We love the fair!

I go to the fair for a few reasons...
1. I looove getting lemonade shakeups and the souvenir cup that comes with it.
2. Either a gyro or a brat with sauerkraut is a must.
3. Funnel cake!!
4. Chocolate fudge.

These are a few of the things that I looove about the state fair :]

I always end up cutting his head off :/

 When I took this photo I had to hold the camera over my head and 

couldn't see if I got both of them or not... obviously not but my dad's face here is sooo great!

First time on a real roller-coaster for the little man!!

Waiting for his turn!

It was a beautiful day!!!
So happy that we were all there together :]
I love family time!

Couponing trip of the week: Toiletries and household items

This week I was able to find great deals on toiletries [my fave] and a couple of household items.
For these items, I made a trip to Kroger [also my fave].

The Jackpot:

 With coupons and sales:

Dawn Dish Soap: $0.99 each

Aussie/Herbal Essence Hair Care: $0.99 each

Men's Gillette Body Wash: FREE

Crest 3D White: $0.50

Reach Floss: $0.05

Total before savings: $28.50, total after savings: $6.38, a total savings of 80%

Yessssss.

Best Deal of the trip:

Men's Gillette Body Wash on sale for $1.99, I had 2 coupons for $2.00 off therefore making both FREE!!!

I also asked for a Rain Check on the Gillette Body Wash because I still have four coupons to use. 

Something I am learning is that you need to get to the store either Sunday night or early Monday morning so you don't have to fool with the Rain Checks. People love a good deal! :]

Everyday wear

These jeans have been perfect for hot days!
They are loose and breathable :]
I wore them to the state fair and stayed cool all day in mid 80 degree weather!!

Tank: F21 [$2.80], Vest: Miley Cyrus via Walmart [?cheap],

Jeans: American Eagle [FREE via clothing swap], 

Shoes: Gift, Bracelet: Vintage, Necklace: Gift

photo credit to my hunk of of husband :]

Still trying to soak up every bit of summer.

I don't want it to leave.

What is your favorite season?

Summer isn't over for these kids!

Gathering with the body of Christ

Today I was privileged to witness the baptism of 4 precious souls who will one day be reunited with Christ, 

as will I. Whenever I am so privileged, I am always reminded of where Christ has taken me from and how one sweet sweet day He set me free from a lifestyle of sin and bondage.

I can remember it like it was this morning.
Sitting in a kitchen, nanny-ing for a sweet family that had three boys.
I had just graduated high school and was seeking God with all of my heart.
Little did I know that He was orchestrating that whole summer for me.
I wanted TRUTH, I wanted FREEDOM.
I wanted to KNOW the Existing One.
Not just know about Him, but know Him.
I was studying the Gospel of John and came across scripture that talked about "the truth setting me free".
And that is exactly what took place.
FREEDOM from sin.
For the first time I heard my Shepherd's voice.
I knew His voice because I was getting to know Him through His WORD.
I was abiding in it!
The truth became clear to me like a cloudless day.
I finally understood that living for Him rather than living for myself was more satisfying than I could have ever imagined.
He became real to me.
Because He is real.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The God who came down and dwelt among us, becoming one of us.
Living a perfect life so that when He died for us, there would no longer be a need for any other sacrifice or atonement for any sin.
He was and is the Perfect Lamb.
But only if we let Him be that sacrifice for us.
Only if we respond to this love.
This gift of grace is FREE.
There is no other way to God except through Jesus Christ His son.
Jesus restored us to a right relationship with the Father and if you surrender to Him,
and let Him love you and serve you,
you will have TRUE happiness in your heart.
He satisfies completely and I cannot wait to reunite with Him one day.

Another FREE sample from Burberry!!

Click here to get another free sample of the new Burberry Body scent!!!
Yay for FREE samples :]

Fashion Friday: softening a loud color

I bought this shirt for FREE with my $10 Kohl's gift card that was mailed to me :]
The color is a little loud for me, but I loved the detail on the shoulder strap and had to get it!
I softened the color by adding it with neutrals like gray and black as you see here...

Cardigan: ?, Top: Kohl's [FREE], Skirt: Pac Sun, gift [FREE], 

Shoes: Payless [est. $23], Earrings: Gift [FREE]

I wore these shoes in my brother's wedding last month, loooved them [and still do].

He is an assistant manager at a Pac Sun where he lives and brought me this skirt home as a surprise along with a purse and a scarf [he has gooood taste].

It is Friday and I am excited!!

Tomorrow we are going to the State Fair!
Can't wait!!

Customer service is a foreign word to some

I went back to Walmart tonight and thankfully my money was returned to me.
It is interesting how rude people can be even when they work in "Customer Service".
As I sit here and think about all the negative experiences I have had at Walmart as of late, it has reminded me of our need of a Savior.
Ephesians 2:11-22
"Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

At one time I was without hope, but because God came down to us and was the perfect sacrifice for me, I now have peace with God! I am no longer under His wrath but have been made one with Christ and His Spirit now dwells within me!
It reminds me that we are wretched to the core without Jesus Christ coming and changing our hearts and us responding to the grace of salvation He has offered to us. 

I am so thankful for salvation in Jesus.
So thankful for grace.
I pray that God would help me to show that grace to others, even when they are rude :]

Couponing trip of the week: Rain checks

Earlier I posted about how I wanted to only spend $28.
I asked Benjamin if I could pull out $30 and he said yes.

My total came out at $30.09, but as I sit here and write this, I am noticing that the cashier at Walmart charged me an extra $5.54!!!!
Walmart is out to get me :]
With this taken off I will have only spent $24.55.
I seriously cannot believe I was charged extra.
If it was any other store, I probably wouldn't care too much, but it was WALMART!! Now I have to go back and try to get them to give me my money.
I will let you know how that goes :/
ALWAYS check your receipt before you leave.
It can be hard because I am usually a little flabbergasted by the time I am leaving, but it is still worth checking it so things like this do not happen.

The Jackpot:

Items not pictured: Ground turkey, cute pants for baby Bella :]

Kroger:

Total before savings: $25.15, total after savings: $6.57, a total savings of 74%!!

Whoo hoo!!

Best deal of all three trips:

Mentos gum on sale for $1.00 each,  part of the buy 10 save $5.00 at Kroger making them each $0.50. I had  2 coupons for $1.00 off wyb3. I bought 6 and got all of them for $1.00!! [I bought 4 other participating items that made each pack $0.50].

Yay!! I love gum, especially when it is sooo inexpensive!!

I also came out of the trip with these little guys:

4 rain checks!!!

I love getting rain checks when things are out of stock. 

Make sure to always check to see if your store will give these to you!!

You can still get the great deals you were hoping for with them!

ps. wish me luck with Walmart!