Smile #75 - Amateur Coupon Fanatic

The thrilling feeling I experience watching the balance gradually decrease after handing a stack of coupons to the cashier is worth all the clipping.  :)

I have only ever seen clips of Extreme Couponer on TLC.  It is fascinating to see how much money is saved though coupons.  Some managed to receive cartload of food and supplies for zero balance or even making money!  

Recently, my best friend, E, introduced me to couponing.  The process is actually pretty simple.  Sales are going on constantly, so by timing your purchase correctly, you can save a lot of money!  

With her help, I was even able to make money purchasing some personal care items.  It was an eye opening experience!  

Now that my printer is fixed, I am back to couponing again!  :) 

Smile #74 - What Graduate Program?

After a year, the long awaited graduate program finally finalized.  :)

We received our first information package.  Detailed expectations and in-depth information about the first module.  Along with a long list of deliverables.

The first assignment is to write about improvement in our local office.

Although we have went through some drastic office changes in the past year, there are always room for improvement.

I haven't written a paper in a year.  Finding the proper words was challenging, but I did it!  First assignment is finished!  :)

Next up, reading assignments!

Smile #73 - Two Little Chefs - Lettuce Wraps

We put on our little chefs' hats and whipped up our best recipe yet!  :)

Grocery shopping with Bubble gives a taste for the future.  I trailed behind him searching for discounts and savings.  5% on fresh chicken if we buy this brand, 20% off apparel this week, 75 cents off this and that.  Oh goodness, I feel like a little housewife of Bubble household.  :)


For tonight's dinner, we decided to make lettuce wraps.

Just a short list of ingredients:

• Fresh chicken breast
• Lettuce 
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini 
• A bit of oil
• Hibachi sauce  
• Rice (optional) 

With my preparation skills and Bubble's cooking skills, dinner is served!  :) 

Smile #72 - Nice to Meet You, Emerald Village, Little Switzerland!

Nice to Meet You, Emerald Village, Little Switzerland!  

The day has come for this much overdue trip to Emerald Village.  Halfway between Boone and Asheville is Little Switzerland, nicknamed the Jewel of Blue Ridge Parkway.  The scenic is worth all the curves and turns.  :)

For a few nights in 2015, Emerald Village hosts a special event, Black Light Mine Tour.  We arrived just in time to begin the tour.

We were lead to a cave with large deposits of Hyalite Opal.  The walls are plainly looking with specs of sparkles.  Although the cave is no longer harvested, The the rail track is still in place.

I am in a cave!  And there are bats! 

The magic happens when the lights turned off.  Our tour guide explained the various type of minerals in and around the cave.  Once the staff turned on the ultraviolet light, the cave coatings instantly glow in bright green and purple color.  It was absolutely stunning!

This is my favorite!  I love the purple and orange! 

It is bizarre, but wildly spectacular to see nature in a different light (pun intended!). :)

Smile #71 - Donut Want One?

Knocking down my Charlotte To-Eat-list, two at a time.  :) 

Everyone has guilty pleasure.  Mine happens to be watching Donut Showdown.  :)  A show that challenges donut masters to create the best donuts using their creativity and skills.  Be warned:  Don't watch if you are hungry!

Recently I found out about Joe's Dough.  This pop-up shop is in business bi-weekly at the Daily Press.  His donuts are usually sold out within the first hour.  9:30 am on a Saturday morning .... not exactly a reachable goal for me.  

For the first time, Joe hosted a special donuts ice cream event in the afternoon.  This is my chance to try the donuts! 

Long anticipated Maple Glazed Donut w/ Bourbon Ice Cream & Bacon!!  :)  

Strolling through Noda, a popular art district in Charlotte, we stumbled across Jack Beagles.  Why not knock two birds with one stone.  :)  

The laid back pub has some great quick bite options.  

The mac-and-cheese was quickly diminished by us three!  :) 

My meal:  Blue Bayou Burger

Bubble's order:  Philly Cheesesteak

Satisfied both my sweet tooth and hunger in one trip to Noda.  :)