Pillow Cases

I've been working on these throw-pillow cases for several months.

Today I finished the last one!

I love this fabric! Mark brought it home from work.

They were just going to get rid of it!!

This case is made from the top layer of an old skirt which I put over a muslin backing.

I took this leftover brown fabric and sewed different stitches all over it to give it some life.

On all of the cases, I overlapped fabric in the back so I wouldn't have to attempt to sew on zippers.

Ta da!

I'm really happy with the way they turned out!!

Before and After #2

Two bedside lamps that no longer match the bedroom decor.
$0

Two lamp shades collecting dust in a closet.
$0

Add the two together and you get redesigned lamps that somewhat match everything around them.
Priceless.

Crazy Savings!!

Today I was on a coupon/savings rampage! Today at Safeway every item in my cart was either on sale or I was able to use a coupon for it. I bought $53.64 worth of items for only 26.47 (including the tax).

The formula was my best savings of the day:
Enfamil Formula Powder - Reg. 22.99, combined $10.00, $5.00, and $4.00 coupons. END PRICE: $3.99!!!!! I couldn't believe it!

Calling all moms!!! If you plan on using formula, you should register on the formula brands' websites. They send free coupons in the mail. I never planned on having to use formula, but thought it would be good to have some in food storage just in case. So, I went to the Enfamil, Similac, etc. websites before Cohen was born. Enfamil sent me two big canisters of free formula. I didn't think I was ever going to use them, but they sure came in handy when Cohen went on his nursing strike. I'm not trying to "push" formula as I am a fan of nursing, but if you have to (or choose to) use formula, you might as well save some money! I've listed some well-known formula links below for your use.

Enfamil
Similac
Nestle Good Start
Kirkland - Costco doesn't send out free formula/coupons, but they are the cheapest formula I've found. I buy it when I run out of coupons.

Being Green/Saving Money is Going to Kill Me

Cohen and I walked to the grocery store today. I also stopped off at a restaurant supplier to buy some cheaper cooking items (olive oil, cooking spray, etc.) Five coupons and fifty dollars later I found myself walking home with way too much stuff in the stroller. Cohen by himself is almost 25 pounds. Then adding the essentials (diaper bag, toys, water) is about 10 more pounds. I don't even want to know how much the groceries weighed. I was doing okay until I reached "killer hill." That is when I wanted to die. Mark called me about 5 seconds after I got home. I was still sweating, hot and a little out of breath. I made a vow to drive the car if I ever have to get that many groceries again. Yikes!!