Cravings Cured

So for my birthday each year my mother in law, sister in law and I head to the West Side to do some shopping.  This isn't a casual trip it is a hard core, all day, open and close all the shops kind of day.  So in the spirit of spring we jumped right in grabbing deals right and left.

As previously posted, there were several things I was looking for.  Some sunshiney colors, scarfs, great jeans, gladiator sandals...and I think I did pretty well fulfilling all of those needs and wants that I had. 

Nordstrom Rack seemed to get most of my time, energy and money at the end of the day but they also had the most to offer on this trip. I was out of jeans.  I mean OUT.  My jeans were torn, broken and looking like I was a bit well in need of a home.  Very sad shape my jeans were in.  So the rack provided me with 3 pair of sparkling new jeans with out a hole in them.  One down fall...I am short...and 2 out of the 3 have to be tailored to fit.  Someone who is 5'8...no problem but 5'3"?  There is some hemming to be done.  I really wanted a denim jacket as well...they delivered on that as well.  Cute t-shirts...yes;)  In all sorts of summery and spring colors. I even found something pink.  Scarf's for my hair were found as well...I guess they are called sashes and I loved how Kate Hudson wore them in Fools Gold.  I found the scarfs and mimicked the knot done in that movie, and fulfilled another craving.  My best friends topped off my weekend by gifting me a beautiful red purse, a pair of earrings, and a cake cook book which if you have read my blog before, I bake a lot;)  I got almost everything on my list....now to wait out those sales and see if we can't get some sandals;)  Anyone else done any shopping lately?  I can't tell you how much fun those big trips are:)  Had a great few days in Seattle.  Saw my family, friends, and shopped until I literally dropped;)  Great trip...can't wait to do it again;) 

So Coupons Part trois or three if you are not french....

I am getting better...Went to Albertson's this week and save 76%!!! I  bought 21 boxes of cereal (with coupons ended up being .67 cents each so why not stock up) I had a $1- off coupon on fresh fruit and with the Albertson's doubler deal it was $2- off...making my strawberries that were 2 for $5- a mere .50 a tub. With the purchase of 3 boxes of cereal you got a free gallon of milk coupon...so I ended up with 7 free gallons of milk, two of which are in my fridge now.  The most expensive thing I bought was the yogurt at .34 a piece for yoplait.  I ended up buying 30 of them...My girls have already mowed through 4 of them having yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast.  So not to shabby if I say so myself.  It is exhausting a bit because you have to do the leg work.  Find the best coupon match up sites, get the papers, clip everything out, house it in some form of storage for potential shopping trips and then have all that ready at the store just in case their is an instore special.  Lots of work but it pays off if you are patient and willing to do the work.  I will update how I am doing in a few months to see if I am getting any better at this.  Right now, it is taking HOURS to get everything ready to go. I am hoping with a little practice I can become more efficient at this. Hopefully!  Fingers crossed!  Also just so you know...I am not going to become a hoarder...not in my gene pool to do so.  Excess food and supplies will be donated through our church to Serve Wenatchee Valley to help those in our valley who are in need.  So breath a sigh of relief, you will never see us on the show "Extreem Couponing" showing off my own personal grocery store or on the show "hoarder" where I am burried alive by my stuff.  Just trying to feed my family for less:)  Take care my readers (hopefully with an s;))  And I will let you know how I do. 

PS my geeky notebook for all my coupons arrives today via Amazon...it's green, at least that's probably the only cool thing about it...oh and saving oodles of $$$ denero, moola, geld, l'argent, loot, swag, booty...you get the point!

Currently Craving Summer 2011 Anthropologie

 

Not necessarly do I need this specifically from Anthro but I really am craving
1) New interesting bedding
2) Elephant plant holder...which is quite awesome;)
3) Red gladiators
4) Interesting Scarfs
5) Flair leg jeans
6) Something yellow...a great bag would be nice but I can live with a clip or a shirt...something;)

Stay tuned for more summer cravings;)  What are you currently craving???? Send me a note in the comments below:)
Currently Craving Summer 2011 Anthropologie by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring wedge shoes

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies...Ever!

So I hated making Chocolate Chip Cookies because up until about a decade ago I didn't have a decent recipe...or just was terrible at making the cookies, I don't know but here is my fool proof, awesome recipe, that actually came from a baker at a restaurant...and he gave me the ACTUAL ingredients;) Thanks Gerald:)

Chocolate Chip Cookie's Ala Gerald

1 Pound Margarine or Butter ( I only use Butter)
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Tsp. Baking Soda
1 Tsp. Salt
1Tbls Vanilla
2Tbs. Water
3 Eggs
4-1/2 Cup of Flour
2 Bags or 4 Cups of Choc. Chips

Bake for 11 Minutes at 350.

Seriously the best Chocolate Chip Cookies around!  Enjoy!
Ohh...this makes a HUGE batch...if you couldn't tell already by the quanities:)