1.98!!!!!

I am such a sucker for a great bargain. Even before this recession/depression I shopped clearance and sales! I hardly ever pay full price for anything and if I do I better have to have it. Usually I shop off season and often! Target is the best store for bargains. Pretty sure that Target sees me coming !!!

For the past couple of months I have been buying for two babies. Preslee and Shalynn. Now keep in mind that I adore baby clothes and especially girly things. So buying for these two has been so much fun!I also adore Target's clearance racks.

Last Saturday Tim and I met some friends for dinner at Chili's. While we were waiting for them to get to K-town I ran in Target. Well I actually didn't run it was more of a brisk walk. Anyway I went straight to the baby stuff. Just by shear luck I found the most amazing deals on the rack that looked the most picked over. I found creepers, tees and pants for $1.98 each. You should have seen my cart!!!!!!! I have two more babies to buy for (girls) in the next month so I decided to buy all that they had.

So here I go walking out to the truck with a huge grin on my face and 4 bags full! Now Tim doesn't see the point of clearance. He doesn't understand why I get super excited about a great deal. Later that night I layed the clothes out and then made him guess how much I spent. He said at least $100 I said nope $33. He just laughed.

Target always has the best deals on everything. The next time you are in Target go to the asile endcaps you can find all the clearance stuff. I find toothpaste, deodrant, make-up, tylenol, mouthwash, toys, towels, rugs, picture frames, snacks, etc...... at great deals. I love to buy in bulk too. Since I have things at Tim's and at home its easier to buy in bulk and split it up. That way I don't have to take the whole house when I need to shower at his place. It makes four wheeling trips much better knowing that when we get back I can shower with my body wash and not his. Ha Ha

Here are my top 5 ways to spend less!

1. Never pay full price for an item that has just come out. Wait a few weeks and let them mark it down.

2. Shop clearance and sale racks often. Usually an item will be marked down at least 3 times before they send it back.

3. Buy clothes out of season when they are marked down to nothing. Get sweaters in May or June and swimsuits in October or November.

4. Buy online and often using coupon codes. I use these for everything I purchase online.

5. Buy in bulk.

No go

Exactly 3 hours after opening my brand new wonderful sewing machine, I was putting it right back in the box. Yes thats right I cannot sew. Not only can I not sew, I cannot thread a bobbin properly or sew in a straight line. Now I could blame the machine, but I think we all know that its me. I could blame my mama for not teaching me to sew, but she tried many times and I refused to learn. I could also blame Tim since he hated the idea of the apartment becoming my craft store, but he actually helped me set it all up last night. Then he helped me pack it all back in the box. ( I am pretty sure I saw a grin on his face at one point)

So no go on the pillowcase dresses. Too bad! I was really looking forward to extending my creativeness. Spell checker is telling me creativness isn't a word, I am so writing webster a letter! Ha Ha

Quick note: Jason and Stacy are the proud parents of Shalynn. I don't know her middle name. She is in the NICU right now, but is doing better. I am so excited for them! We were going to go see her last night, but since she was in the NICU we decided to wait a couple of days.

Anybody ever made a pillowcase dress?

Me either, but I am gonna try tonight! After many long hours and weighing the pros and cons of each I have decided on which sewing machine to get!!!! I know I know a big decision right? Well actually it was. I didn't want one that I couldn't get 95% use out of. I needed one that was small yet functionable. It can do 500 things, but if I can't use at least 495 of them, then I don't want it.

My first project with my new toy is going to be a pillowcase dress. I have never made one, but the idea looks simple enough. With spring in the air I am feeling more creative than ever. Lets just hope that I don't try to take on more than I can handle!!!

Kristy's shower is this Saturday and I am so not ready! I still have to wrap her gift, gather my outfit and accessories and get the ingredients for the food I am making. I really shouldn't say making since I am only washing, cutting and stragetically placing fruit and veggies on trays. Ha Ha! I still have a few projects up my sleeve too. I started working on a sign for Preslee's bedroom door, but now that its painted I am having second thoughts. I will post pictures tonight. Maybe I can use my new sewing machine to accomplish some of my ideas!!!!!

Quick note! Tim's cousin Jason and his wife Stacy are going in today to have their baby Shalynn. Shalynn is breech so a C-Section is a must. Say a prayer that all goes well for them!!!!!

Creative Thinking Cap

I recieved an e-mail this morning from a woman who saw my bibs & aprons on craigslist. Her husband is paralyzed and in a nursing home. She asked me to make him some adult bibs for him that don't really look like bibs. So its time to put my creative thinking cap on and see what I can come up with. Anyone have any thoughts?

New things are here!

Sorry this is sideways. These bloomers are my favorite!!! I hope Stacy likes them!

(I didn't make them)
or this

or this

or this, but I still wanted to show them off

I did monogram this.

You can barely see it, but this has a "P" for Preslee

I must admit I didn't do this dress, but I love it!

This creeper is for Miss Preslee!

These bibs are $5 each and can be personalized with a name or initial of your choice.

I love how this little bib turned out!

I made this for sweet little Harper. Her mama is Kelly from Kelly's Korner. I follow her blog faithfully. Everyone has been making and sending things to miss Harper so I decided to do the same!

Cassie has become quite the chef since she got married. I made this apron for her so she can cook in style!

Yes I wanted the letters to be hap hazard like this!

I also made her this "R" to hang in her house. It isn't done just yet so I will post another picture of the final product.

This is for Tracy. She wanted me to make her some baby shower gifts.

I have a few more ideas up my sleeve for her so stay tuned.

Four wheeling friends

This is going to be a long post, but I had so many pictures to choose from it was hard to narrow them down.

Jordy is an awesome subject.

Check out these pictures from last weekend.

Yes I realize that he is wearing zero head gear, but he wouldn't listen!

I love this face!

The thought process behind this picture was to see myself in Tim's sunglasses. I stole this idea from Rebekah and Daniel at Southern Charm Portraits. Thanks guys! I think it would have turned out better if Tim had cooperated a tad bit more. He was not interested in this concept at all.

Jordy thought something I said was so funny that he nearly fell off the four wheeler!

Well actually he did roll around on the ground for a minute!

I love this one!

Tim looks mad! I promise he wasn't. I think he was just over having his picture taken.

My poor rainboots have seen better days!

Love that face!

I thought this one was a good one to end on!

Isn't goodwill great?

I know I have mentioned about a thousand times how much I love goodwill. I like it because I can find really great deals on all kinds of things. I was escpecially elated about this one! This cute "L" monogrammed tee was only $1.99! It was too little for Lily so I gave it to Emily for Leah. This was def the deal of the day!

New things are coming!!!

I spent most of last night monogramming! Did I mention I love monogrammed things? I especially love them for babies. Last night's project was a bib for Preslee. I got her name finished, but not the little pink feet. I promise to post pictures soon. Hopefully I will finish the bib tonight so I can start working on her socks.

If you would like to have something monogrammed let me know. Cost varies depending on the item, how many letters and how long it takes me to make it. For instance if I were selling this bib (which I am not its a gift for Kristy) it would be $12. I can do creepers, caps, socks, blankets, bibs, mittens, cloth baskets, etc....... You dream it I can do it.

Where did my weekend go?

Sorry for the picture-less post but my internet has an attitude tonight so I will have to post some later. Anyway this weekend really flew by. The weekends that I have to work on Saturday always fly by.

Friday night was a really hectic night. I still had those 30 dresses from the girl in Athens. She donated them to the dress auction for the prom show. I thought it was super nice of her since she has a little boy and another on the way. She comes to knoxville to the doctor so I told her that I could meet her and return the dresses. Her appointment was at 3:30 and I didn't get off work until 5:30!!!! So I raced to Tim's to pick him up, and of course he wasn't ready. Ha Ha then we raced to west knoxville. Turns out her appointment ran a little late and she called as we were passing merchants.

After we returned the dresses, I treated Tim to dinner at the Chop House. This was his reward for not only riding in my car (which he hates), but riding in it while I was driving it! lol He really hates my driving. It may have something to do with the fact that I speed, weave and talk among other things while I drive.

I love the chop house!!! After our delicious meal we sped (quite quickly) to the Bass Pro Shop. Tim found some boots after Christmas, but they didn't have his size. Well guess what? Not only did they not have his size this time, they also discontinued the entire boot! He was less than thrilled. Oh well I didn't care I had a starbucks hot chocolate and lemon loaf while I watched the fish swim.

This little old man came by and saw that a fish was choking on another fish! Apparently the fish had bit off more than he could chew. It was kinda sad. The little man then went on to point out each different kind of fish in the tank. At some point I stopped listening and just nodded in agreement. Bless him he was a sweet little man. Too bad all his fish wisdom was wasted on me.

Saturday morning came all too early! Work wasn't too bad though. I love customers who wait until 11:45 to come to the bank. I have a hard time being nice to these lazy bums who come waltzing in wearing their PJ'S while I have been up since 6 a.m.! AHHHHHHH


After work I raced to my monogramming lady's house in powell. I can't wait to show off all the cute things I am having made! Shalynn and Preslee are going to be able to spell their names perfect way before all the other kids their age. Hey who doesn't love their name on EVERYTHING?

Later that day Tim, Jordy and I went four wheeling. It was sorta warm when we left, but quickly turned chilly. Tim and Jordy didn't notice the cold of course, but I sure did. I got some really great shots with my new lens! Apparently I was getting a little brave, because Tim yelled at me a couple of times to move. He was afraid that one of them would accidentally run over me. Call me trusting, but I wasn't scared!!!!

Sunday was good and warmer than I expected. Too bad I was napping most the day and missed out on the sun! Tim spent the day yelling at the TV during the race. He really gets mad when Carl Edwards doesn't win. I think this race was more important since it was Bristol. I am really looking forward to Bristol in August!

All in all it was a good weekend! Can't wait for the next one!

McMama

If you don't follow McMama's blog please take a moment to read her story now. Please pray for baby Stellan. I can't imagine what this family is going through right now, all I know to do is pray. Please join me in praying!

*Congrats to Riley*

And the winner is (drumroll please).........Riley Wilson!!!!!! Sorry guys Tracy was the first to comment so she wins the free session! Get with me Trace and we will schedule your session!!!!!!

*Free Session*

My new lens came in the mail Friday! I am so excited!!!! This weekend we went four wheeling and I was able to use it. Tim and Jordy are great practice models. Ha Ha

Anyway with the weather getting better and my new lens I want to celebrate! So here is the deal.....I am offering a free session to the first person to comment on this post.

The session will include a one hour session at any location (with in reason) of your choice and a CD complete with all the images. This session can include as many people as you want. Feel free to bring whatever props you like.

Come see the bunny

First Volunteer is doing pictures with the Easter bunny on Friday, April 10th from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Jacksboro branch. Pictures with the bunny are free and can be picked up the following Monday.

Bill Landry

Remember that I told you about meeting Bill Landry (Heartland Series) at the Women's Day Expo? Well here is the proof. Too bad that I was looking at Cassie's camera and not the news camera. Oh well!

Contact Cassie

This is the link to Cassie's blog where you can reach her to place your avon order. www.cassrussell.blogspot.com

Giveaway

Who doesn't love giftcards? I love love love to get giftcards as gifts. I have decided to do a give away!!!! Who doesn't love giveaways? I love them too! Anyway between today and March 31st anyone who spends $10 in AVON with Cassie will be entered to win the giveaway. The giveaway will include a $25 gift card to either O'Charley's, Applebees or Outback and two tickets to a movie at the Pinnacle Turkey Creek. I love AVON and my sister loves electricity. She is currently a full time student so a full time job is out of the question. This is an awesome package for a date night. Entry is easy call Cassie and place your order. Then post a comment on this blog post letting me know that you have ordered and paid. Also if you blog about this on your blog I will add your name to the hat again. If you refer someone to her and they order at least $10 I will add you again. Lastly if that person adds a comment to this blog post I will add you once more. You have a possibility to be entered at least 4 times just for ordering $10. For every $10 that you order after that I will enter your name again. For instance if you order $30 you will get entered 3 times (1 for each $10) and then you blog about it, refer a friend, they order and blog then you will be entered 7 times! On March 31st I will put everyone's name in a hat and draw. This is a $40 vaule. Good luck to everyone!

Women's Day Expo

I love the Women's Day Expo. No matter what is going on I go every year. Cassie and I got a late start, which was totally my fault, but we had a great time. This year was really special for me since Robin Roberts was there. Robin is on Good Morning America. I love love love her! Every morning I watch GMA while I get ready for work, then on the way to work I listen to it on the radio. You would be surprised at how much I learn! Anyway I was sure that we had missed her since we didn't get a parking place until 12:01. Right as we walked in the door I heard ticket girl tell someone that Robin was speaking at 12:30. Cassie and I headed straight over to the stage and of course couldn't get a seat. So instead we stood next to the stage with about a million other people. Robin surprised everyone by bringing Pat Summit! I have pictures, but I will have to wait until I use Tim's high speed. Dial up stinks!

Anyway after we looked all the booths over, had some samples, and of course bought some awesome things we were ready to leave. For some reason we walked by the WBIR booth one last time. Guess who was there? Bill Landry from the heart land series. I love him! He was super nice and let me have a picture made with him. Then we talked for a few minutes. He was really really nice!!!!!

Of course we did some shopping after the expo. How could I leave k-town without making a stop at Target? I am glad I did. Target was having a great sale. I got some long sleeve onesies for $1.48. I have some plans up my sleeve for them.

All in all it was a great day.

B 6, I 25, N 38, G 50, O 69

If you didn't make it out to bingo Thursday night you missed a great time! I haven't laughed that hard in forever! Bingo was something I was sure I could win at, but I was wrong. People came out in droves for this event! I was really surprised!! Nikki said that people started to arrive around 3 p.m. and it wasn't suppose to start until 6 p.m. They told her that they wanted to make sure they could get a seat! The cards were 3 for $13 and then $5 for the special card. The special card was for Southern Charm Portraits, Sophie Mac Photography and $120 worth of fireworks from Donald Ray. We played 3 separate games for these prizes. Melissa got the Sophie Mac prize!



The most surprising thing was that there were actually people cheating. Well of course I can't prove it or anything, but I am pretty sure! This one table was a lady, her husband and her daughter. At the beginning of the night all three of them were yelling bingo every 5 minutes! I am serious, I know the lady won 5 times, her husband at least 1 and the daughter 3 times! They were winning games back to back! I think Nikki saw that everyone was getting a little irratated so she got someone to start verifing when anyone called bingo. Guess what? Suddenly they stopped yelling bingo!!! Then a little later the little girl yelled bingo but didn't have it.

Believe it or not I was actually the last person to win a game! That isn't the saddest part. The saddest part is that I won with Ali's card. Ali left about 3o minutes before us. She gave her cards to me and Tim. I finally won!!!! Thanks Ali!

Nikki said that they raised $2500! This was a great fund raiser! We are going to do it again the night of Relay.

It's a small world

Today I got an e-mail from another Tiffany Sharee except she spells her Cherie. I thought that was pretty neat! She said that she had found my blog through fellow blogger Kelly (praying for harper) and she just had to e-mail me. I am really glad she did. I think we are going to become good friends!!!!!!

Duck Duck Goose

Nope I am not trying to recruit you to play a game of duck duck goose with me! I am trying to save all you mommy's out there tons of money!!!!!

Duck Duck Goose is a huge consignment event held annually in K-town. They have infant, children, pre-teen, teen and even maternity clothes for sale! The best part is all things are dirt cheap because they are used!

I am definately going since Hannah and Lily are for ever more needing clothes. I get them clothes at goodwill quite a bit and always check clearance racks when I am shopping. Kids are just too messy to pay $100 for each outfit. Don't get me wrong I buy nice new clothes for them, but not everyday!

You can sell your things there too!

The sale is April 2-6 right beside the Target next to West Towne Mall.

If you are interested in working a "shift" during the sale it would be to your benefit. The workers recieve special "worker only" hours to shop. During this time you can find things that no one has even seen yet! Imagine getting the good stuff before it gets picked over!

They also have a special shopping time for 1st time moms or if your child is under the age of one. I e-mailed the link to Kristy!!! This would be a great place for her to get Preslee some adorable things.

http://www.dkdkgoose.com/main.html GO CHECK IT OUT

Dress for Less

Yes we are in a recession, and spending tons of money on clothes really isn't an option for most. That's why I bargain hunt! I love to bargain hunt! Old Navy, Target, TJ MAXX, Marshalls, Ross and yes Wal-mart are some of my fav places to shop. I also hardly ever walk out of goodwill without something. Usually its vintage tees or kids clothes for the girlies. I never in a million years would have ever shopped at Wal-mart when I was in high school. If you had asked me then I would have told you that wal-mart had cheap, out of style clothes. Not the case anymore though!

If you are looking for a good deal try online shopping using coupon codes. I absolutely fell in love with these codes over Christmas. I am not sure I paid full price for any gift. These codes are super easy to use and can save you tons. Try www.wow-coupons.com It is my fav because they also have printable coupons. I did some of those over Christmas and most stores just scanned the coupon and then gave it back. I used the same coupon in one store 3 times!!!!! It was surely worth it!

Being in a recession doesn't mean we have to start dressing in paper bags. It just means we have to shop smarter and be more thrifty! Watch for sales, buy clothes off season and never ever ever pay full price! Happy Shopping!

An afternoon with the McKamey gals!

All three girls have the BEST facial expressions!

Hannah was showing me an "easier" way to climb to her clubhouse. Yeah I still didn't try it!

Look at that face!

Leah had a tiny accident. She took a tumble down the bank. Bless her heart!

Bethany decided that Jack needed a bath so she tossed him into the pool. Yep Jack spazzed out and Beth had a good laugh! Jack kept his distance the rest of the night!

I took some of the left over dresses from the prom show down to Em's house last night. You should have seen her living room. We had dresses hanging everywhere! Miss Brittany (Em's niece) was looking for a dress. She did a little mini fashion show for us. I think she picked the best one. It needs a new zipper, but her mamaw can take care of that.

Anyway while I was there I played outside with the girls. It was such a nice day. The girls decided to make a clubhouse on the side of a bank. Not exactly the safest place, but fun for them none the less. Hannah really wanted me to climb the bank, but I wasn't brave enough. She was very disappointed.

These girls are very creative. Look at how they took their daddy's bungee cords and tied both their barbie jeeps and Hannah's bicycle together. Bethany promised me that this death trap didn't actually run and its more of a "pretend thing" as she called it. lol