Brag Book Project

Tip Junkie inspired me to start my Christmas projects in July, so I thought... why not?

There are some people in your life that are so hard to shop for because they have everything and if they wanted or needed something, they go out and get it themselves. Know anyone like that?

I do.

I won't say who (there are a few).

So here is ONE of their presents for Christmas.
It's not EXACTLY done yet because I still have to put pics of my twins Isaac and Sophie in it to complete the "Brag" part of "Brag Book."

Wanna make one?

Here it is!

First, decide how many pages you want your book to have. I thought about 20 pages would be good. That way, there will be about 18-20 pages on both sides of the book.

Second, cut 10 8.5" x 11" cardstock paper in half horizontally. I used a paper cutter because I have a hard time cutting straight! You can use whatever solid color cardstock you want. I used white because I had a ton of it. I used the 8.5" x 11" cardstock size because the 12" x12" would be too big to put in an average purse. Who wants to carry so many pics in your purse?

Next, fold and score each cut cardstock hamburger style. That means to fold it at its longest length- the length of 11."

Next, glue or tape each of the scored cardstock piece to each other by fanfolding technique. Check out the third pic.

Then cut cute scrapbooking paper of your choice to each side of the cardstock pages. Choose two identical cute papers to cover the front and back and attach a ribbon to the back.

Tie the book closed to the front using the ribbon and make a bow.

Finish this project by glueing or taping fun pictures of your kids to be given out to a special someone. I'm leaving one side of the brag book blank, so the special person can glue her own pictures of the twins and continue the book going!

I hope you try this project. It was fun and not so expensive.

I had all the materials, so I saved money for Christmas!

The Coupon Bug!!!

Let me first apologize for not having pictures!

I love to post my pictures, but I unfortunately forgot to take a picture of all the goodies I was able to get at such great prices before I had already put them away!

My husband suggested that I look into this "coupon thing" he overheard some ladies talking about while at a church meeting. I've heard of it before, but I really didn't know much about it. I actually dreaded visualizing myself with hours of clipping coupons I probably wouldn't even use.

I thought about it some more, did some research, and spoke with a friend who has been doing it for a while. She pointed me in the right direction by giving me names of websites and blogs she frequents. I got so excited that I started making my list!

The Low-Down!

You don't need to clip coupons from morning until night!

You only clip the ones you need!

Go to pinchingyourpennies.com and look at the state forums.

These people rate the savings and tell you if there are matching coupons (for even bigger savings).

I'm hooked!

I went to Albertsons last Thursday and got these deals!

3 Frosted Mini Wheats 24 oz. & 2 Frosted Flakes 23 oz. for $1.88 each

1 Johnson's Baby Wash 15 oz. for FREE ($5 coupon)

I also went to CVS Pharmacy on the same day and got this deal!

4 Colgate Total Toothpastes (Buy one, get one free!)

I went to Wal-Mart and got this deal!

1 large Johnson's Shower to Shower Powder for FREE($5 coupon)

The Johnson's coupons were sent to me after I wrote the Johnson and Johnson company for any free products they could give to a mom of multiples (twins).

Don't be afraid to write those baby products companies when you have a baby or two or three or MORE! They'll most likely give you tons of coupons!

It also "pays" to have the annoying "frequent shopper/saver" cards stores have. You get even better deals!

Good luck to you and happy savings! I'm off to make a new shopping list!

Peanut Butter Cup Cake, Yummy!

It was my husband's birthday on May 30th, and he L-O-V-E-S peanut butter cups. I was SOOO lucky to have found Bakerella's Peanut Butter Cup Cake recipe (originally from Family Circle magazine- but I think her version is better!) Try it, and you'll be hooked! Thanks, Bakerella!

If you want the recipe, visit Bakerella at her blog! She's awesome!