Taking Time to Become Mrs. Q

I’m sure that you have noticed that things have slowed down around here… mostly a response to the fact that life outside of Miss Q has reached break-neck speed.  Following along with my recent ramblings, you may have picked up on some of the big changes happening in my life.

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.

Spotty Internet

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…

Second Harvest in Need of Donations!

As many of you know, the first weekend of May brought a thousand-year flood to middle Tennessee.  Many businesses and homes were destroyed and families displaced.  As a result, local food banks have seen a 50% increase in the number of families requesting emergency food.

This greater demands calls for Nashville residents to step up to the plate and help out.  As a couponer, I have plenty of extras every week and those extras are certainly in need now.  Can you help?

Here are some donation ideas to get you started:

• Canned Meals: Stews, Soups, Tuna, Ravioli, etc.
• Peanut Butter
• Cereal
• Canned Fruits and Vegetables
• Rice, Pasta and Dried Beans
• Hygiene Items: Toothpaste, Shaving Items, Soap, etc.
• Infant Products: Diapers, Wipes, Formula, Infant Cereal
• Paper Products: Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, etc.

I’m baaaacckk!

Wow!  We had a whirlwind of a weekend!  We spent the weekend in New Jersey at my parents’ home.  They so graciously threw us an engagement party on Saturday and we had the opportunity to spend time with some of our family and friends.  We had a blast!

But that meant that last week was full of errands, preparations, and craft projects to get ready for the party.  I literally made (thanks to Mary and her pink Singer sewing machine) cloth napkins, printed pictures, made wall art, etc etc etc.  It was a crazy week – but culminated in a great party!

So I’m back.  This summer is just getting away from me!  It’s 111 days until we get married, 6 weeks until I start my job, and we’re hitting at least three more states between now and then.  I’m going to try my best to keep up with things, but you know how life goes.  Things these days seem so unexpected but I’m loving engaged life and it’s SO worth it!

Coming up tomorrow…

• Kroger Match-ups
• CVS Match-ups and a Scenario
• Monday Meals
• Worth a Read
• Last week’s Shopping Summary

Hopefully I’ll get caught up on recipes and tips, too!  They are piling up.  But remember, if you ever have a question, do not hesitate to leave a comment or shoot me an email (a link on the side).

Monday Meals: June 7 – 13, 2010

(Getting a little personal this week :)

We had a fabulous weekend in Ohio watching Mr. Q’s sisters graduate and spending time with his family!  It was quick, but wonderful.  This coming weekend, Mr. Q is off to Boston for a bachelor party.  And the following weekend is our engagement party in New Jersey!  And it doesn’t stop there…  In July, we hit Florida, North Carolina, and Illinois.

And the best news yet… I got a job!!! I went to interview for a position last Thursday morning and less than 2 hours later, the principal called me to offer me the middle school math teaching job.  I’m pumped!  I loved the staff and principal I interviewed with, and though I never thought I’d be teaching middle school or just math, I can’t get over how perfect I think it will be for me.  It’s 20 minutes away from my apartment and I will have 9-11 students on my caseload.  It’s just so amazing how God works for the good of His children.

And lastly… my meal plan is a bit different this week.  I’ve been feeling quite gross/yucky as summer as approached.  I think it’s the hot and sticky weather of Nashville in combination with the constant eating that comes with working from home.  So I’ve decided (after much thought) to participate in a detox of sorts.  I will start on Wednesday at 6pm and end the following Wednesday.

I’m using the Diva Detox plan which incorporates mostly fruits and greens.  I’m excited about it and think it’ll be great for my body.  As I usually do, I will continue to cook for Mr. Q (I’m home for the summer, he’s still working) – but with him out of town this weekend, it seems like perfect timing. I am going to do my shopping without much attention to the bill.  I’ve been saving hundreds of dollars a month to build my stockpile.  I’m going to put those savings toward something good for my body and mind this week.

If you would like to join me or want more updates/info about this, let me know!  I’d love to have company :)

Monday: Mashed potato quesdilla, green beans, cantaloupe

Tuesday: Shepherd’s Pie with garlic potatoes, fruit salad

Wednesday: Panera (back to our Wednesday tradition!)

Thursday: Apple Meal for Miss Q (Stuffed Peppers and Rice for Mr. Q)

Friday: Green Action Smoothie, Banana Milkshake (Mr. Q in Boston)

Saturday: Gazpacho (Mr. Q in Boston)

Sunday: Arugula Salad with Blueberry Dressing (Mr. Q in Boston)

…

Breakfasts:

Yogurt and granola
Cereal and milk, banana
Oatmeal, strawberries
Green Smoothies
Fruit Salads

Lunch:

Turkey sandwiches, apple, carrots, yogurt
Tuna Salad and crackers
Leftovers
Green Smoothies
Fruit Milkshakes
Lettuce Roll-ups

…

What’s for dinner at your place this week?

Eat Out for Nashville: TONIGHT!

I’m sure you are aware of the recent flooding disaster that Nashville (and surrounding areas) have undergone.  Luckily, I live on a hill and on the 3rd floor and suffered no damage.  However, many of my friends and fellow church-members sustained substantial damage to their own homes.  The future-Mr.Q and I were able to help out last weekend at a friends – taking out dry wall, soaked insulation, and hundreds of nails.  The whole first floor of the house must be redone.  As you drive through these neighborhoods, all you see is mounds of debris.  The guts of the house are lying on the front lawn.

The Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ol’ Opry are severely damaged.  Even our reception venue’s basement flooded as it is right downtown on the river.  But Nashville has come together in a way that I’ve never seen before.  People, hoards and hoards of people, are raising their hands, their hammers, and their hopes.  It’s truly amazing!  As one site said, “You can’t keep a good town down!” It’s so true.

So 54 restaurants have gotten together to make a financial contribution to the Nashville relief efforts.  TONIGHT – these restaurants will donate 50% of their profit to the effort.  That is astounding!

I think we’re foregoing the spicy corn chowder tonight to help in the “Eat Out for Nashville” campaign.  The following restaurants are participating:

The Acorn Restaurant
114 28th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 320-4399

Amerigo-West End
1922 West End Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
(615) 321-6024

Amerigo-Cool Springs
1656 Westgate Circle
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
(615) 377-7070

Baja Burrito
722 Thompson Lane
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 383-2252

Bravo Gelato
Village Green
4117 Hillsboro Rd
Nashville, TN, 37215
(615) 297-0274
The Mall at Green Hills
(615) 386-6730

Burger Up
2901 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204-2509
(615) 279-3767

Cha Chah
2013 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-1430

The Garden Brunch Café (breakfast and lunch only)
924 Jefferson Street
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 891-1217

Holland House Bar and Refuge
935 W. Eastland Ave.
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 262-4190

Jimmy Kelly’s
217 Louise Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203-1811
(615) 329-4349

Lazzaroli’s Pasta (Opening specially from 10:00 – 6:00 donating 50 percent of all fresh pasta, ravioli, and homemade sauce sales)
1314 5th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208-1600
(615) 291-9922

Lazziz Persian Restaurant
3725 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 333-0772

The Melting Pot
166 Second Avenue N.
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 742-4970

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
6900 Lenox Village Dr. Suite 6
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 730-7855

Nana Rosa’s Italian Food
109 Walton Ferry Rd.
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 431-0268

9 Fruits Smoothies (50 percent of sales on all “Muddy River” Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothies)
790 Jordan Road
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 771-9818

Nuvo Burrito
1000 Main Street
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 866-9713

O’Charley’s
923 Bell Road, Antioch, TN 37013
100 E. Park Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027
2792 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, Clarksville, TN 37040
202 North James Campbell Boulevard, Columbia, TN 38401
1401 Interstate Drive, Cookeville, TN 38501
2409 Highway 46 South, Dickson, TN 37055
1202 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064
1009 Village Green Crossing, Gallatin, TN 37066
912 Rivergate Parkway, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
212 Indian Lake Boulevard, Hendersonville, TN 37075
5500 Old Hickory Boulevard, Hermitage, TN 37076
4223 Ft. Campbell Boulevard, Hopkinsville, KY 42241
902 Murfreesboro Road, Lebanon, TN 37090
2367 Hillsboro Boulevard, Manchester, TN 37355
401 S. Mt. Juliet Road, Ste 125, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
1006 Memorial Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
2450 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
1108 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37217
17 White Bridge Road, Nashville, TN 37205
110 Coley Davis Court (Bellevue), Nashville, TN 37221
820 Expo Drive, Smyrna, TN 37167
2000 Crossing Circle, Spring Hill, TN 37174
3535 Tom Austin Highway, Springfield, TN 37172

Paradise Park Trailer Resort
411 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 251-1515

The Patterson House (Tuesday 5/18 only)
1711 Division Street
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 244-7989

The Perch
117a Franklin Road
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 661-9008

Pied Piper Creamery
114 South 11th Street
Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 227-4114

Qdoba Mexican Grill
Nashville:
2019 West End Avenue
(615)340-2822
Brentwood:
782 Old Hickory Blvd.
(615) 221-2152
Hendersonville:
300 Indian Lake Blvd.
(615) 264-4806

Rumours Wine and Art Bar-12 South
2304 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 292-9400

Sopapilla’s
1109 Davenport Blvd.
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 794-9989

Sparkle Cupcake Factory
7009 Lenox Village Dr.
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 833-3113

Stoney River Legendary Steaks
1726 Galleria Boulevard, Cool Springs
3015 West End Avenue, Nashville

Watermark Restaurant
507 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-4027
(615) 254-2000

For more information, see The Nashville Scene.

Sick Sick Sick!

Have you missed me!?  Well… I’ve been (and still am) quite sick.  Not sure with what – but I have an awfully achy throat and a need to sleep ALL the time! I think my body is finally having its way with me after all the stress it’s endured this semester.  And in the meantime, I graduated from grad school on Friday and had my first job interview.  It’s been quite a week.  Pray that I feel better soon – this is quite gross.

I’m going to get a few things up tonight and will hopefully catch up tomorrow.  Kroger and CVS match-ups next.  Shopping Summary, Worth a Read, and some recipes are coming.  As my temperature goes down, the posts will speed up :)

Share your Thoughts!

My break from the blog gave me a lot of time to think about why I have this blog, who it’s serving, and where I want to take my little piece of the web.  In an effort to reconceptualize Miss Q, I have developed a short poll.  Anyone and everyone, please answer the three short questions below.  It will be a great help in bringing you more of what you want and use!

Thank you!

Miss Q’s Hiatus

I’m exhausted… just plain exhausted. And every week, Tuesday night haunts me.  Two sets of match-ups and the dread of having to get up early on Wednesday mornings.  I look forward with great (overwhelming) anticipation to this summer.  I am finished with classes and have 2.5 projects left to complete before next Tuesday.

But this summer, the docket is wiped clean.  It’s going to be all about blogging, reading, and planning for a wedding and a classroom.  I am psyched beyond belief!

But what that means is that I’m exhausted now.  And that means a hiatus, at least until Saturday.  I’ll probably have a recipe up, perhaps even a CVS deal (as my ECBs are about to expire), but that might be it.

Thanks for understanding my need for rest (and for finishing up school).  I don’t honestly know who is out there reading, but know that I appreciate you.  Miss Q has been so much fun and I can’t wait to get back in the saddle this summer.

Until then, here are some fantastic sites you can use for match-ups:

For Publix Deals:

• I Heart Publix
• Southern Savers

For Harris Teeter Deals:  **It’s TRIPLES week!**

• Southern Savers Weekly Ad and Triples List
• The Deal Scoop Triples
• $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge

For CVS Deals:

• Money Saving Mom
• Kingdom First Mom $5 Challenge
• My Frugal Adventures

Miss Q’s Back!

Sorry for the unexpected absence!  My parents, Mr. Q’s parents, and Mr. Q’s grandparents were all in town this weekend.  We had a blast!  I now have a wedding dress and a NEW computer!  On top of all that, Mr. Q did a wonderful job singing at the church’s Good Friday and Easter service, too.  It was a great weekend, and I must admit, I’m not looking forward to getting back to school tomorrow.

Thanks for bearing with the absence.  I’m going to post a slew of things in the coming 24 hours (I promise!):

• Kroger match-ups
• Publix match-ups
• CVS match-ups
• Last week’s shopping summary
• Worth a Read (send me some good reads!)
• Recipes
• Other deals I’ve found

Again, thanks!  Look forward to a week chock full of posts :)