Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Giving New Life to a Cluttered Closet

My first project of the summer is done!

Check out the details here of the original post of my to-do list here, and the first finished product of Summer 2011.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 1

Day 1:
A picture of yourself with 10 facts

    1. I have been married for almost 9 years. Marriage is tough, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. 2. I have 3 children ages 1, 3, and 5. Sigh. 3. I delivered my son JJ in my car, while my husband was driving. 4. I teach high school English and love just about every day of my job. 5. According to a colleague, I am a "fraud" in that I am not the mean, harsh teacher that my reputation dictates. 6. I lived in Sweden for a year when I was in elementary school. 7. I miss Massachusetts every.single.day 8. I love to take pictures and have recently been thrust into photographing a wedding and LOVED it. 9. I love to recreate and repurpose garage sale and thrift store treasures. 10. I can never get enough of garage sales.
Day 2:
A picture of someone who has been closest to you for the longest time.


That's me and my dear cousin Merry in Massachusetts in 2008. A friendship reaching back into the days of elementary school. Only 8 months in age and 3,000 miles seperate us; a lifetime of secrets, hilarious and sometimes reckless adventures, memories of boyfriends, falling in love, sharing the joys and aches of children, and stories of our whacky family keep us joined at heart for ever.  


Monday, May 30, 2011

30 Day Photo Challenge

I have been meaning to tackle this photo challenge, started on Facebook, but with being in the midst of the the school year, there was no way I was going to be able to commit to it. Anyway, as a way to keep up with my Project Summer goal of scrapbooking every day, this is one project that I want to start and finish this summer, and turn into a layout. So, here goes...

Here's the list of what to upload during the 30 days:
  1. A picture of yourself with 10 facts
  2. A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
  3. A picture of the cast from your favorite show
  4. A picture of your favorite night
  5. A picture of your favorite memory
  6. A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
  7. A picture of your most treasured item
  8. A picture that makes you laugh
  9. A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
  10. A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with
  11. A picture of something you hate
  12. A picture of something you love
  13. A picture of your favorite band or artist
  14. A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
  15. A picture of something you want to do before you die
  16. A picture of someone who inspires you
  17. A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
  18. A picture of your biggest insecurity
  19. A picture and a letter
  20. A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
  21. A picture of something you wish you could forget
  22. A picture of something you wish you were better at
  23. A picture of your favorite book
  24. A picture of something you wish you could change
  25. A picture of your favorite day
  26. A picture of something that means a lot to you
  27. A picture of yourself and a family member
  28. A picture of something you're afraid of
  29. A picture that can always make you smile
  30. A picture of someone you miss

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Summer Projects Begin!

What do I love most about summer? Well, for starters: 2 months off from work is nice as it lets me spend oodles of tiem with the kids and my husband. Despite the fact that lesson planning is always lookiung in the back of my head, the break from grading allows me to read endless books that I want to read (not for school!) and finally watch the movies I have been hearing about all year. But more than that, I love my summers because i get to tackle me never-ending to-do list. I have quite the summer ahead of me. I don't allow my list to give me headaches, though it is a bit daunting. I try to tackle as much as I can without feeling overwhelmed. I know that the end result will be that I had fun re-purposing, my life will be more organized, and hopefully, my kids will have been a part of the projects in some way, allowing us to spend time together while also completing worthwhile projects. So, what's in store for Summer 2011?

Garage Sale:
Make $350. My plan is to clean out of the spaces below before my garage sale on June 4 and then use the moola for an Ikea trip to get the stuff I need to complete a lot of the organizational needs of our house.

Project Laundry Room!
clean it up, paint it, reconfigure and add some storage for my stockpile products

Project Boys Bedroom!
paint it and add some art or pictures to the walls

Project Kids bathroom!
clean it, paint it?, add another hook for Patrick, revamp shower curtain

Project Closet!
reconfigure shoe situation, add some more functional storage that is accessible for kids

Project Staging Area
daily organization system, place to keep the daily stuff like keys, wallets, back packs, etc that is NOT the kitchen counter.

Project Office!
the biggest task of all... I need to clean out my crafting stuff and actually use my sewing machince and Cricut machine

Project Scrapbooking!
1 layout a day, plus prep at least 10 projects/alyouts for MMU retreat in July

The most important factor for me is to chip away at everything. A project a week, perhaps! And to remember to have fun with my projects. As always, I am a bargain hunter at heart, so I need to set and keep a low budget for all of these. I love to re-purpose things and find deals at yard sales, so I can't always work in order of my list and sometimes, projects can be started but then put on hold until I can find what I need and LOVE. There's no sense in doing something half-way. That wastes time, energy, and money, and those are all things I have very little of. Well, not the energy, I guess!

So, Monday, May 30 looms and I have this to say to my Summer Projects: And we're off!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Get a Sweet Seat for Your Little One

I loathe the look of a highchair and after 4 years of cleaning and wrangling a booster seat in our kitchen I would love to have a cute little moveable and easily cleanable chair for little Patrick, and even for JJ. Of course, then Bella would want one too. :)

I had to share this great giveaway. Jenn over at iHeart Organizing is hosting a super {sweet} giveaway this week. Hop on over to her blog to enter to win a SweetSeat, an $84 value!

If I don't win one, well, then, I hope you do!

Bargain Bootcamp Update

Geez, disappear much? With the end of school and the unusual task of having to empty my classroom, combined with a wedding in California, and Isabella's Preschool Graduation / JJ's 3rd Birthday yesterday, I feel like I just about fell off the planet.

Well, I am back, finally, and I want to start making some firm plans for my first ever Bargain Bootcamp. I think next weekend is too soon, and the weekend after I will be a solo-parent for the weekend, thanks to a fishing tournament. So, the official Bootcamp date is ... 

Saturday, June 18 at 10 AM.

I have had a number of people email me or speak to me in person about wanting to attend. It seems that my plan to have people respond via the blog isn't quite efficient, so if you can attend on Saturday, June 18, please email me at overachievingmom@gmail.com.

The cost will be $10, to cover supplies and some light snacks. You will get plenty of information and there will be some "contests" and prizes.

An evite is going out today.
If you do not receive an evite invitation, please email me or comment on this post with your email address so I can send you the invitation.

Hope to see you here!


Monday, May 16, 2011

Stock up on your Picnic Needs


If you have a Dollar General nearby, you can score a few sweet deals this week…
*French’s Worcestershire Sauce $1
Use the $0.75/1 coupon found in the 5/15 SS
(or use the $0.50/1 coupon found
here or in the 3/27 SS)
Final cost as low as $0.25!

*French’s Mustard $1
Use the $0.50/1 coupon found
here
(Or use the $0.30/1 coupon found in the 4/10 or 5/15 SS)
Final cost as low as $0.50!

*Chex Mix $1
Use the $0.50/1 coupon found
here or $1/2 coupon found in the 5/1 SS
Final cost $0.50 per bag!

*Country Crock 2/$3
Use the $0.40/1 coupon found
here
Final cost $1.10 each!

*Glade Automatic Spray Starter Kit (with bonus refill!) $5
Use the $4/1 coupon found on
Coupons.com
Final cost only $1!

**You may also want to head on over here to print a coupon valid for $5 off your Dollar General purchase of $25 or more… and remember, you should be able to use this coupon before manufacturer’s coupons
The 5/25 is only good on saturday and also they have alot of stuff for 2.00 this week too like juice

< Thanks, Hip2Save >

Current Target Deals

Yikes! The end of the school year has me clammoring for time to anything but grade, pack, and grade some more.

Here are some current Target deals for First Aid items that you might want to pick up on your next run. Thanks to Totally Target for these summaries:

Up & Up Hydrogen Peroxide 16 oz Bottle .52 (Regular Price)-.50/1 up & up™ First Aid Item ETS Target Web Coupon x6/18= 2¢ after coupon

Up & Up Isopropyl Alcohol 16 oz Bottle $1.02 (Regular Price)-.50/1 up & up™ First Aid Item ETS Target Web Coupon x6/18= 52¢ after coupon

Up & Up Hydrogen Witch Hazel 16 oz Bottle $1.49 (Regular Price)-.50/1 up & up™ First Aid Item ETS Target Web Coupon x6/18= 99¢ after coupon

Up & Up Guaze Pads Small Size 10 Count $1.34 (Regular Price)-.50/1 up & up™ First Aid Item ETS Target Web Coupon x6/18= 84¢ after coupon

Up & Up Dryer Sheets 40 count $1.37 (Regular Price)-.50/1 up & up™ Laundry Items Target Web Coupon x6/18*
*(40 ct Dryer Sheets, 51 oz Liquid Fabric Softener, 96 oz Oxygen Stain Remover, 100 oz Detergent
= 87¢ after coupon

Up & Up Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener .99 (Regular Price)-.50/1 up & up™ Beauty Items- Cosmetic Accessory or Nail Care ETS Target Web Coupon x6/18= .49 cents each after coupon

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Bargain Bootcamp

Don't forget to comment on the original post to secure your spot at my first Bargain Bootcamp! Limitred to 10 spots!

McDonald's Frozen Treats

The heat is upon us. Instead of shelling out $5 for another Starbucks iced frappe, how about trying a delicious and ICE COLD frappe or smoothie from McDonald's. Just as delicious. I promise!

Woot!  Have you tried McDonald’s frozen drinks yet? Let me tell you, they are GOOD!  Click HERE to print $1.00 off 1 Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, Frappe or Real Fruit Smoothie.  The coupon is good on any sized drink now through June 15th!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Walgreens for Week of 5/9

pampers wags Walgreens 5/8   Pampers as low as $.99 per Jumbo + Free Clean and Clear

Walgreens is looking good next week! Here are a couple deals that you might want to get prepared for:

Pampers Diapers will be on sale 2 for $18. When you buy 2, you’ll receive a $3 Register Reward PLUS, according to AquaDeal, you will also receive a $5 Register Reward when you spend $20! IF, both of these deals work as planned, we’ve got a HOT deal!!

Buy 2 Pampers Jumbo Packs – $18
Buy 1 Wipe $2.49 (I’m assuming on this price)
Use (2) $2.50/1 or $1.50/1 coupons (from 5/1 PG)
AND use $2/1 Walgreens Coupon (from Infant Care Booklet*) – will take off $4
And use (1) $.50/1 Wipes (from 5/1 PG)
Pay: $10.99, Get Back a $3 RR and a $5 RR
Final Price = $2.99 for all 3 items or $.99 each WOW! (the wipes may be $2.99 so that would add $.17 per item)
Now, if the $5 Register Reward isn’t printing for some reason or you just want diapers, it’s still a really great deal:
Buy 2 Jumbo Pack Diapers – $18
Use (2) $2.50/1 or $1.50/1 (from 5/1 PG)
AND use $2/1 (from Infant Care Booklet*) – will take off $4
Pay: $9, Get back $3 RR
Final Price = $6 for 2 packs or just $3 each (this is my stock up price!)
I’ll be rotating the Pampers Register Reward with this Gillette Deal (I think it’s month long):
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razors – $9.89
-Buy 1, Get $5 RR
Use $4/1 (from 5/1 PG)
Final Price = $.89 after RR ( I LOVE these razors icon wink Walgreens 5/8   Pampers as low as $.99 per Jumbo + Free Clean and Clear )
clean and clear bogo Walgreens 5/8   Pampers as low as $.99 per Jumbo + Free Clean and Clear

And maybe I’ll do this deal a few times:
Clean and Clear Morning Burst Body Wash – Buy One Get One Free
Use BOGO (from 3/27 SS) – expires 5/15
Final Price = 2 for free!

Happy Mother's Day!

Being a mom is a 24-hour job that requires more patience and love than I ever thought I had in me. It also requires more special effects, more creativity, more strictness, and more super powers than was ever explained to me pre-momdom.


Today is your day! Enjoy it doing whatever makes you happy!

Free NatureMade Vitamins

Check this out!  Walgreens is offering a $5/1 Nature Made Calcium Tablets coupon on its Facebook page.  You can use this coupon to get them FREE!


Free Scrapbooking Software Download

If you have been itching to try digital scrapbooking, here's you chance to try it for free!
Now through May 12th, get a FREE Download of Scrapbook Studio Software when you “like” Wondershare (the software makers) on Facebook.

You will recieve a redemption code in your email within a few minutes and can download your software right then.

Scrapbook Studio is a digital scrapbook creation software.  It lets you design highly detailed photo books for professional printing or to share online with friends and family.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Free Gilette Fusion Razor

Send a Text Message to Get a Free Fusion Razor

WooHoo!  You can receive a FREE Gillette Fusion Razor by just texting a code on your phone!  It is all in Spanish but just follow these easy steps and you’ll get a free razor by mail!  Remember standard texting rates do apply.
  • Text PRUEBA to 59999
  • The second text will ask for your age in Spanish, enter it and hit send
  • The third message will ask for your name and mailing address
  • You should receive your free razor by mail in 6 to 8 weeks!

Cheap{er} Starbucks!

Yay!  Starting today, May 6th, through May 15th, participating Starbucks locations are offering up “However-You-Want-It” Frappuccino blended beverages for 50% off during their Frappuccino Happy Hour from 3-5PM!  Head on over to the Starbucks Facebook page for more details or to RSVP for this event (optional).

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Free 8x10 Photo Collage

Walgreens has a slew oif great deals and freebies this week, and one of them is anoffer for a free 8 x 10 photo collage. I always get these whenthey are free and use them as surprise gifts for far away family members or for my own scrapbooking layouts. The collage prints are a great way to add lots of pictures in smaller sizes to your layouts without overwhelming the design. I love using these for birthday party pages and vacation pages where you want to include pictures of the decorations, the food you enjoyed, or the many guests and people you visited with. Just be sure to order and choose to pick up your collage inthe store and it will be FREE!


FREE 8x10 Collage Print and 50% OFF Posters Enter coupon code FREECOLLAGE for 8x10 collage print* Enter coupon code MOMPOSTER for posters**
 Share these gift ideas with a friend

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Bargain Bootcamp is Coming!

I have been approached by several people to host some classes on how to make the most of coupons. So, coming in June: my first Bargain Bootcamp! The details are still in the works, but the plan is that it will be limited to 10 spots! The dates I am considering are Thursday, June 2; Sunday, June 5; and Thursday, June 9. Please chime in if you are interested and if a certain date works better for you.

1) You must comment on this post to reserve your space.

2) Cost will be $10 to cover materials and snacks. For this first class, you can pay at the class. I am not wanting to profit off this, but rather to simply invite some freinds into my world!

3) I will cover the basic info of coupons, convenience store shopping, and how to stay organized and ahead of the game with saving and coupons.

4) There will be prizes and giveaways, and everyone will walk away with tons of useful information and FREE STUFF!

5) I am hoping to make the class last no longer than 2 hours. After that, your brains will be fried! Possible times are 10 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm (Sunday).

Target {Secret} Clearance finds

Target has mistakenly marked down the Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons on the same schedule as the Easter merchandise. They are found in the regular crayon aisle, not with the easter things

Since this item is on the same pricing schedule as Easter, they will likely only be available until EOD Monday 5/2. After that, they will be considered salvage and will be removed from the shelves.

They look similar to this:


While you are there, check out the Dollar Spot for some clearances there, too. You might be able to pick up note pads, socks, and cute gardening tools at 75 % off.