In Memory of Chris Campbell
In Honor of Chris Campbell
Today’s post has nothing to do with being thrifty but I want to honor an old friend on his birthday. He would have been 37 years old. He was one of the Navy Seals that was recently killed in Afghanistan. My mom and I visited with his mom today and she was happy to read childhood memories I had of him.
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August 7, 2011
I sat quietly in an airport crying tears of grief for my friend. Normally I might cower away from showing such a public display of expression. This time it was warranted. Truthfully, it seemed an honor to grieve on his behalf. He had given the ultimate sacrifice and I could not ashamed of my splotchy red face and eyes.
I was returning home from a convention which was filled with business related events and interactions with others. Although I knew of his death the previous day, my mind finally had time to rest and it was soon flooded with thoughts and forgotten memories.
We were kids running together through the yard. Our parents were talking and visiting. We raced to pass time until it was time for him to go. It was a hot summer evening and I pulled off my shoes to run. “I can run faster without shoes” I told him and we raced. The grass touched my bare feet as we ran to the tree across my yard. “One more time” we would say as we tried to be the next winner of the race.
We climbed a pile of gravel in my driveway. My dad had some gravel delivered so that he could repair and fill the holes that had formed. I think my mom fussed at us for climbing up the gravel. Like me she was protective of her children and wanted to keep them from danger.
We traveled together to Hammock’s Beach, Bear Island. His mom drove her station wagon with all of us in it. I rode in the front seat in the middle. The air conditioner blew my hair and my head ached from the cold. His brother, my brother, and he were close to the same age. They had common interests and played well together. Whenever we would go to the beach he would always make a trip to the snack bar. His mom laughed and said that as long as he had money in his pocket he was going to eat. Whenever we went to the beach the boys would play in the water and get pushed around by the waves. The girls would walk the beach, talk, and look for shells.
When my friend came to visit me from Florida she thought he was cute. We invited him and his friend over for dinner. My friend and I cooked dinner for them. We served sparkling water in our attempt to act older and mature. He and I looked at one another and exchanged frequent smiles as old friends would. On our way to take them home we heard a kitten meowing in a ditch and we rescued my kitten from my crazy dog’s kidnapping attempts.
He was sitting beside me. We were teenagers and as many teens do we sat on the back row during church services. We would exchange small chit chat before service started. We showed our prom pictures to one another. He gave me a picture and I put it into my senior album which contained photos of friends. We simply talked about things that are important to everyone of that age.
He was only one day older than me. That was another thing we had in common. We always knew when the other person had a birthday. Our moms were best friends and they both worked in the schools. Our moms had summers free to spend with us and take us places so we spent a lot of time together.
I can visualize the pictures from birthday parties and other events over the years. He was small for his age but always full of energy and life. He was known for being active in any kind of sport.
My heart swelled with pain and tightness as I thought of his parents. I could not imagine the grief that they felt. To lose a child is a parent’s worst nightmare. It was easy to recall all of the times I had prayed for my children and for God to keep them safe from harm. I could only pretend to know the pain they were experiencing. I wept again, but this time it was for dear friends.
My mind returned to the phone conversations I had over the weekend with my dad. I was comforted knowing there were church friends and family to visit them during such a difficult time.
Whenever the military were recognized during church services his dad always wore his uniform. How proud of his son he must have been. What an accomplishment it was for their son to be a part an elite group of Navy Seals. When a child does something great such as making the dean’s list parents want to tell everyone. His parents probably didn’t have that privilege. Their son was performing secret missions that no one would ever know.
His mom served the military lunch after church that Sunday. What a servant’s heart she must have to give of herself only a day later. Everyone would understand if she stayed at home that day. Maybe it was her way of showing respect and honor to her son. As the wife of a retired Marine she understood their lives. She knew the sacrifice required of the entire family.
A navy seal – I tried to envision what that must be like. What kind of training must he have endured to become one? How does someone even begin to be chosen?
Regret fills my heart. How did we drift apart and not keep in touch? I struggle to remember the last time I saw him but then my mind is filled with wonderful memories. It seems as though I haven’t seen him in forever and then it seems like it was just a few weeks ago.
He will forever be missed. Lives are changed because of him.
May God be with his family, his friends, and his daughter. May they be filled with the peace and comfort that only He can bring. We praise God for our friend and the sacrifice he gave.
~Karen Buckhalter Weideman
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
September 16, 1974 – August 6, 2011
September 15, 2011
Triple Coupons at Harris Teeter thru 9/20
It’s triple coupon week at Harris Teeter. I have already made two trips this week and I have saved over $130. I don’t have as many coupons as usual so I’ll probably only shop one more time.
You can use 20 coupons per day and Harris Teeter will triple coupons with a face value of up to $.99. This means if you have a $.75 coupon it will triple to $2.25! The coupon must not say “do not double” or something like that on it. Buy 1 get 1 free items ring up half price so you can use one coupon per item. For more details on coupons rules check out Harris Teeter’s coupon policy.
Here are some of coupon match-ups for the triple coupon sale.
2 Wrigley’s or Extra gum $1.25-$1.29 each
-$.50/2 from SS 7/31 = $.50 each
Nature Valley trail mix granola bars $3.19 reg, $2.50 sale
-$.50/1 from SS 8/28 = $1
3 Texas Pete canned chili $1 each
-$.50/3 SS 5/8 = $.50 each
Mount Olive relish $1.89
$.50/1 from SS 8/28 = $.39
3 Hamburger Helper $1.89 reg, $1 sale
-$.75/3 from GM 9/11 = $.25 each
2 Betty Crocker boxed potatoes $1.89 reg, $1.25 sale
-$.50/2 from GM 9/11 = $.50 each
Vigo black bean rice $2.59
-$.50/1 RP 3/13 = $1.09
Honey Nut Cheerios $4.69 reg, $3 reg
-$.75/1 from free sample in mail = $.75
Betty Crocker Fun da-middles cake mix $2.99
-$.75/1 GM 9/11 = $.74
-$.50 printable
Tetley tea family size bags $2.39 reg, $1.14 bogo
-$.75/2 printable = $.07 each
Oral-B dental floss $1.99 sale
-$.75/1 from PG 8/28 = FREE
2 Oral-B toothbrushes $1.99
-$.75/2 from PG 8/28 = $.87 each
Listerine mouthwash 1 L $5.75 reg, $3.99 sale
-$.50/1 from SS 4/17 or 7/31 = $2.49
2 Hefty One Zip bags $4.65 reg, $2.33 bogo
-$1/2 from RP 7/10 or 8/14 = $1.33 each
Charmin 4 double rolls $4.99 reg, $3 sale
-$.25/1 from PG 8/28 = $2.25
Bounty paper towels single roll $2.49 reg, $1.50 sale
-$.25/1 from PG 8/28 = $.75
Ivory 3pk soap $1.69?
-$.35/1 from PG 8/28 = $.64
Formula 409 cleaner $3.69 reg, $3.29 sale
-$.50/1 from SS 8/21 = $1.79
Harris Teeter Your Home 8 pk paper towels $7.99 reg, $5.99 sale
-$3/1 from SS 7/31 = $2.99
Harris Teeter Your Home 12 pk toilet paper $7.49 reg, $6.77 sale
-$3/1 from SS 7/31 = $3.77
Purex 125 oz detergent $11.99 reg, $5.99 bogo
-$2/1 from RP 9/11 = $3.99
Coffee Mate Natural Bliss coffee creamer $2.69
-.55/1 from RP 7/31 = $.1.04
2 Pillsbury crescent rolls $2.19 reg, $2 sale each
-$.40/2 from GM 9/11 = $1.40 each
Pillsbury cinnamon rolls $2.19 reg, $2 sale
-$.30/1 from GM 9/11 = $1.10
-$.40/2 Printable
2 Pillsbury Grands biscuits $1.99 reg, $1.67 sale each
-$.30/2 from SS 8/7 = $1.22 each
BestLife buttery spread $2.59
-$.50/1 from RP 8/28 = $1.09
2 Yoplait Greek yogurt $1.25 reg, $1 sale each
-$.50/2 from GM 9/11 or Printable = $.25 each
2 Yoplait kids yogurt
-$.75/2 Printable or GM 9/11
Yoplait Light with granola 4 pk $2.50
-$.75/1 from GM 9/11 = $.25
Egglands Best large eggs $2.79 reg, $2.50 sale
-$.35/1 from SS 7/31 = $1.45
Jimmy Dean breakfast bowls $2.99
-$.75/1 from RP 7/31 = $.74
Morningstar products $4.49 reg, $3 sale
-$.75/1 from RP 8/28 = $.75
Minute steamers frozen rice $2.50
-$.50/1 from RP 7/10 = $1
(Some papers had a $1 coupon.)
3 Green Giant boxes vegetables $2 reg, $1.25 each sale
-$.60/3 from SS 9/11 = $.65 each
3 Hot Pockets $2 each sale
-$.75/3 from SS 8/21 = $1.25 each
Did you find any great deals at Harris Teeter this week?
August 9, 2011
Product Review & Coupon: Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats
I just returned from Blogher. There were products everywhere. Most bloggers bring home loads of swag from the vendors and of course the companies freely give them out in hopes for product reviews around the web.
Product reviews are featured on The Thrifty Mommy but it’s not something I do on a regular basis. I don’t just want to constantly write about random products. Instead, I choose to write about products that I really like or that stand out to me.
Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats is one of those products that stood out to me. Have you ever been to a party and found your feet in horrible pain from the cute heels or sandals you chose? Dr. Scholl’s has invented an alternative to achy tired feet.
The fast flats fold and come inside a small convenient gold wristlet. Just carry the shoes in the bag like it is a purse. The flats come in three different sizes and cost $8-10.
The shoes feel like slippers so I am wondering how long they would hold up. I’m guessing that you could get a few uses out of them. I have not personally worn them for an extended amount of time so I am not able to give a more exact measurement. Of course durability would also depend on if you use them for dancing, walking back home from a party, etc.
The fast flats are definitely a creative idea and simple solution for aching feet.
Be sure to go to the Dr. Scholl’s website for a $2 coupon to use on any For Her product.
August 9, 2011
Bumble Bee Foods Bee Squad Party
For the second year, I am a member of the Bumble Bee Foods Bee Squad. Bumble Bee Foods sent their Bee Squad bloggers to Blogher again this year. The conference was in San Diego, CA and never before had I been to California or anywhere even near it. Bumble Bee was excited that the conference was in their neck of the woods and they took us to some of their favorite places.
After we arrived in San Diego on Thursday Bumble Bee hosted a private party at Mr. A’s Restaurant. The party was outside on the patio overlooking the city. The view was absolutely beautiful. We were fortunate to begin the party while it was still daylight and stay until dark.
Hardly any of us sat down during the party. The view was just too gorgeous to ignore. We all stood around and continued to look out. We saw several planes land while we were there which was a bit scary. It looked like the planes were going to crash into a building or land in the water.
One of the highlights of Blogher is seeing blogging friends. I met Elizabeth from Table 4 Five back in 2008 at the first Pampers Mommy Blogger event. We sat up on the very tall bench at Pampers and I sang “I’m a big kid look what I can do . . .”. She declared me cute and we have been friends since. 
Chef Scott Leibfried continues to be the chef for Bumble Bee Foods. Last year during the Blogher party Chef Scott made some quick and yummy foods using Bumble Bee products. This year he hung out with us and talked. He is very nice and easy to talk to. Chef Scott is known for his appearances on Hell’s Kitchen, the Food Network Challenge, and Kitchen Nightmares.
I was also thrilled to meet up with Lori again from The Bargain Shopper Lady. We got to spend lots of time together this year and she is definitely a kindred spirit. You can see a picture of the two of us and the entire Bee Squad at her site.
As you can see, the city is beautiful during the day and night. It is also very obvious that I am in need of a new camera.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I’ll try to post more from Blogher later this week.
Disclaimer: I am a member of the Bumble Bee Foods Bee Squad. The opinions are my own.
August 9, 2011
Printable Coupon: $1 Off De Wafelbakkers Pancakes
Print a $1 coupon for De Wafelbakkers Pancakes. I have had the plain and the blueberry pancakes and they were quite delicious. Harris Teeter has super double coupons this week so make sure you get this coupon.
July 26, 2011
More Birthday Savings
Every now and then I like to post deals that I got and show you how much I saved. I don’t do this to brag but because I am excited about saving money and I want to inspire you to save.
Cuddlebug’s birthday is this week. He is my baby. He is my heart. I can’t believe he is turning six. Where has the time gone?
Cuddlebug’s interests have changed a lot over the past six years and then in a way, they really haven’t changed much at all. They have just developed more. He is still into cars, trucks, balls, and Magnext. His newest interest is badges and handcuffs. He says he wants to be a cop someday. It is bedtime and I’m feeling a big nostaligic so I better get on to the deals.
I have explained many times before about purchasing birthday and Christmas items throughout the year. Target is known to clearance their toys after Christmas (usually in January) and then in the summer (usually in July). There are some good clearance items other times of the year too. You just have to catch them at the right times.
When Target has their toys on clearance I usually take the opportunity to purchase things that I know my kids will like. I put them away for the next birthday or Christmas and this saves a lot of money.
Magnext magnet set – reg $19.99, $9.98 clearance
G.I. Joe R.H.I.N.O. vehicle – reg $49.99, $12.48 clearance
Air Hogs Moto Frenzy – reg $24.99, $6.24 clearance
Cherokee leather blue and orange shoes – reg $17.99, $4.48 clearance
Door hanger kit – reg $3.99, $.98 clearance
Animal adventure sticker book – $1.00 from Target dollar section
Color Wonder soft sticks – $1??
Everything I purchased came from Target except for the Color Wonder sticks.
At regular prices this would have cost around $122-$125 but I paid about $36. As you can see, shopping throughout the year saves a lot of money.
What deals have you found lately?
Image (c) Karen Weideman.
July 26, 2011
Product Review: Food Lion vs Parkay Squeeze Spread
Being a thrifty gal usually means that I am not name brand loyal. In fact, one of my couponing tips is that you shouldn’t be name brand loyal. If I can get something cheap enough or for free then I’ll usually give it a try.
You won’t see generic products in my house very often. It’s not that I’m a product snob and am too good for knock-offs. It’s just that I can usually get name brand products for less money than generics. Stores will usually run a better sale on name brand items than store brands. When you combine it with a coupon these products are less expensive than generics.
Fast forward this whole story to these buttery squeeze spread products. I generally don’t buy the squeeze spread because it’s not as healthy as other products but it works well for our homemade waffles. Last year Food Lion had the Parkay spread for half price and so I picked up two bottles to use for waffles. We were running low a few months ago and so my husband picked up a bottle of the Food Lion store brand to use. We were surprised when we used the product and saw the difference in thickness and overall appearance (for lack of a better word). The pictures will show what I mean.
You may think that maybe we didn’t shake up the bottle or that this was floating around at the top of the bottle. Not so. We used the entire bottle of Food Lion squeeze spread and it had this consistency throughout the whole bottle. Our next bottle we were sure to purchase the Parkay.
I checked the labels on both products and they seemed to be very similar. I am not sure of the difference between the two without doing more extensive research. I am very willing to try other name brands of squeeze spread but will be avoiding the Food Lion brand.
Which name brands are you loyal about buying?
These ideas and opinions are my own. I was not paid for this review. Images (c) Karen Weideman.
July 23, 2011
Do-It-Yourself Pacifier Baby Shower Favors
I attended a baby shower and they had some really cute pacifier favors and pink confetti spread across the table for decoration. I thought the pacifier favors were so cute (and inexpensive) that I had to share them with you. The candy pacifiers simply consist of two Lifesaver candies and a jelly bean that are held together by frosting or melted chocolate.
You will need:
- Lifesavers (These are made from peppermint Lifesavers.)
- royal frosting or melted white chocolate
- miniature jelly beans (probably Jelly Bellies)
- ribbon
Directions:
- Unwrap your Lifesavers and set aside.
- If you are using chocolate then you will need to melt it. Follow the instructions on the package for melting the chocolate. Please note that you should be using chocolate candy that will harden after it dries. This is the kind that is sold in most craft stores or in the cake decorating section of Walmart.
- Put a small dab of chocolate or frosting in the center of some of the Lifesavers. To make your finished project more attractive you should make sure that the Lifesaver words are facing the handle and that the jelly bean side is plain. For best results, only work with a few Lifesavers at a time.
- Attach the second Lifesaver to the first. The second Lifesaver should be on its side so that it acts as a pacifier handle. It will make a “T” shape. Hold together for a few seconds to allow icing or chocolate to set.
- As you complete these steps, set them aside to dry. After they have dried add the ribbon to the pacifier handle. The ribbon should be about four inches long.
- Add a small dab of frosting to the other side of the lifesaver (the plain side) and attach the jelly bean. Let these dry or harden. You may have to hold the jelly bean onto the Lifesaver for a minute until it sets.
You may find that you want to make the pacifier handles first, attach the jelly beans, and then let the whole thing dry before adding the ribbon. Feel free to modify the instructions to meet your personal preference.
Uses: These candy pacifiers can be spread around the tables for decoration or placed on a cake. You can put them in a bowl on the tables or spread them around a centerpiece or the base of the cake. Put them in small candy boxes and send them home with your guests. You could also have the ribbon personalized with your baby’s name. There are many uses for them.
Money saving tips: You know that I am all about saving money. Save your craft store coupons to purchase these items while they are 40-50% off. Ask your friends for their craft store coupons. If you know in advance that you will be making these you can watch the weekly sales flyers for sales on these items. Check the dollar ribbon area of the craft store for ribbon deals.
This post was originally written by me in 2009. The content has been rewritten and modified to put on my own website.
Image (c) Karen Weideman
July 19, 2011
12 Ways to Save Money on Gas
I wrote this article about four years ago when I worked for “the other company”. I’m slowly trying to transfer and rewrite some of my content for my own site. A friend messaged me on facebook today and wanted to know if I had any tips for saving money on gas and so this was a good reason for this article.
With gas prices so high right now, we could all use these tips.
1. Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, braking) wastes gas. Driving sensibly can help increase your gas mileage by 5% for around town driving and 33% at highway speeds. Someone said that you should drive like you have a hot cup of coffee on your dash.
2. Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
3. Remove excess weight. Avoid carrying unnecessary, heavy items in your car which will reduce your mpg.
4. Drive at a constant speed. I use my cruise control a lot because I can set it and not worry about my speed going up and down. This saves gas and also avoids me getting a ticket. I wouldn’t recommend using cruise control in the mountains or hilly areas.
5. Turn off your air conditioner. Running the a/c uses more fuel. July is one of the hottest months in the south so this tip is impractical in extreme temperatures. When the temperature is 85 or below, I enjoy rolling down the windows. Try to park your car in the shade so that it doesn’t get so hot inside the vehicle.
6. Keep your engine tuned. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensory, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
7. Check and replace air filters regularly. It saves gas and improves mileage.
8. Keep proper tire pressure. Under inflated tires lower gas mileage. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
9. Reduce the drag. Avoid roof racks and bicycle racks when traveling. Place items in the trunk if possible.
10. Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel and pollutes the air. If possible, schedule your commute from work during the least busy times. I remember when I worked in Blacksburg, I really had to watch the times that I left work. Waiting an additional 10 minutes could cost me an additional 30 minutes of commute time.
11. Schedule your errands more efficiently. I try to do all my errands on one side of town in one day that way I’m not driving all over the place. This saves time and money.
12. Consider a fuel efficient vehicle. I’m not saying to run out and buy a new vehicle. The cost of a new vehicle will be more than gas. If you’re looking to purchase another vehicle, consider one that is more fuel efficient.
What other gas saving tips can you add?
image (c) Karen Weideman
July 18, 2011
Bumble Bee Foods Webisode 1: Looney Lemon Pepper Burrito
Last year Chef Scott Liebfried demonstrated how to make some recipes that he created for Bumble Bee Foods. This year he is showing some kid-friendly recipes. I’m sure we could all use some healthier kid-friendly recipes in our homes. This if the first webisode in the series.
Disclaimer: I am a member of the Bumble Bee Bee Squad.
