A week ago, I went to my favorite store [yep, you guessed it the, Do$$ar store]. Well, I was pretty much out of cleaning supplies and other random gadgets that I’m sure I don’t need but couldn’t resist because it was only $1! Anyways, I had about 10 bags worth of stuff, no kidding, and I attempted to carry all 10 bags and a heavy toddler to the car. Let me tell you there is no smooth walking to the car as bags are falling out of your hands, you end up running in hopes of not dropping the toddler. Well my lesson was definately been learned. My left arm was killing me for almost a week. I think I tore or strained something in there. Everytime I moved it, it would just hurt, kinda like when you have a piece of tape on your arm and you snatch it off, that kind of weird hurt!

Well today, seeing how it is almost 70°F out, I decided that me and p-nut needed a garden day. We went out for about an hour or so. We raked leaves, pulled weeds, picked up trash, the whole 9. Upon finishing, that is when my arm started to hurt again. I think I re-injured it! The garden looks better than it did, but I just couldn’t do anymore after that.

I did a little shopping today and found some really good deal. One in particular was such a good deal that I had to do the happy dance in the aisle when I found it.

How much do you think I paid for this ROXY track jacket?

The original price of this jacket in a department store is $52.00, at the discount store they sell it at $22.99, I bought it on clearance at $0.99!!! Yes, you did read it right, A DOLLAR for a super cute jacket. Here is the proof…
Some other items that I purchased were a tank top, some sleep bottoms, and a super cute purse all on clearance, nothing was over $10! Out of all the items that I bought I am absolutely in love with the purse and the $1 jacket! Whenever I watch makeover shows and they make people over for $100, I always feel that I can do so much better than that. I think I could put a whole outfit together for just $50. These people need to hire me because I am one frugal shopper. Everything I buy is always name brand but I never pay close to name brand prices.

Here are some my secrets for whenever I go shopping [shh! don't tell anyone]:

• Always go to discount stores FIRST! [i.e. Ross, Marshall's, T.J. Maxx, Outlet Malls]
• Go straight to the clearance section, or look for clearance tags only [even though it is already discounted at the discount store you have a better savings if you catch it on clearance...i.e. $1.00!]
• If you see something you really like, have the will power to wait until it goes on clearance, if you never catch it on clearance or the item is all gone the next time you check on it, then it just wasn’t ment to be…something better is probably waiting on you somewhere else.
• When it comes to basic household items, the Do$$ar store is your best friend [only the dollar stores that everything in the store is 1 dollar]

I have been shopping this way for so long that I can’t possibly pay full price for anything.  My husband gets mad when I put stuff back that I really like or want but isn’t on clearance.  I physically cannot bring myself to pay full price or full discounted price for it.  I look at it this way, if I have $20…do I want to buy one item for $20 or get 3 or 4 items for the same amount of money.  I always opt for the “more stuff for the buck” approach.  I have also come to find that if I do pay full price for something that it tears up in the same amount of time as an item that I purchased on clearance.  So what is the reasoning in paying full price for anything?
Do you have any frugal tips you wanna share?

I don’t have a jersey for either of the teams that are playing but I figured this was a cute outfit —->

Now, I’m off to make the superbowl snacks [spinach & onion dip, air popped popcorn, marshmellows & animal crackers for the p-nut].

BTW, I weight 124 lbs now!! Wa-hoo!!! Just 14 lbs to go!!!

Lastly, they are supposedly showing Grey’s Anatomy after the superbowl so if anyone is a Grey’s fan, you better stay up so you don’t miss it, it is supposed to be a good one!

[edit] Just to let you know: Ooey Gooey Spinach Onion Dip has just been posted at Recipe Rush. Go check it out, make some for yourself, enjoy guys! [/edit]

[edit] oh my gosh, that was THE best grey’s anatomy episode I have seen yet! I can not say enough about what I have just watched. If you are a fan and missed it, you should be hitting yourself right now because that was in fact the best episode of the year. Problem is I have to wait till next week to see how it ends. I hate when shows prolong the ending, but I suppose it keeps us watching and interested so bring on the suspense! Well I’m off to bed now, I have a big baking/errand day tomorrow since it is my 2 YR. ANNIVERSARY with the hubby. Oh and hubby if you are reading this “Happy Anniversary, I love you with all of my heart….ha ha, I said it first…Thank you for the sacrifices you make to allow me to fullfil my dream of being a stay at home mom.  I am forever greatful for the gift that you have given me.  You are the best husband and father that anyone could ever ask for, p-nut and I are truly lucky. *muah*”. G-night Ya’ll! [/edit]

February’s FlyLady task is Decluttering your home, purse, and car.  The past two days I have successfully decluttered and organized under the kitchen sink and under the bathroom sink.  I threw away old cleaning supplies that didn’t really do the job but I was holding on to in hopes that they would miraculously become a different *better* chemical that would actually do the job.  I threw away old makeup [some were from high school], hair products [that make my hair greasy or didn't do what they promised to do], beauty appliances [broken or that I would never use].  I put the items that someone else might have some use for in the “goodwill box”.  The “goodwill box” is now full and ready to be taken to the store.

In addition to decluttering, I also caught up on the laundry.  I just have two more loads to finish.  Everything is folded, hung, and put away.

We are in the market for a bigger place [apartment or house, house preferrably].  We have just outgrown the little studio/basement apartment that we are currently in.  I have an appointment to go look at a house today @ 2.  Hopefully no one has rented it yet.  Wish me luck…I’m off!