money maker at staples!

If you have a Staples Reward Card, and also recycle your used ink cartridges, then you should receive Staples rewards certificates.  Between home and Troy's office, we go through quite a few ink cartridges, so we accumulate nice rewards every so often.  This week, I bought 2 packs of Zebra brand ink pens, and 1 pack of Bic mechanical pencils.  I also bought a pencil box.  Everything was on sale, or had an Easy Rebate offer with it.  Total cost of this purchase cost me $1.07 out of pocket at the register, but then I will receive a $2.49 rebate check in the mail for the Bic pencils.  PLUS, I still have $15.00 in rewards certificates to use. . .

more freebies!

I scored again this week.  Finish dishwasher tabs plus a 75 cent coupon, and 4 more K-Cups!  These were the Brew Over Ice variety.

freebies!

I received some good freebies in the mail this past week!  A Febreeze set and refresh, a Schick Hydro 5 razor (not disposable!!!), a Crystal Light 2 qt. drink mix, and a 4 pack of K-Cups!  SCORE.  Totally worth the few minutes it took me to fill out the information to receive these items.

weight loss

We took a family vacation to Winter Park, CO, two summers ago.  I huffed and puffed my way along the hiking trails.  My knees ached terribly.  My back hurt.  I was miserable.  Loved the vacation--lots and lots of great memories and fun times.  But looking back I now understand why I felt the way I did lugging around an extra 40 pounds.  

Winter Park, CO, Summer 2010

If we were to hit the hiking trails this summer, it would be like me carrying four 10# bags of potatoes around with me all day.  NO THANK YOU.  While my weight has fluctuated a few pounds over the past year. . . I am proud to say that this month marks the one year anniversary of my 40 pound weight loss.  And, I'm still wearing the same clothes I wore last summer!!!  And the clothes I wore TWO summers ago???  LONG GONE, and NEVER again will I wear that size of clothing.  My knees feel better, my lower back pain is less, and I can be more active without feeling miserable.  My walking route is just over 3 miles, I can bicycle all over town, and overall I just feel healthier.  One of my most memorable milestones, though, is from Branson.  We've been to Silver Dollar city many times.  If you've been, then you are familiar with the HUGE hill that leads up to Main Street from the back of the park.  

THE Hill.  This picture really does it NO justice!  :)

Before I lost my weight, I would literally grab Troy's arm and he would help drag me up the hill.  I could not make it up the hill without his assistance.  Pa-the-tic.  I know.  Sad.  In my 20's and 30's and couldn't make it up the hill on my own.  But, last year we went to SDC multiple times.  Each time it was easier for me to trek up that ginormous hill.  And by Thanksgiving, it was a breeze.  All by myself, no pain, no huffing and puffing.  What a great feeling.    

Here are a couple more pictures.  

Lebo Graduation, May 2010 (Size 16 dress, tight around midsection)

Lebo Graduation, May 2011(Size M dress)

Summer 2010, Summer 2011

And now, Summer 2012---Happy one year anniversary of 40 pounds gone. 

homemade fabric softener

I saw this recipe for homemade fabric softener on Pinterest a couple days ago.  Bought a bottle of Suave conditioner at Walmart for 94 cents.  Had the vinegar on hand.  The mixture filled a 1.04 gallon bottle about 3/4 of the way full (old Downy bottle that cost me nearly $10 at Sam's).  This mixture cost me around $2.00.  I'm headed to wash and dry a load of laundry now, so we'll see!  I'll update the post later and let you know what I think.  :)  Update:  after washing several loads over the weekend, I have to admit that the fabric softener is ok, but it is not GREAT like I was hoping for.  You still need to use something for static.  That is what I don't like about this homemade version.  It smells fine, BUT, I don't want to use this AND something else.  Know what I mean?  So. . . I will use this up and still use my dryer sheets.  Dang it.  I'm kinda bummed.  Oh well!  
Homemade Fabric Softener Link

freebies

Here are the freebies/samples I have received in the past week.  I have requested samples nearly every day for the past few weeks, and they are slowly starting to arrive.  Here's my first swag!

*5 hour energy--full size bottle!  Now, I will NEVER use this.  But hey, it was FREE, and I bet someone I know will want it!!!

2 packets of Miracle Whip.

Lipton Tea & Honey packet.  Plus a 50 cent coupon.

Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner packets.

Bodycology lotion packet.  Plus a $1.00 coupon.

Not too shabby.  Can't wait to see what will arrive in the next week!  I've requested some good stuff!  :)

busy, busy, busy

It's funny that my blog is titled "Searching 4 Simplicity," yet this summer has been busy, busy, busy.  I've had anything but the "simple life."  Between laundry, cleaning, cooking, baseball, baseball, and more baseball, it seems that I've not had much down time.  I'm not complaining, though.  I've enjoyed every minute of it.

Looking ahead, it may just get busier.  More baseball, Vacation Bible School, swimming lessons for both boys, doctor appointments, eye doctor appointments, and hair cuts fill the calendar.  Before I know it, I'll be back to work.  :(

My to-do list isn't getting any shorter, either.  I think I've added more to it than I've crossed off.  Guess that just means I need to get busy (and get off the computer)!