Denouement

Risa joined me for my final trip to the ballet on Friday. Though I had been incredibly stressed out about upcoming tests for the 24 hours prior to curtain, the moment the orchestra started up and beautiful ballerinas fluttered across the stage, all my tension melted away. Swan Lake was a truly romantic and entertaining production. Having never seen Tchaikovsky's masterpiece before, I was captivated by the story line, moved by the music, and invigorated by the variety of dances. Risa made a comment comparing the medley of diverse dances to The Nutcracker (especially with regard to the four eligible princesses), and I couldn't agree more. Also, I loved seeing Houston Ballet principal Amy Fote in the lead (she's probably my favorite dancer in the whole company). All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable night and a perfect end to a great season.

I studied at Baylor all day Saturday and caught up with Sarah for a late-night diner run, which she will cover in her Houston Press restaurant review column/blog. Today (Sunday) I attempted to study the day away at Baylor and then hit up some quick Sunday savings on the way home. The deals were too good not to share...

Shopping at CVS
$19.15 > initial cost (4 Soyjoy bars, Almay foundation + free lipgloss!*)
- 1.15 in-store sale savings (store ad)
- 3. save $3 on $15 (online coupon)
- 2. manufacturer coupons (Sunday paper)
-13. previously earned Extra Bucks
$ 0.00 > total cost
PLUS $14 in Extra Bucks to use on any CVS purchase by 7/21
*Free, full-size lipgloss came packaged with the foundation ($7.99 value!)

Shopping at Walgreens
$ 5.29 > initial cost (Aquafresh Advanced toothpaste, 50 sandwich bags)
- .83 in-store sale savings (store ad)
- .51 Walgreens coupon (store ad)
- .75 manufacturer coupon (Sunday paper)
- 3. previously earned Register Rewards
$ 0.20 > total cost (paid with the quarter I found in the parking lot)
PLUS $3 in Register Rewards to use on any Walgreens purchase by 7/5