It was a very good trip. And I’m exhausted, but happy.
I was reminded of how important it is to just play sometimes.
I too often get caught up in all the things I “need” to do and forget that my most important job is “Mom.”
We had a lot of fun.
We met up with some close friends from Seattle who were vacationing in Florida. As you can see, we share a fetish for dressing our girls in matching outfits. Because if 2 matching girls are cute, 4 matching girls are even cuter.
They matched at Sea World, too. (Even Shamu was impressed.)
I was going to take the girls to Walt Disney World for a few hours again today before heading home, but when I checked out my WDW app (free with the purchase of my very favorite Disney book, The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World
We decided to go with plan “B.”
Nordstrom.
In my pre-couponing life, I was, for lack of a better term, a Nordstrom junkie.
I had a serious problem.
So walking in there today was a bit like letting a recovering alcoholic into a bar.
But I’m proud to say I didn’t go crazy.
Not even a little.
Everything I bought was on sale. I even used coupons. Well, technically they were vouchers, but practically the same thing. I saved almost 70% and didn’t break the bank. And that’s what living well and spending less is all about!
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Ashley April 20, 2011 at 1:29 am
I am new to your site and love it! Your vacation looked like so much fun. Question..when shopping at Walgreens they have these coupon booklets that they carry in the store. Can these be combined with other coupons or can you just use these? I am trying so hard to get the hang of couponing but it is really confusing and complex! Thanks for the help.
Ruth April 20, 2011 at 3:58 pm
The coupon booklets in the store are Walgreens store coupons, so those can be “stacked” with a manufacturer’s coupon to double your savings.
Erin @Goodbyenormal.com April 20, 2011 at 2:10 pm
As the mom of a two year old boy, I am starting to anticipate big trips like this when he is old enough to freak out (in a good way) about it. I remember going to sea world as a kid and thinking I’d died and gone to heaven.
And by the way, your site design is incredibly cute. I’m jealous! Did you do it yourself?
Ruth April 20, 2011 at 4:05 pm
It is so fun to experience the wonder of those kind of places through the eyes of your child. The first time I rode “It’s a Small World” with Princess I couldn’t stop crying, I was just so overwhelmed by seeing the amazement on her face.
To answer your question, no I didn’t do the design myself. It was originally designed on Blogger by SeventyTwo Blog Design, who I believe is no longer available. When I switched to WordPress, the theme was tweaked and redesigned by Heather Moritz of Moritz Fine Designs (link is below footer). Heather also designed my other site, Saving Well, Spending Less.
Emily April 20, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Ok, I just have to share..I have been educating myself on couponing for the past couple of weeks. Last night was my first trip to CVS. I started doing the happy dance at the store after I scored some awesome deals. I felt like I graduated couponing and I owe it to your breakdowns on the process.
I spent $51 at CVS and after coupons I was out of pocket $8! An 86% savings!
So, to you I say, THANK YOU for helping me understand coupons
Your trip looked so fun!!
Ruth April 20, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Great job Emily! Thanks so much for sharing.
Shellie April 20, 2011 at 8:43 pm
I am new to couponing, well…….this way of couponing. I used to just cut coupons without really knowing when was the best time to use them. I have been following your site for the past couple of weeks and I have already learned so much. I was wondering how you feel about price books. I am just learning about them also. Do you or have you used them? If you have, do you have any advice? Thanks so much for your help!
patty April 22, 2011 at 7:14 pm
looks like a fantastic time, ruth! hope you enjoyed all those girlies!
xo
Sandy April 24, 2011 at 5:22 pm
I just came across your website. You are a Liner too! Isn’t that app the best? How wonderful to be so close to just hop over there for a few hours! So jealous! The girls outfits are so cute!