My favorite deal is on living social today! Plus, The great Laci Bear Tail Debate and Keith Urban!

Pennies
My FAVORITE deal is on living social for Columbia today---HOUSE CLEANING!!! This one is $40! Of course, I have to get it! Interested? Go here and get your splurge...
House Cleaning Living Social Deal
I promise you won't regret it!

Puppies
So, there has been a great debate going on in the Zeigler/Hutto/Allen/Wiles household. Through what we will call a "miscommunication," Laci Bear's tail was groomed differently this time. It kind of looks like a lion's tail. I l-o-v-e-d Laci's long tail. It was my favorite. It is now gone. Everyone loves her new tail but me. They say it looks more feminine. So, you decide. Should Laci's new tail stay or grow?

Laci's old tail

Laci's new tail

Ponderings
Not really a pondering. Well, yes it is. I have been pondering it since last Thursday when my friend called me and what great fun we are going to have tonight. Especially since I haven't seen her or her husband in so very long! Keith Urban tonight! Heck yeah! And, I'm wearing my jean shorts whether my husband thinks it's cool or not :)

Thrifty Tuesday, Thunderstorms & Jean Shorts

Pennies
Just to let you know, the house cleaning groupon is still available (my favorite!). Click here if you are interested and look on the tabs to the right for the other deals...
House Cleaning Groupon

What a thrifty day I had yesterday. Here are the details:

It started off at the gas station. How do I save at the gas station? Well, I went to the Shell and used my Bi Lo Fuel Perks. I had .90 in fuel perks. So, I saved $12.84 when I filled up. Then, I got a free 24 oz coke zero when I took my receipt inside and showed I had bought at least 10 gallons of gas. Read the signs at the station when you pump--that's how I found out about the coke deal.



It continued at CVS:
Got 2 pantene shampoos and 2 pantene conditioners
Got 2 20 oz diet cokes
Paid: $6.86 and have $6.99 extra care bucks to spend
**remember to take your green bag tag with you. every 4th time you scan it and bring your own bag, you get $1 extra care buck**

It then continued at Target:
Towel Ring: was $9.99, got it for free
Toilet Paper Holder: was $11.99, got it for $1.99
Paid: $2.12
How? Pay attention to the Target printable coupons on their site. They release them every Sunday, and the good ones go fast. You can print two a piece, and the expiration dates are very generous. So, I had printed two coupons for $10 off any bathroom fixture. No exclusions or specifications. I also have some apparel coupons that I like to pair with clearance items.

I was having so much fun, I continued my day of savings at Rite Aid where I got...
2 packs of Western Grill dog treats (normally $8.99 a piece!)
1 box of Samy Foam hair color (normally $8.99)
1 30 count box of Zantac (normally $7.99)
I paid $11.72 for $35 worth of merchandise, and it's all stuff that we need and use. PLUS, I left with $7 in Up Rewards to use on my next purchase. So, I actually got the merchandise for $4.72 factoring on the rewards. How great is that??

I was on a roll yesterday! I met one of my dear friends who I don't see enough anymore at Tsunami for dinner. Why Tsunami? Because we went to restaurant.com and picked them. I had a promo code, so we got a $25 certificate for $6. With the certificate, you have to buy $40 worth of food and drinks and 18% gratuity is automatically figured in on the total before the certificate. So, you get $40 worth of food for $21 (factoring in the $6 we paid for the certificate). We got two appetizers, sushi and one hibachi steak entree. We did go a little over the $40, so we each spent $14.74, including the tip. Awesome! This is the second time I have bought a certificate from restaurant.com, and I have not been disappointed! And, I just learned that if you buy one and the restaurant goes out of business, they will give you credit!

On a side note, the food was great! The pot stickers and spinach cheese sticks were a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I can't believe the times I spent in that place when it was a bar. After a table of about 30 people came in, we were ignored. It took almost an hour to get our check because our waitress thought we had already paid. The only other issue I had was with the bathrooms. They were bar bathrooms that had never been remodeled. The toilet was crooked, and the smell was awful. Other than that, it was a great experience with a great friend!

Puppies
I did get home late last night, and that throws Laci and Belle totally off of their schedule. After I got out of the shower, this is what I found...they had put themselves to bed. Hint, hint! But, that didn't last long because we had TERRIBLE  thunderstorms that scared me to death until 2 this morning. They used to not bother Belle, but as she has gotten older, they terrify her. She was shaking and panting and wanting to be in our laps. She paced back and forth, too. Needless to say, Laci nor I got much sleep. Then, they would not get up this morning when it was time to go out. I had to MAKE them get up and out of bed. haha!



Ponderings
I was pondering something my husband said last night. I was trying on outfits for the Keith Urban concert tomorrow night (yay) for him, and he did not like the outfit I loved. Why? Because it was jean shorts, and he said jean shorts were ugly and not in style. I started wondering if he was right and if I totally missed the style bus this summer. But, jean shorts are everywhere in stores. So, I did a little scientific and highly accurate research on google :). Turns out, jean shorts are totally out for men (thank goodness!!!), but they were all over the 2011 spring "must have" lists for the summer. So, must I say it? Yeah, I think so....I was right! What do you think about jean shorts for women?

House Cleaning Groupon, Shots and Tomatoes!

Pennies
I lied a few days ago when I said Old Navy was my favorite Groupon. Today is my favorite one--house cleaning! Every time a house cleaning Groupon comes up for Columbia, I buy it. I have been very happy with all the services I have gotten. If you have ever priced out a maid service, you know this is a steal! It's just that I don't have time to clean my house anymore, and when I do have free time, that is so not what I want to do! It's SO nice to come home to a clean house that you didn't have to clean. I never knew what that felt like until Groupon came around. It's my little splurge! If you are interested in today's Groupon house cleaning deal, go here:
House Cleaning Groupon

Puppies
This is what our Monday and Thursday nights look like:

Laci has terrible, terrible allergies, so off to the doggie dermatologist she went two years ago after a very expensive stay in the emergency hospital and then at her vet's office. She had allergy skin testing done, and it is done on dogs the exact same way it is done on humans. She is pretty much allergic to everything. Something I learned was that dogs mainly absorb allergy pathogens through their paws. So, if you have a dog with allergies, make sure you clean their paws after being outside. I also learned that allergic disorders are in fact the most common cause of itching in pets. So, back to Laci--to keep her allergies under control, she gets an allergy shot on Mondays and Thursdays. She also gets a benadryl every morning and a zyrtec plus a benadryl every night. And, yes, I give her the shots. It's not bad--you just insert the needle into the scruff of their neck and reward them with a BIG piece of chicken jerky afterwards :). Since we began this treatment, we have been able to keep her allergies in check, which is so worth the time and money we have spent to get here!

Ponderings
Remember yesterday how I was pondering about my tomatoes? Well, I pondered some more about them and what new ways I could use them instead of salads and tomato sandwiches. Well, my husband must have read my mind! He seared tuna steaks and then added tomatoes, fresh basil (off of our plant we keep in our sunroom) and cheese on top of them. He then put them in the broiler until the cheese was melted. It was great and different! Mouth watering yet? Well, it should after you see what they looked like...

Told you!

Daily Deals, Pooped Puppies and Tomatoes

Pennies
I love these new daily deal sites that are popping up. Plus, they always give you a credit when you first sign up. The newest one to pop up is called Little Birdie. Some of the deals will be local for other cities, but they always have internet deals that all of us can use. This site is aimed towards family deals. Right now if you sign up, you get $10 credit, which means you can sometimes get a deal for free! Go here and sign up....
http://www.littlebirdie.com/?ref=EMVL7S4PUH

Groupon also has a great deal today for my Columbia readers...for $15, you get $30 worth of new and gently used sporting goods at Play it Again Sports. I love this store and have bought a lot of items from there! If you are interested, go to:
http://www.groupon.com/r/uu6217526

Just another tip...gas stations are a jackpot for coupons! This morning I got coupons for coke and breyer's ice cream. They are usually tear pads throughout the store, so take a look next time!

Puppies
With all the Father's Day festivities yesterday, these two were worn out...

Ponderings
This morning, on my long commute, I was thinking about my weekend and pondering how blessed I was to have such a great dad (I have a great mom, grandparents, cousins, aunt and uncles, too). But, with celebrating Father's Day yesterday, my dad was on my mind. I was a tomboy growing up, so fishing was always our bonding time. He has been my rock, my level head and my role model throughout my life. I am truly blessed to have a great dad, and I thank God for it every day. Here are some of my favorite pictures of him...

I just want to give you an example of how thoughtful he is. I mean, he would get up at 1 in the morning and go to the store if I needed something. How awesome is that! I am an only child, and his princess at that, so it makes our relationship extra special! Back to the example....One of the thoughtful things he has done recently is bring me a tomato plant already potted and ready to go. All I need to do is water it. He knows I love tomatoes! I picked four tomatoes off of my plant yesterday. The first thing I have ever grown by myself (ok, maybe it was cheating that I didn't actually pot the plant myself). If you know me, you know remembering to water plants is not my thing. My husband has the green thumb. But, I actually remember to water my tomato plant every day. It kind of helps that my dad placed the plant right next to the water spigot :) Here's some picture of my pride and joy...

I see fresh tomato sandwiches in my future!!!

Quick Entry Today, Including My Fave Groupon to Old Navy!

Pennies
My most favorite groupon deal is back! Get a $20 certificate to Old Navy for only $10!! Go here if you are interested:
Old Navy Groupon

Puppies
So, the girls got groomed yesterday, and they both officially have their summer cut. Pics to come!

If anyone is looking at adopting a pet, I would strongly recommend Pets, Inc. Just visit http://www.petsinc.org/

Ponderings
I have to tell you I was half asleep on my drive this morning, so the old brain didn't have much pondering going on. I was rocking to satellite radio's Backspin station with Salt-N-Pepa and MC Hammer. hahaha.

One thing I did ponder for a second was something my husband mentioned last night. We were dreaming of retirement, and he asked if I had my choice, would I like to retire somewhere quiet like Edisto Beach or somewhere like Charleston? I said Edisto Beach has one grocery store--Piggly Wiggly. They don't even double coupons. I can't be an hour away from my couponing stores. Not really the answer he was expecting! :)

Update....

So, apparently not everyone is getting a coupon at CVS for the .99 pepsi, and it is causing a major PR problem for them from what I understand.

Also, I talked to Ramona at Southern Paws & Tails, and anyone that subscribes to Southern Paws & Tails through Saturday, June 18 will receive a free bow wow bag.  (while supplies last). Pretty awesome deal!

BIG Day at CVS, Great Local Magazine & My "Secret" One-Year Anniversary

Pennies

Major deal alert at CVS today! The magic red coupon machine that I LOVE is printing out coupons for a 12 pack of pepsi or diet pepsi for 99 cents. I have NEVER gotten a 12 pack that cheap! You can get one per CVS card. I used my husband's and mine and got two deals. Now, I can't drink carbonated drinks, but my dad and his coworkers will enjoy them! Remember, this deal is only good today. Of course, I got up early and went before work so they wouldn't run out. Now, you know I am not a morning person, but I will get up for a deal! Better than coffee first thing in the morning! While you are there, why not get the other deals this week:
http://www.southernsavers.com/2011/06/cvs-weekly-ad-coupons-612-618/

Also, just got a new deal alert: grab two Free Hershey’s Air Delights while you are there by printing off the coupon at coupons.com!

Just a side note, while I was there this morning, I also picked up my prescriptions. My migraine medicine normally costs $165 per fill, but I only paid $10 for my refill this morning. And, I can get it filled once per month for $10. How great is that? How did I do it? I went to the medicine's manufacturer's official Web site and printed off a savings card. Almost all non-generic medicine's manufacturer's have coupons on their Web site for the taking. Use them!!

Puppies
Today is grooming day for the girls! Not their favorite day, but it is for me. I LOVE how they smell and how pretty they look, and I think they prance around afterwards and know they look pretty, too! I have a mobile groomer that comes to my house and grooms them. Yes, it does cost more, but this is one arena I am willing to compromise on. I have tried all sorts of groomers, and it was so so stressful to my spoiled rotten girls that I just couldn't leave them in a cage somewhere. So, I found this mobile groomer, and it is the best money I have ever spent on my girls! Totally worth the splurge for their sanity and mine! She is wonderful!

I did want to mention this wonderful, local magazine that I honestly had forgotten about until the publisher contacted me. I used to get a subscription, but it ran out and for some reason I never renewed it. Well, I just renewed it! The magazine is called Southern Paws & Tails. Read about it here and subscribe here...
http://www.southernpawsandtails.com/
I love supporting local businesses!

Ponderings
Ok, on to my big, "secret," one-year anniversary that I celebrated yesterday. I pondered about whether or not to openly talk about this, as many people are not aware of what I have been throught in the past year, but my husband reassured me that I should talk about it because I may help others. So, here it goes....

This was me one year ago:

This is me today:

A little over 100 pounds gone! Ok, I am going to try to make this as short as possible. In two words, how did I do it--gastric bypass. I know you are thinking--how did she get approved for that? Well, rewind over 8 years ago, and I began having MAJOR stomach problems. Doctors just dismissed it as IBS, and I continued with major episodes of stomach problems and cramping and pain and other not so lovely things I will not go into :) I was getting up at 4:30am and going to boot camp, limiting my calories to 1200 per day and doing a walking/running camp at night. I had a great trainer who was helping me and was convinced there was an underlying medical issue because I continued to GAIN weight. Imagine how frustrating it is to do all of this and gain weight! Now, mind you, I was the strongest I had ever been in my life, but that wasn't a consolation prize I was willing to accept! My mom always says things work out for me, they just work out the hard way. And, she was right, once again.

I finally, by accident, found the right doctor/surgeon who found my problem. I went through a stomach emptying scan where you get to eat a yummy radioactive egg sandwich in an x-ray room and then lay on an uncomfortable table while they watch the food empty into your stomach. Details here..

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Gastric+Emptying+Scan

 Well, my results were that my stomach emptied at 23%, which is very abnormal. Of course, I was an exception because this problem called gastroparesis normally causes one to lose weight, but it caused me to gain and not be able to lose weight. I love being an exception. ha! I was of course upset, but my problem finally had a name and had finally been diagnosed!

So, there is no cure for gastroparesis. There is a medicine called Reglan, which can have major side effects, like permanent ticks, that can help. I tried the medicine, making my then fiancee swear that he would still marry me if I developed a tick. I know, how vain of me! Anyway, I was on Reglan for three weeks, and I had to get another gastric emptying scan done and eat that yummy, radioactive egg sandwich again! (I still can't eat fried eggs to this day!). The medicine only helped my stomach empty 3% more. It was a failure, so what else were we to do since there is no cure?

That's when my fabulous doc came into play and consulted with several colleagues and even presented me at a conference to find out how to help me since I was young and the only other option was to take out my stomach and give me a feeding tube. On to the solution---gastric bypass so that some food would bypass my stomach. So, a year ago yesterday, I underwent gastric bypass. I stayed four days in the hospital, and it took me a long time to gain my strength back.

It has not been an easy year at all. Because of the major weight loss, I developed a common side effect of gallstones and had to have my gallbladder removed. I was then hospitalized and released on Christmas Eve for fluid in my remnant stomach. It has been a long, tough road, but I have has such a great support system through my husband, family and friends (the select few who knew). I am finally at 100% a year later and feel awesome. Let me tell you that this surgery is not an easy fix. It is tough--mentally and physically! You have lifelong consequences and responsibilities that include monitoring proper protein intake, blood taken every few months to monitor your levels and tons of daily vitamins that you must take to keep your levels normal.

This has helped me tremendously, and I have obviously lost my extra weight. I don't regret this hard road one bit! I would do it all over again! So, now my "secret" is out. My anniversary came and went, but it was a major milestone in my life that I will always celebrate!

Welcome!

I have no idea where this is going to take me, but I hope you enjoy what I have to share just as much as I enjoy sharing it.

PENNIES
I love saving money and have been using coupons for years. Hopefully, I can inspire you to start saving money and alert you to some tips and savings along the way. What do I think of TLC's Extreme Couponing? I hate it. Despise it. It is giving a bad name to couponers and making it even tougher for those of us that are honest in our couponing and don't clear shelves with 100 bottles of toothpaste we don't need. Two bottles of Wisk was all I wanted this week. Two bottles is not to much to ask for, is it?

PUPPIES
Animals, especially dogs, are the loves of my life. It's almost scary how much I adore my dogs. Belle is a rescue dog that came from Florida after a hurricane, and Laci isa rescue that was roaming the streets of Columbia. No offense to anyone, but I am strongly against breeding. There are so many dogs to adopt at shelters and resue agencies, why would you want to buy a dog? Call me crazy, but I also believe rescued animals have a greater appreciation for life and for you. They know they have it better with me now, and that makes me happy. Should I have gone to vet school to work with animals--yes. But, my life has taken me on a different track for now, and I am ok with that.

PONDERINGS
My "ponderings" started as an inside joke with some of my coworkers. I will warn you--some of them are weird enough to make me wonder about myself.  Let me warn you--I have a 35 minute commute to and from work, so I have a lot of pondering time. This morning, I caught myself thinking where is my life going? Where is my career going? I feel that it's time for a change, but is it in the plans God has for me? It's tough for me to accept some things that happen in my life, even though I know He is leading me on the right track and that I am on this specific track for a reason. Accepting things you don't expect or want is hard, but I trust Him. It may be wrong, but it will just take me a few days to accept this track. I know that I am so blessed in my life, and I just think about that. That makes things better! Some wine helps, too :)
On a lighter note, another pondering I had was wonder what it's like to be a sign turner for a construction crew. Getting a tan all day and not having a phone ring in your ear with fires to put out all day. Not to take their jobs lightly because I know they are hard workers and work in tough conditions, but a girl can wonder. I told you some of my ponderings were weird!