Thankful Thursday V.7

So I skipped the last few Thankful Thursday posts- yes, shame on me! But I’m back on board this week and I’m here to tell you a list of things that I’m currently thankful for. This week I am thankful for:

Seasonal Decorating

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I think it’s safe to say that everyone knows/knew how excited I’ve been for Fall (and still am!). Part of my excitement was due to the fact that I actually have my own house to decorate this year, for the first time ever! Fall decorations are so beautiful and I have drooled over such items in home sections of stores for years just dreaming of the day when I would own my own home and be able to decorate for all of the seasons, but especially this one! The only thing that could get me more excited? CHRISTMAS. But we’ll save that for a couple of months down the road! Now, I know that decorations like this aren’t exactly a necessity, so that is mainly why I’m thankful. Just for the fact that I could spend an extra thirty bucks on something frivolous that just makes me happy. =)

Saving Money With The Internet

I don’t always rock at this.. in fact.. I know there are probably tons of coupons and ridiculous savings that I could be gaining from the internet if I spent a little more time and looked a little harder (and bought a printer). But, yesterday I saved a ridiculous amount of money (in my eyes) thanks to the internet and I am freaking ecstatic. LET ME EXPLAIN. Okay- first of all you need some backstory. I take a birth control called Yaz. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked it- made me feel weird, upset tummy, kind of moody- yada, yada. Three months later I’m used to it and it’s doing wonderful things for my life- like clearer skin, less cramps, and less rage for absolutely no reason around that “time”. (Probably lost my male readers at this point.. but this part of the story is needed.) So I am finally feeling good about this birth control and I’m almost out of my sample packs. I decide to look up the cost of Yaz through my insurance provider which covers absolutely none of it if you pick it up at the local pharmacy- leaving me with a cost of $72. Oh yes. I said $72- a month. I don’t have an extra $72 a month just laying around and I certainly can’t justify spending that on a contraceptive! Now, I’m angry. I can send off for it in the mail through the insurance and pay $40 for 3 months worth and that is fine, I can live with that. But, I’m almost out so I have no choice but to visit the pharmacy.

When I went to fill it I knew I’d be paying $72 and I was aware that there was a new generic version of this pill out there, but didn’t realize that they are required to give you the generic if you don’t specifically request the name-brand. Yes- remember that in case you need something filled and you don’t want a generic! This would’ve been okay with me but, this generic pill called Gianvi still cost me $57 and that is slightly ridiculous for something that is supposed to be significantly cheaper. I looked up reviews and found nothing but bad, bad things. Gianvi came out in June and a good percentage of the people that switched over from Yaz are experiencing crazy moods, break outs, upset stomach, etc. Basically it’s like starting a new pill all over again because the filler ingredients aren’t quite the same- setting you up with different reactions. So I decided, “No bueno”, and took it back to the pharmacy.

SO getting to why I’m thankful for the internet- I found a Bayer Savings Card through the Yaz website. It allows you to pay $5 for your first prescription refill of Yaz and no more than $25 a month after that. So after some convincing, the pharmacist took back my $57 generic and gave me my Yaz for $5. The card doesn’t expire either. I’m pretty stoked and thankful to say the least. And if you take Yaz or Yasmin – click here to see the Bayer Savings Card and get your own! K.. that was long.

Puzzles

I bought the prettiest puzzle yesterday and I love it. The only thing is- it’s so pretty and I want to put together in like .. an evening. But this is going to take some time and I’m already very impatient. I am thankful for the puzzle though because it helps me wind down and gives me my own little hobby when Nate is playing his Xbox! Also? I have girlfriends who like puzzles.. and I’m thinking we might be able to spend some time doing the puzzle vs. shopping. LOL. Yeah.. that probably wont happen. Sounds kind of lame when I type it out like that. BUT IT’S NOT. Okay?

Wine!

I know this sounds sort of alcoholic and all but, I’ve really grown to love wine. When we had a wine tasting at a local vineyard for my bachelorette party I knew I liked it but wasn’t really sure about it. I had picked a specific one there that was a Pinot Noir that I liked a lot, but of course- it was the most expensive one that they had. Recently I’ve started buying different kinds at Liquor Barn to try (all Pinot Noir) and I finally found one I LOVE. It’s Mark West 2008- and it has a hint of smokey flavor like the one I tried at our vineyard. It’s not expensive either. I’m trying to decide if I’ll try a new kind next time .. but I think I’ll stick to this one for a while! I’ve started collecting the corks with the names on them. =) I mean, I only have 3 so far! And for your information: I only have around 2 glasses a week (and I only fill my glass half full) – so I am far from a lush! (just sayin’) So it may sound a little silly to be thankful for wine- but it’s true. A glass now and then is relaxing, especially paired with a pretty puzzle after a long day at work!

Road Trips!

Lastly, I’m thankful for good times with friends on the road! We’re headed off to Mississippi for the Kentucky/Ole Miss football game a week from tomorrow! And by we I mean Nate, myself, Jackson, & Kristie! We traveled to Georgia for a game and it was a BLAST! It was quite cold too, and at least we wont be dealing with that this time. =) Although that kind of added a fun aspect to it. But, I swear we’ve talked about that trip a million times since then because we had so much fun. So I’m really hoping to make some equally awesome memories in Mississippi! We’re also stopping in Memphis. So excited! =D