3h2VSS8Vrzd3g8IcvkRQKcY/s320/101_1488.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71oIkEQI1o3-MCw9Vy7Zs0sGVrSWjHbHgxZQNnW3dFoStKVdQR_m7VGqMCe8MDXZ5FcnvuPStOs2wKJ14zJTIeN78Kmn1kPOi3zLpkHgNXhTpzZ3vFvLIo2EpKCE0dGvCmGwcQ26Qjwg/s1600-h/101_1490.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342926918293913986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71oIkEQI1o3-MCw9Vy7Zs0sGVrSWjHbHgxZQNnW3dFoStKVdQR_m7VGqMCe8MDXZ5FcnvuPStOs2wKJ14zJTIeN78Kmn1kPOi3zLpkHgNXhTpzZ3vFvLIo2EpKCE0dGvCmGwcQ26Qjwg/s320/101_1490.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Well, being the novice gardener that I am, I am glad to say that my garden is still growing. We are at about a month and a half of growing. I started everything from seeds, so to me that they even sprouted was an accomplishment. My fear is that they will not continue to grow and produce or that they will die altogether.</div></div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-85745244183524962442009-05-30T12:13:00.004-04:002009-05-30T12:27:45.320-04:00Harris Teeter Triple Coupons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjzl4KEFcItmUTru90aSm1GjOE2QGu0rGW5yNt2o30t-ujt3svmV1T-6HpZ61uLwOfv37rrLyX73O5gYzjDZEep_6nVR2vtqn68qVkeD2H2XiV0H82dmnlKb-QOcZkva_qrr4Swk3hTA/s1600-h/101_1498.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341652591195931586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjzl4KEFcItmUTru90aSm1GjOE2QGu0rGW5yNt2o30t-ujt3svmV1T-6HpZ61uLwOfv37rrLyX73O5gYzjDZEep_6nVR2vtqn68qVkeD2H2XiV0H82dmnlKb-QOcZkva_qrr4Swk3hTA/s320/101_1498.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Well, I headed back to Harris Teeter several times to stock up. I could not resist the free deals. Above is a picture from my second trip. I also went back again, not pictured, and saved a ton of money. All together for these trips I spent $18.82! And I saved $37.19 in Vic store sales, and I saved $130.86 with coupons! That gives me a grand total of $168.05 in savings!</div><div> </div><div>If you add these trips with my first trip I saved a total of $226.69 and only spent $19.44!</div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-12334752621088659892009-05-28T22:39:00.002-04:002009-05-28T22:58:09.532-04:00Walmart Sale on Pepsi Products<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFb9M4Vwpnsmg5OIx9dwLjrltXOJIeO7ii_rtiTFXglipKapIwHCvEzW_lHpEjMCOgIAX7uyBCxuzliQqQ9CgPXPk5QVRXXhCvuW95Zq78uVHMENncT4c2h1vrheXDvubkXc4JqXKEvY/s1600-h/101_1496.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341071756649904370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFb9M4Vwpnsmg5OIx9dwLjrltXOJIeO7ii_rtiTFXglipKapIwHCvEzW_lHpEjMCOgIAX7uyBCxuzliQqQ9CgPXPk5QVRXXhCvuW95Zq78uVHMENncT4c2h1vrheXDvubkXc4JqXKEvY/s320/101_1496.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We like both Pepsi and Coke in our household. So whenever we can get a deal on any one of the two, we try to take advantage. Pepsi is on sale this week at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Walmart</span> for $2.48 a piece! There is a $1 off a Pepsi product 12 pack at Target on their website. Well, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Walmart</span> accepts competitor's coupons. So today I bought 10 packs of Pepsi, as you can see above for $1.48 a piece. Regular price usually runs $4.99 to $5.99 and sales rarely come down to $2.50 anymore---mostly hovering at $3.00. So anyway if you go by the $5.99 price__depending on what store you go to-- 10 would come to $59.90. I bought 10 at $1.48 a piece for a total 0f $14.80 plus tax! I saved $45.10 if you by this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">scenario</span>!</div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-88016316759807025872009-05-28T22:14:00.003-04:002009-05-28T22:38:44.625-04:00Walmart Deal on Razors<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIrCuiamB-yQTDwMDyMHH7k4JDjIsHxmgF8Ms5aePe4y1tx4F7zoNGCJQdnOu74EBsoIR63l1lf0PLW1SpuZTIWrGybpzrx7POOSok71Qr1PM74-exFeskOtoFad5Nx9SQiOj15y3NGk/s1600-h/101_1494.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341067632531087714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIrCuiamB-yQTDwMDyMHH7k4JDjIsHxmgF8Ms5aePe4y1tx4F7zoNGCJQdnOu74EBsoIR63l1lf0PLW1SpuZTIWrGybpzrx7POOSok71Qr1PM74-exFeskOtoFad5Nx9SQiOj15y3NGk/s320/101_1494.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bic Soleil--used coupon for $3 off-- price was$4.64-- total $1.64 plus tax<br /><br />Shick Quattro-coupon for $4 off-- price was $5.94($1 off sale)--total $1.94 plus tax<br /><div> </div><div> </div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-48925273861972116062009-05-27T22:00:00.006-04:002009-05-28T10:56:02.528-04:00Wow, This Stuff Really Works!! Harris Teeter Triple Coupons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXEdSkqTzWVs5PYA1xhxaB0lmH5IaTJr6DaxWLrMB_wIPNc0V6jI3W-e721MZwfjYIdt4ibDb_BVqo_RFUhOD5PkL5R-RC_8l5wwxpVC6kSys5EO6_9fSdTp58AcO_Z6_hR9khKnBlEg/s1600-h/101_1481.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340689556982756786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXEdSkqTzWVs5PYA1xhxaB0lmH5IaTJr6DaxWLrMB_wIPNc0V6jI3W-e721MZwfjYIdt4ibDb_BVqo_RFUhOD5PkL5R-RC_8l5wwxpVC6kSys5EO6_9fSdTp58AcO_Z6_hR9khKnBlEg/s320/101_1481.jpg" border="0" /></a> Last night I found that Tara at <a href="http://www.dealseekingmom.com/">Deal Seeking Mom</a> had posted about the grocery store, Harris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Teeter's</span>, upcoming triple coupon week. She referenced another new site to me who had an extensive list of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">match ups</span> by Jenny at <a href="http://www.southernsavers.com/">Southern Savers</a>. So I gathered a list from her site and I grabbed my coupons to start finding and matching up the deals. As you can see in the picture above, I was able to buy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">alot</span> of stuff for only 62 cents--that was sales tax! I saved $45.55 in coupons and $13.09 in Vic store savings for a grand total of $58.64 saved!!! Some of the products I would not normally buy because of the higher prices. Or some products,I would normally buy the store brand, but they are all things that we will use. I must say that I would have even bought more, but the store limits you to twenty coupons and I used all twenty! I plan on making another trip, maybe tomorrow. Also, I just tried to buy items that I could get for free. There are tons of items that you can get at significant discounts.<br /><div></div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-37787210752800614332009-05-20T13:06:00.002-04:002009-05-20T13:42:28.983-04:00The Biggest LoserI just wanted to say <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">congratulations</span> to the winner of this year's show "The Biggest Loser". Helen from Sterling Heights, Michigan at 48 years of age became the winner by losing 140 pounds. Yes there were others to lose more weight, but she lost the biggest weight percentage of her body weight.The show is really inspirational! It makes me happy to see these people "want it" so bad, and its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">great</span> to see them actually achieve their goals.<br />I have never weighed a huge amount of weight myself. But I did get up to 230 pounds a couple of years ago. That was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">alot</span> for me, and it was really starting to show on me and my belly. I am currently hovering at 200 pounds! When I was in high school so many years ago, I was always super skinny.I think I was around 155 to 165 pounds and I was the same height I am today at 6 feet. I eventually had the mindset that I needed to get bigger, stronger, and more muscular. I hit the gym on a regular basis and lifted weights and played basketball and would do tons of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cardio</span>. Then a few years ago when our son came along, I found that I had almost completely cut the going to the gym out and had become huge on eating fast food. The job I had, delivering furniture out of state, entailed a fast pace. I basically <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">didnt</span> have time to eat healthy. We ate as cheap as possible too in order to save money. So lots of times we ate off the dollar menu at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">McDonalds</span> and I would bring a cooler full of drinks to help save money again. You would think that carrying that furniture would help keep the weight off and it probably did some. But I never grew up wanting to be a truck driver and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">alot</span> of it got old. Although I like to travel and see new places, I like to be at home too. I wanted to see my son grow up and help him along the way. Well, eventually I stopped doing the trucking thing.<br /><br />I saw that all the years of trying to get "bigger" and then the time driving a truck and not eating healthy or exercising led to a chubby Jamey. I decided to cut out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">alot</span> of the junk food and start to get back to the gym. I had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">almost</span> sworn off eating out--to save money and to help watch my waistline. I think I look better thinner , and my years of trying to gain weight have reversed. Now I needed to lose some pounds! I did too, almost 30 pounds over a period of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">maybe</span> a year and a half. I lost 20 pounds pretty quick, and that was really gratifying when people noticed. The other weight has been a little slower coming off. I think I want to lose another 10 pounds or so. That would put me at 190 pounds. I think I need to tighten back up on my diet. Diet is crucial to weight loss!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Congratulations</span> again to Helen and all of the other participants in the show! Bob and Jillian, the personal trainers, do a great job motivating the participants to accomplish their goals. You can see it really is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">life changing</span>!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-7853146496145004162009-05-14T22:15:00.003-04:002009-05-15T10:51:23.887-04:00CraigslistHave you ever sold anything on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Craigslist</span>? How about gotten anything for free? I have found myself using the site quite a bit this year. Really before this year, I hadn't even been on the site. I had used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ebay</span> tons in the past, and searched for items on it even more. I find that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Craigslist</span> has become very useful for a variety of reasons. You can buy and sell items, get or give away free items, and even find a job. The things you can do here goes on and on!<br /><br />I decided to sell an item last week. It was a kitchen table that I had found! That's right, found! I didn't pay a dime for it. I know some people may turn their nose up at this. I live more in the country than in the city. Since we do not have city services, you would have to pay extra for someone to pick up your trash through an independent service. It's new to me! I lived in the city all my life. So rather than pay for the service, I just get rid of our trash when I go out somewhere. Any dumpster will do, and we really do not create that much trash. So one day I stopped at a dumpster to throw a bag away and I happened to see a kitchen table laying to the side. It was in two pieces-the base and the top. I took a look at it and decided to put it in my jeep. I just cleaned it up and I used my sander on the wooden top. The base was a black, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">faux</span> iron and the top had a natural wood finish. I just lightly sanded over the top and it looked great! I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">didnt</span> even put a clear coat of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">polyurethane</span> or anything. I listed it on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Craigslist</span> for $35 just to get it to "move". It was definitely worth even more- even without chairs. A lady asked me if I would take $25 through an email response. I was like sure, why not, I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">didnt</span> have any money in it. I must admit I was a little wary of how the actual transaction would go.I mean a stranger is coming to your house and you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dont</span> know them or if they will just hand the money over and go--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">lol</span>. She said she would come on Saturday morning and pick it up. Her husband actually came at about 10 am and picked it up and paid with no problem. Well one glitch, I guess his wife <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">didnt</span> tell him there were no chairs. Once he confirmed with her on the phone, he paid and I helped him load it up. That was it! It was simple and great! $25 isn't a huge sum, but its nothing to complain about! One more side note, my brother actually bought a used car through the site. He is very happy with his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Honda</span> now! So you can see, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Craigslist</span> can be very useful and you just might make some extra cash by using the site. Can you sell some of your personal belongings around the house?RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-64270103938798725622009-05-07T20:42:00.003-04:002009-05-07T21:33:30.815-04:00Kmart and Target Savings!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOF5VUIDNwN0IXKNpOqeD61P6s3kkZFWUu8TQ5s-u_E4MHfsjIG1rH-0mE0blLz-9Fkse7of5Z0sOfDoMnXHfhpDhbCW9s944UbdSdM5iT1g7Es9_oV_q0bBCqGiR0VyXSaQVuUT623o/s1600-h/101_1433.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333260093059454434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOF5VUIDNwN0IXKNpOqeD61P6s3kkZFWUu8TQ5s-u_E4MHfsjIG1rH-0mE0blLz-9Fkse7of5Z0sOfDoMnXHfhpDhbCW9s944UbdSdM5iT1g7Es9_oV_q0bBCqGiR0VyXSaQVuUT623o/s320/101_1433.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Today I ran across a deal on <a href="http://www.dealseekingmom.com/">Deal Seeking Moms</a> site and a new site to me, <a href="http://www.wedontpayretail.com/">We Don't Pay Retail</a>(a name I like--clever!). They had a coupon for a dollar off any 12 pack of any coke product. Soft drinks are definitely a vice around here at my house! I am sorry to say that the coupon has been taken down or has reached it's limit. There was some controversy whether the coupon was actually legit. I had to say that I was a little worried about if I could use them. But I decided that I am with one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">commenter's</span> on the post--I believe Suzanne--<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Isn't</span> it up to the manufacturer to limit how many coupons it is letting out on its products? She says it best, so check out her comment.<br /><br />Well before we went to the gym today, Ryan and I went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Walmart</span> to mainly check the current price of Coke's(not on sale--Pepsi is right now--we are not picky on those two brands) and to pick up trash bags. I still had the $10 off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Aveeno</span> Products coupon that I found out about through <a href="http://www.thethriftymama.com/">The Thrifty Mama</a> from a couple of weeks ago. I previously posted that I tried to use them at Target and that I had no luck. Today at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Walmart</span> I decided to try to use them again. I found three small lotions for $2.97 each. I must say that ,of course,I could have bought what I really wanted in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Aveeno</span> Brand and just saved $10. However, I am really more about getting things for free and saving as much money as I can. So along with some bottled water, trash bags, and some oatmeal for Ryan(that he at 3 so persistently reminded me that we needed once we pulled into the parking lot. And I never once told him that I was going to buy it or put the idea in his head. He just came up with it on his own--<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">hilarious</span> right?)So anyway along with these items we were able to get the 3 lotions for free. Alright!<br /><br />After the gym we went to Kmart and then to Target. Kmart had a better deal on Pepsi again. However, I had one more $10 off coupon for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Aveeno</span> products that I decided to use. That's all we were going to buy, and the cashier rang them up and they took the coupon off for me. The same type of lotion that I bought at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Walmart</span> was priced at $3.19 each here. They took a whole $10 off and left me with part of the tax. 22 Cents! That is all I paid! Great right? Plus I tried to ask 2 different women when they thought they might have the double coupons again in Greensboro and they said they didn't know.<br /><br />Then we went to Target. I was mainly browsing. I tried to find at the front kiosks one of the coupons mentioned one of the sites I look at--they said you could get like $5 off a $20 purchase. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">couldnt</span> find that. Anyways, I found that they had Coke products on sale for $3 each. Usually around here, the best deal you can find is $2.50 for a 12 pack. I must add that you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">dont</span> see that very often anymore either--although Pepsi is $2.75 a 12 pack at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Walmart</span> right now or the other day when I bought some. So $3 isn't bad, just not the killer sale I was hoping to find! I decided to go ahead and buy 4 and I used 4 of the $1 off coupons that I had. So that brought them down to 4 for $8 or $2 each or about 17 cent a piece. Again great, especially compared to if you bought them at 5 to 6 dollars a piece(which I almost never do--will do without first)! I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">didnt</span> have any problem with the coupons either! </div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-64310816880862199402009-05-07T20:27:00.002-04:002009-05-07T20:42:25.811-04:00Manny Ramirez-Los Angeles DodgerOne of baseballs so called stars, who recently signed a huge contract, has been found guilty of substance abuse through the league's drug testing. He was suspended for a total of 50 games! He will lose 7 million of his 25 million dollar contract. Of course, he said that he was prescribed something by his doctor called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HCG</span> that he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">didn't</span> know was a banned substance in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MLB</span>. I am not really trying to judge him. However, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">didn't</span> make the rules! If they ban <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">steroids</span>, then why can't these top players stay away from the juice? I really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dont</span> care if they legalize steroids. I am not saying it sets a good example for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">today's</span> youth, because it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">doesn't</span>. I mean all the top players and the highest paid players are taking them--also Alex Rodriguez. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Don't</span> make it a "hush, hush" issue behind closed doors that players are still secretly doping. Or do extensive testing ..say tomorrow.. to weed all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">roid</span> heads out. How is it fair to award the cheaters with millions and millions of dollars? Level the playing field once and for all!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-23707320211834743842009-05-02T13:43:00.002-04:002009-05-02T14:08:53.898-04:00Saturday UpdateWe wrapped up Furniture Market last week! Made a little money, but now I am technically unemployed again. I have been trying to make connections--and I have made a few- to start a small business. I will share more about that at a later time. I have been working with my container garden. I am really lost in knowing what to do! Am I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">under watering</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">over watering</span>? Some of the plants are really starting to take off--which is really exciting. I designated one container as my son's and Ryan really likes that. Plus we water the plants and check on their progress together. I have been disappointed that some of the plants <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dont</span> seem to be taking off at all-maybe its too early?? I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dont</span> know! Outside the pumpkins, corn, beans, and melons are sprouting like crazy in its raised bed. In containers outside the lettuce has taken off. The flowers and peppers inside and outside seem not to be doing much. But the beans inside seem to take off really well. Again exciting, but when and how do I transplant? I mean I have looked on the Net but I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">dont</span> know what I am doing(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lol</span>). Also, I am happy to report that one of my crepe myrtles that I bought last year at a huge discount and planted has really blossomed this spring. I was worried that they might be dead. I planted one other one, but the jury is still out on whether that one will grow or not. Last year I also made a flower bed from landscaping stones I brought from our old house. The other day I started a new flower bed on the other side of the porch. I think landscaping is fun--I am not sure why-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lol</span>! Also I think every home looks better with some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">yard work</span> and landscaping. Ryan had a soccer game this morning. He looks sharp in his all black, but being one of the youngest--just turned 3--maybe I should have waited a year or two. He talks a good game, but on the field he and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">alot</span> of the other kids are easily distracted. I hate to say it but our coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">doesnt</span> seem very motivated to actually coach--except for his own girl of course. At least make it fun! I am just hoping that in a few years he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">will</span> be ahead of the game.RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-36364309164928960732009-04-25T10:08:00.002-04:002009-04-25T10:34:06.692-04:00Furniture Capital of the WorldHigh Point, NC has long billed itself as the furniture <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">capital</span> of the world. In the past, the city and many surrounding cities built <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">alot</span> of furniture. Among the cities are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Thomasville</span> and Lexington--very popular names in the furniture business. Well, something that grew and maintains somewhat today is what we call Furniture Market. They have two markets a year, one in April and one in October. The market has been known to pull around 80,000 people to a city that only boasts about 95,000 to 100,000 residents. People come from all over the world and definitely from all over the U.S. There are buyers and sellers from many companies big and small. Also, twice a year they have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">premarkets</span> that bring in people before the actual markets start. This of course brings a ton of money to our area. They are other furniture markets held around the country, but we are told that we are consistently the largest and best.<br /><br />Well, it is that time of the year for the spring market. People have been gradually arriving in the area. The economy has been slowing the last few markets down and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">alot</span> of the manufacturers and stores around here have either gone out of business or shipped themselves overseas. That's not to say that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">alot</span> of companies are not left. Although the manufacturers are leaving, many businesses still house the furniture here and ship it out through the country. Of course, with that many people arriving in town the local restaurants and hotels see a huge increase in business.<br /><br />I have been lucky enough to have a connection to a restaurant that I worked at for many years. I started there when I was 18! I have done every job imaginable there from waiting tables, cooking, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bartending</span> and even a stint as the manager.The place is called Austin's Steakhouse. Well, many times they ask me to come back and work the markets which ends being about 10 to 12 days of night shifts. The place is only a couple of miles away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown market activity. Lots of times I have made great money. I remember one market making about $200 to $250 a night-awesome!! Most years you can count on $100 a night. The last couple of markets have been much lower- $37, $27, $68, and last night I made $105 waiting tables. We still have about a week to go, so maybe things will be more consistent. Either way, I am just happy to be seeing some money come my way.RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-32558836178918269752009-04-21T16:02:00.006-04:002009-04-21T22:12:55.203-04:00Container Garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy20fdjtgSMRP7mZRIvEMcL7tbVeMYniB1Geh5Goj6BXBCa2fkGuHjbeFKWgMY7c7Q8x5xvjYN0WeDX6oYfLv8Sl2sxafndGBEGA6yWZCQdeQx-KhoQ1BvnD6TyNTGSCblf1KHM60sPc/s1600-h/101_1358.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327239739841754194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy20fdjtgSMRP7mZRIvEMcL7tbVeMYniB1Geh5Goj6BXBCa2fkGuHjbeFKWgMY7c7Q8x5xvjYN0WeDX6oYfLv8Sl2sxafndGBEGA6yWZCQdeQx-KhoQ1BvnD6TyNTGSCblf1KHM60sPc/s320/101_1358.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8lcO4kqtBsAOlbNWr50sQqhDc4dhUQp5u4NiEJH-S36R_fvgORkFkCtDA9A-G9hzaVjhH21WZw9hFXsSadpX6F3qmYHVh-dQNSOoh72B6wTPixOC5IDS5c6I-c_cdHpZTTr6tb8j3x4/s1600-h/101_1357.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327239736769112786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8lcO4kqtBsAOlbNWr50sQqhDc4dhUQp5u4NiEJH-S36R_fvgORkFkCtDA9A-G9hzaVjhH21WZw9hFXsSadpX6F3qmYHVh-dQNSOoh72B6wTPixOC5IDS5c6I-c_cdHpZTTr6tb8j3x4/s320/101_1357.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgs9NArj5JAghCJq-_dv6bkNcmo0kH0E5Sexz13dgKvxMQAMwjT6aCGx0ynlLQadfmXUJVNNxgiUCnKDyVOSomCuZcNr-t91TaT5kq7uozambHSN23fa9F7YXPFBpGJ2ZnAtaG2O-RuU/s1600-h/101_1356.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327239732193074514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgs9NArj5JAghCJq-_dv6bkNcmo0kH0E5Sexz13dgKvxMQAMwjT6aCGx0ynlLQadfmXUJVNNxgiUCnKDyVOSomCuZcNr-t91TaT5kq7uozambHSN23fa9F7YXPFBpGJ2ZnAtaG2O-RuU/s320/101_1356.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kTVdI-FOp21ITSdffUHP59XE6XVRvSlo2-dJucvNcEEb3SUhdY0g2wL7Qq35-7FTlp5IPgw9xYhxhp3eXILMyAfeXimaqaplYH2ZyxhXovw8xASf1uIHdaEdawv8MadaXey1S9iS8MI/s1600-h/101_1353.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327239728822667106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kTVdI-FOp21ITSdffUHP59XE6XVRvSlo2-dJucvNcEEb3SUhdY0g2wL7Qq35-7FTlp5IPgw9xYhxhp3eXILMyAfeXimaqaplYH2ZyxhXovw8xASf1uIHdaEdawv8MadaXey1S9iS8MI/s320/101_1353.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7-IEmB8wgrpFEjwEtqK8CVoRleMDdFInoVgNZAcEXhlL49FqQldiHN7FmYOhQ6lH4XSsUI8vaxZ6bs6p8zQpTsVUEwuB83A6yK7uUMLUGCqraaSymnU9ixYd_PsteDkXxZ4nEJtB-p0/s1600-h/101_1352.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327238068635560466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7-IEmB8wgrpFEjwEtqK8CVoRleMDdFInoVgNZAcEXhlL49FqQldiHN7FmYOhQ6lH4XSsUI8vaxZ6bs6p8zQpTsVUEwuB83A6yK7uUMLUGCqraaSymnU9ixYd_PsteDkXxZ4nEJtB-p0/s320/101_1352.jpg" border="0" /></a> I bought a bunch of seeds, some fertilizer, and the container in the last picture all on sale at Kmart.I then recycled some older containers(some not shown here) to start the seeds off in, and I made a wooden frame to start some of the vegetables off. I hope to start a good mix of flowers and vegetables here. It looks like I am off to a decent start! As you can see, some of the seeds are already beginning to sprout. I have always enjoyed doing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">yard work</span> and some landscaping. I have planted flowers many times and a couple of trees and bushes with pretty good success. I posted about trying cucumbers last year. They <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">didn't</span> do well at all. I have often thought about trying a garden, and I thought this would be an easy way to start one. By the way, the plant in the middle is one I have had for many years.I actually have three in my house right now. My mom used to have these in her house. I like them and they always remind me of her. She even planted a garden a couple of times and did pretty well. But about the plant, it is so easy to start a new plant from a clipping off of the original plant. You can just clip a piece off and pretty much stick it in some dirt and it will start growing. I decided to try and start two more! Maybe I will hang these on the front porch! If you guys have any tips on what I should be doing for my container garden, I will gladly listen. I will need all the advice I can get!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-22917783618818920552009-04-17T22:48:00.004-04:002009-04-17T23:04:36.712-04:00No Great Deals--but Still Got Some Free Items!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0JtCt82m5MjsnkZEzP1zdbh1RzqNxZupcXFK2uJRrQHjzUyl0Q7DqnzIjd0TQGdjqAzkeIB8HfgM-8dlr0RgjoKRu0G4H4urRD6oiQPpF_1AdhWmUoc11Nb4T4qag8m1fOYrQHtecH8/s1600-h/000_0001_00.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325859544098872226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0JtCt82m5MjsnkZEzP1zdbh1RzqNxZupcXFK2uJRrQHjzUyl0Q7DqnzIjd0TQGdjqAzkeIB8HfgM-8dlr0RgjoKRu0G4H4urRD6oiQPpF_1AdhWmUoc11Nb4T4qag8m1fOYrQHtecH8/s320/000_0001_00.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I guess I got pumped up from the great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Purex</span> deal--by the way I heard that they stopped the promo(I got lucky on that one!!). So I was reading <a href="http://www.thethriftymama.com/">The Thrifty Mama</a> , and saw all these great deals at Target and something to look into at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Walgreens</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CVS</span>. So Ryan and I made a day of it, along with our trip to the gym. We then hit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hardees</span> for a burger--only because I had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BOGO</span> free Little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Thickburger</span>. That cost about $2.50! Then we drove across the street to see the Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Blart</span>-Mall Cop movie at the $1 movie theatre.By the way, it was a little corny, but great for only a dollar! It cost a $1!! Ryan was free! I am going to just post my comment on Thrifty Mama's site--some of it kinda shorthand, because it seemed to be a long post...Here that is:<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ok</span> --my experience today in Target--I saw all these great deals, and thought, hey, I have to try. I most wanted to get the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Aveeno</span> products. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ok</span>, so I signed up and I got the 3 coupons fine--I figured out that if you hit the back button on your browser, you could actually print them a second time. At Target--only found small tubes of lotion for $2.99 each---grabbed 3.Cashier tried to scan--computer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">wouldnt</span> let her do something--she called supervisor over, and he said since they <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">werent</span> the "ageless" they <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">couldnt</span> do it. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Ok</span>, so I went to another Target--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">didnt</span> even have anything for that cheap!<br />Axe trial size--grabbed 2. Got those for free.<br />Printed salad ones.No Super Targets here-some food--but no salad--<br />Printed one coupon for the mac bowls on the target coupons--coupon.com must have taken the coupon off for the mac.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Didnt</span> get that.<br />Dry Idea was on sale for $2--bought 2 for my girlfriend(free)--hope she will use it<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Hersheys</span> Bliss--nothing marked down--both stores were $3.56, so I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">didnt</span> buy that<br />Wanted fruit snacks--looked by register--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">couldnt</span> find them<br /><br />Sorry for the long comment--just wanted to say <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">alot</span> of that must be regional-I only came away with 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">deoderants</span> and two trial body washes. But I saved $9.68 there.<br /><br />Then at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">CVS</span> I bought the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">SOBE</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Lifewater</span> --4 of them for only 6 cents. I combined the stores <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">BOGO</span> together with the manufacturer coupon of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">BOGO</span>. I saved $5.96 there!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-50771514067031244352009-04-16T19:32:00.004-04:002009-04-16T19:58:00.948-04:00CVS Savings--Free Again!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz-_oFwMnUFiGnyGAJsNvB2VXoBGYVa9yeSHuJ9u-VlQUdqup9hnklP6eCwOPVfu0cc5FGwIT2x3o_7dJybUce7h6WAulVzZjVrTH4IwDnN8h6UdrijoP3SrTU2EqdZo0bl8sPF6wVVU/s1600-h/000_0002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325437090067304722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz-_oFwMnUFiGnyGAJsNvB2VXoBGYVa9yeSHuJ9u-VlQUdqup9hnklP6eCwOPVfu0cc5FGwIT2x3o_7dJybUce7h6WAulVzZjVrTH4IwDnN8h6UdrijoP3SrTU2EqdZo0bl8sPF6wVVU/s320/000_0002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Thanks to <a href="http://www.dealseekingmom.com/">DealSeekingMom.com</a> I ran across this deal. You can go on <a href="http://www.coupons.com/">Coupons.com</a> and see if the coupon is available in your area. On the site you should look for a coupon that has Purex for Buy One, Get One Free(BOGO) up to a $7 value. You can print two by pushing the back button on your browser after you print the first one. Then you can go to CVS, which is currently running its' own BOGO at its' stores. I technically got all four items, valued at $6.99 each for a total savings of $27.96, for FREE!! The only catch was that I had to pay the tax on the items. It came to a grand total of 94 cents!! That's what I call a great deal!<br /><br />I want to note a couple of things. I didnt even know you could double up the BOGO store and manufacturer deals like this. And I must admit, that I was a little worried if it was actually going to work. Everything went smooth though, and I came out feeling great! Also, I am usually one of those people that have to stick to one name brand for washing powders. I have always used Gain . However, when items are free like this, how can you not try other products? One other thing I noticed is that to me the bottles seem small. But as you can see on the picture, two of them will do 32 loads and the other two will do 24 loads. Its all about saving money and when it comes free--trust me, I can't complain!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.coupons.com/"></a>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-64931678648451604812009-04-16T18:57:00.005-04:002009-04-16T19:32:31.289-04:00Entrepreneur Corner--Bob Parsons- The Man Behind GoDaddy.com<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFQ-7CSs4WHpV0sk0M4oHX0WKqzhCR-0fsHp1bUpqaA2KtH6MDKXUCdGaGmjdz3EqbBnIStpH9pnZUBDerJs20_lQ2phLCjgMVVCMzpEbh1d67Rp5B8iTqaVaG0jkdgL9fqIjieesW3Y/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325435995319097442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFQ-7CSs4WHpV0sk0M4oHX0WKqzhCR-0fsHp1bUpqaA2KtH6MDKXUCdGaGmjdz3EqbBnIStpH9pnZUBDerJs20_lQ2phLCjgMVVCMzpEbh1d67Rp5B8iTqaVaG0jkdgL9fqIjieesW3Y/s320/images.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Have you seen the commercials? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GoDaddy's</span> most known ones usually appear on Super Bowl Day. Sexual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">inuendo</span> and appeal, celebrity, and sports are used to promote a site that mainly registers new domain names. We all have seen that! But do you know anything about the man behind the successful business/website?<br /><br />The man seems to have been an over achiever all of his life.Here is some info about him from his own blog.Bob Parsons is the CEO and Founder of The Go Daddy Group, Inc. Parsons joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and received the Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and a Purple Heart Medal. Upon his return, Parsons enrolled in the University of Baltimore where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant.<br /><br />A serial entrepreneur, Parsons’ first endeavor was Parsons Technology, a software company he started in his basement in 1984, after teaching himself how to write computer programs. After creating the company’s initial software, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MoneyCounts</span> and Personal Tax Edge, Parsons used direct mail marketing to sell these and subsequent products.<br /><br />When Parsons Technology was sold to Intuit, Inc. in 1994 for $64 million dollars, the company had nearly 1,000 employees, $100 million in annual revenue and three million customers. At the time, Parsons Technology sold more than 100 products, was releasing a new product or significant product upgrade every six days, and was sending more than six million pieces of direct marketing mail each month.<br /><br />In 1997, Parsons started <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jomax</span> Technologies, using funds from the sale of Parsons Technology. He renamed the company Go Daddy in 1999, and in 2000, Go Daddy became an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ICANN</span>-accredited domain name registrar.To read more click <a href="http://bp.bobparsons.com/gdshop/bp/about.asp?ci=8223">here.</a><br /><br />Also, Bob has built his company through sponsoring celebrities and having commercial endorsements in racing like Danica Patrick. Also in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nascar, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">GoDaddy</span> has been sponsoring Dale Earnhardt, Jr and his driver Brad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Keselowski</span> in cup races and in the Nationwide series.<br /><br />Interestingly, Bob has 16 rules that he has followed since he was a humble youth through to his huge success today.Here are the first six. Click on this <a href="https://bp.bobparsons.com/gdshop/bp/gear.asp?isc=bpsfrblog2&se=%2B&app%5Fhdr=&ci=9946">link</a> to read the rest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />1. Get and stay out of your comfort zone.<br />I believe that not much happens of any significance when we're in our comfort zone. I hear people say, "But I'm concerned about security." My response to that is simple: "Security is for cadavers."<br /><br />2. Never give up.<br />Almost nothing works the first time it's attempted. Just because what you're doing does not seem to be working, doesn't mean it won't work. It just means that it might not work the way you're doing it. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and you wouldn't have an opportunity.<br /><br />3. When you’re ready to quit, you’re closer than you think.<br />There's an old Chinese saying that I just love, and I believe it is so true. It goes like this: "The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed."<br /><br />4. With regard to whatever worries you, not only accept the worst thing that could happen, but make it a point to quantify what the worst thing could be.<br />Very seldom will the worst consequence be anywhere near as bad as a cloud of "undefined consequences." My father would tell me early on, when I was struggling and losing my shirt trying to get Parsons Technology going, "Well, Robert, if it doesn't work, they can't eat you."<br /><br />5. Focus on what you want to have happen.<br />Remember that old saying, "As you think, so shall you be."<br /><br />6. Take things a day at a time.<br />No matter how difficult your situation is, you can get through it if you don't look too far into the future, and focus on the present moment. You can get through anything one day at a time.RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-85215839938234566472009-04-14T21:44:00.002-04:002009-04-14T22:25:17.079-04:00The New Tourney Town--Greensboro Coliseum Rakes in MillionsThe city of Greensboro, centrally located in North Carolina, has something to be proud of. First of all, the Gate City is located about an hour and half each way from the state's two biggest cities. Charlotte is on one side and our state capital ,<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Raleigh</span>,is located towards the eastern side. Greensboro still has a long way to go before it catches the likes of these two big cities in population and prestige. However, one way Greensboro is carving its' own identity is with its coliseum. The city is lucky to have had the foresight nearly 50 years ago to conceive this complex and actually implement the idea. Tim Rice, in our Greensboro News & Record, reported that the coliseum has drawn in hundreds of millions of dollars to our area.<br /><br />The city hosted the Women's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ACC</span> Tournament recently and then hosted the first two rounds of the Men's NCAA Tournament. Those two events filled our town's hotel's and restaurant's and the total economic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">im</span>pact was estimated at $23 to $25 million. Attendance records were set for both events. The women's tourney mark was set at 73,187 and the men had the highest attendance of any 1st and 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> round site at 62,711. Rice is hoping along with the rest of us that we earn the title of "Tourney Town".<br /><br />Basketball has been great, but the coliseum has pulled in big numbers in the music area as well. Concerts like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jovi</span>,The Eagles, The Grateful Dead, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fleetwood</span> Mac, Bruce Springsteen, and an upcoming sold out Taylor Swift have come or are still coming and people are showing up in droves. Also, Greensboro landed the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships that will bring in thousands from around the country and should yield an estimated $30 million impact. The coliseum has been hosting 750 to 850 events a year, and the city thinks we can still do better.<br /><br />The city has an approved swim center through a bond referendum that should be started in the near future, and it will possibly be located on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">coliseum</span> property. Also, the proposed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ACC</span> Hall of Champions might be built on the site. $2 million has already been awarded by the state for this project.<br /><br />As you can see, Greensboro, has done a good job in promoting itself through the help of the coliseum. But I ask, what will it take to be great? What will it take to have Greensboro mentioned in the same breath as other large cities across our nation? It takes leadership and planning! We have to build on what we have done but not stop there. When the economy rebounds, Greensboro might be able to position itself to make a charge. The coliseum can only help!RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-55899034668806971022009-04-12T10:45:00.004-04:002009-04-12T11:16:04.043-04:00Gardening 101-Grow 100 lbs. of Potatoes in 4 Square FeetI always have enjoyed working out in the yard. I like to landscape, mow, trim bushes, and to plant and grow flowers. The flowers have always turned out pretty well and with not a lot of effort. It's amazing what a little color and curb appeal can do for a home as well. Along this same line, I have often thought about growing a few vegetables. A small garden, nothing too big.Being raised in the city, gardens are not as common.However, my mom had done one before. Also, when I was a child my next door neighbors--considerably older(The Cannon's)-- They had a garden that I remember my brother and I taking an interest in. Anyway last year I decided to buy a few cucumber plants from the local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lowes</span>. I planted them in a flower bed, in a corner kind of by themselves. They seemed to start out really well. The vines seemed to take off within a matter of weeks. I gave them some Miracle Grow and plenty of water. After a while, you could see little flowers emerge. My girlfriend's mom told me that when you see them that the cucumbers should be coming next. Shortly thereafter, I did see a couple of cucumbers growing. It was exciting! I mean you just put a few plants in the dirt and,voila, up comes something you grew and could eat. It never happened though because for some reason they started to wilt and to die off. I think we got a lot of rain at one point. Could that be why, too much water?? Either way, that was my first try at gardening and it didn't work out too well. Does anybody have any tips on what a novice could grow?<br /><br />Well, I haven't given completely up on the idea of growing something. Now times are desperate and it would be great to save a few more dollars and to get more healthy choices in our kitchen. Anyway, that brings me to why I wrote about this topic. Yesterday, I was surfing the Internet and ran across <a href="http://www.lifehacker.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LifeHacker's</span> website</a>. The site had a great post on how to grow potatoes. It seems easy for a novice like me, and something that I might try.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb7eDhyphenhyphenVwtr9n7fixlHBWL-qj7IvAm0kg1fufSnF3sjL415jrj4oiZNJwp5lNWk5WhQ4r7tiEia1TZF2sDNYqHZ-K5y9OdlxA_PSoA15q7QLlo2sR5IsGLXG-X0VTkRZo0gL2rr-4Wqw/s1600-h/2009-04-11_100741.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323821712280038418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb7eDhyphenhyphenVwtr9n7fixlHBWL-qj7IvAm0kg1fufSnF3sjL415jrj4oiZNJwp5lNWk5WhQ4r7tiEia1TZF2sDNYqHZ-K5y9OdlxA_PSoA15q7QLlo2sR5IsGLXG-X0VTkRZo0gL2rr-4Wqw/s320/2009-04-11_100741.png" border="0" /></a><br />Excerpt:<br />Potatoes seem like the kind of plant you'd need a substantial garden for—the kind your grandparents had, right? Actually, tubers aren't all that picky, and you can harvest a whole lot from almost any yard. Check out the rest of the story <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5202849/grow-100-lbs-of-potatoes-in-4-square-feet">here</a>. This was submitted to the site by a Jason Fitzpatrick. However, he referenced the info from another source, The Seattle Times, <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2002347126_potatoes25.html">here.</a>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898600225899233976.post-51175033175487109332009-04-08T22:38:00.004-04:002009-04-09T13:18:35.819-04:00CVS--A Coupon Adventure;All Free!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_T5_SICnLEHPDxvoYsNlUEhYf5lY3Na3fA2b4l3Tmu3VXeV4HtsIJPHhhLrzYH5cAuiNTKdHSkO9xHA2TZnorFWso_atohH25IeY5a5ZOwkLeoWH3vKEPN7XZesaLF7XLg0YMf_gKS4/s1600-h/000_0010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322515879693628738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_T5_SICnLEHPDxvoYsNlUEhYf5lY3Na3fA2b4l3Tmu3VXeV4HtsIJPHhhLrzYH5cAuiNTKdHSkO9xHA2TZnorFWso_atohH25IeY5a5ZOwkLeoWH3vKEPN7XZesaLF7XLg0YMf_gKS4/s320/000_0010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>I am still watching our spending and trying to save money when possible. I look at other coupon blogs and see where the deals are at. They will tell you the store, the sale price, and where to look for the coupons. There just happens to be a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CVS</span> right by the gym I work out at, so it is convenient to stop in. You can see the five items I bought tonight. As the title says, all free! How about them apples! </p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pringles</span>--88 cents on sale a piece(reg $1.99) ---I had a buy 2, get a $1 off coupon=76 cents total</p><p>Colgate Toothpaste--$2.99--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CVS</span> gave $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ECB's</span>(like $2 coupon on next purchase)75 cents coupon= 24 cents total</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Shick</span> Int Razors(for girlfriend)--$9.99 a piece--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">BOGO</span> also Buy One Get One Free--1 coupon for $4 off each one- $1.99 total price</p><p>I had some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ECB's</span> left from a previous visit- I used six dollars worth of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ECB's</span> to pay and I still have $5 worth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ECB's</span> left---using those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">CVS</span> credits brought my total to zero! How about that, not too bad for a dad! If you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">haven't</span> noticed, razors can cost you an arm and a leg these days so I am always looking for great deals on them(as you can see, this was one of them).</p><p></p>RyansDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822162896079623195noreply@blogger.com0