A Fun, Family Christmas in Florida: Snow or No Snow

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So, I'm pretty excited. December is upon us and so begins the countdown to Christmas. I'm sure I'm not the only one who glanced at the calendar and felt like we were sent on a sling shot out of November and into Christmas time. We can thank a later Thanksgiving for that sudden realization. I hate it when I try to plan ahead on fun family projects and then find myself scrambling to get things together last minute. Where did November go?

My goal is to make it feeeeeel like Christmas around these parts. Florida certainly isn't the most picturesque place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas. I typically recall Home Alone 2 when Kevin is lost in New York and his family is in Florida. Remember that part? It's pouring rain and his family is having a lousy time in their hotel. Meanwhile, Kevin has hunted down the most beautiful Christmas tree and it's snowing ever so perfectly.

My Christmas

Well, I must admit, I still wish for snow every year. But I'm not going to let the weather dictate my happy Christmas. Or especially with my kiddos. Christmas is going to be perfect because we are together and making new traditions and memories.

Christmas is definitely way more fun with kids. They get you into the magic of it all again.
The kids and I typically watch PBS cartoons in the morning during breakfast and, lately, have been seeing "commercials" for the Cat in the Hat Christmas episode since Halloween. Well, I'm not sure who was more excited that it was on the day before Thanksgiving, me…or the kids. I just remember getting the kids into the show by pointing out the animated Christmas tree and talking about the snow and decorations. I may have jumped up and down. I don't think it had so much to do with the Cat and the Hat as it did with Christmas arriving again. This year is going to be awesome. Snow or no snow.

11/21 Publix Shopping Trip: $97 Worth in Groceries for $8!! With Shopper Link Ups!

We have moved to a new home! Come visit us at Capturing Inspirations at capturinginspirations.com!


Welcome (and welcome back!) to my weekly Publix shopping trip blog post! This post is where I put together some of the best weekly sales and match them with the best coupons and keep my OOP under $10 when possible. I have linked up the printable coupons in my list so you can recreate the same deals for you and your family!

Well it's starting to feel more like Thanksgiving is in our future with the new ad this week at Publix. I must admit, I was pretty excited about this week. So many BOGOs and a great week to use the Target $10/$50 coupon that came in the Target ad from this past Sunday's paper. Lots of savings this week - and lets face it- I'd rather spend less at the grocery store and save more for the upcoming expensive month of December. 

I've got a little boy who's love for Thomas the Train has now turned obsessive and has a few wooden trains on his list for santa. I don't know if you've ever seen the price on those trains but they are NOT cheap! We were blessed to get the wooden train set by another fire fighter who worked with my husband. His boys had recently outgrew Thomas right before Christmas last year. We were able to set up the entire train set in the playroom the night before Christmas (took HOURS with both my husband and I working on it, and a few adult beverages) and when he woke up Christmas morning, Santa had brought him exactly what he asked for. His excitement - I will remember forever. So, needless to say, Santa can't let this little boy down this year. Cutting grocery costs are a good place to start to allocate those dollars to gifts instead of, say, shredded cheese!

Some of you have asked me how I manage these shopping trips with two littles. I wrote a fun post on Tricks for Smooth Shopping with Toddlers for your reading pleasure. I hope you enjoy it!

What deals are you excited about this week? If you're reading this to plan your trip, come back and share how you did! You can link up your shopping trip below or leave it in a comment! 

Great Deal on Parents Magazine!

I received Parents Magazine as a baby shower gift when I was pregnant with my first baby. I must say, it was one of my favorites. They have a great deal going right now, 2 years for 7.99! So $4 bucks a year is one inexpensive gift, but one with a lot of value! With the holidays around the corner, this makes a great gift for any great mom or dad you know (or just for yourself)!

To read more on this offer visit the website here.

Tricks for a Smooth Grocery Shopping Trip With Toddlers

We have moved to a new home! Come visit us at Capturing Inspirations at capturinginspirations.com!

Sometimes we just don't have a choice. For many of us, that's most of the time. We have to take our little precious ones with us to the grocery store. Some days will be better than others, and lets face it, sometimes you need to know when to throw in the towel and just go back at night when the kids are in bed and daddy can be home to watch them while you shop. If you're new at this, or just want a few extra tricks up your sleeve to keep the kids happy, then this post is for you.

My little helpers

First things first. It's always best that your kids are rested, have been to the potty (or changed), and aren't starving. You check those three things off your list and you are already off to a great start. Their really is nothing more difficult than an exhausted, hungry child. Seriously, NOTHING will make them happy. So give yourself (and those kiddos), the best chance possible. These tips are in no particular order. So enjoy them, have a laugh, and remember that if your child freaks out, we've all been there!

Creamy Dreamy Green Smoothie

I love my green drinks. I have never been one to stuff my face with a bunch of veggies throughout the day, so this is my way to keep up with all my body's essential nutritional needs. Green smoothies are definitely filling and delicious. I also like to use a juicer from time to time, but most days I will use my Vitamix and throw all my greens in the blender. When you blend instead of juice, you are keeping all of the fiber in the drink, which we know is good for your body. Green smoothies are a favorite for my toddlers as well. Their is something so satisfying seeing my kiddos drink one of these and asking for more, knowing what's in them.

Here's an easy go-to green smoothie recipe (I have many, this is the first I'm posting). This would be a great one to freeze in pop cycle molds as well, for your really picky eaters.

The Creamy, Dreamy Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

Under the Sea Birthday Party

Their is something so special about a first birthday party for your sweet baby (and NOT so baby anymore!). It makes you want to go beyond just getting cake and ice cream and calling it a day. I also appreciated all our friends and family being part of the celebration and making her feel so special. That's what mattered most to me.

Setting up and hanging out with the birthday girl

This birthday party was so much fun to put on! I think it brought out the little girl in me looking at all The Little Mermaid pictures I could find for inspiration. I found so many clever ideas through Pinterest pins under the search "mermaid party" and "under the sea theme." SO many ideas! I had to scale it down a bit to compliment our budget, but there are so many things you can do with this theme that are simple, but fun and won't break the bank.

Here are so of my personal party favorites:

October 11 Publix Shopping Trip: $70 Worth in Groceries for $14! Weekly Link Up Brag!

All for $14!

Did you get your orange juice deal on ibotta this week (it's on any OJ, not brand specific)? The offer is still going on for a few more days with a TON of other great deals. If you don't have the free app yet, you really need to give it a shot. I've earned over a good chunk of change with ibotta offers on TOP of all the fabulous coupons you can use. Check out my post on ibotta here. I really feel like it takes couponing to the next level. :)

This week we stocked up on some great items. Even though I wasn't loving this weeks sale, I usually can walk away with a few good deals I'm excited about. I loved that the 'blinkie' Apple & Eve coupons were right by the juice boxes already on sale so it was easy to spot. For a dollar a pack, I will probably go back and grab a few more! We have my daughter's first birthday party coming up and that would be perfect to have on hand for the kiddos to drink.

 

Can't believe my baby doll is already one!
Happy Birthday to my sweet angel!

Speaking of kids, I have already begun to set aside toys and gifts for the upcoming holiday season. I have recently written a post with a few simple ways to save money this season called: Tips for Having a Merry Christmas (and Not Going Broke) This is Part One of a two part post specifically on tips for living frugally over the holidays. Something to read over and think about before we are in the thick of holiday spending.

So how'd it go this week? Maybe you are just getting down to planning your list. Please come back and share with us! Or join our Facebook page community (especially is you coupon in the great Sunshine state) where we all work together to inspire each other to save! You can also link up your weekly "brag" blog below (I really enjoy seeing how everyone did - we really do have a great community here!).


Here's today's breakdown on how I saved $80%:

Turning 30: Avoid These Places If You Want to Feel Young

Lately I feel like I am racing against the clock. I get so caught up in the day to day, that a week will pass. Then a month. Then it's "Happy New Year" again. I look in the mirror and see an older me. I've made it part of my getting ready routine to check for "glitter strands" and pluck those babies out of existence. This whole getting older thing really is difficult to adjust to. Quite frankly, it downright blows.

I really need to figure out how to slow things down and enjoy these "flying by" moments collected into what we call life. I still feel 20 years old, only I have a husband and two kids. I definitely realize I'm NOT 20 years old when I visit certain places that remind me that I really am a grown up...even if I still feel like a kid.

So here's to those trying to look & feel young - and so comes my highest recommendation to avoid these places (or at least to be aware of what you're up against):

If You Need A Good Laugh

When we roll into September I feel like it's the calm before the storm of birthdays, holidays, celebrations and definitely a lot of good times.

I personally have been using a lot of online cards and invitations. They don't get lost in the mail (or on your kitchen counter). They are easy to pull up on the internet from anywhere and get the details you need for that event or share that funny card.

Speaking of...

Bringing Fall to Florida

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It's that time of year. The time where I get incredibly homesick for where I grew up. Maine. September is such a beauty up north (and June, July, and August), and I always find myself beaten down by the heat and humidity of the Florida tropics.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love living here. But there is something about the fall that hits me with nostalgia and memories of high school football games, leaves raining from the trees, cozying up in sweatshirt blankets next to camp fires on the beach, and apple picking on bright sunny days.

I have decided that instead of moping about living in a tropical climate, that I would bring a little "fall" to Florida. So if you live in the south, or just need some inspiration on ideas to fully embrace the autumn season, much of my September blogs will be dedicated to getting cozy this fall wherever you live.
I like to think of it as "project autumn" where I will be pulling ideas for fun fall crafts and activities with the kids, new & old recipes (pumpkin anyone?), and décor that properly welcomes the season.

I will be kicking off September 1st with a few simple ideas to get the Autumn season stirring in your home. If you're on instagram, I will be hashtag"ing" these photos #bringingfalltoflorida - so if you feel inspired, please join me.
See you in September!

I couldn't resist getting a jump start on "Project Autumn"

How I Became a Stay-at-Home-Mom

We have moved to a new home! Come visit us at Capturing Inspirations at capturinginspirations.com! 

Baby #1 on the way

Being a stay-at-home mom nowadays is rather tricky business. Our society is definitely set up to serve dual-income families. Things are just so gosh darn expensive (I'm getting good at "gosh darns" with little kids around!). Even if the economy was booming it would still be hard to just wave bye-bye to half your income and blow a kiss to your previous career to stay at home with the babies.

I can't believe we were able to do it.

Here's my story. It is a very honest one and I hope if you desire to be a stay-at-home-mom and you're thinking it's impossible, that this gives you the hope you need to see that it can be possible for you. I understand everyone's circumstances are different, but if it moves you closer to your goal than I'm glad you found my little blog to help you take those steps forward.

Publix Shopping Trip 8/22 $62 Worth in Groceries for $11 and New Target Coupon Book

 We have moved to a new home! Come visit us at Capturing Inspirations at capturinginspirations.com!

This week has felt like it has gone on for-EV-er. Somehow, my sweet boy came down with a stomach bug and I had my first experience as a mom handling my child puking. I honestly didn't know what to do. I could paint you a very horrific picture of my first encounter, but since I will be discussing food from my Publix shopping trip today, I will spare you. We made it through and he is much better. There is nothing that breaks a mother's heart quite like seeing her little one not feeling well. I'd take my rambunctious, wild and crazy toddler over that any day.

My loves

The sales this week, I hate to say, were just not exciting for me. However, I did manage to put together some great deals for you and also some that my family would appreciate. I'm crossing my fingers for some better cereal deals that my husband would enjoy for next weeks ad. I have noticed that although we have four or five different kinds of cereal to choose from, he still manages to eat the kids Cheerios that I like to make last. I grabbed the container of Cheerios this morning and saw it was practically empty and wanted to bang my head against the wall. Oh the silly things that trouble my life. How different my problems are now than they used to be when I was independent and a career woman.

Humor aside, I am excited to post a few things this week that I think you will enjoy. Coming up will be a post on how I was able to become a stay-at-home mom (tips for preparing to live on one salary), a recipe for my go-to morning smoothie (I share these with my kids- it's crazy delicious AND good for you), and finally my review on my new products from Honest Company (they should be arriving any day now - can't wait!!).

Target Coupon Savings Book (found in stores)

If you've been in Target lately, maybe for back-to-school shopping or just for fun, I have noticed they have been handing out coupon books for various products. One coupon book that I'd like to mention is called, "Look Sharp. Save Smart. Target Has it All." and it's FULL of target food and household products. These will be great to pair with manufacturer coupons either at Target or at your Publix if they take Target coupons as a competitor.

All for $10 bucks!

Remember, now is a great time to print out your coupons as we are nearing the end of the month! See my "Printable Coupons" page to grab them now! The coupons that you notice may not be available any longer were ones that were printed and saved to pair with an upcoming sale. At the beginning of each month a lot of companies put out a whole new set of coupons to print, even though the ones on there currently won't expire for weeks! It's a little coupon trick to keep in your back pocket and GREAT way to save even more when manufacturers take those coupons off from being printables.

So here's today's breakdown... 8/22/13 (if your new to couponing, you may want to peek at my "Coupon Key" page to learn the lingo and get the run down on abbreviations and sources used)

Four Easy Money-Saving Tips for New Stay-at-Home Moms (or All Moms and Dads)

We have moved to a new home! Come visit us at Capturing Inspirations at capturinginspirations.com!


Aaaahhh so you took the plunge into stay-at-home momville? Some mommas will find this transition easy and without financial hassles (oh to be you), but many of us will find that cutting down to one salary has stripped us into a life of penny-pinching nightmares.

Well it's time to wake up from those nightmares.

I definitely consider myself lucky to be able to be home with my kids. I know many moms would love to be a stay-at-home mom if the bills would still get paid (If you're one of those working mommas looking to become a stay-at-home mom, hang in there, I will be posting on how we were able to take the plunge soon!). This post will hopefully be of some help to all moms alike. We are in this together.

I remember shaking my head that that'll never be me when my mom told me I'd have to sacrifice my monthly Mani/Pedi's once I left my job to care for my kids. Or sipping my Starbucks lattes thinking someone who would have to be out of their mind thinking I'd ever give up my beloved weekly (sometimes daily) White Chocolate Mocha (guilty confession, I still splurge occasionally).

So if you need your budget belt loosened a little, for sanity's sake, take a look at these four easy tips to keep some cash in your pocket (for the lattes, Children's Place sales, pedicures, or savings accounts).

Lets get down to it:

Publix Shopping Trip 8/1 $130 Worth in Groceries for $18!! 86% Savings!

We have moved to a new home! Come visit us at Capturing Inspirations at capturinginspirations.com!


I had my little helpers along with me today and I must say, for 10 months and 2 1/2 years old, these too were angels in the store. They had fun in the kid car turning the wheel as I turned corners and we zoomed down aisles making grocery shopping a little more fun.

Alivia & Will shopping with momma

I enjoy shopping early in the morning when possible. The smell of fresh baked bread and quiet checkout lines is a perfect time to be able to focus on getting everything on my list.

My cashier was so patient with all my coupons as well as the people behind me in line. Thankfully, mornings are quieter, so I don't feel like I'm slowing down the flow too much with my coupon show. I did, however, feel a little sorry for the man who was buying a single paper. He stood behind me and I explained I had a "few" coupons and it could be a minute. He said, "Well, a lady is buying over a hundred lotto tickets at customer service, so this is my better option." "And here you are behind a girl with a hundred coupons," I said jokingly. Poor guy. Didn't look like he was in a laughing mood. We've all been there. It always happens when you're in a hurry. God's way of teaching us all patience I guess.

All in all it was a good week! 86% savings I will take it! Stocking up on laundry detergent, pasta sides, razors, and mechanical pencils this week.

Publix Shopping: All for $18 bucks!

Here's the breakdown of my shopping haul for the week of 8/1/13:

Some of My Honest Favorites

We have moved to a new home! Come visit us at Capturing Inspirations at capturinginspirations.com!


Summer is a great time to catch up on some reading. I have always been a bit of a nerd in the book department, so occasionally I will share one that has really made an impact on me. I received The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You written by Jessica Alba, for a Mother's Day gift this year and it has become one of my most highly recommended books to anyone looking for a great reference to eating healthier, organizing, entertaining, and general education about all the toxic substances that you may be unaware of (and great alternatives to any toxic brands we use).

This is also where I found the baby food recipe that I use for my daughter and she loves it. It's simple, easy, and nutritious. It makes baby food delicious and wholesome. I make a big batch and freeze the other half to save for later when life gets crazy busy.

Jessica also gives a simple recipe that she makes for her children for a quick and nutritious breakfast drink. You use a cup of frozen blueberries, handful of spinach, and cup of almond milk and then blend. It's so delicious and filling. My son loves it with a frozen banana blended in as well. Anytime I can sneak in a veggie in his food like spinach I am all about it.

I had discovered that since I became a mom, I have developed a deep passion to providing the healthiest way of life for my family. In food and the products we use. I am far from perfection, but have improved tremendously now that I have the knowledge. Ignorance is not bliss. As ridiculous as it sounds, when I would spray a harsh cleaner and expose myself to the chemicals, I wouldn't think much about it. But when I see my children press their delicate baby faces against the glass that I just cleaned with a cleaner that contains ammonia, that keeps me up at night. Not because of the smudges (those tiny hand and lip prints are adorable), but because I exposed them to harmful chemicals in their little growing bodies. And what about myself? If I want the best for them, how about taking better care of what I use so I can be around as long as possible to enjoy life with them!? There has got to be a better way. And there is!

Something to Smile About

We have moved to a new home! Come visit us at Capturing Inspirations at capturinginspirations.com!

Being a stay-at-home-mom has taught me a bit about frugality and being coupon savvy in order to keep my sanity in the shopping department of life. Whether it is groceries or clothing, shoes or make up. It has allowed me to hang on to a few of my old favorite products and continue to indulge in the occasional Starbucks as I did when I was a "working" woman.

I have been holding out for the coupon stars to align for me to be able to make this specific deal happen. Finally that time is now. Or at least until the 7/31/13 expiration date.