Shopping in the Clearance Aisle

I'm on a mission, folks. On a mission to save as much as possible here and there and everywhere! (I totally grew up on Dr. Seuss books) Seriously, I'm tightening the wallet for various reasons therefore I have challenged myself. If and when I go shopping I'm going to look in the clearance section before looking around anywhere else in the store.

I decided to do this back in May and I've had quite the fun on this self imposed challenge. Now let me clarify that I am not one to always pay full price or scoff the clearance aisle. Honestly, I don't have much patience for all the clutter and craziness that is had in that section and that is why I often stay clear. I'm more of an expert when it comes to buying goodies on sale or with a coupon. :)

Now that I have challenged myself I look forward to the "price reduced" treasures waiting to be found. Wow, that sounded way goofy. Okay on to what has come home with me.

My first stop was at Kohl's because I had a $20 gift card. I went straight to the jewelry department because mommy has lost some earrings and bracelets. That is partly my fault and partly my little diva's fault. :)

My final price for all of this was $3.71!

I scored three pairs of earrings and a set of bracelets.  All oh so purdy (and cheap) to me.  

Here is my receipt for the breakdown.  These four items went from regular price to sale price to clearance price and after my $20 gift card I paid less than $4 and I am now a little more stylish.  :)

I was at Marshall's one day when I spotted the clearance end cap in the home section and saw this really pretty, white and simple serving bowl.  I immediately thought of my husband's Nana whom loves to have big family dinners buffet style.  I knew this would be perfect for the dinner table and it was only $6.  whoo hoo!  It wasn't much of a drop from Marshall's regular price but the "compare to price" was $16.  And Nana loved it! :)

Okay this next one I was uber excited about because I looooove to bake but I still lack many baking supplies.  I found a set of 3 cookie baking pans for $6.49.  I have plenty of baking sheets but no baking pans.  Imagine my delight when I found these at Ross (dress for less) one day after shopping next door at Hobby Lobby.  Now I can make some oatmeal granola bars that I've been dying to make for quite some time.  Yay me!  It's the little things.  :)

So here are a few things from my self imposed challenge.  Winning! Until next time, peeps.  :)

Mama Is No Cake Boss But...

Hey y'all.  I thought I would share with you all my love for baking and decorating; but as you will soon see, I am no Cake Boss or an Ace of Cakes gal and I doubt I will ever be a contestant on Cupcake Wars.  I just love to bake all kinds of goodies and I love to keep learning and exploring.  I've always had a passion for baking but finally attempted decorating in just the past couple of years.  Having kids certainly spiked the interest and I'm glad.  It's fun, relaxing yet stressful but I love it.  As soon as I have some free time I am going to sign up for some cake decorating classes.  Why not, right?

Here are some of my wannabe Cake Boss attempts:

1.  Cookie Monster and Elmo cupcakes.

I made these last year for my daughter's third birthday.  What three year old does not love the fun and loving characters from Sesame Street.  I had seen so many cake and cupcake versions of various SS characters that I decided to bite the bullet and try some cupcakes myself.  I did countless searches on Elmo and Cookie Monster cakes and cupcakes to get tips and tutorials.  I also researched how-to videos on YouTube.  For two weeks straight I studied and planned how to make these fun treats.  This is how they turned out:

Favorite Kitchen Gadgets + Fresh Squeezed Limeade

Happy Tuesday, y'all!  Did ya get your taxes in order?  Today is your last day! How do I know that?  I'm married to a nerdy tax guy that has been working 'round the clock these past few weeks.  I can't wait to have my husband back!

Anywho, those that know me well or have caught on to my blog know that I LOVE PINK.  I am especially tickled pink when I find a kitchen gadget in my fav color.  So I thought I would share a couple of them with you.  I have quite a few gadgets that I love to use over and over but I'll just share a couple and tell you why they are some of my faves (besides that they are pink).

My go-to gadgets that I use weekly and sometimes daily are

• a large (gallon) quick-stir pitcher from The Pampered Chef
• a $1 cutting board from Target (about 7 inches long or so) 
• a Pure Komachi 2 stainless steel knife (this sucka is sharp!)
• a lemon/lime squeezer, 
• and my Kitchen-Aid dry ingredient measuring cups.  I only have the 1 cup measure pictured because that is the one I used to make limeade but I do have all the measure units. 

I use them all to make fresh squeezed limeade for my kids.  They love it, my hubby likes it and well fresh squeezed limonada aka limeade has a special place in my heart.  Corny?  Maybe but it's all about nostalgia in my mind.  You see growing up my parents, sisters and I would go to Mexico every summer to visit family.  It was always a two week stay or so and to tell you the truth at times I dreaded the family vacay.  The way of life there was not the same and it was a little (or a lot) hard for my sisters and me.  All that aside, I clearly remember always being able to have some limonada at someone's house.  I once remember arriving at my aunt's house in Monterrey, Mexico on a very hot summer day and my cousin quickly made us some limonada.  I watched her the whole time squeeze some 10 key limes or so with the squeezer, add the sugar, stir and then add some water and stir again.  She served us each a glass and it was so friggin' good.  I admit, I didn't always look forward to those trips but I most certainly looked forward to a glass of limonada at a relatives house or a fruit stand.  That day I clearly remember telling myself that I would make my children fresh squeezed limonada "just like it's made in Mexico."

Fast forward a couple of decades later and I have kept my word to me, myself and I.  By golly I started making my own limonada when my boy was a tot and after trial and error I have it down to my own family's liking.  Not only do I make it but my kids love to help every time they see me get all the supplies in order.

I make limeade instead of lemonade because limes are most commonly used in Mexico and that is how I remember it.  In fact, I don't think I ever saw lemons there in the mercados aka markets.  I use lemons every now and again but using limes is what takes me back to those days.  The days of being with family and being welcomed with much joy every summer.

Fresh Squeezed Limonada

1. Cut in half seven (7) limes and juice each half into a 1 gallon sized pitcher.
2. Add 1 1/4 cup of sugar and stir. (add more or less, it's a matter of preference)
3. Gradually add water (at room temperature) and stir along while adding the water.

I don't use cold water because to me it does not mix well with the juice and sugar.  You know how you're not suppose to add sugar to cold tea?  Same thing here.  Instead I chill it in the refrigerator and then serve or if my kiddos want some right away I serve it with ice.

Two other gadgets that I will never part with are full of Texas pride.  My Lone Star flag spoon rest (purchased at Kohl's) and my Longhorn trivet.  I love these things.  The spoon rest is just the right size (I hate those spoon-looking spoon rests!) and the trivet is perfect.  It's the right height and not made of wood so it won't crack on me like others have.  That trivet has been used to help cool off many muffins, cookies, cakes, etc.  The spoon rest is probably a candy dish or something but I use it as a spoon rest.  God Bless Texas and my favorite kitchen gadgets.  :)

I'm joining Kate over at Centsational Girl today for more fav kitchen gadget stories.  :)

Easter Egg and Vase Decor {Craft DIY}

Happy Good Friday lovely people.  Easter is my favorite holiday and sadly I haven't decorated much for this Holy celebration.  I have been so busy (I'm always saying that!) and I won't dare go up in the attic to get my decorations.  The attic freaks me out so I always send the hubby to get my things; although he too is a very busy man this tax season.  Anywho, I started this craft project a few weeks ago and just finished it this morning.  Seriously.

My Life Saver