Hurry!!! These Publix Deals Will End This Week!

Hello Family! I just cut my grocery bill at Publix by nearly 60%. Total before coupons and savings was $86.71. I only paid $35.73! Links to coupons below. Please note: You will need to register at some of the websites in order to access coupon.

Not Pictured two packages Kraft Shredded Cheese

Bertolli Pasta Sauce BOGO Free $2.89
$0.75 off 2  (Print One) Final Cost: $2.14 for Both!

Truvia Sweetner BOGO Free $3.99
$1.00 off one (Print Two) Final Cost: $1.99 for Both!

Totino's Pizza Four for $5.00 (This deal will use both a manufacturer and publix coupon. You will need to purchase five pizzas) Final Cost: $3.90 for all five!!!

1. $1.10 off five (Print One)
2. Buy 3 Totino's Party Pizza Get One Free (This coupon can be found in the Publix Happy Easter Coupon Booklet or you may register online at www.publix.com to use coupon electronically)

General Mills Cereal BOGO Free $3.99
$1.00 off two (Print one) Final Cost: $2.99 for Both!

Popsicle or Creamsicle Pops BOGO Free $4.59
$1.00 off two (Print One)  Final Cost: $3.59 for Both!

Magnum $4.49 (not one sale this week but still a good deal when you use both manufacturer and publix coupons)  Final Cost: $2.39!

1. .60 cents off one (Print One)
2. $1.50 off Any One Magnum 3pk or Magnum Mini 6pk (Coupon found in Happy Easter Coupon Booklet or you may register online at www.publix.com to use coupon electronically)

Windex Touch UP $2.99 (This deal will use both a manufacturer and publix coupon)  Final Cost: $1.99cent!

1. $1.00 off one (Print One)
2. $1.00 off One (Coupon found in Spring Savings Coupon Booklet or you may register online at www.publix.com to use coupon electronically)

Smart Balance Butter BOGO Free $3.59
0.75 cents off one (Print two)  Final Cost: $2.09 for Both!

Sundown B12 vitamins $3.98 each (This deal will use both a manufacturer and publix coupon) Final Cost: .96 cents for Both!

1. $1.00 off one (Print Two)
2. $5.00 off Two Mix or Match Vitamins or Supplements (Coupon found in Special SavingsCoupon Booklet or you may register online at www.publix.com to use coupon electronically)

Lance Crackers BOGO Free $3.09
$1.00 off two (Print One)  Final Cost: $2.09 for Both!

Quaker Instant Grits BOGO Free $2.99
No coupon on item but still a great deal!

Kraft Shredded Cheese BOGO Free $4.19
No coupon on item but still a great deal!

If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It

Recently, I was grocery shopping in Wal-Mart when I looked up to see a silver haired elderly woman looking in my direction. She was sporting a big ole koolaid smile. I didn't think she was smiling at me so I looked behind me to see what had her beaming from ear to ear. That's when I saw an older gentleman wearing khaki pants, a blue work coat and cap waiting patiently at the end of the aisle. When I turned back around, she looked at me and said "He's all mine" and gently patted my arm as she sashayed pass me. I was like "I ain't mad at cha. I love it!"
Many of us consider the older generation to be too strict and old fashioned; when in fact their marriages lasted longer and their family unit was much stronger than what you see today. Today's mindset for married life and parenting is simply not up to snuff.

 

My view???  

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Maybe we should give old school a try.

My Sister's 2nd Birthday in Heaven

Her Angels

This Labor Day weekend also marks what would have been my sister's 32nd birthday here on earth. Instead, Latoshia celebrates her 2nd birthday in Heaven. Tomorrow morning my family and I will release birthday balloons into the heavens in honor of her memory. We can't see her children this weekend so it's a little difficult but still I am greatful to God for those two precious angels.

She lives on through their smiles and comical antics.


Top Left  Right: Bridgett and Angela
Bottom Left to Right: Tommy Jr and Latoshia

I pray I don't offend anyone when I say this but I find myself a fan of certain scenes from the TV reality show "The Braxtons." I usually don't promote reality TV because of it's negative impact on the its' viewers but I can't help but giggle from some (notice I said SOME) of their sisterly quarrels. It reminds me so much of my own sisters. To some degree The Braxtons are like an "unsaved" version of who we are as sisters. Tamar reminds me of Toshia because she is the comical loud one. Towanda is a mix of me and Angela because of her militant demeanor. Even though she is my least favorite of the sisters, Toni and I are alike because she's the oldest and because of her tone of voice. My sisters used to tell me when we would bicker "We hate that calm counselor's voice of yours!" (I knew they hated it that's why I did it..lol)

I must admit, I'm still not happy with having to live life without Toshia. But still I've learned a lot. I'm learning what it truly means to love unconditionally. I'm learning to make the most of each moment. I'm learning how to help others in spite of my own pain. I'm learning what it truly means to forgive. I'm learning that what I thought was the breaking of me is actually the making of me.

This weekend I encourage you to enjoy your families. Make the most of each moment and if it's possible make amends with those who you haven't spoken to in a while. Even if your love is initially rejected, leave it on the table for them to accept when they are ready and walk away knowing that you did what was right in the eyes of God.

Labor Day is about celebrating the economic and social contributions of American workers. Let's also celebrate our family members who gave of themselves so that we could be where we are today.Make your Labor Day your Labor to Love. Drive Safe, Eat Hearty, Laugh Hard, Take Pictures, Be Silly and Make Memories.

Left to Right: Toshia and Bridgett

Escape to Savannah

For our 16th wedding anniversary my husband and I decided to take a getaway to Savannah Georgia. Savannah came highly recommended as the perfect place for some much needed "couple time" and relaxation. My husband was able to secure a great rate at the Hyatt Regency through Priceline's "Name Your Price" program. (Travis and I were both excited about staying in an upscale hotel.)

The Hyatt is a beautiful hotel and is conveniently located in the historic district and along Riverstreet. We were in walking distance of restaurants, boutiques and touring sites. One of the first restaurants we visited once we arrived was 'Five Guys and Fries. The employees were friendly and made us feel welcome.We ordered bacon cheeseburgers and fries. Not only were they delicious but HUGE....a sure diet buster. As much as I wanted to, I could not finish my meal. We decided to take a walk to work off our first belly buster meal.

The Savannah streets are beautifully lined with aged oak trees perfectly arched to umbrella tourists from the sun. The next morning Travis and I decided to have breakfast at Henry's, a quaint restaurant located on Drayton St. I became an instant fan of their chocolate chip pecan pancakes and Travis fell in love with their southwest omelet. We were fortunate to meet the owner, Henry who was just as warm and inviting as our meal. His menu prices were quite reasonable and the serving portions was quite satisfying!

My husband and I enjoyed our early morning walks after breakfast. I was able to purchase a cute gray and silver purse at Fine Things Under Twenty, a boutique located on River Street. I was especially excited when they helped to find a bird brooch for my mom to wear in memory of my little sister at one of their sisters shops.(My sister was our family's songbird). Fine Things Under Twenty has a great selection of items all for under $20.


Travis can have a serious sweet tooth at times. So I'm sure you can imagine how happy he was when we visited River Street Sweets, a candy shop famous for their pralines. Customers are given a sample of their pralines when entering the store. My husband truly became a kid in a candy shop. He couldn't wait to get back to our room and dive into the pralines he purchased. Their
prices are higher than most but well worth it!

On day two, we decided to have lunch at Cilantros, a local Mexican restaurant. If you are in the mood for a relaxed atmosphere and a mouthwatering chimichanga, visit this place!!!


There is so much to see in Savannah. The city is rich with history and southern charm. Savannah takes you back to a time when life was simpler. Hours would fly before Travis and I knew it. We laughed, we giggled and we enjoyed the history lessons during our walks.....It was nice :)

On our last day in Savannah, Travis and I took a 20 minute drive over to Tybee Island to enjoy the beach waves. The weather was absolutely perfect!!!

I was excited to finally be able to go to Bonefish Grill after hearing Travis brag about it over and over after he visited one in Washington during a recent business trip. He guaranteed me that I would love their Bang Bang Shrimp and he was right! Don't believe me??? Check out the before and after pictures below...lol

 All in all, our trip was a wonderful and much needed experience. My family has had to deal with quite a bit of loss over the past couple of years. I didn't realize how much of a mental toll it had taken on me until my wonderful husband whisked me away to a place that help me to remember the true meaning of relaxation. Savannah provides a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of life. I'm looking forward to visiting it again sometime soon.