as told by children.

I love it.  And had to share.

My favorites include -

How would you make your marriage work?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
Ricky, age 10

When is it okay to kiss someone?
When they’re rich.
Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that.
Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It’s the right thing to do.
Howard, age 8

What is the right age to get married?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
Camille, age 10  **Well said, Camille.  I feel the same way!**

Enjoy!!

Five months ago, I got engaged!  I will become Mrs. Q October 9th of this year – and I cannot be more thrilled.  Wedding plans are coming together.  Most big decisions have been made and now it’s time for all of the DIY projects I have taken on (probably way more than I can handle).  It’s been a blast – crazy, but a blast nevertheless.

Two months ago, I graduated with my masters in special education.  Finished my thesis project, took more Praxis exams (still have one more to take – my eighth), and walked across the stage more done with school then I’ve ever felt in my life.  Until…

One month ago, I got my first teaching job.  I will be teaching middle school math at a special education school in East Nashville.  I’ve never taught middle schoolers, never taught just math, and never taught at a special education school.  But after the principal canceled several interviews after mine just to offer me the job, they must trust me and I’m learning to trust myself in this endeavor as well.  Now to begin setting up my classroom, my rules, my routines, my supplies, my library, my math manipulatives, my reputation as a teacher, my expectations for my students, my confidence…

Three weeks to go until I am officially a teacher.

Three months to go until I am officially a Mrs. :)

And all that means, I’m worn out!  My body and mind are exhausted.  During the past 6 weeks, I have been to Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, and North Carolina.  This weekend I’m off to Chicago.  I have inservice after inservice.  Meetings with the baker, the florist, the stylist, and the candlestick maker (well, not really, but it feels like I should).  I’m wrapping invations in raffia, canning wedding favors, crafting bulletin boards, and trying to get through as many of my “lists” as possible.

This is not a “my life is harder/busier/more hectic” than yours.  Truthfully, I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had!  Being engaged, starting a new job, catching up with family and friends – this is FUN!

But it makes time-sensitive blogging hard.  I feel like I’m letting you down when I don’t get the match-ups up right away or when I don’t have a chance to post the best deals.  PLUS, there are so many people out there who are doing the same and are doing it so much better than I can at the moment.  So I’ve made a decision…

I’m going to take some time… time to become the best teacher, future wife, and sane person I can be.  Take some time to breathe, go for a run, read a book, travel the world (okay – I’ve gone too far :)

AND I’M OKAY WITH THAT. (fyi: that was in bold more to convince me than you)

I’m going to continue to post some recipes as I use this site as a personal recipe book.  I’m going to post random personal posts, maybe a few wedding or classroom updates.  I’m going to post a shopping trip or two.  But I’m going to steer away from anything time-sensitive. The pressure to post such material has just gotten to be too much.  It’s time to simplify.

And in that spirit, I’m urge you to check back every once in awhile.  But I also encourage you to check out some of my other favorite blogs to pick up on where I’m leaving off…

For Kroger Matchups:

• Faithful Provisions – Kelly is my Nashville fav.  And she covers the Mid-South region for Kroger (Nashville & Louisville).
• Mommy Snacks – Andrea covers some other Kroger regions and does a great job keeping it updated.

For Publix Matchups:

• I Heart Publix – She is fabulous and has just about everything you need to know about Publix.
• Frugal Fun and Fortune – Meagan is wonderful and does a great job with the Publix matchups each week.

For Harris Teeter Matchups:

• Southern Savers – This site covers SO many stores in the south and does it so promptly.  Definitely a favorite!
• Mrs. Moneysaver – Dana covers Harris Teeter and does a fab job.

For CVS Matchups and Scenarios:

• Southern Savers – Again, Jenny gets these up every Friday before the Sunday sale.  It’s awesome!
• Kingdom First Mom – She hosts a $5 CVS challenge each week, so check there for scenarios.
• Deal Seeking Mom – She hosts a link-up for the CVS ad.  It’s a great place to find out CVS-ers.

For OTHER stores:

• Money Saving Mom – One of the best out there for blog collaboration.  Check the side bar to find nearly any store in the country!

ONE FINAL NOTE: Thank you!  I have been at this just under a year and the site has gotten over 60,000 hits!  Thank you for reading, for commenting, and for encouraging me.  I will continue to write and I hope you continue to read.  Know that I appreciate you, as readers, followers, and friends.

At Publix’s in Nashville, remember:

• Publix doubles coupons $0.50 and under.
• Buy 1, Get 1 Free items ring up as 50% off, so you can just purchase one.
• Publix takes competitor coupons (i.e. Target, Food Lion, etc.)
• You can “stack” coupons: one manufacturer, one store, and one competitor Q per item.

ADVANTAGE BUY DEALS (good until July 16, 2010)

Emerald Trail Mix, 5.5 oz, $1.00 ea
-$1.50/2 Emerald Nuts Products RP 6/27
-$1.00/1 Emerald Nuts Products RP 6/27
Final Price: FREE!

Lindsay Recloseable Italian or Large Pitted Olives, $2.00 ea
-$1.00/1 Lindsay Olive Product RP 5/2
-$1.00/1 Lindsay Olive Recloseables RP 5/2
-$1.00/1 Lindsay Olive Recloseables
Final Price: $1.00 ea

Lindsay Pitted Rip Olives, 6 oz, $1.67 ea
-$1.00/1 Lindsay Olive Product RP 5/2
Final Price: $0.67 ea

Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo, $1.99 ea
-$1.00/1 Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo in Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer (store Q)
-$1.00/1 Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo SS 6/13
Final Price: Use both for FREE!

Borden Singles, 12 oz, or Lactose Free, 8 oz, $2.00 ea
-$1.00/1 Borden Sensation Singles SS 5/23
-$1.00/1 Borden Sensation Singles or here
Final Price: $1.00 ea

Minute Rice, 14 oz, $1.89 ea
-$0.50/1 Minute Rice Ready to Serve Rice RP 6/27
Final Price: $0.89 ea

Rice Dream Original or Vanilla, 64 oz, $2.79 ea
-$0.50/1 Rice Dream Non Dairy Beverage
Final Price: $1.79 ea

Deer Park or Zephyrhills Water, 6 pack, $1.50 ea
Aquapod, 8 pack, $1.50 ea
-$1.00/2 Zephryhills Natural Spring Water
-$1.00/2 Aquapod
Final Price: $1.00 ea

At Publix’s in Nashville, remember:

• Publix doubles coupons $0.50 and under.
• Buy 1, Get 1 Free items ring up as 50% off, so you can just purchase one.
• Publix takes competitor coupons (i.e. Target, Food Lion, etc.)
• You can “stack” coupons: one manufacturer, one store, and one competitor Q per item.

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE!

Musselman’s Apple Sauce, 23-24 oz, $0.94 ea
-$0.75/1 Musselman’s Apple Sauce “Smart Summer Savings” booklet
Final Price: $0.19 ea

Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt, 4 pack, $1.25 ea
-$1.00/1 Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt
-$0.50/1 Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt SS 6/20, 6/27
-$0.50/1 Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt
Final Price: $0.25 ea

Luigi’s Real Italian Ice, 24 or 36 oz, $1.49 ea
-$0.50/1 Luigi’s Real Italian Ice RP 5/2, 5/16, 5/27
Final Price: $0.49 ea

Barilla Multigrain Pasta, 14.5 oz, $1.09 ea
-$1.00/2 Barilla Pasta
Final Price: $0.59 ea

Nature’s Own Bread, 20 oz, $1.41 ea
-$0.75/1 Nature’s Own Premium Bread
Final Price: $0.66 ea

Hunt’s Tomatoes, 14.5 oz, $0.69 ea

Pillsbury Moist Supreme Cake Mix, $0.89 ea

Chi-Chi’s Salsa, 16 oz, or Snackers, 4 pack, $1.39 ea
-$1.00/2 Chi-Chis Salsa Jars SS 5/23
Final Price: $0.89 ea

Red Rose Tea Bags, 100 count, $1.69 ea
-$0.75/1 Red Rose Iced Tea SS 6/20
Final Price: $0.94 ea

Ocean Spray 100% Cranberry Juice Blends, 64 oz, $1.99 ea
-$1.00/1 Ocean Spray Blueberry Juice
-$0.55/1 Ocean Spray Blueberry RP 5/2
Final Price: $0.99 ea

Quaker Cap’N Crunch, Life, or Squares, $2.24 ea
-$0.50/1 Quaker Cap’N Crunch RP 5/16
Final Price: $1.24 ea

Skippy Peanut Butter, 15-16.3 oz, $1.24 ea

Eight O’Clock Coffee, 11-12 oz, $2.49 ea
-$2.00/2 Eight O’Clock Coffee SS 4/25
-$2.00/2 Eight O’Clock Coffee
-$1.00/2 Eight O’Clock Coffee
Final Price: $1.49 ea

Kellogg’s Cereal, $2.09 ea
Frosted or Unfrosted Mini-Wheats, 15.8 – 20.4 oz
-$1.00/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats RP 6/6
-$1.00/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats
-$1.00/2 Kellogg’s Cereal or here
-$1.25/3 Kellogg’s Cereal RP 6/27
-$1.50/3 Kellogg’s Cereals
Final Price: $1.59 ea

Bumble Bee Premium Tuna, 4 pack of 5 oz cans, $1.99 ea

Doritos Tortilla Chips, 11.5-12.5 oz, $1.99 ea

PRODUCE

Baby Portabella Mushrooms, 8 oz, 41.69 ea
Tomatoes on the Vine, $1.49 lb
Baking Potatoes, 5 lb, $2.99 ea
Asparagus, $2.49 lb
Publix Spring Mix or Caesar Kit, 5-12 oz, $2.00 ea

Georgia Peaches, $0.79 ea
Eastern Blueberries, 1 pint, $2.00 ea

MEAT

Boneless New York Strip Steaks, $6.99 lb
All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast Fillets, $3.99 lb
Boneless Pork Loin Country Ribs, $2.99 lb
Large Shrimp Skewers, 2 oz, $1.00 ea

OTHER FOOD DEALS

Publix Chocolate Milk, 1/2 gallon, $2.00 ea
Publix Chunk Cheese, 8 oz, $2.00 ea
Publix Shredded Cheese, 8 oz, $2.00 ea

Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables or Corn on the Cob, 50% off

Kashi Cereal or Granola, Instant Oatmeal, or Granola Bars, $2.50 ea
-$1.00/1 Kashi in Mambo Sprout Spring booklet
-$1.00/2 Kashi Products
-$1.00/2 Kashi Cereal RP 6/20 (Publix Q)
Final Price: Use MF and Publix Q for $2.00 ea

Eat Smart Veggie Crisps, Chips, or Puffs, 5-10 oz, $2.99 ea
-$1.00/2 EatSmart Natural Snacks
-$1.00/1 EatSmart Natural Snacks SS 4/11
Final Price: $1.99 ea

Egg Beaters, 15-16 oz, $1.67 ea
-$1.00/1 Egg Beater in June All You Mag
Final Price: $0.67 ea

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Entrees, 9.5-12.3 oz, $2.50 ea
-$1.00/2 Healthy Choice Frozen Entree or here
-$2.00/5 Healthy Choice Frozen Entrees SS 6/6 (Target Q)
Final Price: Buy 5, use 2 MF and 1 Target Q for $1.70 ea

Cascadian Farms Frozen Vegetables or Potatoes, $2.00 ea
-$1.00/1 Cascadian Product
Final Price: $1.00 ea

OTHER Non-FOOD DEALS

Clorox Liquid Bleach, 82 – 96 oz, $1.67 ea
-$0.25/1 Clorox Leach RP 6/6
Final Price: $1.17 ea

Dawn Plus Dishwashing Liquid or Ultra Concentrated Dawn, 19-24 oz, $2.50 ea
-$0.25/1 Dawn PG 6/6, 7/4
-$0.50/1 Dawn Ultra PG 6/6
Final Price: $1.50 ea

Angel Soft Unscented Bathroom Tissue, 9-24 roll, $5.49 ea
-$0.50/1 AngelSoft Bath Tissue RP 5/23
-$0.50/1 AngelSoft Bath Tissue
Final Price: $4.49 ea

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent or 2X Ultra Natural, 50 oz, $4.99 ea
-$1.00/1 Seventh Generation Detergent RP 4/11
-$1.00/1 Seventh Generation Detergent or here
-$2.00/2 Seventh Generation product
Final Price: $3.99 ea

Suave Hair Care Products or Body wash, $1.39 ea
-$0.50/2 Suave Kid’s Shampoo or Conditioner RP 7/11
-$0.50/1 Suave Hairspray or Styling Product RP 7/11
-$0.25/1 Suave Body Wash RP 7/11
-$1.00/2 Suave Professionals Shampoo or Condition RP 7/11
-$1.00/2 Suave Professionals Shampoo or Conditioner
-$0.50/1 Suave Body Wash
Final Price: $0.39 ea

Listerine Mouthwash, 1 liter, $3.50 ea
-$1.00/1 Listerine Mouthwash in Green Advantage Buy Flyer (Publix Q)
-$1.00/1 Listerine Mouthwash RP 4/11
-$1.00/1 Listerine Mouthwash
-$0.50/1 Listerine Mouthwash RP 1/3, 4/11, 5/16
Final Price: Use Publix Q and MF for $1.50 ea

You can expect the following inserts in this Sunday’s newspaper:

(1) Smartsource
(1) RedPlum

For the full 2010 coupon schedule, click here.

*Remember to get the paper from the largest city near you.
It will have more coupons.

At Kroger, remember:

• These deals are for the Mid-South region (Nashville and Louisville). Prices will vary by location.
• Kroger doubles coupons $0.50 and under.
• Make sure you load your loadable coupons. See here for more details.

PRODUCE

Asparagus, $1.97 lb
Dole or Fresh Selections Premium Salad, $2.00 ea
Sweet Corn, $0.20 ea
Mini Carrots, 1 lb, $1.00 ea
Private Selection Organic Salad Blends, $2.99 ea
Seedless English Cucumbers, $1.00 ea

California Peaches, $0.88 lb
Northwestern Cherries, $2.49 lb
Strawberries, 1 lb, $1.67 ea
Organic Strawberries, 1 lb, $2.50 ea (GREAT price!)
Organic Blueberries, 6 oz, $2.50 ea
Seedless Watermelon, $2.99 ea (GREAT price!)

MEAT

Ball Park Franks, $1.50 ea
Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops, $3.99 lb
Boneless Pork Loin, $1.99 lb
Kroger Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, $1.99 lb
Private Selection Angus Shoulder Roast, $2.69 lb
Laura’s Lean Beef, 25% off

Catfish Fillets, $4.99 lb
Henry’s Crab Cakes, frozen, $1.00 ea
Silverbrite Salmon Fillets, $3.99 lb
Snow Crab Clusters, $4.99 lb
Texas Gulf Shrimp, 41-50 count, $4.99 lb

Butterball Lunchmeat, 9-16 oz, $2.00 ea
Butterball Turkey Bacon or Smoked Sausage, $2.00 ea
-$1.00/2 Butterball Turkey Franks, Sausage, Bacon, or Lunchmeat SS 6/27
-$0.75/1 Butterball Turkey Franks, Sausage, Bacon, or Lunchmeat SS 6/27
-$1.50/1 Butterball Lunchmeat SS 5/23
Final Price: $0.50 ea

Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, $2.99 ea
-$1.00/2 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat RP 6/6
-$0.55/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat RP 6/6
-$0.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat RP 6/6
Final Price: $2.44 ea

Other Deals

Fresh Baked Italian Bread, 16 oz, $1.00 ea
Kroger Bread and Buns, $1.00 ea
Big K Soft Drinks, 12 cans, $1.99 ea
RC Soft Drinks, 2L, $1.00 ea
Coca-cola Soft Drinks, 12 cans or 8 bottles, $2.50 ea
Coca-cola or Pepsi Soft Drinks, 2L, $1.25 ea

Kroger Milk, 1 gallon, $2.49 ea
Kroger Cheese, 16 oz, $2.99 ea
Kroger Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream, or Dip, $1.00 ea
Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream, 48 oz, $1.88 ea
Kroger Candy, $1.00 ea
Kroger Fruit Snacks, $1.00 ea
Kroger Canned Fruit, $1.00 ea
Kroger Premium Chicken Breast can, $1.67 ea
Kroger Toaster Treats, $1.00 ea
Deli Private Selection Colby or Colby Jack Cheese, $4.99 lb

Knudsen Simply Nutrious Juice, 32 oz, B1G1
Simply Juice, 13.5 oz, $1.00 ea
Mama Rosa’s Single Pizza, $1.00 ea
Duncan Hines Brownie Mix, $1.00 ea
Post Cereal, 11-20 oz, $1.50 ea
Kraft macaroni & Cheese, $1.00 ea
Lay’s Stax Potato Chips, $1.00 ea

Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding or Gelatin, 4 count, $1.00 ea
-$1.00/3 Hunt’s Snack Pack June All You Mag
Final Price: $0.67 ea

Parkay or Fleischmann’s Margarine or Spread, $1.00 ea
-$1.00/2 Fleischmann’s Original Margarine June All You Mag
Final Price: $0.50 ea

Birds Eye or PictSweet Vegetables, $1.00 ea
-$1.00/4 Birds Eye Vegetables
-$1.00/3 Birds Eye Freshlike Vegetables FF or IE
-$1.00/2 Birds Eye C&W Vegetable Products FF or IE
Final Price: $0.50 ea

DiGiorno or California Piza Kitchen Pizza, $4.77 ea
-$1.50/1 DiGiorno Deep Dish Pizza
-$1.00/1 California Pizza Kitchen SS 6/20
Final Price: $3.27 ea

Healthy Choice or Marie Callender’s Entree or Steamers, $1.99 ea
-$2.00/5 Healthy Choice Frozen Entrees SS 6/10 (Target Q)
-$1.00/2 Healthy Choice Complete Meals June All you Mag
-$1.00/2 Healthy Choice Frozen Entrees
Final Price: $1.49 ea

Michelina’s Entree, $1.00 ea
-$1.00/5 Michelina’s Frozen Entrees SS 5/9
Final Price: $0.80 ea

Barilla Pasta, $1.00 ea
-$1.00/2 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta
Final Price: $0.50 ea

Betty Crocker Hamburger, Chicken, or Tuna Helper, $1.00 ea
-$0.75/3 Betty Crocker Helper
-$0.75/3 Betty Crocker Helper SS 6/20
-$0.75/3 Betty Crocker Helper GM 5/30
-$1.00/3 Betty Crocker Helper GM 5/30
Final Price: $0.67 ea

Buitoni Pasta or Sauce, 9-15 oz, $2.69 ea
-$1.00/1 Buitoni Product (sign up)
Final Price: $1.69 ea

Cattlemen’s BBQ Sauce, 18 oz, $1.00 ea
-$0.50/1 Cattlemen’s BBQ Sauce
Final Price: FREE!

Hunt’s Ketchup, 24 oz, $1.00 ea
-$0.20/1 Hunt’s Ketchup SS 6/20
Final Price: $0.60 ea

Kellogg’s Cereal, $1.99 ea
-$1.25/3 Kellogg’s Cereal
-$1.00/1 Kellogg’s Cinnabon Cereal
-$1.00/1 Kellogg’s Cinnabon Cereal RP 6/27
-$1.25/3 Kellogg’s Cereal RP 6/27
Final Price: $0.99 ea

Starkist Tuna, 2.6-3 oz pouch, $1.00 ea
Starkist Tuna, 5 oz can, $1.00 ea
FREE Starkist Tuna Salad or Creations wyb (2) Starkist Pouches RP 6/20
FREE Starkist Tuna Salad or Creations wyb (2) Starkist Pouches July All You Mag
-$1.00/2 Starkist Pouches May All You Mag
Final Price: $0.50 ea

Bounce Fabric Softener, 100-120 count sheets, $4.99 ea
Kroger Everyday Paper Towels, 1 roll, $1.00 ea

Downy Fabric Softener, 41-60 oz, $4.99 ea
-$0.25/1 Downy Liquid Fabric Softener PG 6/6
-$0.20/1 Downy Liquid Fabric Softener PG 6/6
Final Price: $4.49 ea

GE Extra Soft White Light Bulbs, 4 pack, $1.00 ea
-$1.00/2 GE Energy Smart Bulbs
Final Price: $0.50 ea

Dial or Coast Soap, 2 bars, $1.00 ea
-$0.35/1 Dial Bar Pack RP 6/13
Final Price: $0.30 ea

Dial or Tone Foaming Hand Wash, 7.5 oz, $1.50 ea
-$0.35/1 Dial Liquid Hand Soap RP 6/13
Final Price: $0.80 ea

Crest Whitening Expressions Toothpaste, 6 oz, $1.97 ea
-$0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste RP 6/27
-$1.00/2 Crest Toothpaste PG 6/6
-$0.50/1 Crest Toothpaste PG 6/6
Final Price: $0.97 ea

CoverGirl Cosmetics, 25% off
-$1.00/1 CoverGirl product PG 6/6
-$2.00/1 CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara PG 6/6

This Friday, July 9th, is Chick-filA’s Annual Cow Appreciate Day.  Go to your local establishment dressed as a cow from head to toe to receive a free meal!

This week’s penny item is:

Publix Salad Dressing

On the first day of the ad each week, a Publix customer can get the penny item with any purchase of $10 or more before coupons.  The penny item is most often located near the check-out lines.  Many stores do not require it, but the coupon for the penny item can be found in Wednesday’s newspaper flyer.

For the Publix weekly match-ups, see here.

I’m in Wilmington, North Carolina for the week.  Enjoying the sweet stories and laughter of my 94-year old grandfather.  My mom and I are making meals, giving meds, and just plain listenin’ – and it’s glorious and restful.  I’m reading wedding books, making lists, designing my classroom for the fall, and napping.

We have a bit of internet from a wireless stick my Mom has, but it’s terribly spotty and we’re sharing it.  I will have CVS, Kroger, Publix, and HT match-ups for you when I can this week.  Leave a comment if you prefer one over the others and I will shift priorities.  Thank you, faithful readers!

I’ll leave you with some pictures of my sweet (and extremely sarcastic) 94-year-old great grandfather…

I’ve recently become quite obsessed with this site and it has a fantastic list of Nashville events going on this holiday weekend.  Go check it out:

The Nashvillest Weekendest: 4th of July Edition