So happy I could cry

This morning I headed out on what seemed to promise to be a frustrating yard saling morning. I was going to a sale out in Draper and thanks to classic Utah road construction, I ended up taking a 15 minute detour to my first sale. Then I hit every red light possible but just barely missing the green. (Are you feeling my frustration?) I was debating about turning around, but see I had this dream. So I kept going. Eventually I made it to the yard sale (sorry to the trucks I cut off mid day dream). It wasn't a huge sale and I was already an hour past opening. But guess what? Dreams do come true. I drove the whole time dreaming of finding this little gem, and expecting if I did find it to pay much more. I think my eyes popped out of my head when I saw what I was looking for just laying there with a sticker saying $20 Doll + Book. That's right my doll savvy friends. I found an American Girl doll. Elizabeth to be exact. I seriously almost cried. I did jump up and down and scream when I got home and relived my fortuitous moment. Lyndsi gets what she wants for Christmas (so don't mention this great story in front of her please) and Jeff and I don't have to pay full price.

I also found this other great little item to stash away for Christmas.

I {heart} yardsaling!

Dancing with the Sophie

So, tonight I was watching Dancing with the Stars while folding laundry. Sophie wandered down and started watching with me. All of a sudden she blurted out, "she doesn't have a shirt!" I almost laughed because it's true. Those women are barely covered. But, it wasn't much longer before she was captivated by the dancing and asking for some dancing clothes (not that I think she wanted to wear what they were). Thanks to Lyndsi, we have plenty of "dancing clothes" which Sophie wore and almost slept in. Here's my little "star"

She also has discovered her "piggy bank." She wants to carry it around whenever she sees it and has also discovered the joy of dropping those shiny silver coins in there.

Groceries

I am so impressed that so many of you stay below $100 a week!! Needless to say, I"m sure we all know that it's a difficult task. I myself spend more than I want to on groceries, but am always looking for ways to cut back-coupons, ad matching, etc. I'm hoping my yearly attempt at gardening will be much more fruitful (literally) this year than in years past and I hope all the local farmers have the same luck.

I was skimming through an issue of the Wall Street Journal a week or two ago and came across an article that stated something to the effect of gardening is the new trend. People are getting stung by rising costs of groceries and are turning to their own backyards for help. I laughed when I read this recalling Pres. Hinckley's counsel (and several other prophets I'm sure) to plant a garden and to be self-sufficient.

Last year my mom and I bottled apples-something neither of us had done before but was one of the best things I've done. We have used them constantly. They stayed tart and semi-crisp (more firm that I thought anyway). They've been great for a snack was money is tight or to blend up into less expensive and more nutritious (hopefully) applesauce. Trust me these little guys have gotten us through. I most definitely will do this again in the fall.

Farmers markets are great too. And so is the cannery, although I'm not sure if they are always cheaper. Of course, we can't forget Harmon's, Smith's, and Macey's huge semi-annual caselot sales to help us stock up. (Seriously-I got pork and beans for 29 cents a can. It was very exciting. :) )

What are all of you doing to save $$ on groceries?