It's Beginning To Feel Like Christmas

It is cold today!  Our high is only going to be 40 degrees.  I was thrilled this morning when Brandi woke up still not feeling well, because that meant I didn't have to go to the bus stop when it was twenty something degrees.  She has been fighting a cough for a while now, and it seems to be getting worse instead of better.  So, instead of school we are taking a trip to the doctors.  I'm hoping he'll be able to give her something to knock the cough out.

I have gotten used to the "not so cold" Christmas' we have here in South Carolina.  That doesn't stop the stores from decorating like we're living at the North Pole.  I love all the Santa villages and snowmen.  Whenever we go to a store or the mall, I always think to myself that it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.  Now if I could just finish up my shopping, things would be perfect.  Kasi is the only one I have left to shop for, but whenever I try and find something for her, I find things I know Brandi would love. 

I found this adorable umbrella that I know Brandi would love.  I mean, it's a ladybug, and you all know about her ladybug obsessions.  She reminds me of myself with elephants.  Anyway, this is part of a Kidorable deal where they are offering this umbrella free with purchase until December 15.  I am hoping I can find something to buy for Kasi, so that I can get this free umbrella. 

If only I could find something for Kasi.  Who knew it would be so hard shopping for a 13 year old girl?

Ryan Bought A Laptop

A couple of weeks ago we bought Ryan a laptop. Well, I say we, but he saved up his own money and paid for half of it, and the rest was his birthday gift from us. We bought it at Best Buy, after I did a lot of checking online to see who had the best deal. You would think that while doing my research it would have occurred to me to look for coupons I could use, but it never did. After all the times I have written about how cheap I am, and how much I love using coupons, I totally flaked out on finding one this time. Let's just say it was a blond moment.

Of course, I found a bunch of Best Buy Coupons after the fact. That's just the way my life goes. I always find a better deal after the fact. But from now on, I am going to try and remember to find coupons for everything I buy, not just my groceries. I think that was my problem. It didn't register with me that all kinds of stores use coupons, not just grocery stores.

Ryan loves his laptop, though, which is the important thing. He even lets me borrow it sometimes. Of course, I usually have to beg a little bit first.

Finding A Fun Way To Exercise

The time has come. I am ready to get into an exercise program and lose some of this weight. For good this time. I am so tired of losing only to gain it right back. The 42 pounds I lost last year are still lost. Well, at least most of them are. I gained back four pounds during the move because we were eating out so much. But, I am now determined to lose them again, plus some.

I have tried all kinds of programs in the past, from low fat to low carb. By trying everything, I know what works for me, and that is exercise. It doesn't matter what program; I use if I don't exercise I won't lose weight. This leads me to my current problem, finding an exercise that is fun, and that I will want to do. I can Jump Away The Pounds, which sounds pretty fun. I even found coupon codes for Trampolines Plus, which I can use to buy one of those mini trampolines. I used to have one, but when we moved from the house two years ago, it somehow got left behind.

I am hoping that I can lose more weight before it is bathing suit season. My mom's new house has an in ground pool, so you know where I will be spending a lot of my time. Swimming is also good exercise, so that's a bonus, too.

LLBean Coupons

This past week, it has been cold. Our lows have been in the 30's. Going to the bus stop at 6:20 am has been a little chilly. I had the kids break out their winter coats, and luckily they all still fit. Brandi's is a little tight, which means she could use a new one. Missy gave us one that is blue, and Brandi loves it, but she is very fashion conscience and wants a "girlier" one to wear with dresses.

She is yet to wear a dress to school this year, but apparently plans on to during the winter months. how this makes sense, I do not know. I would wear dresses in the warmer months, but you can't argue with a seven year old. If she wants her legs to freeze, that's her business.

(I should probably say that I will not let her wear a dress on a day that is freezing...I do have some parental control)

It is now my mission to find her a nice, girly winter coat. I went online looking for free coupons, and found some LL Bean coupons. I checked out their website, and they have some pretty cute girl's coats. Brandi and I decided together that she should get this cute pink plush coat. It looks like it will keep her nice and warm.

I should also mention that although it has been in the 30's at night, during the day it gets up to the mid 70's. This is the kind of weather that's keeps us all sniffling and coughing. I will be happy when it's winter, and it's cold all the time. This fall weather is killing me.

Book Deals

The easiest way to save money is to use coupons. I try very hard not to buy anything unless I have a coupon for it, or it is on sale. In my opinion, some things, like books, are overpriced. I love to read, and when my favorite author comes out with a new book, I am desperate to have it. I know I could save money by going to the library, but I love owning books. I have several bookcases overflowing with my books. There are only a few that I paid full price for. I like a1books online, and go there to save money. My latest find was the new James Patterson book, Swimsuit. I should be getting it in the mail any day now, and I got it for a steal. I hear it's a really good book.

If I disappear for a few days, it's because I am reading it.