Mac Attack

Our old trusty computer passed away a few months ago, so we found ourselves in need of a new computer. We thought it was a great time to get that laptop we had been really wanting! We were limited in our choices though, due to budget, but we got a great computer. We didn't get a Mac like everyone always seems to ask. If we could have afforded it, it would have been what we purchased. We are always hearing about Mac memory & all the amazing gadgets that come along with a Mac. I guess our next computer will be a Mac, if money allows. :)

Stamping in the holidays

I had been planing our Christmas card since last Christmas, well not really planning, just coming up with ideas. I had gotten a pack of Christmas stamps on clearance that I wanted to use on the envelope. It was super cute & I loved the one I used. Now I am thinking, once again about next year. I would really love to order a custom rubber stamp just for the occasion. I love unique things that not just everyone has & this would be perfect! Here is a collection of some. I think my favorite one is "Hugs and kisses and holiday wishes."

Good Christmas

Christmas was absolutely wonderful! It was the best I have ever had I think. I am so blessed! God is good, that is all I can say!

I'm not completely shure what my plans are going to be for New Years. I have never gone to a huge party or anything, so it's not like I am missing out some super celebration. And thankfully I just found out Daniel will be able to be home. He had thought he was working that night. More than likely I will cook something yummy & we will play the games we got for Christmas! We got 5!!! And probably watch a movie & of course the ball drop!

Granny's Trips

When I was little I had never been much of anywhere, expect the beach. But my Granny had traveled all over the US. She was a bowler & went different places to bowl in tournaments. She never flew anywhere either, always drove. I hated it when she was away, but when she returned she was full of a wealth of long detailed stories of her adventures to Vegas, Reno, Mount Saint Helens, Niagra Falls & many more. She loved her bowling trips & she let you know all about it too! It was a time for her to get away with the girlfriends. I think about it now & wonder what it must have been like to travel with her across the country. She was such a clown & know that there was probably more laughter then they knew what to do with. Oh man...I am having a major miss her moment just typing this.

A New Look

I think it was time to decorate for Christmas around here!

Wagon Train

Kids wagons used to be the one toys that every kid seemed to have. But nowadays that are not the norm, by any means. I just think they are adorable & would want my kids to have one. I think that the imagination that can come from playing with a little red wagon is endless. I didn't have one when I as a kid, but I sure did want one. Thankfully my friend next door had one & we used to load that thing down with whatever "story" we were playing out for the day. It could have been anything from a baby dolls, to a load of rocks! You never knew, but it sure was fun!

Got The Time?

I haven't wore a watch in ages, but I do still admire them. I like the pieces that look more like a bracelet, rather than a normal watch. The last watch I wore was an all silver bracelet type & that's exactly what I found again, when I was looking at Movado watches.

I fell in love with the face on this watch. It big, but yet feminine. Plus it's not fussy & can go with just about everything. That's always important to me, because if I am going to invest in something I want it to be versatile.

Insurance Is Good Stuff

It was a long time ago now, but I remember when I first began driving, seeing my Mom call all around for insurance quotes. I was anxious, because I wouldn't be able to drive without insurance. And I wanted to drive! My parents wouldn't even let me sit behind the wheel of the car in the drive-way without insurance. Haha! Once I got it, I was a happy camper. Then when I moved to LA, I called around for insurance quotes, for an insurance that would be out there. Thankfully I got it all switched before I moved. I had a wreck a month after moving there.

Hormone Hell

When I was younger & becoming a woman, I had absolutely no clue, as to just how complex female hormones are & how they would effect my life. Because my body does not produce enough progesterone, I have been unable to become pregnant & stay that way. And it has dramatically changed the landscape of the way I thought my life would look. Just because of hormones! It's absolutely crazy when I think of it that way. But hormones play such a huge role in our everyday lives.

Insane Homes

Annually there is an open house event that takes places throughout the area. There is also a huge book full of house plans. I love to grab this book & just browse these magnificent homes. One year Daniel & I even went on a tour of some of them. One had a home theater. It was already furnished with home theater seating! It was awesome. We walked around & dreamed of what it would be like to actually call a beautiful place like that ours. I can't quite imagine it. But I'm hopeful!

Thanksgiving

It was a bit different this year. I did no cooking, which made me sad. I love to cook, but since I was sick...Cooking was out. We spent lunch with just my parents, then came home & chilled for the rest of the day. We had to skip out on going to another family function. I ended up in bed super early. I wanted to be extra rested for Black Friday. Plus we were leaving the house at 3am! So, sleeping was a must.

A Little Sparkly On My Finger

When Daniel & I got engaged he used a ring Mom sent to him. It is one she has wore, that my Granny had made for her with the diamonds that were Granny's & her Mom's. So I am the fourth generation to wear this ring. It is super special. I cherish it, but am always worried something is going to happen to it. Not that I wouldn't anyway, but just knowing the sentimental value makes me extra nervous. So we never even looked at engagement rings. One day, I would love for Daniel to get me my very own, just for me, new ring. And I want a pink sapphire. I'm not a huge jewelry person & the idea of thousands of dollars around my finger, is just not my thing. But to have a pink sapphire, along with a few diamonds, set in white gold would make me very happy.

Thanksgiving Oh My!

I am still having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that it is the week of Thanksgiving! It just does not seem possible. Where did this past year go? Really! Where did it go?

This year on Thanksgiving day we will be going over to Mom's for lunch & then over to my sis-n-laws families house for supper. We have spent the last 3 Thanksgivings with them. It seems to be becoming a tradition.

I feel sad when I think about the fact that I don't have an "in-law" family to spend time with on the holidays. And I feel sad for Daniel as well, since his family lives far away. I wonder what it would be like having to juggle the day with quality time with 2 families. But I am grateful that our day is pretty stress free.

Company Gifts

One thing I always find interesting is what employers give to the employees as Christmas gifts. When I worked one place gave me a small bonus, which was always appreciated. Most of the places did nothing. But then there are some companies that go all out presenting their employees with gift cards to restaurants & stores, wine of the month club memberships, electronics & large baskets of goodies. I wonder just how many companies are going to be giving as this year with the economy the way it is. I've heard of alot of places canceling Christmas parties.

Shopping This Week

I got the Sunday paper & searched the sale ads, to see what the best deals are this week. I don't have too much to buy this year, but I don't want to miss out on any amazing prices on stuff that I may need. Plus it is just fun all the way around when it comes to shopping for Christmas. Some people stress out about the crowds & such, but I enjoy it all. Now when I worked retail, I may have had a different opinion. It could get a bit insane. One thing that I did always love was when the mall was all decked out in Christmas decorations, there was just a different feel in the air.

Need A Building Fast

My Dad is self employed & rents a commercial building in a small town abut 30 minutes from here. He recently found out that he is going to have to find a new place, because the person he shares the building with is moving or something. I'm not quite sure of the whole story, but he needed to look into some commercial real estate. He is wanting to rent something closer to home, but there was nothing that was reasonable. So, he has now decided to put up a building next to the house. Now he won't have to worry about rent. :)

Bridezilla

I am over at Mom's since the power cord on my laptop has a short in it & I needed to use the computer. I'm getting to watch Bridezillas! I love this show, but I don't get it on cable anymore. And since Mom has a dish she does. I miss getting to see these crazy brides. And I always enjoyed it when they did Bridezilla marathons.

New or Used

Cisco is an electonics company that I have never heard of. So, I asked Daniel, if knew anything about about it & he said that some of the sister companies to the one he works for uses Cisco products. I bet they would be interested in knowing about a place that takes used cisco products. Whether it be for a trade ins or refurbished, they take most of them. That would be a great for a company that may need to replace some equipment.

Staying Warm

Living down in the South, the need for heated mattress pads is sorta rare. We do have some cold weather, but it doesn't last too long. Now when I was a kid I would beg to differ. My Dad didn't seem to know that we actually had central heating in our home, so it wasn't ever turned on. Haha. And the nights were freezing. Oh my goodness I can still remember wearing layers of clothes & sleeping under several blankets & comforters. Man, one of those heated mattress pads would have come in handy!

Past Weight Lose

Back in my single days, I could loose weight much easier than now that I am married. One time I got down to my smallest size I was working 3 jobs. I was a daycare teacher, a sales associate at Lane Bryant & also worked at a tanning salon & believe me it was no Sunset Tan! Hahaha! While I wasn't at work, I spent my free time at church or doing ministry downtown. During all of this I was taking Hydroxycut & was dropping the pounds. But I wonder just how much more I could have lost if Hydroxycut Hardcore was out on the market at the time.

This Fast Year

I can not believe that November is half over. It just does seem possible. This year has gone by quicker than any other before it seems. It kinda scares me too. Like..."Is time speeding up for some reason?"
I put my Christmas tree up yesterday, but it felt like I had just put all of the decorations away.
2009 will be here in the blink of an eye! But I am not ready for that.

Insurance Worry

I'm grateful that we already have insurance. But I know so many that do not. My parents went for a long time without it, since my Dad is self employed. They were constantly on the phone getting one health insurance quote after another. Thankfully they finally have something they can afford & don't have to worry like they used too. People who have always had the benefit of insurance have no clue what a burden it is when you do not have it. I went without insurance for a while & the entire time I was worried I would need it!

A Day Of Fun

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow! I'm going with my aunts & cousins to a local Christmas Arts & Crafts fair! It's an annual event, but I have never been to it. And me being someone who adores Christmas, I know I'm going to love it. It should be a day of fun out with the girls! And I'm sure I'll come home with a few ornaments. :)

Special Lawyer

I never knew this before but some times injuries that occur during birth, are the cause of Cerebral Palsy. Not all cases of Cerebral Palsy is caused by a mistake or neglegance on the part of a doctor or nurse. But if you have concern that your child's Cerebral Palsy was caused in this way, there are cerebral palsy lawyers that can take on the case & find out the reason for this kind of trauma. If it were me, I would do it just for the peace of mind.

A Day Out & About

Yesterday, Mom & I went to run some errands. When we began the day, Mom came to get in the car & she had on her "shopping shirt." I call it this because she tends to only wear it when we go shopping. And one week she wore it more than once. She has a closet full of nice clothes, but she wears this tacky shirt she got out of a bag of clothes from freecycle. Did I mention I hate this shirt?
I didn't have a specific need for the trip, I just went to get out of the house. We made a few stops & I got a few new pink Christmas decorations for my Lucy tree this year. Lucy is getting an upgraded tree. I got a brand new silver tinsel one from ebay, which I'm very excited about.
We were ready for lunch & went to a place I had never eaten. It's kinda of a buffet country kitchen kind of thing. Mom had been there before & had a good experience, so I wanted to give it a try. Plus they serve fried catfish...I love me some fried catfish! She also said my meal would only be $6.99. When we got there, Mom suggest we get it all to go & have a picnic at the park. It was an amazingly beautiful day & I was all for it. I grabbed a coke & a fried apple pie from the counter & it rang up to over $12. That was one expensive apple pie! Mom decided to stop by the Publix to get a fountain drink from there. So, we finally made it to the park, but most of the picnic tables were gone & the ones that were there, we already being used. We drove around the park & by this time I was in one crappy mood. I don't really have an explanation for it...I just was. And I went over the edge when we just parked & sat in the car to eat. It unnerved me for some reason. I was fussing & went to take a bite & dropped my food on my shirt. Which caused greater hysterics from me! Mom had gotten some fried green tomatoes. I don't like them, but I always like to try them again to make sure. She handed one to me & it was super hot, I started frantically blowing my poor hand. The tomato fell apart, because it wasn't really green anymore & I didn't want it. I was complaining & frustrated the entire time. It was also hot as heck yesterday, Crystal + hot & sweaty= ill as an old wet hornet! I kept looking at the sky & saying, "Lord, it's freakin' October!!!!!!!! Please make it cooler weather!" During all of this, it was like I could see myself acting a fool, but I couldn't stop myself. Do you ever do that? Know you are being such an idiot & can't seem to snap out of it? Hahaha! What helped was when Mom took a bite & it fell off her fork & food was all down her chin & the front of her "shopping shirt." It was hilarious. All in all the food was not good & that fried apple pie was nasty. I decided to give it to some of the 100 geese that were at the pond. They were on the other side of the pond & started coming too me, once they realized I had some goodies. But they weren't exactly nice. I didn't have enough pie & they were letting me know it. Or maybe they were mad because it was nasty pie! I was about to be attacked, if I hadn't gotten the heck out of dodge when I did.

When left & finished up our important stuff I convinced Mom to stop at this antique/consignment store I have wanted to go to since it opened (I didn't realize it has been open for 3 years!). Jen & I almost went on Saturday, but got side-tracked. Let me just say...I have found my new favorite place to go! This place stinkin' rocks!!! It is 2 levels of room after room, wall to wall, old stuff & new stuff all mixed together. They even have I Love Lucy things! I can not believe I have been missing out. I'm in heart with it. Oh & we ended the day with wonderful Route 44's (Fresh Lemon for me, Diet Cherry Limeade extra cherries for Mom). Too bad I can't send that in my Favorite Things gifts, because it would surely be in the box!

Mom's nice new purty rugs.....

Can someone please....I beg you...Send Mom a new shopping shirt! She even lost a button! This is how she looked for the majority of the day...Ha! Sad, very sad.



Here are the lessons we learned:

• Do not eat at the place again.
• That certain park no longer has many picnic tables
• When you have $ to spend, you can't find anything
• Walmart no longer has a craft area...This makes me sad
• The calendar is wrong...It's June, not October
• Crystal doesn't eat in cars very well
• We found a new incredible place to shop...Wee Doggies!

A Good Day

Since Mom & I had "gone to the Big City" for the day, I convinced her to go the cemetery where my Granny is buried. I think Mom may have been once in the last 16 years, so this was a big deal. She was starving & when that happens, the world stops! Thankfully...Mickey D's was across the street from the cemetery. We got our food & I wanted to eat outside. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, being indoors was not appealing at all. But because of miss communication, we got in the car & started to leave. So we ended up driving around the cemetery eating our McDonald's. It was actually fun! We found were Mom's Mam-maw was buried, so I got on my knees & was cleaning off the marker...I guess I stood up to quickly, because I felt myself passing out...I went down! I didn't go out, but I couldn't catch myself. I sat on the grass for a few minutes to get my barrings & after I got up I felt something biting my foot. It was an ant. Than another bite. And another...Then I felt then crawling up my leg! I literally had ants in my pants. I still have bites. Uuggghhh!


Anyway, you have to realize the importance of this certain cemetery to my family. There are quite a few families members there & it was a place Mom used to spend holidays in as a kid. Now that is funny! My Granny would dress her up for Easter & they wouldn't go to church, but to the cemetery to take pictures. Hahahaha!

As for me, I can remember going there with Granny, mostly before Christmas to decorate. And it would be an entire day event. We would visit all the different "sights" throughout this rather large place, including the statue that says, "Nothing." And you can't forget the doo-doo ball tree. I have no clue exactly what kind of tree it was, but that's what we all called it, since the brown fruit that grew on it, smelled exactly like doo-doo!

Maybe going to the cemetery back then, made me not afraid of them. They became a place of adventure, nothing spooky or sad. I find beauty in them. And they truly are peaceful places. I'm not some morbid freak. When I got older & got my own car, a local cemetery became a refuge for me when I needed to think things through or just time to myself. Plus I love reading the names & dates on the graves & imagining the life that person may have lived.

Happy Day

Sunday afternoon D & I went on a date. We just needed some "get out of the house, spend time together" time. We saw that Olive Garden was having their Bottomless Pasta Bowl & every time they have that, we seem to miss it. It was good, but not overly incredible. I didn't care though, it was nice being out with my love. From there we went over to Costco (D's idea) he renewed our membership a few weeks ago, but I haven't been able to make a trip there yet. I got some of those nice memory foam pillows, in hopes they will help my neck. I used them last night & could tell a difference today. Good purchase!
Linens & Things are closing a store & were having a 30- 50% off everything must go sale. I knew that they were closing, but thought I missed it, in my blur of a September. The store was a disaster & really picked over. I couldn't really understand why, since basically everything is only 30% off. But I did get a new wooden drying rack & it was cheaper than I could have gotten at Walmart.
I can't pass by a Ross without a check of the purses & I found a Fuschia bag that was too die for! But.....I was good & literally kissed her goodbye. Bu now I can not stop thinking about her & now I'm sad. Molly got a new bed. I know they all got new beds a while ago, but 2 of the beds are in our room & one is the office. Molly & Razz sleep in the 2 in our room & Rocco sleeps in our bed. But the last week, Rocco has been stealing Razzy's bed during the night & little fella has been sleeping on the floor. Now Rocco has Molly's old bed.

On the way home we stopped by Sonic for some treats. D loves the fried ice cream shake & I got my usual...Route 44 Lemon Slushie...I would drink these every single day.

Steam Clean

I got a new to me couch awhile ago now, but ever since I have been planning on steam cleaning, but do to different reason, including just putting it off, I haven't done it yet. I plan on borrowing Mom's steam cleaner, but I'm not too fond of borrowing or lending for that matter. I may just look into steam cleaners, that would be beneficial to my family. And one that is cost friendly. I know it would be put to good use though!

Baby Clothes

I have always wanted to be a Mom, but the last 7-8 years that desire has been an extremely strong one. I haven't been blessed with a little one running around just yet, but that doesn't mean I can't think about the future, when it comes to what I would buy when the day comes. I do tend to torture myself though at times, when I walk around the baby department & look at baby clothes. I did find some super cute stuff that is exactly the kind of things my babies would wear.

Not In Need Of This

My car Bubbles has been such a good car. She is a 1999 model & has been back & forth from California a few times. She is the only car we own, so she has had her fair share of wear & tear. She a a few issues that need to be taken car of, like some brake work & I think the oil pan is leaking. I'm glad though, the steering rack or engine doesn't need to be replaced.

Thank Goodness

I am so in love with my digital camera. I became a huge picture fanatic probably 12 years ago. I started out with my little 35mm camera. Of course, then I had to be selective of what exactly I took a picture of. Then 4 years ago, I joined the digital camera club. And it was instant love. Then I had a camera that didn't have much storage, so I can't a memory card....Thank goodness for flash memory! I could take pictures & delete them & start all over! What a new way of life! And I say life, because picture taking is such a part of mine.

I Never Got One!

I was just thinking & realized that I never got a trophy in my entire life! Maybe because I never was athletic....But you can get trophies for other things also, like music, beauty pageants, scholastic competitions, there really are so many reasons to receive a trophy for your accomplishment.
My Granny loved to bowl & she had tons of plaques & trophies for triumphs.
My brother had football trophies for the few years that he played, before high school.
My dad even received one for being with his company for a certain amount of years.
Now I need to think of something to do, so maybe, just maybe I can have a trophy of my own to display proudly.

Loosing It

Battling my weight has followed me my entire life. I do not remember a day, that from the moment I woke up that food wasn't on my mind. I have had ups & downs, but I have never been able to beat this monster. My doctor has given me a diet pill, that he is monitoring me while I on. The results have been good, actually better than I expected. It is not a cure all, it is just to jump start my metabolism, to get my weight down, so that I can maintain the results.

Strolling Along

In my longing to be a Mom, I seem to find myself browsing different sites about babies. Also all my friends are Mom's & they blog about their favorite items. I figure all this will help me, when my time comes, in finding the perfect things I will actually need & use vs what companies try to make me think I can not live without. One product I know I will have some knowledge on is strollers. A close friend has a small addiction to strollers & I don't know just how many she has owned. And if you don't want to know her true opinion on the subject then don't ask! Hahaha! She has a stroller passion. I know I will go to her for advice.

A New Place

My day dreams often take to some faraway place on vacation. It's normally to Europe visiting places full of history. One place, I can honestly say never has crossed my mind is St. Barts, until I saw some pictures of this gorgeous place. I decided to look into this place & found some St. Barts villa rentals. I'm not sure when we would ever be able to visit St. Barts, but it is definitely on the list.

Let Me Take Your Picture

I am a bit obsessed with taking pictures. I love my current camera & I receive alot of positive feedback from the quality of the photos. But I do have different camera aspirations. I have looked at this Canon camera. I would really enjoy some more professional. I don't want to be a "photographer" it seems everyone is one of those these days. It's just a hobby for me. My favorite subjects are animals, especially my dogs & flowers.

Moving Up

I'm so out of the technology loop. I just now got a laptop, but I still listen to music on CD's! And have never worked an MP3 player. D & I have both been wanting one. D wants his for work, he can spend hours at a time just basically baby sitting a project. And I would love one so that when I go walking I can enjoy some tunes. Music always motivates me & I know I would workout longer if I had an MP3 player. Since Christmas is getting closer, we are on the look out for the best buy on MP3 players, but specifically Ipods.

What Happened?

Oh, how grateful I am that the lure of drugs has never been something that I have had to deal with. I don't quite understand the fascination with them. But previously being in the ministry, I had to counsel people that had allowed this addiction consumed their lives. Many of them I knew from spending time downtown at some of the weekend hangouts. Wow, that was going on 10 years ago now. I do think of some of those people often. I wonder how their lives turned out. Did some go into drug rehabilitation? Did their lives change for the better? Did any of their lives end at the hand of wrong choices? I hope they all did make changes & are living full lives now. Even though I know the very sad reality that some never did see the light & left this world in complete darkness. It breaks my heart.

Something Warm To Drink

When it's warm outside the last thing I want to drink is something hot. A nice cold icee would be my first choice. Now that the weather is cooling off, all I can think about is a nice big mug of Starbucks coffee. I enjoying filling up a cup, sitting on my couch with a warm blanket over my lap. While watching a good old movie or even reading a nice juicy novel, as the sun goes down early. Oh, goodness...I need to fire up my coffee maker! It sounds delightful right this moment & if it weren't 3:30am, I would drinking me some!

Sad To See It Go

I remember when I was 9 yrs old, Mom & Danny got married. They bought a house (actually where they still live) & it have a wet bar in it. It had one of the tiny little bar faucets & sink. I loved it! I had hoped that it could my own place to create a playhouse. But sadly, Danny didn't like the idea of having a wet bar & took it out. He then turned that corner into a mini library. It in not Mom's pantry/storage area.

Inspiring Furniture

The only piece of our furniture that we have bought new is our nice "oh so wonderfully comfy" king size bed. I love being able to take something that someone else no longer wants & making it my own. Painting it & turning it into a new creation. I was looking at a discount furniture website & saw this chest & fell in love with it! It is awesome! This chest would totally fit in my home. It inspires me to paint something right now!

Pimple Be Gone

Even in my teenage years, I never had any real issues with my skin. Which, as you know, with all the other junk that comes along with finding ones self, not having to worry with acne was a blessing. But when I turned 29/30, my skin started to change. I knew it would, at least that's what I heard...Your skin will change as you age. But I have dealt with alot more acne now than ever. Even my Mom said she went through the same thing.

Credit Regret

I was taught that credit cards are not the answer & when I started making my own financial decisions, I chose no credit cards. But then one days, a nice shiny one came in the mail with mt names on it. I was too weak to so no. A choice I still regret. My credit is now horrible, I will now blame it on youth & thinking I was invincible. But it is something that I wish I had done differently. I know there is no way I would ever be given a high limit credit card...Nor would I want one. I know that some people can handle credit cards, but I'm not one of them.

Bathroom In Need Of Love

I really like this faucet.

We have made alot of changes to this house over the last 5 years, that we have lived here. And most of it with little or no money. Our master bathroom has been painted 3 times, but there has been no remodeling in there. And it is in need of some TLC. Everything from the floors, toilet, to the vanity & faucet, needs to be replaced. Maybe after Christmas, we can focus some attention to that room. It sure needs it.

Life Insurance

Daniel & I have done some talking about the future. We are in our 30's & it is really time to look into "grown up" stuff. Life does seem to sneak up on you & before you know it, you are no longer a teenager. With Daniel's new job, he has been given more of a chance to actually plan for things. Including term life insurance. I was unsure of what exactly that is so I looked into it. I found out that is insurance that is the most inexpensive way to purchase coverage for death benefits per premium dollar basis. Sounds like it may be the best for us at this point.

Puppies R Us

When you get a pet, the overwhelming cutest of them, clouds the realization of the huge responsibility. I have 3 dogs & they each have their own issues. Molly the oldest, is beginning to really show her 11 years. She of course, still thinks she is a puppy...Well, actually she doesn't even think she is a dog! But I am starting to look into pet supplements for her joints. Then there is Rocco he has skin allergies & I need to get some good vitamins for him. I think he also has OCD. Hahaha! Razzy is my little bulldozer & he hardly has any thing go wrong.

Branson or Bust

The Summer is winding down. I think there are 2 weeks left, until the calendar will says is official Fall. The kids are all back in school. Pools are closing. Football season has kicked off. And everyone is already gearing up for the Holidays that will be here before we know it. With the changing of Summer fun, also comes, the ending of vacations. I think almost everyone I know made a trip to the beach this year. That's not really my idea of a vacation, going to a crowded beach in the heat. I would rather go during the off season. When the crowds are all at home!
I think most people forget that you don't have to vacation in the Summer. Sure, it's easier if you have kids & they are out of school. But I find that the experience is much more pleasurable after the weather has cooled off. Plus going somewhere other than the beach, is always a treat!
Maybe try Branson Missouri, for a change. They have so much to offer there. Plus it's a place that is central to the Midwest & some of the South.
Plus there are some really great vacation packages avaliable. Here are a few:

PLATINUM PACKAGE $457 PER COUPLE

3 Days/2 Nights Grand Oaks
2 adult tickets to:
Grand Jubilee
$30 Red Lobster/Olive Garden Gift Card
Coupon Book with $1,500 worth of savings
$50 Tanger Outlet Shopping Certificate


BRONZE PACKAGE $782 PER COUPLE

5 Days/4 Nights Branson Settle Inn
2 adult tickets to:
Magnificent Seven
Dixie Stampede
Shoji Tabuchi


GREAT AMERICAN PACKAGE $594 PER COUPLE

4 Days/3 Nights Welk Resort Hotel
2 adult tickets to:
Magnificent Seven with Dinner
Legends in Concert
Veteran's Museum

Branson is known as "The Live Entertainment Capital of the World." So, you know there are going to be tons of shows to choose from. Anything from the, Acrobats of China to #1 Hit of the 60's & even Broadway! Honestly the list could go on & on.

Not only is there the shows to take in but there is also the theme park Silver Dollar City, all kinds of places to shop, plus the area is full of places to take in the the gorgeous part of the country that Branson is located. Including Marvel Cave, which was known by the Osage Indians dating back to 1500.

There is so much to do in Branson Missouri, no one can say they are bored!

Christmas Party

Oh how I wish we had a home that was in the condition to host wondrous parties. I would love to entertain. One kind of party that I would enjoy hosting would be a grand Christmas party. I found some awesome Christmas invitations, that I would use, if that day ever arrived to host such a party. Here are my favorites...

Polka dots & pink...Of course! And I like the Holly & Jolly.
More dots.
I love the little retro snowflakes.

And this one if just fun! Make me want to celebrate something!

People's Kindness

I have a new friend that I met through blogging. I don't know a whole lot about her, but I do know she works for lawyers. I wonder if she works for Chicago personal injury lawyers? I guess I should ask here next time we e-mail each other. She is so kind & even sent me an amazing box of Asian goodies, from the big city. I'm always amazed at people's kindness. Especially those that I have never met face to face. Since blogging, I've had several "strangers" send me surprises. And I'm always excited & touch at them thinking of me enough to buy & then sending something to me.

Take Me Away

D gets some really nice discounts at 5 star hotels, from the place he now works. I'm used to staying at the Motel 6. So the idea of staying somewhere super nice, will be a new thing for me. This means I can actually think about planning some luxury vacations for us. We are wanting to go down the Mobile, maybe in the Fall, for a weekend. Oh, how marvelous that would be. A weekend alone, away from home with my husband! I hope we can accomplish this small dream.

Trading

I wasn't sure exactly sure what futures trading is so I did a little research.
Futures is a popular way of trading. It offers a wide variety of markets, that can be traded at a low price & they don't have the restrictions that stocks have.
I have never dealt with trading anything like that, but I guess if I decided to deal in the stock market, that this would be a better option for me, than stocks.

Travels

My Granny was the one who did all the traveling when I was a kid. She bowled & went all over the country bowling in tournaments. She would come home with tons of stories from where ever she had been. She didn't fly to all of these places either, it was always road trips. Reno, Mount St Helens, Niagara Falls, Las Vegas travels were always a part of her grand adventures. I sure miss hearing those stories.

Budget

Who knew being an adult would be so complicated? When you are a kid & especially a teen, you look at adults as if they have all the freedom in the world. They can come & go as they please. Spend money whenever they want too. And they don't have parents controlling their every move. If only we would embrace the true freedoms of being a kid & not wish that time away. When adulthood comes along, so does reality! The pressure of succeeding & making a living. Surviving this world & the rat race of life. One thing that has helped many people keep things on track is budget software. I had a friend who encouraged me to use it & I must say it makes it easier to keep up with where my money is going.

Boots To Go

One thing about Summer is the carefree mood of shoes. My flip flops are my friend & they are so easy. But during the cooler months I love a good boot. One that I can wear with jeans or dress pants. I had a pair of boots that were my absolute favorite. I could wear them with just about anything, even skirts. I wore those boots out! And I was distraught when they could no longer be worn. I still have them though, so because I just can't bring myself to let them go. For the last few winters I have been looking for another pair of great boots, with no luck. It has actually become down right aggravating. I was looking at some Dansko shoes & found a nice pair of boots. All of their shoes look like they would be really comfortable. And that is hugely important to me. Sure I want a good looking shoe, but if it ain't comfortable, it will not go on my foot.

Burn Some Fat

I have tried so many different diets & diet pills in my lifetime. Battling my weight has something I have always faced. Some of the diets & diet pills have worked well. Some kept the weight off. While others did not do a thing for me. My doctor put me on some new weight loose aid pills a couple of months ago & I have lost over 20 pounds.
I recently heard of a fat burn type pills that's called Fentraphen & I'm wondering what exactly it is all about. After looking at it awhile I saw that it has some of the same things ingredients as the prescription Phentermine. But it's most all natural. It may be worth trying.

Move To The South

D & I have been talking to his parent about moving out to Alabama from California. There is no way that they could move everything they own, plus 3 cars, by themselves, across the country. D would help them, but he doesn't have any off time at work to take off a week or so to help with the move. If they do decide to make the change & come out this way, we are going to have to look into some moving services. That is honestly the only solution to this issue. When D & I moved the several times across country it was fun & adventure, but if I had to do it again, a moving service would definitely be something I would look into.

Coupons

I am so into coupon clipping these days. I am loving the money I save each time I go to the store. But I hate when I get tons of coupons I will not use, like diapers, cat food, acne cream & fiber meds. Hahaha! I do know there is someone out there that needs them, it's just not me. I do give coupons to a friend & my Mom. But then are some that just get trashed. I hate throwing them away too. It's like money in the garbage.

Tan Lines?

I was looking at watches in the ads that came in the Sunday paper & the ones that they had on sale, were not sale prices in my mind. I did find some Nautica watches that I like. I was looking at some for myself & my Daniel. I asked him earlier why he stop wearing a watch & he said he didn't like the tan lines??? He's such a weirdo. He is not vain at all, so I found that a strange reason to stop wearing a watch.

Disposable vs Cloth

Mom used cloth diapers on me when I was a baby. But not long after that disposable diapers becoming the way to diaper your baby. Now there is a whole new movement of Moms who are into breast feeding, cloth diapers & baby wearing. I know when I become a Mom, I will breast feed & baby wear, but I'm not totally sure about the cloth diaper thing. I do know it's not something I will rule out.

KVM

What in the world is KVM?
For starters it is the abbreviation for Keyboard, Video or Visual Display Unit, Mouse.
It is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse.
I'm not sure I would ever have a need for one of these, but I but Daniel uses them at work. He's always doing different things with computers & controlling different events

Security

One thing my parents instilled in me is the importance of car insurance. You may never need it, but that one time you don't have it, you will need it. I feel better knowing that while I'm behind the wheel I'm covered. I know it's the law in some states, that you can't drive without insurance. I think that's a great law & should be enforced everywhere. I've experienced first hand what it is like to be in an accident with someone who odes not have insurance.

Time Away

Most people around here go to Gulf Shores, Florida or Tennessee for vacation. If I were going to go somewhere the Outer Banks of North Carolina would be a place I may choose. I've been thinking alot about going on a trip with my hubby lately. We do need some time away from here & the norm of life. Just to be able to go somewhere & devote time to each other with no interruptions would be nice.

Good Skin

I used to work at a makeup counter & when I went for my interview for the job, they inspected my skin. I had never had that happened. But they told me I was hired because I had the clearest skin that they had seen. And they knew that my skin would sell lots of skincare. Sometimes it was hard for me to tell the customers, that they reason I had clear skin was because of the products I was selling. Occasionally I would be stopped in the mall & asked what I used. And I would just tell the truth, even at the loss of a possible client. I used baby oil to take off my eye makeup & a bar of Dove soap to cleanse. And at the time I didn't even moisturize. I do know that their are people out there, that honest just have bad skin. It's hereditary & I was fortunate to be born with clear skin genes. I haven't had the need for Proactiv or any other acne treatment, thank goodness.

My Favorite Toy

When I was a little girl, I had more toys than I knew what to do with. But I think would have given them all up, just for my favorite of all of them. And that's my Barbies. I had the Dream House, cars, horse, pool, every new doll & clothes out the wazoo. Being an only child she was my playmate. We spent hours upon hours together. She never let me down. She excepted me for who I was. She was always there.
I still hold a fascination with the doll, still to this day. I have all my Barbie stuff from when I was a child over at Mom's house. Any time I go to a store that has toys, I have to make a trip over to check out the newest Barbies of the season. I even collect I Love Lucy Barbies. She's a dear & true old friend.

Extra Storage

I sure do put my poor computer through the ringer with all the pictures & videos I am constantly uploading. I try to keep them cleaned off & stored on disked. But I take so many photos, it can become overwhelming at times. But I have to make myself sit down & work on it, because if I don't the computer runs way too slow. I think I just need to buy memory to add extra space, for all the junk that I "just have to have" on my computer.

Gotta Have Books!

I adore books now, but that was not always the case. In elementary school, I was a horrible reader & didn't want anything to do with them. I was terribly embarrassed whenever I had to stand up in the classroom to read aloud. It would make me stumble & mess up even the simplest of words. Words that I knew how to read. I hated it. But then I home schooled & was able to flourish in my reading. I realized what a gift it is to be able to read & I enjoyed the idea of escaping into a different time & place. I am a huge fan of Historical Fiction & it's just about the only kind of novels that I read. But there are two current books I am interested in delving into, Life with my Sister Madonna & Stori Telling. I found them on Amazon books, for a cheaper price than I would pay at the local bookstore.

Moving Moving Moving

I have moved 8 times in the last 8 years. Four of those times were across the country. The first time was alone in my overloaded little car. I came back to Alabama, with an overloaded truck, 2 kittens, a dog & more importantly a husband! Most of the travels were fun roads trips, something I absolutely enjoy. And I wouldn't take anything for the memories of seeing the country with my husband. I would have been nice to have done some sight seeing along the way, but we were always on a time schedule. The last move, was not fun at all. We had several tires blow out on the truck, with it pulling the car. The temperatures where in the 100's so we traveled alot at night & the truck caught on fire. If we ever move long distance again, we will be getting someone like New York Moving Company, to take over this challenge, so we can enjoy a leisure trip to our new home.

A Little Bit Of Color

I just finished painting our kitchen. The walls are butter yellow, with white trim. The accent color is a deep red. My curtains are red & white polka dot. I have a collection of white milk glass on shelves, so I'm in need of some extra color in the room. I've been looking into some kinda of silk flowers, that I place somewhere, for punches of color. I'm pretty picky on these, because I don't want anything that looks cheap. I want as realistic as possible. I found these arrangements & I'm quite impressed. I think they would be perfect!

With Child Clothing

I was watching "Rosanne" the other night & it was one of the episodes were she is pregnant & went shopping for maternity clothes. Everything she found was hideous, big bold flower prints, with big bows. Pretty funny, but I know it reality, that exactly what maternity clothes once looked like. It was as if once a woman was with child, she had to dress up like a big old present ready to be given at a party. Thankfully maternity clothes today have become very trendy & stylish. I have found myself a few times, picking up an item at the store I was interested in, to find out it is maternity. That makes me excited to know that when I do become pregnant, I will have fun things to wear.

I Need A Vacation

This is the vacation time of year & it seems anybody & everybody is packing their bags & getting the heck out of dodge. I am staying home. D & I have never been a vacation together. We had a 3 day honeymoon, to Disneyland. It was great & all, but it was 30 minutes from where we lived. We have travel across the country a few times, but it was because we were moving. I wouldn't consider, driving a U-Haul, pulling a car, a time of rest & relaxation. I would love to be going somewhere, just to take time to spend with my husband. If I had the opportunity to go somewhere I think I would rather wait until the Fall or Winter & maybe look into some Vegas vacations. How fun would that be? They offer some great package deals. And if I could find some cheap airfare, I think we could do it for less than $500.

Golf Anyone?

I don't play. I don't know anything about golf. But one of my favorite episodes of I Love Lucy is where Lucy & Ethel want to learn to play & ask Ricky & Fred, to teach them. Of course, the guys decide to teach them a ludicrous way to play, thinking that the girls, will become tired of it all & leave, so the guys can play in peace. One of the things they tell the girls, is that whoever the "winner" is, gets to carry the golf bags to the next hole. In the end the girls, play a round with a famous golfer Jimmy Demaret, who tells the girls, that their husbands have taught them wrong. He gets in on the act & the guys look stupid. It's a classic!

Baby Stuff

Even though, I don't currently have a baby, I still like to look at the new baby products. There always seems to be something even cuter than the one before. I also love different things, not always the pale pink or light blue. That's why I really like this Maclaren stroller. The black & red is awesome & very currently. And it can be used for a boy or a girl, which is something to think about. I have seen a stroller that was leopard print & new instantly that it was one I would want. But I haven't seen one since & don't know the brand. This one though, it tops on the list.

Stop The Spending

I know someone who is in dire straights financially. They have mortgaged their home more times than I count. And they are in the process of trying to find more mortgage lenders. This family could have made better choices & they would not be in the situation they find themselves in now. I know the economy is not the best right now & it is adding to their misery, but they have spent crazy amounts of money on needless & senseless stuff. The Home Shopping Club has been their best friend. And they make the most ridiculous excuses for the things they end up buying. Can you tell me why, if you have 5 TV's with DVD player, you need a portable DVD player, when you go now where!

~C

Pills Galore

I have taken Phentermine before, but I'm not sure I would take Phentermine without prescription from a Doctor. I will admit I used to take over the counter diet pills, but that was when I was younger & I thought invincible. Now I would only do it, under a doctors supervision. But that's just me. Some people feel perfectly fine doing that. But I'm also on other meds & I just don't feel safe taking something, that may not be a good mix with the other stuff I'm currently taking.

Everything, But The Kitchen Sink

I've been in the midst of a kitchen re-do. You know...Just paint and a few new added elements. But if I were doing a kitchen make-over, one thing I would look into are farmhouse sinks. I love, love love them! The sink I have now is much deeper than most sinks I've seen, but to have a farmhouse sink, would be awesome. I love the charm they bring to a kitchen, plus they are great from hiding dirty dishes!

~C

LV Jobs

When I moved to LA back in 1999, I already had a job lined up. I just transferred to another job. But that job ended up not being all I was promised & I needed to make a living. So I went on a search for Los Angeles jobs. I didn't have to search too long...Well really not at all, because I met this cool girl, that did my make-up at a department store. She told me they were hiring & I had a job within a week. It was probably my favorite job, I've ever had.

~C

Send It Along

I few weeks ago, I had to send a package in the mail. I normally have all I need to wrapping & sending things in the mail. I couldn't find my postage tape anywhere. I usually keep it in the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet. I called Mom & she had some that I could have. I walked over, got it & taped up the package. I had it all ready for the post office, when I found my tape sitting under a pile of papers on my craft desk. At least I found it!

Burn It

I'm always on the look out for something that will help me loose weight. Miracleburn may just help me out. I know I need something good & strong. I have never been able to loose weight without the aide of some kind of diet pill. I may just give this stuff a try. There are so many out there, it's hard to find the right one.

PS3

If I have a penny for every time D played a video game! He got a new PS2 for Christmas this past year, but if we had, had the money he would have definitely gotten a PS3. He would absolutely freak out if I were to surprise him with one of those. And how I would love to do so. One of these days...One of these days. They are pretty cool though, they can do just about anything it seems. If they create one that can wash dishes also, we will for sure buy one! Haha!

Shutters

We repainted our house a couple of years back & the colors I chose did not come out at all like I had hoped. Including the exterior shutters. I wanted them a plum color, but instead they are an almost violet color. I thought that possibly the color would eventually grow on me. But it hasn't. I'm wanting to repaint them a green now. Something that doesn't scream "Look at me!" But a nice color that compliments the surroundings.

Light My Fire

My parents always had a huge fear of candles & the only ones we had in the house were for in case the power went out. But I loved candles. When I got older the seemed to trust me with candles & for Christmas I think that's all I got. I know I got several candle making kits. I still love candles & enjoy using them to make my house smell good. They also come in pretty handy when you want to get romantic.

Watched

There are 2 years to go before D & I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, but I was thinking today about it. When I first said "I do," the 10 year anniversary mark seemed so far away. At times it feels like a blink of the eye. I want our 10th anniversary to be special & I want our gifts to each other to really represent our love & affection. I was look at mens gold watches for D. He doesn't own a watch & hasn't since I've known him, but there are certain watches that are just so sexy on a man. I would love to get him one & have some personal engraved on the back.

Memory

I have so many pictures & documents on my pc, that I am in need of some more computer memory. I try to keep things cleaned off, but it still gets so cluttered. I do try to save things to disks every 3 months & it helps alot. But to have more memory would help more, I think. It would keep my pc running faster & smoother. Our pc is 6 years old & there have been tons of upgrades since we bought it.

Plasma

I noticed as I was coming home today that one of my neighbors just recently got a new plasma TV. I think because I saw the box sitting out by the trash can. You can tell alot about a family by their garbage. I'm sure along with their TV, that also purchased a plasma mount, to hang it up. Plasma TV's are so nice too. If I got one, I would totally want it hanging up.

~C

Clean Floors

I have been through my share of vacuums. I even got one for Christmas this year, but some reason me & vacuums don't have a good track record. I'm not completely sure why. There are several different brands of vacuums that I wouldn't mind owning, including Electrolux vacuums. They are one the best vacuums out on the market and have been for many years. You can't go wrong with that now can you?

~C

Life

Life can sneak up on you when you least expect it. It's not something anyone wants to think about, but it's a fact. I have been thinking about D & I getting a life insurance quote. I hate the idea of it, but we need to be prepared. Plus we aren't Spring chickens anymore, just starting out. We are older & we need to get things in order. And there is no better time than the present.

~C

Outdoor Furniture

I seem to always be in the hunt for outdoor furniture. We only have a swing right now, but I want to eventually get some nice outdoor furniture. I would like to have a canopy on the back porch first though. I love teak outdoor furniture. So, if money was of no concern, it would be the exact kind I would buy. I would love to have a complete set also. Being outside during the spring & fall is one of my favorite things to do & to have some great furniture to help enjoy it would be a dream.

~C

Short Shorts

I am not a fan of shorts. At least not on me. But D loves to wear shorts. Whenever the weather warms up, he'll pull those shorts out. When he was working at his old job, he was able to wear shorts & any time the weather report said the temp "may" go up to the 60's, he would wear his shorts. Even if it was still freezing that morning. Thankfully, boardshorts are his shorts of choice & not short-shorts! Ha! Ha!

~C

INTRODUCING MY NEW BLOG!!!

To ALL my faithful, not so faithful and new readers.........P L E A S E go to my NEW blog (same name/new blog) and save it to your favorites instead of this one. I will be using it for my personal post. Never know.........there just may be something about you on there someday and you would want to be the first to know. :)

LOVE YOU ALL!!!
VICKIE

NYC

There are some places that I have been to that I would love to go to again. New York City travel is one of them. I love that city. There is so much to see & do. Just walking down the street is fun enough & that's free. The times I went to NYC it was on ministry trips & even though we did some sight seeing, I want to go back now, as a married woman with my husband & really get to enjoy the city & all it has to offer.

Open One Up

Given a franchise opportunity, why do people chose the ones they do. When I was a teen, I worked at McDonalds & I remember the owner of that franchise coming in there. He was a sorta eccentric older man, that drove a red unique sports car & wore bright yellow pants, Hawaiian shirt & suspenders. Did he decide to open that McDonalds because he loved the product? Or did he know it was a place that would really bring in money. Think about it....McDonalds is always busy, especially with people who have kids. I think if I were to open a franchise, Krispy Kreme would be my choice!

CALL BLOCK!!

REMINDER....all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies tomorrow and you will start to receive sale calls.....YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS! To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:888-382-1222. It is the National 'DO NOT CALL list'. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number. HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS. It takes about 20 seconds. You can also go online to donotcall.gov and register you phone.

CVS TRIPPIN!

This is a picture of my first trip at CVS trippin'! There have been several other very productive trips since then. My camera died is why I don't have pictures of the rest but THANKS to Crystal, this picture will just give you an idea of what I have been able to get with very little OOP (Out Of Pocket).

This order should have cost me $ 109.28 (before tax) but I paid $22.03. I walked out not only with all this in a bag but I also came out with $24.97 in ECB (Extra Care Bucks to be spent in CVS) and also I had a $40 dollar rebate coming on the Freestyle Meter. I only bought the meter because I am having to check my blood sugars now. I'm not into buying things just because they are cheap or free. If I or my family can't use it I will not purchase it. I will leave it for God to bless someone else with who needs it. Not only that but I went on-line and received $50 worth of strips (50 strips) to use with my meter and another $50 worth coming in May. The strips are what cost so much.
I tell you folks......GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME....ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!


I LOVE CVS.......and for those of you who aren't taking advantage of their Extra Credit Bucks program you are missing out on an amazing BLESSING!!!!

It was overwhelming in the beginning and hard to comprehend but once you catch on .....it is AWESOME!! Remember when computers first entered your life, how over whelming it was? Well this is much easier.

Just in a couple of weeks I have been able to bring home hundreds of dollars worth of food, cleaning products, health and beauty aids, etc., etc. etc.................for just dollars. It has only just begun. What a BLESSING it will be able to walk up to someone who has a need and be able to fill that need with a basket or bag of goodies from my own storehouse that God has allowed me to fill thru this amazing program. Not only that but my grocery money will now stretch towards things that my family could use and need because I was able to save it in these areas that CVS is providing.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR CVS, AND COUPONS!!

COUPON CLIPPING AND CVS

I started using coupons and CVS on April 20, 2008 (just 3 weeks) and between CVS, WALGREENS, PUBLIX and WINN DIXIE, I have brought home $951.25 worth of groceries for a whopping $243.41! That is a savings of $708.04 about 70%. I am also waiting on a $4o.00 rebate check to come in.

To think of the money I could have been saving in the 22 years Danny and I have been married if I had been doing this all along. MIND BLOWING. Hundreds of thousands of dollars. WOOOOOOOOO!!!

I will NEVER shop without coupons again. We won't even go out to eat without a coupon. People.......these little pieces of paper you clip and find laying around are MONEY!!! Use them. I don't care how rich you are or think you are, or how busy you are ........use them.

Yesterday I went to Winn Dixie to take advantage of their BOGO sale and what a sale it was. I also had 2 coupons for free items totaling about $10.00 and another $.75 cent mc on Duke's mayo plus Winn Dixie had a $10.00 off $75.oo coupon in their ad. The cashier check me out, not a happy lady, and she kept commenting on the fact that all I bought was BOGO. Not true. I had several other items but I had coupons for them. When she finished scanning my items I handed her my coupons and she had to have a manager come help her with them (?). After she totaled me up minus coupons she looked at my BIG book of coupons I had laying open on top of my bag , She said:"Is that your coupons?" (very sarcastically) I smiled real BIG and said "YES!"

Cashier: "How do you do that?"

Me: "I search the internet, visit web-sites, print and cut coupons, cut coupons out of the paper and watch the sales ads".
Cashier: "Well (with the Green-monster eyes) I don't have time for that! I have to work 5 days a week, go home clean house and then work some more."
Me: "I don't work. I keep house and I do this in order to stretch my food budget. This is my job. My house my not always be clean but my family has food on the table."
Cashier: "Well I just don't have time for that. I too busy! Your total is $104.53 and you have saved $118.09!" She circles my savings total. Then she says: "I've worked here 4 years and I have never seen anyone save that much money at one time. Your family must LOVE you!" The whole time she was talking to me she had a sarcastic tone to her voice and this irritated look in her eyes.
Me: "It wasn't me." I pointed up and I said with a great BIG smile: "It was God!" and I walked out.

When I left there I went right across the street to Publix and I saw a sign on their door that said they would take Winn Dixie's $10 off $75 coupon. I wasn't going to spend that much in there or I would have gone back across the street, picked up a sales paper and used it also.