An Early Thanksgiving

My parents hosted an early Thanksgiving since Mark and I will be in Georgia visiting his sister and her family and because my brother came in a week early since ticket prices were lower than if he came over the real holiday weekend. My Mom was kind enough to also invite Mark's parents and our friends, Doug, Becky, and Charlotte. It was quite a feast!
My Mom is an excellent cook. We had our traditional Thanksgiving meal complete with pie and apple/berry crisp for dessert. Mark's parents brought his favorite, cornbread dressing, and Becky provided the wine.The table looked beautiful! It was obvious that my Mom had worked very hard for this event.
Charlotte kept everyone entertained. She loved putting stickers on Drew's arm and then ripping them off. My Dad also brought out Cha Cha the monkey. This is a puppet that was a childhood favorite of mine. My Dad had not lost his touch with Cha Cha. Charlotte was scared but eventually warmed up to the puppet and even gave the monkey a kiss. It was very cute.

We all enjoyed the dinner since this is what the kitchen looked like after we finished eating. My Mom insisted she didn't want our help cleaning up even though she told me it took her 2 hours to clean it all (with my Dad's help, of course) - yikes!

Free! (or almost free)

I didn't go grocery shopping this week since we are leaving town for Thanksgiving so nothing to report in that department. I was a little sad not visiting CVS, Walgreens and the grocery stores!!! I'll be back next weekend though so watch out!

I did manage to score two great deals this week. First, I went to Old Navy. They were running their additional 50% off clearance prices again. I had a 30% off coupon as well so I got a bunch of really cute long sleeve t-shirts for just over a $1 each. Long sleeve t-shirts are my winter weekend uniform so I need new ones every year. I was so pleased - much better than paying almost $10 each!
I also got a great deal on this duvet at Macy's on Sunday. We need a new one for our bed and I have been shopping for this item for awhile now. Macy's had them at 60% off and I had a 10% off coupon. This duvet was originally $380 and I got it down to $138. But, better yet, we had wedding gift cards to use so after those, I paid $40 out of pocket for this wonderful and luxurious duvet. Not too bad!

Cake Decorating Class #3

Cake decorating class #3 was all about cupcakes. We learned a ton of different types of frosting techniques and then practiced them on the cupcakes. I know these are hideous looking cupcakes but I tried to squeeze as many designs as possible on the tops for practice! No matter how they look, they still taste great!

I learned how to do a shaggy mum, rosette (I am terrible at this!), shell, pointy flower, 3D flower and different leaf designs. I have lots to practice before my next class where we have to put everything we have learned together to make and design a final cake!

Consumer Research: Coupon Lovers vs. Coupon Avoiders

My brother sent me this information and I found it so interesting! I fit quite a few of the demographics listed for a coupon lover -- guess it's official (as if I, and everyone close to me, didn't already know that!!!). I LOVE COUPONS!!!!

A recent consumer research study by Deals.com and MyType set out to profile the demographics and psychographics of 8,500 online coupon “lovers” and “avoiders.”

If you assume the typical “coupon lover” is a lower income, bingo jockey housewife with her hair in curlers and a cigarette hanging out of her mouth, think again. Here’s what the study found:

Demographic and Psychographic Profile of the Coupon “Lover”

• High household income (those pulling in over $100K per year are roughly 2x more likely to be coupon lovers)
• College educated (78% more likely)
• “Extroverted” and “imaginative” personality types (47% and 25% more likely, respectively)
• Female (no surprise here, 67% more likely than males)
• “Green” conscious (37% more likely, is it because online coupon codes are better for the environment)
• Believe that social responsibility is the most important element of a good work culture (a whopping 151% more likely)
• Parents (48% more likely)
• Northeasterners (66% more likely than West Coasters)
• Devoutly religious (31% more likely)
• Libertarians (47% more likely and that’s libertarians, not librarians)

In addition, coupon lovers are 220% more likely than coupon avoiders to highly value tradition, and 96% more likely to highly value self-direction.

Demographic and Psychographic Profile of the Coupon “Avoider”

• “Insecure” or “Temperamental” personality types (33% more likely to be coupon avoiders)
• Detached, sophisticated, careless and procrastinators (each at least 20% more likely)
• Men (27% more likely)
• Insecure, low-income men (130% more likely)

The researchers were surprised at the findings, expecting to see more online coupon lovers among lower income earners and more avoidance with higher incomes and education.

Perception of the Battle of the Bulge

Isn't it funny how different people perceive weight? This struck me this morning after I weighed in at the school nurse's office in front of two other women.

My work implemented a Wellness Committee last year in order to help the school employees adopt a healthier life style. Although they do care about our health, I think it is mostly to help with insurance costs. In order to get the lower insurance coverage (a whopping $750 difference a year), I have to earn a certain number of points. Points are earned by exercising, doing different school sponsored health activities, etc. This year, I was lucky enough to earn the cheaper rate because my height, weight, and BMI was all within normal limits. Whew!

All of this being said, I was asked to join the Wellness Committee last week. One of the other members dropped out. This isn't a big honor or anything, but I am happy they asked me! The committee helps motivates the rest of the staff to participate in the events. It's the little things that make me happy! I am hoping it will get me in gear to lose a few pounds.

One of the Wellness Committee plans was to do a "Maintain, Don't Gain" program over the holidays. From Nov. 18 - Jan. 1 you are only allowed to gain 2 lbs. If you stay within these limits, you earn 20 points. I decided to go ahead and do it even though I was terrified to jump on the scale.

This brings me back to how different people perceive weight....

I feel fat today. My clothes don't feel good on me. I don't think I look cute or pretty. I feel kind of sad. I didn't want to step on the scale after eating breakfast and stopping at Starbucks for a Skinny Vanilla Latte. But, I did it.

There were two other women in the nurses office as I complained of getting on the scale. They both said, "Are you kidding? I would kill to look like you! You have nothing to complain about." In my head, I thought, "what? you want to look fat?"

This made me realize something. I may think I am fat (since I am fitting into my "fat pants" quite well these days) but to others who struggle with much greater weight issues, I am not. Even by health standards, I am healthy. So why is it that women everywhere (including me) beat themselves down when they aren't a small size? Shouldn't I/we be happy we are healthy and focus on improvement rather than personal hate?

So, with all of this being said, I am not only going to try not to gain any more weight over the holiday season, but I am going to try to lose a few pounds too. Nothing drastic, crazy, or depriving (everyone knows this girl loves her sweets!!!), but I am going to make an effort to watch what I eat and exercise more. But, after this morning's little reminder that the grass is always greener on the other side, I am going to also try to appreciate what I am now.

Cake Decorating Class #2

I had so much fun at this week's cake decorating class! We were to bring two batches of frosting and a cake to class. There, we learned how to color the frosting, how to use piping gel to transfer a design, how to smooth the cake's frosting, and how to use a few more frosting tips. We ended up making a design with all of the day's teachings. I chose a cupcake....big surprise! There is just something about cupcakes that I love. Plus, a cupcake on top of cake, could I ask for anything more?!?!?

I decided to use the remaining frosting and try my hand at a second cake on Sunday. I wanted to bring my friend who just had a baby something yummy so I did the fish pattern. I didn't like it as much as the cupcake but I am still practicing! Practice makes perfect, right?

Free! (or almost free)

I beat my own record this week! I saved 63% at Kroger this weekend!!!! I spent $11 total on all of our groceries for the week. I was lucky to have a few free item coupons so that really helped.

Here is everything I got:

I also made out like a bandit at CVS. I needed some concealer and figured I would try the L'Oreal brand since I really like the foundation I bought awhile back. While looking, I found nail polish at 75% off. It cost $1.23 a bottle so I couldn't resist! I got the Advil for free. I spent $7.63 total at CVS which is amazing since the concealer usually costs $12 by itself. Whoo Hoo!

So, I got everything below for TOTALLY FREE this week!!!

A Sad Bandera

Bandera always gets worried when a suitcase comes out of the closet. As Mark was packing his suitcase Monday morning, Bandera started to worry. She was laying on the bed while Mark packed. Mark asked Bandera if she wanted to go with him and next thing I knew, she was in the suitcase (Mark put her there, of course!). I had to get my camera and snap a few shots since it was so cute. Bandera didn't leave the comfort of the suitcase until Mark made her get out. I think she really wanted to go with him!

Cake Decorating Class #1

I had my first cake decorating class on Saturday morning. It was so much fun! I am taking it with a friend from work. She asked two of her friends from church to join us so it makes it lots of girlie fun. Our teacher is a lady with lots of cake decorating experience. She works for Wilton but gives us good tips that aren't Wilton related too.

It was a lot of information on Saturday and not a lot of actual decorating. We went through the cake decorating manual, examined all of our materials, learned how to make decorator icing (apparently different than icing I have always made), and learned how to properly put icing on a cake. We also then learned how to do the star tip. We practiced on the sugar cookies we were to bring to class. I just played around and after some practice, I wasn't too bad at it!
I think Mark must have taken a bite out of one of the "M" cookies because I didn't -- they were hard as a rock so probably didn't taste great. Slice and bakes never taste as good as homemade!

We have to bring 2 cakes and 2 batches of icing to the next class for we are learning how to decorate a cake! I can't wait -- I just hope I am OK at it and don't have something terrible to show.

Free! (or almost free)

I had a great shopping trip to Walgreens this week. I ended up with all of this for just $8. I needed all those Crisco bars and cake mixes for my cake decorating class. I figured I would stock up on sugar and flour while it was on super sale, especially since the holidays are coming up!

Homemade Bread

I have always wanted to make homemade bread. I felt inspired after deciding to make Mark a "welcome home" dinner on Friday night. Doug, Becky and Charlotte joined in the fun. It wasn't even that hard, just took some time. I felt like I pioneer woman as I kneaded the dough. None of us could get enough of the yummy bread. Even Charlotte liked it!

Free! (or almost free)

This week, my mom tipped me off to a Kroger location going out of business. The entire store (or what was left of it) was 40% off. An hour of searching every shelf allowed me to get a lot of items that I would normally never buy for just $28! I got a bit produce, a few organic frozen items, and some things that I don't ever have coupons for. I was thrilled!
I also got a $2 Panera Bread Company gift card in the mail (I took a 3 minute survey) and a totally free pack of gum!I also scored some great deals at Target this week but forgot to take pictures. I got a roll of gift wrap for 48 cents, some ribbon for 24 cents, and a box of 3D sidewalk child for Mark's nephews on sale for $2.48 (originally $10!).

Wedding Album

Most people get their wedding album shortly after their wedding, but not us! 1.5 years later, I finally completed the album and it arrived on our doorstep this week. I love how it turned out.My brother was kind enough to give us our wedding album as our wedding gift. I found a Groupon for photo albums and had my brother get it. It is called A & I books and they did an AMAZING job!

I had so much fun organizing it and picking pictures. It brought me back to my high school days when I was co-editor of the school yearbook. Gosh did I love laying out pages (yep, nerd alert!). I probably spent nearly 10 hours laying out this album but, it turned out just as I had hoped and it will serve has a wonderful keepsake of our wonderful wedding day!

Halloweenies and Vampire Blood

Mark and I joined forces with Doug and Becky this year to celebrate Halloween. We had a great time! Charlotte came over wearing her cat costume. She looked adorable though didn't really make the connection that saying "trick or treat" meant she got candy.

We really wanted her to go trick or treating on our street so we could enjoy her candy but she wasn't up to it this year. Charlotte did love her sour gummies and 3 Musketeers!

We set up on our driveway. We pulled out lawn chairs, put the pumpkins in the bed of Mark's truck, turned on the Rangers game, grabbed the candy and waited for the trick or treaters!

The guys grilled so we were able to eat while we waited. The former 2nd grade teacher in me resurfaced...I couldn't help myself but to name all of our food in the spirit of Halloween. We ate Halloweenies (brats and chicken sausages), Vampire Blood (red wine), skeleton's kneecaps (chips), zombie guts (ranch dip), and beans for brains (BBQ beans). It was a tasty meal and lots of fun to eat too! We laughed when Doug asked Becky for more Vampire Blood. I appreciated him getting into the spirit of things!

Charlotte was only really scared of one trick or treater who was dressed up as a headless man. It was the best costume all night. She liked tickling us with her cat tail the best. Mark was, of course, her favorite "victim."

I wanted Mark to take a Halloween picture with me, but he hates pictures so we didn't get a good one. I decided to be silly while Becky took a picture of us. Guess she caught Mark as he was about to eat some candy!

It was a wonderful Halloween spent with our great friends! And best of all (or worst of all, depends on who you ask!), we were left with only a handful or two of candy.