California

We spent two weeks in California with my parents. It was a very much needed break from school for both of us. We spent time around the house and with cousin Matthew. We went to a Giants game, Pixie Play Land, Angel Island, Tiburon and Baker Beach. We ended up staying a few extra days to avoid the snow in the Sierras. I loved catching up with old friends and we enjoyed my dad's beautiful garden.

This is the view out of the guest bedroom door upstairs. I love waking up to this view.

We took a ferry to Angel Island and had fun walking/running around the whole thing. We went over the San Rafael, Golden Gate, Benicia and Bay Bridge!

After Angel Island we stopped by Baker Beach. We were too tired to walk along the sand to get closer to the bridge. I guess we will have to go back again some other day to get a closer picture.

Yes, there are 4 kids on each stroller!

We also went to Pixie Play Land and the Oakland Zoo. Pixie Land was my favorite when I was little and I think Grace will love it as much as I did. We fed the ducks and turtles and then took the train, went on a few rides, had a picnic with cousin Matthew and Aunt Melissa. We are very excited to go back this summer.

Giants picture and video of Grace walking coming soon...She started walking about two days ago! Also, I will need to get some pictures of Scott, Liz and my mom.

Couponing Knowledge

This is what I have learned about couponing:

1. You have to ask when coupon double days are (I haven't yet experienced this, but I can't wait for it). They don't advertise this so you have to ask.
   
2. At Target if you buy certain things you get giftcards for your next purchase. You have to do multiple purchases, but it's worth it--This is something else they don't advertise. I bought those lotions at Target for $1 a piece because they were on clearance and I had $3 worth of coupons and then I got a $5 giftcard for it.
3. Sometimes, depending on the cashier, they will over-ride multiple coupons for one item. Like today I bought granola packets and was paid $1.07 to walk out the door with them.
4. You have to be patient. Today I spent $10.57 for $40 worth of stuff. Then I went back with Marc and spent $25 ( I returned the Oreos Liz) and saved about $30 worth.....not great, but when I got home I had $7 worth of coupons in the mail that would have brought that one down to $18! Oh well.
5. Always check the clearance section. I bought three boxes of 14 oz cheerios for 29 cents each with all my coupons.
6. Also, you can request some coupons through companies and they will send them to you. Gerber sent me $7 worth, that's another reason why I did so well at Target.
   

I don't have room to do any more coupon shopping this month, my place is full. Although I definitely will when it's double coupon day. I will save up until then. I am addicted.

Extreme Couponing

So my new favorite show is extreme couponing. I told myself I would try it while I was off track--not to their extreme, but to my own practical extreme. I spent 20 minutes today looking around online to see where I was going to go couponing and Target seemed to be my best option. I printed a few coupons...read up on a few couponing blogs, gathered the coupons I already had and $7.84 later this is what I ended up with.

It was about $53 worth not counting tax. I think I did pretty well for my first time. The candy and fruit roll ups weren't really needed, but they were a tasty treat for dessert tonight. I am never buying something without a coupon again...except for maybe an eye exam co-pay ;)

body wash, baby wipes, 2 aveeno baby lotions (1.50 each plus a $5 target giftcard) all the gerber things I paid about 2 dollars for including the sippy cup, toothpaste, 2 things of deodorant, band-aids, 2 reeses and 8 fruit roll-ups.This made my day!