11 weeks left

can i just say...

look at how close that cute little pink elephant (above) is to the finish line??

ahhh! it's crazy!!!

this past weekend we were in canton, ga for a conference trent was speaking at. trent's mom decided to throw us a baby shower while we were in town & it was such a blessing!! here are a few cute pics to show off her decorating skills from the shower...

cute clothesline in the entry...

abby grace has already received her 1st Texas onesie & bib

(thanks to nat & jas)

& now she has received her 1st UGA tee & cap & booties. :)

"it's a girl" cookie favors - thanks, mimi!

girly floral arrangement :)

beautiful & yummy cupcakes & cake!

so i was still getting ready but here is a belly shot from my baby shower attire.

28 weeks and 3 days in this pic.

thanks, mama lindy, for the beautiful baby shower!! it was such a blessing & we are so appreciative.

$$ recent savings $$

i've been blessed with some exciting savings opportunities lately!

i think i had my best CVS trip to date!!!

i bought $41.94 worth of products for only $1.35 out of my pocket.

here's the proof:

so how did i do this??

here's how (props to southern savers - as usual):

i bought all of these items in 1 transaction...

1 purex laundry sheets ($7.99)

... on sale for $5.99

... used $3 coupon (RP 8/15)

... got back $2 ECBs (paid $0.99)

1 zegereid otc ($12.99)

... on sale for $9.99

... used $4 coupon (all you magazine)

... got back $7 ECB (so i made $2.99 off this item)

1 crest prohealth toothpaste ($4.99)

... on sale for $3.49

... used $0.75 coupon (RP 8/1)

... got back $2.50 ECBs (paid $0.24)

1 glide prohealth floss ($4.49)

... on sale for $3.49

... used $0.75 coupon (RP 8/1)

... got back $2.50 ECBs (paid $0.24)

1 blink tears eyedrops ($9.99)

... on sale for $7.99

... used $1.50 coupon (printable)

... got $7.99 ECBs in return (so i made $1.50 off this item)

1 orbit gum ($1.49) - filler

... on sale for $0.99 (had to spend this to reach $30)

i purchased all of these items, then i:

- used my $5/$30 CVS coupon (emailed to me)

- used my $3 CVS coupon i received in honor of my birthday (emailed to me)

- used my $13.94ECBs from last week

total out of pocket = $1.35

and i received $21.99 ECBs in return!!

so now i can use my $21.99 ECBs & attempt to do this all over again next week by buying the products that are on sale, have coupons, & give you ECBs in return.

i have been trepidatious to try out coupons @ the grocery store but i finally did this past week. kroger was having an awesome mega event sale. i ended up spending less than $35 on over $89 worth of groceries!! praise the Lord!

with the upcoming arrival of our baby, i am striving to be all the more wise with our money and to save in areas that i can. i figure... if there are ways to save over 50% on groceries and even get paid to purchase some items, it's definitely worth my time & effort to learn how!

even in such a mundane thing as grocery shopping, you can give Him glory by being a wise steward of your money. that is my hope!

:) happy couponing!