Kaley's Bow-tique

Happy belated Mothers day to all the mother figures out there. I hope everyone got to celebrate with their loved ones.

Today I wanted to share some images from Kaley's birthday party. We had some last minute changes with Kaley's party due to a date switch and then some cold gloomy weather. In addition it was also mother's day weekend so we knew our guest list wouldn't be as big as our previous parties. However, our wonderful photographer was able to capture some precious moments for us. For Emily's previous parties, we have always snapped some simple family pictures but this time our photographer took them instead. When he posted some same day edits I was blown away by how organized and nice everything looked. Pictures do lie. LOL

Here are some same day edits compliments of our photographer LeVie photography. Enjoy.

These utensil holders were so cute to me I had to snap a picture to share. They were last minute finds at the 99c store on Central. I added a polka dot paper bow and glam them up for the party. 

Matching spoon and fork holders. 

Simple polka dot water bottles because I was running out of pink ink. LOL  

I wanted to mention about this Minnie bar. I've had quite a few people compliment on it so I have to give proper credit to the creator of this adorable piece. My sister designed and decorated the bar herself. I gave her a budget of $100 and the rest was history. She did an amazing job creating a fun, cute, and girly Minnie bar for the kids to enjoy. 

Glass dispenser (brand: Godinger) purchased a long time ago at Macy's 

middle shelf: DIY tray I made for my sister a long time ago. 

Last shelf: plastic bin $3 at Target with paper Minnie and lemonade in jars. 

Extreme couponing

I'm back today with more ways to save money around the home. I initially started this blog to chronicle my adventures turning our house into a home and I feel part of that process includes saving money. Today I would like my readers to step back and try to coupon. I've tried to coupon before but quit half way due to my frustration and feeling like it was a total waste of my time. However, after reading so many brags blogs about couponing I was inspired to give it another try.

Today I'm happy to announce that I'm the new extreme couponer. I also want to stress that I do not clip any paper coupons, shop at only one store which is target, and strictly buy ONLY what I really use. The last step is very important in preventing hoarding problems.

I bought $105 worth of stuff for under $35 AFTER all the taxes.

Here's the breakdown

Keyterms:
Q= coupon printed from coupons.com. You need to install the program to print free coupons from home. You can print a max of two identical coupons from each computer.
GC=gift card from Target 

Here I present to you my shopping trip for personal items and baby supplies.

*speed stick $3.50x2=$7
     -$4.00 (2Q)
*olay body wash $4.99
     -$1.25 Q
*Glide floss double pack $5.79
     -$0.50c Q
*Colgate mouthwash $4.99x2=$10.00
     -$4.00 2Q (old Q, no longer available for print, but you can sub this item with Listerine. Q value is only $2 for two plus cartwheel discount)
*Listerine mouthwash $5.79x2=$12.00
     -$2  2Q
     -$1.20 from 10% off cartwheel
*Irish spring body wash for men $3.99x2=$8.00
     -$3.00 2Q
*Pantene pro-v shampoo $3.49
     -$1.00 Q

Target special: receive $10 GC when you buy $40 worth of personal items. Above items meets the minimum of $40.00 before any coupons applied. Plus buy four oral care items (listerine and collgate) get $5 GC. Total savings from coupons is about $15 give or take.  Total out of pocket after deducting $15 ($10+$5) GC will be $11.00. Its not the greatest in savings but these are the items my family uses.

But thats not the only thing on my shopping list. Up next .. break down of our baby items. This was also in one shopping trip. I just split up the list to break down the coupon deals.

Huggies diapers super pack $24.99x2=$50
     -$9.00 Q (coupons print from here) You have to print two $4.50 coupons.
     -$2.37- target cartwheel 5% off huggies diapers
     -$10 GC when you buy two boxes of diapers
Huggies wipes small pack $3.50
     -$2.00 Q (coupon will print from link above, not through coupons.com)
     -$0.08c-5% cartwheel

Get $10 GC for making baby registry and printing it out. Coupon for $10 GC at the end of registry.

Text baby4 to 827438 to get another $3.50 coupon on your phone for huggies diapers and wipes

I also use an app called Ibotta to get rebates and they have a rebate running for another $3 off wipes/baby items. Here's my Ibotta team. Join my team to earn more rebates together. LINK

I received a Q from a previous purchase for $7 off huggies at target. No limit that can be combined with everything.

To sum things up, total cost before Qs and GC about $55.00 but after $22 in Qs and $20 back in GC plus $3 ibotta rebate, my total out of pocket $10.00

Grand total for whole shopping trip for personal and baby items before discounts was about $105.00 but I paid $35.xx after taxes. Unfortunately I have to pay tax for the before discount price of $105.00 instead of $25 but hey…. its ok.. I feel like I'm getting a great deal.

Lastly, when i bought all this I got another Huggies coupon for $5 off, so I plan to make another trip back to Target for more baby deals. 

I wanted to stress that yes.. getting started with coupons is a hassle and seems like a total waste of time but once all your apps/websites and cards are all set up everything will be less frustrating and much more rewarding. I do not clip any real paper coupons unless its sent to me in the mail for free. All my coupons are strictly online or else through rebates. 

Honestly, I can now say that costco is a waste of money. We don't like shopping at costco because although bulk prices are good, its just not cheap enough for us. LOL I'll try my best to blog about good deals on coupons when I come across them. Ever since I've started couponing, I think I've saved a ball park of 30-40% overall in my grocery bill. Its not a lot but it adds up fast. I try to stock up on items that do go on sale but even at deep discounts taxes add up fast.