Well, after we had done all our price calculations on Friday, we were to tired to actually make the purchases. Spent some time at KFC to eat and figure out where we could cut costs and then headed home. Prices were so much higher than we expected. Got home and saw on TV that Home Depot was having all their ceiling fans 20% off this weekend, so we knew we would be going there to get the fans we would need in our house. Went to bed and got up in the morning to find the mailman had brought us a coupon for 10% off puchases at Lowes up to $10,000 for a possible $1000 discount--before taxes no less! With prices in hand and a list of what we needed, we went shopping! We got all our kitchen cabinets, and construction materials, lighting, fans, new refridgerator, etc. for less than $10000 (our budgeted amount!). We didn't think we would be able to include the fridge in this purchase, but with the discount we ended up having enough AND we get a delivery rebate on the fridge, which means this whole huge order should be delivered for free! We also are elegibible for several hundered dollars in rebates that we weren't expecting. Put this all on a rewards credit card that will get us another gift certificate, and we have the money in the bank to pay everything off when the bill comes. All told we saved between $1,500-2000 on these purchases.

One of the big things I'm really looking forward to in the new house is the big pantry my hubby is building right off the kitchen. It will be so nice to have space to stock up on sales and have things put away for the winter.

Gail