Girl Gone Lawn

I have the Black & Decker NST2018 18-volt cordless electric "Grass Hog" trimmer/edger...and I love it!

I first bought this about four years ago and it's still going strong.  Growing up, my mom did most of the yard work and we would help out with the mowing.  Fast forward a few years (not too many!) and now I have my own home with a yard to maintain.

With no prior experience with any lawn equipment other than a mower and manual tools, I was pretty overwhelmed by the options.  I barely knew how to maintain a lawn mower so I wanted something easy to use.  The Grass Hog is definitely that!  Since it first came out, Black & Decker has come out with new and improved models, but mine still works like new.  I don't have much to compare it to since I've never owned anything else, but from what I've seen, it is a winner.

One friend of mine was pulling out his gas powered edger and started spilling gas all over the place.  I don't know about you, but with gas prices soaring, I'm glad I don't have another "mouth" to feed.  Another benefit it that this is two tools in one.  The handle rotates so you can use it to edge (which I mainly use it for) or to trim.  The batteries say it takes 6 - 8 hours to charge.  If it's been dormant a season though, the power will have completely drained and will take more like 24 hours.  My model came with two batteries so I could charge one while using the other.  With a full charge, I think the batteries last 30 to 45 minutes.  It's been a while since I've used it so much at one time though.  You'll know when it's losing power because the grass looks like it's getting a beat down rather than getting cut.  From what I recall, the batteries are supposed to be interchangeable with other products in the line.  It's really portable and lightweight which makes it easier to maneuver...and no power cords to trip on or accidentally cut!  The power is awesome as well.  It cuts through grass like butter and because it's so lightweight, I can easily get it into little cracks and crevices.  And I've yet to have to change the reel line!

If I could change anything (and maybe it's different on the newer models) I would make the handle fit into grooves on the shaft to make it more stable.  I'm too lazy to tighten it down each time I want to change the position.  Don't let that put you off though, this is worth the money.  I would buy it again in a heartbeat and suggest it to all my friends and family.  In fact, I'd love to expand into the rest of the electric line with the hedge trimmer.  I find the work less of a hassle now (actually kinda relaxing) than I did way back when elbow grease and spades were the way to go.

Target Trip - Saved a lot, but spent too much

It was actually a decent trip.  I didn't have too much on the list, but the store is very close to work so I don't mind the extra mile it tags on.

Tonight's list:

1. Neutrogena Natural Lip Balm $2.99

• $1/1 coupon on Target's website and if you were lucky enough to snatch the beauty bag sample kit, it's in the coupon booklet
• Also, supposed to be a $1/1 Neutrogena Lip or Eye Makeup in the 3/27 Smart Source insert, but I cannot find it in mine (although I did find a $3/1 Neutrogena makeup in there - hopefully it works)

2. Reynolds Slow Cook Liners

• There's a $1/1 online printable

3. M&Ms Filled Egg

• $2/2 M&M's in April's All You

4. Zyrtec (5 count)

• $4 Target coupon
• $2 Zyrtec online printable (also saw peelies on some products)

What really happened?  I couldn't find the Neutrogena Lip Balm, but got the other three items.  I also took my own bag so I got a 5 cent discount.  I might stop at another Target to find the Neutrogena and check out the Purex (snagged the $2 off Purex with Zout coupon) if it's on the way on my weekend shopping trip.

Final total?  Saved $9.24...actually $9.19 because I should have been given 5 cents but it was late and the cashiers were in a hurry so I ended up paying a nickel.  If you do the same trip without the bag then it would be a clear no money due.

If you're curious about where to find match-ups and coupons, I usually use www.southernsavers.com and www.coupondivas.com.  They both do a great job getting the best deals out there.

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Work has been pretty hectic the last few months (as you can see by my lack of posts), but I plan on making a comeback!  There are just so many things I'd like to get accomplished: work on the house, spend time with friends and family, cook more at home, and the list goes on.  I'll do my best to get something new up this by this weekend.

The Other Stores

We all know and love the major stores here in Texas there are a few other choices.  I always like to check on the prices from Albertson's, Kroger and Tom Thumb from a few other great blogs.

Minyard's has a few specials to check out if you have one in your area.  It follows the same schedule as the others and rotates to new prices on Wednesday.  I don't know the coupon policy, especially whether they accept internet coupons.  Here are a few good deals that end at closing time Tuesday, September 7th:

Blue Bell ice cream - 3 for $10, limit 3 (you can get $1 off coupon by signing up on their website) Final price: $3/ea wyb 3
Dr. Pepper 12 pack - 4 for $10
Kraft Miracle Whip - 2 for $5 (-$1 off Kraft Mayo, Sandwich Shop Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing wyb Oscar Mayer Deli )
Kraft BBQ Sauce - 89cents each
Bar-S meat Franks - store coupon 69cents each, limit 4
Ranch Style Beans - store coupon 49cents each, limit 4
VanCamp's Pork & Beans - store coupon 49cents each, limit 4
Best Choice Louisiana Hot Sauce - 2 for $1
Zest, Ivory or Safeguard bath soap 3 to 4 count - 2 for $3 (-$1/2 Ivory Body Wash, Liquid Hand Soap, or (3) bar packs, PG 8/29; -.25/1 Ivory body wash, bar pack, or liquid hand soap, PG 8/29;
-.50/1 Ivory body wash, bar soap or hand soap, PG eCoupon printable; -$1/2 Zest Bodywashes or (3) Zest or Safeguard Bars or Safeguard liquid hand soaps, PG 8/29; -.35/1 Zest Bodywash or bar, or Safeguard bars or liquid handsoap, PG 8/29; -.50/1 Zest body wash or bar soap, PG eCoupon printable) Final price: $1 ea wyb 2
Crest Toothpaste 6.4oz - 2 for $3 (-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or Liquid Gel, PG 8/29; -$1 off Crest Toothpaste, 4 oz +, PG 8/29; -.50/1 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or Liquid Gel, PG 8/29) Final price: 50cents
Secret or Old Spice Deodorant - 2 for $3 (-$1 off Old Spice Fresh Collection Invisible deodorant, PG eCoupon printable; -$1/2 Old Spice antiperspirant, deodorant or body wash products, P&G $100 Coupon Booklet; -$1/2 Old Spice Deodorant, Body Wash, or Body Spray, PG eCoupon printable; -$1/2 Old Spice product, PG 8/29 - I know there are Secret coupons too but not sure where) Final price: 50cents
Tampax or Always Feminine Products 12-46 count - 2 for $4 (-$1 off Tampax cardboard product, PG eCoupon printable; -$1 off Tampax product, 18 ct +, PG 8/29; -$1 off Always Pad or Clean or Feminine Cleansing Cloths, PG 8/29; -$1/2 Always Pantyliners, 34 ct +, PG 8/29; -.50/1 Always Pantyliners, 34 ct +, PG 8/29) Final price: $1

There's also Fiesta:
Cocoa Puffs or Cheerios Cereals 11.8 to 14 oz - $1.88 (-$1/2 General Mills Boo Berry, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs printable; -.55/1 Cocoa Puffs Cereal printable; -.55/1 General Mills Cocoa Puffs cereal printable; -$1/2 General Mills Original Cheerios printable; -.55/1 General Mills Original Cheerios printable) Final price: $1.33
Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent 36 to 48 load powder or 32 load liquid - $2.99
Hefty one zip Storage 13 to 22 count - 99cents each (-$1/2 Hefty One Zip bags printable; -$1/2 Hefty One Zip Fresh Extended Bags printable) Final price: 49cent ea wyb 2

Thanks to Southern Saver's coupon database!  If you need a printable link - check for it there.  This does not account for any taxes.

Albertson's Run

I decided to go to Albertson's last night to try and beat the Labor Day mad dash.  Blue Bell was on sale for 3 for $10 and I had a $1 off coupon from signing up on Blue Bell's site for their club.  I love Blue Bell!  I made some brownies for work to go with vanilla ice cream.  YUM!

I was in no hurry so I cruised the aisles for clearance items.  I ended up with Argo corn starch 16oz for 99 cents which was cheaper than Albertson's brand and had more volume.  I use corn starch in a great recipe, I think it's from the old Better Homes & Gardens cookbook, for chess pie.  This is a lemon custard type pie that is delicious!  It's a family and friends favorite and oh so simple to make.  I"ll try to put it up when I get back home.

Other items on clearance: Fleishman's pizza dough yeast, Tree Top apple juice concentrate, kitchen utensil set and some mango drinks in a can.  I'm in Texas and this may be regional so ymmv.

When a Woman Takes an Axe to a Wall

Fun title, fun book.  This is a quick read from a do-it-yourselfer woman published by a small shop - The Writer's Lair Books.  While the book is geared more towards divorced women and encouraging their "homeownhership", I think it's an inspirational read for anyone with a little fear of tackling home projects.

I've done a lot of projects myself, but that doesn't mean I'm not anxious about some of them.  A sample list: ripped up carpet, removed old and installed new blinds, installed kitchen and bath hardware (the handles), cut and installed moulding, replaced outlet receptacles and even replaced two lights.  Next up?  One of my kitchen fluorescents kicked the bucket so I'm aiming to replace the ballast (not that I even know what it does) this weekend.  Anytime I'm working with electricity I turn off the current at the breaker and have a set of current testers I use to make sure I used the right switch.  It makes me a little nervous, but I'm not paying anyone for a ten minute job.  After a hiatus, this book has got me back in the spirit of fixing and improving!

Food Should Taste Good

Food Should Taste Good is an all-natural snack food maker of tortilla chips.  I was lucky enough to try out five flavors with my office mates.  We went for Sweet Potato, Multigrain, Lime, Olive and Chocolate.

What does it taste like?   Well, tortilla chips.  That's what I tasted first and then the flavor kicks in a bit, and not like a fake food flavor.  The chips have a long list of all the reasons it's healthy and better for you, but it still passed the taste test.  The majority winner was Sweet Potato and Multigrain came in second for me.  One guy like Lime the best and another Olive so you really won't know what you like until you try them all.  :)  They've already been asking in the office when I'm bringing more in and where they can get some.  That's a great sign for people used to snacking on processed bars.

If you want to try Food Should Taste Good then check out their website for stores near you.  If you sign up for their fan club then you get a dollar off coupon.  Not only do you get $1 off, but Food Should Taste Good will donate 50 cents to Share Our Strength, a charity to alleviate child hunger in America.  What could be better than that?  And if you want more, google Food Should Taste Good coupons.  They switch them up a bit, but currently have $2 off any three bags over 5 oz.

We're hooked!