Life Lately: Super Bowl, Kids Birthday Celebrations, and Couponing

Hey loves! Today I'm sharing what we've been up to lately and I want to know, what have you been up to lately? Please share in the comments!

This was a super exciting Super Bowl for me as a Patriots Fan! We met up with Tim's dad and his siblings at a local restaurant Richards Pub for drinks and snacks and then went to Tim's dads house to watch the game. It obviously turned out great for us since we are all Pats fans (except Tim who is an Eagles fan) so we were all thrilled.

We also got the chance to finally celebrate Emma's birthday! Since their whole family had the stomach bug during her birthday weekend we didn't get to celebrate like we wanted to.

Parker is getting so big!

Do you like the gift Tim and I gave her? Because she did! I don't think she has a clue who Sleeping Beauty is but she did enjoy using the gloves to reenact Elsa's coronation scene from Frozen.

I love that we get included in their family events! It makes my heart so happy!

Tim and I found a new pizza place called The Place in Wickford. We both were super impressed with our pizzas and will definitely be back for more!

Tim and I got his and hers freebies from Bath and Body Works! Did you know that you don't have to buy anything to use the freebie coupons? Just go in, pick out an eligible item and check out for free! This is how my small shower gel and lotion stockpiles get out of control. So many freebies!

I picked up three workout tops from Old Navy and ended up only paying $6 each after my Supercash and clearance deals. I love getting cheap clothing especially since I desperately needed some new workout tank tops. Which reminds me to tell you that I'm on week 6 of the Couch to 5K app! I just finished Week 6 Day 2 yesterday and am super impressed with myself! I feel stronger and I can't believe that I will be running the length of a 5K in just three weeks. I also signed both Tim and I up for a 5K in May which I'll share when the time comes.

I picked up these four Mickey and Minnie items from Kohls and they were on clearance for $2.50 each. So cute and will make a great gift!

This past Friday we went to Emma's birthday party at Make A Mess which is a local business in Rhode Island where kids play with super messy stations and then they clean it up for you. It's such a cool concept.

Parker definitely enjoyed herself.

I think the birthday girl did too!

On Saturday we went over to Brittni and Stephen's house to hang out with them and Rachel and Ant! Of course all our favorite kids were there too!

Now it may look like Emma was loving me...but she actually was choking me with my own hair. When she wasn't doing that she was pulling my hair. Devil child!

These kids are the best!

And Uncle Tim is just so much fun! <3

That's what we've been up to lately! What have you been up to?

Our Wedding: Wedding Haul!

This past Saturday while Tim played golf I headed off to complete some wedding shopping! I have a huge list of items I need to purchase for our wedding- some are gift items, some are decor, and others are items we need to complete wedding crafts. I thought I'd share the items I purchased on Saturday with you guys and share what I'm going to do with it all.

I went to four different stores- Michaels, AC Moore, Staples and Dollar Tree. I'll be sharing prices of everything as well so you can get an idea of how I'm *trying* to do our wedding on a budget. A lot of our wedding with be DIY and honestly quite a bit of it I'm ordering off Etsy :)

Let's get started!

I went into Michaels for craft sand which I will be using in our centerpieces. I will have sand inside a tall hurricane vase with a white pillar candle lit on top of the sand. Super simple and classic beach themed centerpieces and fairly inexpensive.

Each container I purchased was $3.99 and I picked up eight of them. I will probably be going back for more- I'm not sure how far each of them will get me...

The reason I chose to use craft sand instead of just heading to the beach and gathering real sand is the fact that it looks cleaner and because it won't smell. This way I have control over the coloring and I think it will look nicer.

I also picked up the chalkboard pictured above for $50. This was an impulse buy but I had been picturing having a chalkboard as decor for our ceremony so I grabbed it! Michaels has a lot of cute chalkboard signs which I may go back for depending on how ambitious I'm feeling.

At Michaels I spent $87.64 which was the far most expensive of any store I entered on this day.

Next up at Dollar Tree I picked up three gift bags for flower girls gifts I have received and wanted to package. I also grabbed three sets of tissue paper which will be helpful for all the gifts I have to get coming up! Unpictured is a huge poster board that I grabbed to make our seating chart on. I can't wait to show you how I organize that!

At dollar tree I spent $7.49 for everything and walked out happy that I could cross some items off my list.

At AC Moore in the wedding aisle I found a few items I'd been searching for.

It is so difficult to find a cake knife and serving set that doesn't cost $50+ and I think that's a little ridiculous. I know we are only using it for pictures and I obviously want it to look nice but afterwards  I probably will never use it again. I found the set pictured above for only $16.99 and the sweet cashier used a 40% off coupon so I ended up getting it for $10.19!

The set of 50 gift cards is simple and beautiful and was $12.99. I know I'll be sending out a ton of thank you cards over the coming months and wanted a large quantity package that would last me a little while.

I walked out of AC Moore paying $24.80 and feeling so accomplished!

Finally, my last stop: Staples!

I went in only to buy card stock so I could complete a couple of wedding related crafts. The cardstock was $22.99 and I have already used a ton of it to get some wedding things printed!

While I was walking up the paper aisle I saw the sweetest stickers and decided I had to buy them to put on the back of our invitations. Each package of 48 cost $3.99 and although it was a little bit of an unplanned splurge I think they'll look great.


Overall I was very happy with everything that I purchased during my wedding shopping trip and I'm so thrilled to get a few items off my list!

I still have quite a bit to do so stay tuned I'll be sharing it all with you!

Recent Household and Beauty Hauls

I have been on a strict less stuff kick for awhile now and have been busy working my way through my household and beauty products all year long. If you've been hanging out for awhile you've seen my empties posts and know I have been trying to finish up a ton of products. 

Well recently I finished every single one of my candles. Then I used up almost all of my hand soaps- seriously only 4 left in my stockpile...and those won't last long! I knew that I didn't want to pay full price for anything and I would be so mad at myself if I let myself completely run out of anything and had to pay full price for it. So when the Bath and Body Works semi-annual sale started I knew it was time to buy some items! 

In store I picked up quite a few items:

I picked up three hand soaps, five hand sanitizers and three candles. I let Tim help me pick out my items since he is using and smelling them too. He picked out the banana split milkshake candle and two of the hand sanitizers to bring to work with him. I'm excited to have all these new items and know that it will keep us from having to buy items at full price.

Well I didn't stop there....

I placed an online order for a TON of items so we would be well stocked for all seasons. (Yes, this means I purchased FOUR leaves candles....)

I picked up soaps, candles and refills for my air freshener. I also found some cute gifts for my bridesmaids.

While it may seem excessive I really hate paying full price for anything- so keeping my home well-stocked is important to me. I just need to work my way through old stuff before starting new stuff. Notice I didn't buy and lotions and shower gels? That's because I still have SO much to get through! I don't think I will need any of that for a few years honestly.

I also placed an order recently at Sephora.

I wanted to try the Clinque Moisture Surge since I have heard so many amazing things about it. In order to get to the $50 free shipping I also picked up the Clinque mascara that has been on my wishlist for awhile. Everything else pictured was free with my order- gotta love that!

Lastly, I placed my monthly order from Grove Collaborative.

I've discovered Basil is my absolute favorite Mrs Meyers scent so I picked up a dish soap, multi-surface cleaner and a candle in that scent. I also picked up the Caldrea room spray in sea salt neroli which smells amazing!

Stay tuned for reviews on all these items- you know they'll be in upcoming empties posts eventually! :)

Have a great day everybody!

Fall Haul: Bath and Body Works and Target

This past Saturday I woke up knowing that it was finally the day to go buy my fall candles! I looked on the Bath and Body Works website and saw it was buy three get three free! I grabbed my 20% off coupon and headed off the to the mall. 

Of course I walked out with not one, not two, not three, but FOUR Leaves candles! I absolutely love Leaves and continue to purchase multiples year after year. I did however pick two other candles just to mix it up a little bit. Marshmallow Fireside is one I've tried before and really like. It actually works really great as a winter candle as well which is great. The final candle I chose is Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin which I also have in body lotion and shower gel.

In addition to my 20% off coupon I also had a free wallflower coupon so I also picked up a wallflower in sunset beach. I don't have a wallflower plug to use it, but I will definitely pick one up soon!

While I was at the mall I also decided to go to Target because there were a few things I wanted to pick up for my upcoming trip to Disney World!

The main item I wanted to pick up was a new bag for all my products. I needed something to hold all all my travel minis safely when we go away and I thought this bag was super cute. It's made by Sophia Joy which is a brand I've never heard of before but I think it looks beachy and I love it!
I also picked up loofas for both Tim and I (green for him since it's his favorite) and basic cotton rounds for my toner.

I decided to pick up some minis for my trip; Pantene shampoo and conditioner, Burts Bees facial wipes, Pacifica facial wipes, Pacifica deodorant wipes, EOS shave balm, Yes To Grapefruit Facial Scrub and Sensodyne Toothpaste.

The last thing I picked up is very much needed and is a wide tooth comb from Conair. I have been needing a comb to use in shower for some time now because my hair is super tangly. I'm hoping this works!

So that's it for my haul today- you can also check out my video of this haul over on the BalancingOnMyToes Youtube page!

Have a great day everybody!

CVS Couponing Week of 7/2/17

Today I did a great couponing deal at CVS and wanted to share it early enough in the week so you have time to do it too!

Here's what I picked up....

2 Tide Detergents $5.44 each, $10.88 total
used two $2/1 coupons from P&G 7/2
$6.88 after coupons

2 Tide Pods $5.44 each, $10.88 total
used two $3/1 coupons from P&G 7/2
$4.88 after coupons

1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste $2.99
used one coupon $2/1 from SS 
$0.99 after coupons

1 Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet paper $9.99
used one $1/1 coupon from P&G 7/2
$8.99 after coupons

2 Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste $7.49 each
on sale B1G1 50% off
$11.23 after sale

I also used...
$1 CVS household coupon
$1 CVS quarterly ECB
$15 CVS ECB

My total after all coupons was 19.05 and I received $11 back in ECBs for my next trip!
My ECBs were received from the following deals...

$10 ECB when you spend $30 on P&G items (tide and charming contributed to this)
$1 ECB when you buy 1 Colgate product (this made this a one cent Money Maker!)

Overall not a bad trip, I saved $54.05... 77%!

Get out there and start couponing!

**Also if you are interested I do have a video on this haul right here**

Mini Sephora Haul

Last Friday a new Sephora opened up not too far from me so I decided to stop by and check it out! I really went to see if I could get a bag full of free samples but unfortunately they were all out by the time I got there. I had a couple of things I knew I wanted to buy so I picked those up as well as a 100 point perk and thought I would share with you guys!

I've heard amazing things about Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray so I knew I wanted to pick this up. I am currently using a Tresemme heat protectant and I hate it so I can't wait to finish it up and try this!

I love Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara so I thought I would pick up another one while I was in there. This mascara is on the drier side which I love although it does dry out faster then other mascaras. I will take the drying up fast though if it works well while I have it.

Lastly, my 100 point perk is Smashbox Photo Finish primer which I decided to get since I don't have a ton of primer in my collection. I can't wait to see how this helps my foundation application :)

Have you picked up any products lately?

Sephora Haul

Recently I placed an order with Sephora so I could purchase something that I've been eyeing for quite some time! When ordering I also was able to pick up a few samples so I just wanted to share what I received.

I have been wanting to try Laura Mercier silk creme foundation forever! I have been playing it with a little bit and so far I absolutely love it. It has great coverage and feels so light on my skin. I am officially a Laura Mercier convert and this will be my go-to foundation!

For my first sample I picked up a Flowerbomb perfume sample. I already have it in a full size but it's always good to have a sample to take while traveling!

This Clinque Moisturizing Gel looks interesting and I have heard such great things about Clinque products that I definitely am interested in giving it a try. 

I already own a Porefessional small sample but I always am game for getting another one! If I am going out for the night I always put this on before foundation just to even out my skin. It works great!

This Ole Hendriksen 3 little wonders is a new product for me. I am excited to try it!

Lastly is a BareMinerals foundation. I know that I purchased a foundation but I thought it would be nice to also try another one as well!

So that's all I ended up with in my Sephora haul but I am excited to play some more with my new products! Now that I have some new things it must be about time for some empties right?!

Bath and Body Works Haul Spring 2016

Oh I love the semi-annual sale! I clearly broke my no buy 2016 by heading into Bath and Body Works but I was craving some new body products and I looooove buying them at a good price!

I haven't tried anything out yet but I am so excited for all my new products! You can see that most of the products are summer related but I did manage to find one Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin shower gel amongst the massive amount of products in the store!

Here's what I purchased:

Three hand creams: Maui Mango Mai Tai, Endless Weekend, and Turquoise Waters.

Three shower gels: Waikiki Beach Coconut, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, and Tiki Mango Mai Tai

One body scrub: Tiki Mango Mai Tai

Two lotions: Tiki Mango Mai Tai and Waikiki Beach Coconut.

What body products have you picked up lately?

Winter Beauty and Fashion Haul

I have been doing a little bit of shopping this month- despite my budget. There were such great after-Christmas sales and I couldn't resist getting a few new items for my wardrobe and some new beauty products as well!

At Victoria's Secret I purchased two new bras that were on super sale. Then I decided to purchase my favorite scent from Victoria's Secret PINK Warm and Cozy. I used an entire spray a couple of years ago and knew that someday I would be repurchasing it and when I saw this small size I knew that even though I have more perfumes and body sprays then I could ever finish- I wanted this scent back in my life!

I picked up a few items at the Bath and Body Works semi-annual sale. I knew this was the perfect time to grab a few items I had been eyeing...at 75% off how could I not?!

I picked up a full size lotion in Vanilla Coconut as well as a full size body spray in the same scent. I also picked up two small body sprays in the scents Amber Blush and Oahu Coconut Sunset.
I also picked up a small Love shower gel and a medium sized candle in South Beach Sun.

I know I have an abundance of beauty products- but I can't wait to try these out!

I stopped quickly at CVS and grabbed two Burts Bees chapsticks, NYX Le Chik Flik mascara (to replace the one I just finished) and a Kardashian nail polish.

I've been dying to try out the Kardashian nail polish and makeup products since I saw them. So within a few hours my nails looked like this...

I have to say that I wasn't impressed. The formula wasn't great and it was a very watery nail polish. Once I managed to get my nails painted I had to clean them up which was frustrating. I do have to say that the nail polish stayed in place for a few days without chipping, but I don't think that it was truly worth it for the mess it made on my nails while painting them.

The two clothing items I picked up are a new workout shirt and a sweater. The workout shirt was something I've been eyeing for some time and when I saw this version in JCPenney's knew I needed it! I love the movie Beauty and the Beast so I am excited to wear this to the gym!

The sweater is a simple black open sweater in the front, but the back has a really cool design and will look awesome with different color tank tops underneath. Since clothes are a bit difficult to photograph when they are off the body- I will make sure I share pictures in the future when I'm wearing these items!

That's all I've picked up this month...

Have you done any shopping lately? Did you pick up any new beauty products or clothes?

Beauty Haul

Earlier this week I shared my empties- so now it's time to show you a few beauty goodies I picked up to try!

I picked up a few new items to try at Walmart this week. The first item is Olay's Moisturizer that I purchased to replace my Neutrogena moisturizer. I've been using this for a few days and so far I really like it!

I purchased a four pack of chapstick because I can never have quite enough!

I usually just use my regular moisturizer at night so I thought I would try a night cream this time around so I chose the Neutrogena light night cream. I'm excited to give this a try so my skin can stay nourished overnight.

I also picked up a new eye concealer and a new foundation both from Covergirl's CC collection. I love how the packaging looks as well as how they are both working so far- I will keep you updated =)

I picked up a few clearance/couponing items at CVS- all from NYX. Two mosaic powders (one blush, one bronzer), an eye pencil, and a lip gloss. I'm excited to try all of these products and let you know what I think!

What products have you picked up lately?