Deal Hunter

(Inspired by Jenni)

It's what my husband calls himself. People like this go by lots of names... Deal Hunters, Coupon Kings, Mr. Frugality, etc. Jenni recently created a post showing the amazing loot that she and Mr. Clark found. Well, I too, married one of those types. My husband works very hard and makes sure to stretch our dollars as far as they will go. Although I don't always share his enthusiasm, I must admit two things: 1) His savings really add up. 2) Some of his deals are truly incredible. The most important thing is that he looks to make me happy. His recent finds have included a beautiful television armoire, a new kitchen aid (I've always wanted one), and now a Dyson vacuum. All of these things were bought because he hunts for amazing deals. You combine stellar deals with coupons/negotiations, and you end up with incredible savings.

I thought I'd share the story of the Vacuum and how we came to own it. Seen here in this picture, we are the new owners of the Dyson DC25 Animal (one of two models known casually as "the ball")

Just to give you an idea of the prices available: Kohl's had it on sale for $549.99 last week. Costco has the best price around - $529.00. Wal-Mart is a little more. Anything under $500 for this particular model is a good deal (other models can be cheaper).

The story starts when Michael noticed that Wal-Mart had the DC25 on "roll back" for 399.99. It's not quite as good as the animal. Michael had a 30% off coupon for Kohl's so he called customer service to price match. The only problem was that Kohl's was out of the DC25 - all they had in stock was the DC 25 animal. Quite the upgrade. But thanks to some clever negotiations, Michael convinced Kohl's to apply the price match at Wal-Mart to the DC25 Animal. So basically they would sell us the DC25 Animal for 399! Of course at check out, he applied the 30% coupon code to make the total to about $280. In addition, Kohl's was having a promotion where you get a $10 gift certificate for every $50 spent. So we got a $50 gift certificate as well. Basically he got this $600 vacuum for $230 + tax.

UPS dropped off our vacuum yesterday and we couldn't believe how well it picked up hair, dirt, and plenty of other gross things! I feel like our old "renters" carpet is actually clean! (*as a side note: we learned the call it the "animal" not because it's an aggressive vacuum with animal-like qualities, but because it's great for picking up animal hair).

Deal hunting...He calls it a talent, I think it's more one of his hobbies. I'm still only learning the "art" (Michael made me include this word). But that's why I have him. We go so well together! My husband really likes to see me happy and really does take care of me...

We're the Hope of America

Tonight was our huge 5th grade presentation of "Hope of America." We have been practicing since January. We had a "dress rehearsal" this morning that we rode busses to. Then we had our big performance at the Marriott Center tonight. Boy, is it intense. The students behind my class were driving me CRAZY! They would not stop talking. My class was very good. I'm very proud. Many practices, songs and actions later, we ended up looking like this...



I think it looks so awesome. This was one of my favorite songs. We were the bottom left corner. The two bottom rows of Yellow. Maybe one year we'll make it to the flag...

The tassel is on the right...

(Just not in this picture.)

He did it! I'm the proud wife of a BYU Business graduate...finally.

I must admit, now that he is graduated I am having a serious Peter Pan Complex where we are both graduated from college...neither of us are students anymore...which means we are real grown ups. It's kind of a sad thought. After all the many hours of studying, projects, and money spent on books & tuition, I am glad he's done though. He deserves it.

We are feeling really blessed that both his family and my family were there supporting him as he walked across the stage. His sister and her cute baby were able to make it. I love looking at his cute, little face! We are also feeling really blessed that of 6,000+ students graduating just from BYU, he has a job! And it's one that he is excited for too. It really is amazing.

Oh the places you'll go...

We chose...

House #2- The new build with great upgrades

Michael fell in love with it, the first moment. I- like usual- took some convincing. A house is a big deal! The builders were offering to include the new appliances in the kitchen and the new washer and dryer into the price. As well as paying closing costs. For the size, the upgrades, the price... this house really couldn't be beat. Plus, it really did feel like home to us. We are officially under contract- thank you tax benefit- and we won't close until the end of June which is when Michael starts working. We are feeling extremely excited and blessed that everything is falling into place for our adventures in az. Here's some pictures of the floor plan and what I wish my interior decorating skills looked like.

Now, we just need some visitors... any takers?

She's Back!

One mission later, Sora Ostler's here! I cannot believe it! She is landing at 2:00 pm. We're so excited to see her again! Welcome home Annie!

House Hunters in Phoenix

The Shields are moving to the Phoenix area this summer. They are excited for their very first house! Which house did they choose?

1. The short sale with a great floor plan...

It has four bedrooms, three car garage and a nice kitchen with a gas stove. There are some things we would need to fix and update. The neighborhood has nice parts and it's surrounded by agricultural areas. The backyard doesn't have a house behind it but it is west exposure which isn't too pleasant in AZ. At 1950 square feet, this is the smallest of the three homes - with bedrooms a little on the small size. It's also the cheapest.

2. The new build with the great upgrades...

It's brand new with amazing upgrades like 20" tile, granite counters, upgraded cabinets, and brand new stainless steel appliances. It has four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. Being new, there aren't many projects needed except landscaping in the backyard. There are lots of parks and walking trails in the neighborhood, but there is a single story behind the house's smaller backyard. The north/south exposure is ideal. At 2500 square feet, it's the largest of the homes (including a large master suite and bonus sitting room) But, it's only a two car garage. Michael wants a three.

or 3. The older house with a great backyard...

It is an older house that is in a neighborhood that is surrounded by retail shopping areas. The house was sold several months ago at an auction and has been upgraded so it can be "flipped". Upgrades include black granite counter tops and brand new paint/carpet throughout, but there are a lot of projects still. We would want to replace the master shower and paint the kitchen cabinets- (I think white would look awesome.) The backyard is small but has "view" fencing and backs right up to a very large park.

Which one will they choose?

Dear Spring Break,

You are a wonderful thing, Spring Break. Especially when you last a full week. You come just at the moment when teachers everywhere are ready to surrender. After having a math test, surviving our 5th grade Wax Museum, sitting through MATURATION and throwing a class party, you are more than welcome to be in my life. I will not miss my alarm clock this week. I will also not miss the snow & cold of Utah.

Arizona 80's & sunshine- Here I come!

Love, me