Working Mommy Mania

Eating From The Pantry Update #3

2010-01-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

Well, things are still going great with our pantry challenge this month. Saturday I went through our two freezers to see exactly what we have on hand, and ended up with FOUR pages of stuff! Some of those things are veggies, or sides, but many of them were the makings of full meals. So we should be pretty much set for the remainder of the month.

I have spent about $65 so far this month, that's it. And most of the money that I spent last week, actually made me money. I spent about $17, but ended up with over $35 in grocery catalinas to use for the remainder of the month. There is not much we need at the store this week...so I am not even sure if I will go to the store at all for food. I may go once to pick up some clearance makeup that I have coupons to match up with. I love to get as much as I can when the sales are going on so that I can replenish my Ebay stuff and yard sale stuff to sell.

Our menu for the week:

Monday: We had pancakes for breakfast, leftovers for lunch, and pulled BBQ pork panini's with homemade french fries for dinner.

Tuesday: Breakfast was cereal, lunch was leftovers, and dinner is Turkey noodle soup with buttermilk biscuits. (using the rest of the leftover turkey from Sunday dinner and the free biscuits I got at the store this week.)

Wednesday: Breakfast will likely be cereal again, lunch will be leftover soup, and dinner will be fried tilapia, salad and rice.

Thursday: Breakfast...cereal. (yes again) Lunch...leftovers...yes, again. Dinner will be chicken spaghetti, with salad and garlic bread.

Friday: Breakfast and lunch will be the same. Dinner will be tacos, with chips and salsa.

Saturday: Breakfast will be eggs, or pancakes. Lunch will be leftovers. (likely nachos) and dinner will be eating out with Jeremy's parents.

Sunday: Eggs, and/or waffles for breakfast, lunch will be any one of a number of leftovers, and dinner will be baked salmon with various sides. (all provided by my parents for all of the meals that we have provided in the last few weeks)

So...that's it. In looking at the menu, the ONLY things that I can see I need from the store are some flour tortillas for the taco's and some tortilla chips. I have everything else to make all of these meals....so, I may have to spend $5 this week at the store and that is about it. We have two gallons of milk, so we are set there, and I have a few loaves of bread frozen ahead too. I may pick up some fresh fruit if I can find some good deals...so I may end up spending $10-$15 total, but I will use my grocery catalina's so it will be nothing out of pocket this week. :)

I am so excited that we are doing so well. My goal budget for the month at the store was $100...and we should easily be able to hit that mark...and I certainly have not stayed out of the store!! How are you doing this month?? I would love to hear your updates too!!

Eating From the Pantry Update #2

2010-01-14T12:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I think we are doing great as a family on this challenge so far. It is the 14th of January...almost mid-way through the challenge and I have spent just over $40 at the store so far, and I have $13.50 in custom grocery coupons to use, as well as $10 left in my budget for this week. I will likely use that up because there is a great deal going on at my store on fruit snacks that ends up being a money maker for every 4 that I buy...I end up paying about $1.00 for four, but then I earn back $2.50to use the next time at the store. Can't beat that :)

We have done fantastic at using the stuff we have on hand, and sticking to our menu this week. Last night I did not cook at all and we just used up some leftovers, and I don't plan to cook again tonight as we still have leftovers we can eat up. I fixed a ham dinner on Monday night, and have gotten creative with using that all up. I even boiled the ham bone for some stock, that I plan to use in a Baked potato and ham soup on Saturday.

I anticipate another good week next week...and then the last week of the month may get a bit tighter for us. It is not that we don't have plenty here to eat (mush more than we need to make it through one whole month) The issue is that my family is getting a bit pickier as the month goes by. Leftovers are not a big hit with them...and I have gotten the famous eye roll a few times already. Hopefully though, if I continue on the pace that we are on, I will still be able to fix some interesting meals, and keep them on board for the month. Next month they may be in trouble however, because I have really LOVED not spending much at the store...the extra money has went into my debt payoff goal, and I was able to add much more than I had even hoped for before the year started....so, even with a few setbacks (like my son crashing the car, and paying out the deductible) we are still way ahead of my planned amount for the month.

Thanks for reading...and I would love to hear how your challenge is going...if you are struggling, etc.

Eating From The Pantry Update

2010-01-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Well...I am 5 days in to the challenge, and feel like I have taken several steps backwards already!! I have been to the store three times this week, and should have planned the beginning out better. I have spent $17.02 of my $25 for the week already. IF I had been thinking ahead I would have remembered that my hubbies birthday was on Monday, and I did not have a card yet (nor the extra time to make one) and I did not have a cheesecake (his favorite!) as his birthday cake. So those two, unplanned trips, were costly ones. Not to mention, I sent my 17 year old with a $2.00 off coupon to get the cheesecake, without accurately telling him how to scan it at the U-scan....thus he just put it into the coupon slot, without scanning it. So, I paid full price for the cheesecake, and LOST that $2. AND if that were not enough for the week....I wasted an entire bag of potatoes by boiling them too long, and they were a gooey mess, AND wasted another bag to spoilage in the garage. (not sure why....but the entire bag went bad, and I only had it about a week!)

On a positive note, however, I still have a $2.00 off grocery coupon, and a $20 off groceries that I can use this week. (or next) And I also have $37 on a gift card from returning a few things to Walmart without the receipt. (so if I needed to I could also use that for groceries in the coming weeks ahead.) And I have a coupon for a $10 grocery purchase when I fill my next script at Meijers (and I have one to fill.) So...I guess I am not doing too bad in that avenue...just am failing at how many times I have already been to the store this week. I do know that I do not HAVE to go to the store again this week. I plan to go...only because I can get some 8 boxes of cereal for about $2.00, and there is a good deal on Kraft cheese. I am going to wait until Saturday though...and until then I am going to do all I can to not set foot in the store. I should be able to do it. Wish me luck!!

So, my menu for the week....

Monday: Breakfast was cereal for hubbie and kids, and eggs with left over green peppers for me. Lunch was left overs from New Year's dinner out. (on a gift card)Dinner was special as it was my hubbies bday...so I fixed a turkey, with stuffing, potatoes (ended up making instant ones) and some gravy. ALL of which I had on hand, except the cheesecake for dessert.

Tuesday: Breakfast for hubbie and kids was cereal again. I skipped breakfast because we had a doctors appointment at 10:30 for shots for the younger kids. We ended up having McDonalds for lunch as a special treat. (I eat out once a week usually...so this was my day for the week.) Dinner will be leftover Turkey dinner.

Wednesday: Breakfast will likely be cereal (yeah, I know....not much variety there for my family.) Lunch...my two youngest will be at Daycare for the day. (my one day that I take to myself) I will have whatever leftovers are in the fridge. Dinner will be spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.

Thursday: Cereal, leftover spaghetti for lunch, and dinner will be fried tilapia, carrotts, and rice pilaf.

Friday: Cereal, leftovers or a soup frozen ahead, and dinner will be tacos.

Saturday: Breakfast will be either pancakes, or waffles. Lunch will be grilled cheese sandwiches, with veggies, and likely soup. Dinner will be chicken lasagna, with salad and garlic bread.

Sunday: Omelets for breakfast for the adults, and either cereal or pancakes again for the kids. Lunch: Likely will be the leftover chicken lasagna, and dinner will be a baked ham, with augatin potatoes, and a veggie like green beans.

January Eat From The Pantry Challenge

2010-01-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned before what I HUGE fan of Crystals I am over at Money Saving Mom. (see the link saved under my favorites) This month she is teaming up with FishMama on a special challenge, and I have decided to give it a shot. Over the last few months I have stockpiled so much food, in my pantry and in my freezer, that I really could go a very long time eating just what we have on hand.

So the challenge is to eat the entire month using up what you have on hand already. Each family sets up the challenge rules around their specific needs, but the overall goal is to use up the food you already have, and not spend as much at the grocery store for the month. Want to give it a try??

As I said, each family would create their own rules for the challenge...so here are mine:

1. Create as many meals as possible using what I already have on hand in my pantry and freezer. (even when I think I don't have anything left that we can make a meal out of....I will try to get extra creative in order to not spend money, and use up what I already have.)

2. Only go to the store for items that we apsolutely need OR for items that I can get as close to free as possible. (I will still go for things like milk, and bread...and maybe some veggies...but mostly my plan is to stay out of the store completely.)

3. My normal monthly food budget goal is $300...so this month I am going to try hard to keep my food budget at $100. $25 a week for just the basics. Anything left from that original $300 will be placed into my $10,000 Snowflake account.

4. I do have two grocery food coupons from the end of last month. One is for $20.00 off my next grocery purchase, and one is for $2.00 off. So I am starting the month off having $22 to put towards groceries without even touching my food money for the month. The $20.00 coupon has to be used all at once, so I will try hard to use that one when I need multiple items.

That's it...my plan for the month. I will try to keep updating my progress throughout the month, and will get my basic menu plan up as well. Hope you will join me in saving some money this month, and using up some stuff you have on hand.

Happy New Year....and welcome to round three!

2010-01-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

Once again I am going to give this blogging thing a shot! I keep trying, and failing at it, but I REALLY want to keep it up this time. I think that I finally have things somewhat under control now at my house...I have something that resembles a schedule with the four kids....and am finally a BIT more organized...so here we go yet again. Round three....

My plan for the blog this year is to try to blog at least three times a week. I would love to get back to my orginal plan of sharing tips and tricks, posting freebies, and just sharing all I can about living a more frugal life...and becoming more organzied. I will be the first to admit that I am nowhere near the expert on any of these matters, so my plan is not to come across as a know it all, but rather to just share what I read, and to share anything that I learn myself from trial and error. I would love to have you along for my journey...love to have your input, and would love to begin a give/take relationship about how to become a better mother, wife, and overall person :)

It is the new year, and a new decade. My resolutions for the year are as follows:

1. Save/earn a minumum of $10,000 extra this year to pay down our debt even faster.
2. Get my house, and life more organized.
3. Spend more time with my husband.

Hope that you will join me, and if nothing more, cheer me on!! Be back soon!!

Recap of last two weeks shopping for the month

2009-04-30T09:42:00.001-07:00

Meijers
Spent: $65.24
Saved: $99.10

Here's what I bought (in three trips):
2.14 lbs. bananas
3 cans tuna
4 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 can nacho cheese soup
3 boxes Little Debbie Snack Cakes (I'm pregnant and this is a CRAVING!)
1 Energy Drink (my 16 year old was helping me shop that day)
2 Packs Nestle Cookie Dough (earned back $1.00 Upromise)
2 Boneless Sizzler steaks
2 Pks. Hot Italian Sausage
2 Pks. (6 total) Boneless Skinless Chicken breasts
2 lbs. deli Turkey breast
2 lbs. Deli ham
1.57 lbs. apples
2 packs shredded cheese
30 boxes of Muellers pastas (seeral different varieties)
2 pks. Kraft cheese slices
1 pk. bacon
3 Ph. Formula eye shadows
1 pk. hot dog buns
1 Pizza kit
1 doz. lg. eggs
2 Dole bagged salads
1 head of lettuce
2 roma tomoates
2 gal. of milk
3 Pace salsa's
1 Axe shower gel
1 pt. strawberries
1 bag chex mix
sliced watermelon
1 can refried beans
2 pks. taco seasoning

Walgreens:

Spent: $7.45
Saved: $36.79
Earned: $11.00 in register rewards

Here's what I bought:

2 Rembrandt Toothpastes
1 box ecotrin
2 Bayer Quick release
4 Walgreens Brand childrens aspirin
1 Nivea Body Wash
4 Bliss candy bars

CVS:

Spent: $7.76
Saved: $269.88
Earned: $61.00 in ECB's

Here's what I bought:

6 sets command hooks
1 bottle soft soap scrub
1 Palmolive dish soap
1 Schick intuition razor
Edge shave gel
2 bottle Excederin Menstrual
8 bottles of Aveeno face wash
12 bottles of Tresemme
6 Loreal Eye shadows
1 Bic Soleil Razor
2 Act Rinses
2 Crest Prohealth toothpastes
2 Bayer Quick Release
Stamps
P. Formula Powder
2 P. Formula concealers
CVS Recycled bag
Axe Body Wash

Keep the dime, toss the Penny??

2009-04-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

I was recently watching the local news and the broadcaster made a statement that made me start thinking even more about how money is viewed by many. I don't even remember the subject matter, but vividly recall hearing him make the statement "keep your dimes and toss your pennies" as he pushed a dime into his pocket, and tossed a handfull of pennies on the sidewalk. What is wrong with our culture that we think nothing of tossing money away? Sure, it was just a few pennies, but it was MONEY.

I have read many posts on MSM money under the subject "Find a Penny, Pick it Up..." and they made me feel grateful to see that there are still people in this world that find the value in a found penny. I decided to keep track of all of the "found" pennies (and change) that I happen to pick up from the road, the couch cushions, the car wash...anywhere that I may find it. (this does NOT include any change that I get back from a purchase, or money that may be in the bottom of my purse as that is already put into a change jar to go towards debt) In a few short weeks, I have found $1.32. For my own fun, I am going to save all of my found money for one year and add it to my debt as one big (or small) snowflake. It will be great to see how much money I can find that others have just tossed away. Wish I had been standing nearby when that broadcaster tossed that handful of his unwanted pennies way

Dave Ramsey, and accepting blame

2009-04-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend an event last night that opened my eyes to what is happening in the economy. It was called Town Hall for Hope, and it was a live, interactive web-event hosted by Dave Ramsey. Some of you may recall that I have become interested in his methods of getting out of debt, and am working on Baby Step Two of his program. (I will take the time to explain the program in more depth later on) The lecture last night was blunt and to the point, and really made me stand up and admit that the mess I am in financially is all of my own fault. (well, mine and my husbands) The problem now is....what do I do about it?

The first thing I did (today) was to sit back down and make a list of everything we have coming in each month and everything that we have going out. I created a budget for us for next month. Then I sat down and listed all of our debts, from smallest to largest. My goal was to have all of our debt (besides our home) paid off by the time I am 45. That is a little over 7 years from now. Reality really sunk in when I started listing all that we owe...and then I did one of the worst things that I probably could have done to myself. I added it all up, to see what the total amount owed is. Let's just say it was an overwhelming number, and one that brought me to tears. How did we get so far into debt?? And how are we going to get out of it with the fear of another layoff at my husbands school, with me not currently working, and with another baby on the way?

I can't answer that today. I may not be able to answer that tomorrow, or even next week. What I do know was that I took the first step in doing so, by facing the mess that we have created in our financial life and accepting the blame for creating it...and now I need to take the next step....finding any way possible to pay it off.

Savings Angel

2009-04-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

In my last post I mentioned a new site that I am trying out called Savings Angel. It is a great coupon site, that matches you up with the best deals at your local stores. It not only tells you what the best deals are, but exactly where the coupons are that help you to maximize your savings. You become a member and you have access to all of this information, and even more savings tidbits.

Does it cost? Yes, it cost $19.95 a month in the beginning, but you can cancel membership at anytime. It is a month to month charge, so if you are not happy with the money that they have helped you save...simply call up the help desk and decline the next months membership. What is even better about the site, is that if you really do love it (and love the money you save by using it) you can refer others to the site, and they will actually pay you for each person you refer that signs up.

The referral program pays you $10 for each new sign-up + $5 each month for those who continue with them. And all you have to do is share your experiences. Even something as simple as, "I'm getting a bunch of incredible deals through a website called SavingsAngel. If you use my affiliate number, 24493, you can try it out and I get credit!"

And even better....you can actually MAKE money from your referrals. If you refer more people then the cost of your membership, they will pay you that referral bonus directly!! What can be better than that??

Are you interested yet?? Check out the website, at savingsangel.com, and if you decide to become a member, please use my member number 24493!!

My Love/Hate relationship with the Sunday Paper

2009-04-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

As a couponer, I look forward to getting up Sunday morning and looking at the ads and coupon inserts in the Sunday paper. Often I already know what is going to be on sale, and what coupons I can expect, but there is something about actually seeing the ads that gets me excited for shopping that week. I browse through the ads, make lists of things we need, or things I can stock up on at each store, and then go through my coupons and see what I can match up. Recently I signed up for an online coupon matchup/saving site called Savings Angel, so I use that in conjunction with my older proven Sunday morning method. (I'll tell you more about Savings Angel in a later post)

Recently, however, I have started to hate the process of looking at the ads on Sunday mornings. It has nothing to do with coupons, or planning my shopping trips for the week. It has everything to do with watching my family decide that they NEED everything they see. This last Sunday was a rough one for me. I was already stressing out about money (and the neverending lack of it!!) and listening to my family just added to my financial stress. How do I convince them that they do not NEED all of these material things?? We have everything that we need. Are there things that I would love to buy? Sure!! I am human...and American too, but I also have started to realize that there is a BIG difference in the things that I want, and the things that I actually need.

Thus, my love/hate relationship with the Sunday paper has begun. I am not sure how I will deal with it every Sunday, but am anxious to figure out a way....

My Shopping for the Week

2009-04-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

I had a great week shopping, and saving tons of money. Here is where I went, what I bought, and how much I saved and spent for the week.

Walgreens:

Bought:
Skintamate Shave Gel
Edge Shave Gel
2 Colgate Max Fresh Toothbrushes
9 Dove Trial size Deodorants
3 Degree Trial Size Deodorants
One A Day Woman's Drink Mix

Spent: $6.41
Saved: $22.70
Earned" $6.50 in Register Rewards
Rebate sent for: $1.49 for the One A Day Drink mix

Meijers:

Bought:
14 jars Pace Salsa
6 loaves of Arnold Whole Wheat Bread
2 bags of Dole Salad
4 Ortega Taco seasoning packs
2 bottles of Powerade
2 boxes pizza rolls
4 cans Chef Boyardee
Colgate Wisp
2 Bags Hostess donuts
2 Axe Body Sprays
1 Bag croutons
2 Contained of fresh mushrooms
2 lbs. bananas
2 Roma tomatoes
3 Healthy Choice mixers
2 boxes Thai noodles
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
8 jars Beechnut Baby food (earning $1.00 for Upromise)
1 can tuna

*This was done in multiple trips over the week.

Total Spent: $29.58
Total Saved: $148.73

CVS:

Bought:
15 2 liters of Pepsi products
2 boxes Excederin Mentrual tablets
2 Nivea Lip Balms
2 Packs Trident Splash gum
3 packs Mentos gum
2 Venus Embrace razors
20 Colgate Total Toothpastes
7 Loreal HIP lipcolors
2 Pantene Shampoo's
1 Pantene Styler
2 Sobe lifewaters
1 Stayfree Maxi pads
1 Carefree Maxi pads
2 bottles Maxwell House Instant coffees
1 box Huggies Baby wipes
1 Colgate Total Visible White
1 Natural Dental Rinse
2 Gillette Shampoos
2 Sure Deodorants
2 Maybelline Great Lash Mascaras

Spent: $17.39
Saved: $311.74
Earned: $82.94

Not too bad for my first week back!! :) Stay tuned, next week I have trips planned to all of the above and also Walmart.

My First official "couponing" trip this month

2009-04-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

So, I decided that I just need to do it...get back into couponing again. I finally have my energy back, spent some time rereading all of my favorite sites, printed and searched for the right coupons, and headed to my local grocery store this afternoon, to try a small run.

Here is what I bought:
2 Loaves Arnold Whole wheat bread (Used 2 $1.00 off Mealbox Q's)
2 Bags Snyder Tortilla Chips (earned .50 for Upromise)
1 Bag Cheetos (.55 cents off MQ)
1.40 lb Shaved Deli ham
1.5 lbs. Gala Apples
1.5 Lb. Bananas
2 Jars Pace Salsa (used 2 Free IP MQ's and $1.00 Mealbox Q)
2 Bottles V8 Fruit Fusion (Used 2/$2.00 off IP MQ's and $1/2 Mealbox Q)
1 26 oz. Box of Milkbones (Used Free MQ up to 4.99)
2 lbs. Ground beef (used $2 off peelie coupon from the Snyders chips!)

I spent $4.49, and saved $36.13. After looking over my receipt I realized that I was overcharged for the Milkbones by .50 cents and one of my $1.00 off coupons did not come off....so I will have to have that adjusted tomorrow when I go back for more Pace and bread.

I am proud of myself for FINALLY getting back into the swing of saving. I plan to use the bread up for sandwiches this week, and use the beef, salsa and chips to make nachos one night. I will likely head back to the store a few more times to stock up on the really cheap/free stuff, and will pick up a few other things for meals...but I think I will easily be able to keep our grocery budget around $50 for this week, while still adding to my stockpile. Yippee!!!

I'm Back!

2009-04-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

With BIG news......I am pregnant with a healthy baby girl. (my first!!) Sorry for not keeping up with my blog. I am one of those unfortunate women that get extreme morning sickness during my first trimester...and I have felt like I was on my death bed. BUT...not any more.

I am back, and more motivated than ever to SAVE!!! And to get out of debt as fast as I can....so, stay tuned, I will be updating my progress more regularly now.

Waste Not

2009-01-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

I keep finding all of these articles about how much food is wasted per day per person in America. The last one that I read was in Parents magazine and it stated that the average American wastes more than 1 lb. of food a day. WOW! That is a lot of food. It made me really take a closer look at how I can reuse foods creatively and waste even less than what I already am. Over the years I have just gotten in the habit of fixing whatever I wanted to eat, without giving much thought to what was already in my refridgerator that needed to be used up before spoiling. I am trying very hard this year to put a stop to this kind of waste, or at least do much better with it.

In the past week I have tried very hard to use up items before letting them spoil. I used up the last of my old lettuce as a topping for tacos. There wasn't much left, but just enough to shred and use up rather than toss. I used up three old bananas to make some bread. (I even found a recipe online so that I could make them without eggs, so that I did not need to make a trip to the store just for that!) I also used a few carrot sticks that were on there last legs. I chopped them up and added them to the soup I was making. The recipe did not call for carrots, and there were not many, but I am sure they added a few more bites of soup to what I made, and a few more vitamins as well :)

I did not do so good with the buttermilk biscuits that I made to go with the soup. I have found that I am the only one that tends to eat them when I make them, so I need to either make fewer, or create better ways for me to use up 8 in one week before they go bad. I ended up tossing 5, and feeling guilty about it as I watched them drop into the trash can.

I guess if nothing more, I am realizing where my waste comes from, and making small steps to fix the problem. I know that it will not happen overnight, and that even small steps are better than none at all. One step at a time....

Update

2009-01-13T16:47:00.000-08:00

I have spent the last few days investigating some different ways to create a few more small streams of income each month. Some of them (like PayperPost, Inbox Dollars, and My Points) I was already signed up with and had earned money and gift cards through. I took a break from all of those sites while I got my house in order, but now I am working hard to get caught up with all of them in the hopes that I can create some steady (small) streams of income for myself.

I am also looking into Wellness 360, CashCrate, Swagbucks, Ebates and other pay per blog sites. I have signed up for the first four, and will let you know if I am actually earning any money or gift cards through them. I do know first hand that MyPoints works as I cashed out my first large chunk of point for a $25 Target gift card. My goal this time is a $50 CVS giftcard. I am also working hard on collecting codes for Coke Rewards, and Pampers Gifts to Grow. I have my wish list of gifts for both of those sites, and hopefully will be able to reach them this year.

I received $15 in McDonalds gift cards in the mail yesterday, and was stunned that they actually came. They were from a Post-it mail in rebate that I did a few months back. I thought it sounded way to easy (UPCs from Post-its, but no receipts??) but I guess what they say is not always true. The gift certificates not only came, but I was pleasantly suprised to see that I would be able to "double dip" with them. I have a Upromise account for savings towards my childrens college, and knew that Arch Cards from McDonalds gave a percentage back. I did not know that the gift certificates did as well, and was very happy to see that these "free" gift certificates still had the Upromise codes intact. I quickly logged them into my account before my husband ran out the door with a set of them :)

I am always looking for small ways to earn a dollar here or there, or to get something for free. I will keep you posted the next time I hear of something again...so that you can join in my fun!! I would love to hear of any ideas that you have as well!!

Today's Grocery Shopping Trip

2009-01-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

I had a fantastic trip to the grocery store today. Before I left I went through everything that I had on hand, and then decided on a few meals based around that for
the rest of this week, and all of next week.

Here is what I bought for $43:

3 1 lb. pkgs. of ground beef (clearanced down to $2.04 each)
1/2 lb. deli turkey (clearanced down to $1.47)
1/2 lb. deli ham (clearanced down to .60 cents)
1 pkg. Kraft shredded mozerella cheese ($2.00 on sale)
1 pkg. Kraft colby jack cheese ($2.00 on sale)
5 bananas (clearanced to .19 cents a lb., paid .29 cents)
watermelon (1/4 slice clearanced at .68 cents)
3 lb. bag of yellow onions ($1.00 on sale)
3 lb. bag of carrotts ($1.00 on sale)
1 bag of celery ($1.00 on sale)
1 lg. can tomato juice ($1.29...store brand)
1 pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream ($3.00 on sale, used $3.00 off coupon...FREE!)
2 bags of instant mashed potatoes ($1.18 each, used Free bag coupons....FREE!!)
2 bottles of coffee mate creamer ($2.03 each, used $1.50 off two manufacturers coupons, and $1 store coupon)
1 pkg. lasanga noodles ($1.49 on sale...store brand)
2 pkgs. angel hair pasta ($1.34 for both on sale....store brand)
2 pkgs. taco seasoning (.69 cents each, one free with coupon)
1 can green chilis ($1.36)
1 can black beans (.60 cents on sale...store brand)
2 can northern beans ($1.20 for two on sale...store brand)
4 cans Campbells cream of chicken soup ($4.00 for four, on sale, used $1.00 off store coupon, and .25 cents off manufacturers coupon, doubled)
2 cans of Select Harvest soup (on sale $1.25 each, used $1/2 store coupon and .50/1 manufacturers coupon doubled)
small bag of suckers (.57 cents, to entertain my little guy in the store)
1 can corn (.75 cents...store brand)
1 head of lettuce ($1.29)
2 packs of Kleenex ($2.50 for two, on sale...used $1.50/2 manufacturers coupon)
1 pizza kit ($2.49)
and 2 packages of single serving size rubbermaid (type) containers (with 5 in each pack) ($2.00 each on sale...store brand)

Besides milk I should not need to return to the store until the end of next week) This is my dinner menu plan for the days ahead: (breakfast are almost always cereals for my hubbie and older son, and oatmeal or waffles for my younger son and I. Lunches are leftovers, or something frozen ahead)

Tonight: Rotisserie chicken lasanga with tossed salad (using up frozen chicken, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, chedder and mozerella cheese, and older salad ingredients)

Tomorrow Night: Chicken Tortilla Soup (using frozen chicken breasts I already had, and the ingredients that I bought today)

Friday Night: Dinner out (this is our standard treat for ourselves)

Saturday Night: Homemade pizza

Saturday Lunch: Grilled ham/turkey panninis, homemade pickles, and chips

Sunday Lunch: Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup

Sunday Night: Nachos

Monday Night: Turkey Veggie Soup (using leftover turkey that was frozen, and many of the veggies I bought on sale today) with Buttermilk biscuits. (already had)

Tuesday Night: Tacos (using the meat I bought on sale today, and the lettuce and shredded cheese. I already have hard and soft shells stocked up from a deal a month ago)

Wednesday Night: Spaghetti and Salad (using up the last of the salad stuff, and more of the meat I bought on sale today)

Thursday Night: Baked Chicken, Homemade Mac and Cheese, or Instant Potatoes and carrots (all ingredients I already had on hand)

Friday Night: Dinner Out

I will likely go to the store again on Saturday to make good use of the milk being on sale for $2.50 a gallon, and pick up some more veggies for cheap to use in the coming weeks in some soups. I have two loaves of bread still frozen, so other than these few things, I cannot see too many other reasons for me to go into the store at all. Better for me so that I am not spending money that I don't need to be spending :)

Total spent on this trip: $43.02 and Total Saved (coupons and sales) $26.25! Not as much off as I would like, but still a very great trip for me and our budget!

Find a Penny

2009-01-02T07:58:00.001-08:00

Along the side of my Blog you may notice a listing of all of my money saving goals. (or money earning goals) I am adding a new one this year, called Find a Penny. Last year I read an article about how many people walk past a penny on the sidewalk rather than taking the few seconds to pick it up. I am not sure about you, but I have never walked right past it. I stoop down and scoop it up, usually with the phrase "find a penny, pick it up..." I wish I could recall where I read the article, but it was very inspiring to me about keeping track of "found" money, and doing fun things with it. Some of the people interviewed had paid for some pretty big things with "found" money.

So, I have added my Find a Penny fund to my savings tracking. I will add in any "found" money and at the end of the year I will decide what I will do with it. My rules for myself are....the money must be found and not the change that I just have in my purse or husbands car on any given day. It can be "found" when doing the laundry in a pocket, or even in an old coat or purse. It can be "found" on the sidewalk, at a car wash, in a coin return of a vending machine. It can really be "found" anywhere. I'll get a jar, or something special to keep it in, and make sure that I keep it seperate from our regular change jar...just so that I can get an accurate picture of how much money I can really "find" in a year. It may not add to much at the end of the year....but it sure is going to be fun looking for it now, and watching it add up over the year. Want to give it a try too??

Savings and Thrift around the House

2009-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

The last time I attempted this blog, and attempted to get super organized, I made the mistake of trying to do too many new things at once, and becoming very discouraged with myself when I failed to live up to the examples that others had set, and the "perfection" I envisioned for myself. This time I really want to try to do better. Yesterday I made a small list of the minor things that I did in my own home in one day that helped me to either save money, or at least not be wasteful. I also made a list of a few things that I could have done better, and will try hard to work on. I like to look at the small daily things because they make me feel like I am at least working towards my goal of being more organzied, less wasteful, and just a better stay at home mom. I won't Blog about the list each and every day because what I am doing in my home may be totally different from what you can do, or even would want to do. So...here's my list from yesterday:

Ten Ways that I saved or at least was not wasteful:

1. I constantly turned things off, or unplugged things that were not in use.
2. I used my "leftover" New Years Eve champagne to make mimosas in the morning. (these ended up NOT being made with OJ because my teen son drank all of that in the evening. So I used Cran Raspberry juice instead....not bad, but OJ would have been better!!)
3. Turned down our thermostat by 2 degrees...this was really hard for me because I HATE being cold in the winter time, but I just threw on a few extra layers and was ok with the new temp. of 68 degrees.
4. I cut open a bottle of hand lotion because I knew there had to be enough left for just one more day...actually there is enough for at least three more days.
5. I used my scented lotion and opted for no perfume...why bother using both, especially since the two scents don't even match??
6. I reused the leftovers from the day before to create an "appetizer type" dinner.
7. I managed to get more conditioner out of the bottle that my husband threw in the trash as "empty"
8. I reused plastic baggies to cover left overs, and to empty trash. (I save my grocery bags and use them to line my trash cans rather than buying trash bags...and any ziplocs that can be reused, get reused)
9. I got creative with our lunch recipe. I was making Southwest Chicken Paninis with my new Panini press (Xmas gift from my mother in law) and realized that I did not have Chili powder...I used Taco Seasoning instead with a touch of crushed red pepper and they were fantastic!! I am really not one to veer away from a recipe so this was a big step for me.
10. I did not leave the house even once...no wasted gas, or money at a store.

Five ways that I wasted money:

1. Let the water run for too long when my son was in the tub, and when hand washing a few dishes.
2. In my organizing frenzy I tossed five baby bottles that could have been sold or donated.
3. I cleaned out the fridge and tossed 2 bottles of dressing that expired, 2 oranges that went bad, and a bunch of crab dip that did not get eaten in time. I hate throwing away food...might as well be tossing moeny in the garbage. I really need to work on that better.
4. I sprayed perfume on myself at night...not even sure why I did this. I opened up my medicine cabinet, and the bottle fell out. For some reason, I spritzed myself with it...I had just put on my pj's...so this made no sense to me.
5. My husband was making popcorn for our son, and I did not realize which bag he grabbed, and just gave him the timing instructions for the larger bags. The popcorn was overdone, and ended up being tossed out for the birds. (it had been a freebie bag, but it was still watseful)

How have you been doing with saving and not wasting?? I am hoping to get much better with this in the new year. As long as I continue taking little steps each day I figure they are adding up. Even if everything I do only saves me a little bit each month, that is more than we had when we started. :)

Happy New Year 2009 and Welcome!!

2009-01-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

First, I have to apologize for to those of you that have been readers of mine before...I took a very long break from the Blog world, and have to say how sorry I am for that. I have to be honest...I bit off much more than I could chew at that time in my life, and something just had to go...if only for a short time. But...now I am back with some great new ideas on how to make this blog better, and how to actually be able to juggle everything that I do on a day to day basis.

I had thought that being a stay at home mom was going to be ...ummmm...EASIER than working full time and doing all of the home stuff. Let me tell you...I WAS WRONG!! I am busier now than I ever was working full time, and having a harder time juggling it all. I decided to keep the title for my blog as Working Mommy Mania, because ANY stay at home mom knows that is really what is going on in our worlds everyday. We do not have the time to eat bon bons and watch our soaps!!

New things to look for....I am going to add more to my money and savings goals, and keep track of everything we sped and save, and even earn. I will be updating all of that often. I will NOT be blogging everyday most likely, but will always try to stay on top of the most important stuff I find, so that I can pass it on to you. I will likely not follow a strict guidline on what I will blog about each day. Instead, I will blog when the mood strikes, and pass on as much as I can. I am also going to try very hard to get my blog out there more, so that others can learn from me, and hopefully we can create an atmosphere of sharing and learning from each other. That was my goal before, and it remains my goal this time.

Ok...so check back often, and please let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!!

Manic Monday!!

2008-07-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to my Manic World!! Today is my first post in a few days, and I am trying to get back into the swing of things after a holiday break. I have updated my Money Goals for the month, and have restated my current snowflake goal. It was the American Express card, but we combined credit cards and therefore the amount we owe on that card is now higher, but we are paying less interest than what we were on the Citi card. That credit card has moved to my second in line to pay off now, because the monthly payment is low. My goal is to get my car loan paid off as soon as I can. The plan was for me to give my son my old car when he turns 16, but I have to have something set up for me by then. If I can get it paid off quickly then I can save the monthly payment amount for a few months, and get myself something used. (or get my son something used, and keep my car) So...it is a LOFTY goal, but my goal is to have it paid off by the end of January. (when he turns 16...) One way or another I will hopefully make that happen.

I am still doing fantastic on Ebay. In fact I am doing better than I ever imagined, and now it is motivating me to get even better if I can. Ebay has become my source of additional income and I would love to have it completely replace what I was earning at my full time job. I don't think it is an impossible goal, and I am really hoping that by the time school starts back up for my husband I will be able to officially say that I am making that much.

I signed up for an "ebay" seminar...before really looking into it. I think I will end up regretting giving any of my information to the company. The seminar itself is supposed to be free, but it was one of those too good to be true things. After researching it further, I will not be attending. It sounds like some scam company that takes advantage of people with little moeny, or little internet skills, and convinces them to invest in a pyramid type scheme. No thanks...I am making money on my own with Ebay already, and although I would love to partake in all of the promises the seminar ad made...I am more than happy with how quickly I have been able to teach myself the ropes on ebay. I still have a lot to learn, but I also have a lot of time to do it. Hopefully by the time my little guy starts preschool, I can have my Ebay adventure really turn into something profitable. Either way, I am having so much fun doing it, and best of all...I GET TO STAY HOME!!! :) Can't beat that!!

Time Out Thursday!!

2008-07-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in getting up another blog, we had some internet issues, and then had a series of bad storms and lost power. We are back up, and I wanted to log on really quick and let you know that I am going out of town for a few days to celebrate the 4th of July with my family. I will be back to my blog on Sunday!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend, filled with lots of sunshine, family and friends, great food, and love. Happy Independance Day America!! God Bless the USA~~

Manic Monday!

2008-06-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

I would have to say that today has been the busiest day yet on Ebay. I had many auctions end yesterday and today and I am busy putting together packages, and getting things in the mail. I really am loving every minute of being a stay at home mom, and working by selling things on Ebay. It is exciting!

I can't say that I have "saved" much money yet, but I think once we get into the swing of things, and get a bit more organized the saving part will come. I am earning more than I had even hoped for, and that is just motivating me to continue that aspect. I would love to get to the point where I can just put those checks into a 401K or an IRA each moneth...but first I want to get a few more things paid off. I am really motivated to find even more ways to make money selling on Ebay. I am getting there, but I am still about halfway from where I would LOVE to be with earning money. My ultimate goal is to get to $100 a day....I made it to $50 several times in the last week....and in the last two weeks have cashed out $300, and have $41 still in my account, and at least $60 that I am still owed. I think one of my sidebar items for July will be a daily counter for Ebay sales, and a counter of sales pending. I want a very accurate account of what I make in a one month span. IF I can really get to $100 a day, that will be amazing. I am not sure that I will be able to keep the stock up for that many sales in a day though....but I am willing to give it a try!! :)

Selfish Sunday!

2008-06-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

I can't say that I was overly selfish on Sunday, but I did sleep in until 8 or so. My little guy did as well, even though it was daddy's turn to get up with him. I still had daddy get up with him and I just laid in bed for an extra 30 minutes....it was nice. Sometimes mommies just need to linger in bed before getting up and starting the day...don't you agree?? :)

Savings Saturday!

2008-06-28T18:48:00.001-07:00

I guess I should refer to today as SPENDING Saturday! It was not my intent, but things always seem to get out of hand when I let my husband talk me into going into Lansing for the afternoon...a few hours later, and $200+ later we are home and I am upset that we spent so much. Granted, we did have a great Target trip. My before coupon total there was over $190 and I spent a $25 gift card, and $13, and earned back a $20 gift card.

But then there was lunch out at an expensive pizza place, a costly Meijers stop (and no, it was not for groceries) and then a rash stop at the local college bookstore because my husband just HAD to have some new stuff for his Michigan State basement.

I have to figure out a way to get our saving back on track...and our needless spending reined in as well. We can't keep having weekends like this one. Luckily I have been doing great with Ebay over the past two weeks, but that is not enough if all of my profits get eaten up in one family trip to Lansing. Time to reevaluate where our priorities are or we will never get out of debt, save for retirement, or have me continue to be a stay at home mom.

Freebie Friday!

2008-06-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

My freebie tip for today....IF you are like most moms, you are constantly battling stains on clothing. Last night I actually got permanent black marker on one of my favorite summer shirts. I figured that I might as well throw it away, but decided to try the stain remover I got for .99 cents at Target (using a $2.00 off coupon that was attached to the product.) It is called Zout...and let me tell you, I am impressed. Not only did it take out red popcicle stains, but guess what?? NO MORE black ink on my summer shirt!! I will definately be stocking up on more of that...even if it is not free, the peace of mind it gave me knowing that I will be able to get stains out....that is priceless when you can't afford to ruin clothes, and buy new ones!! Give it a try the next time you have a stain that you don't think will come out~~

Thrifty Thursday!

2008-06-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Thursday) was my mothers birthday. She took the day off work and my sister and I let her decide how she wanted to spend the day....her plan? To take four of the grandkids to the zoo. Sounded like a lot of fun to me, the only problem...the zoo is expensive!!! It cost over $40 for my husband and I, and two of our kids! (and that is not counting the gas money for the hour long round trip drive or the "snacks" that were purchased while we were there!) Wow!! Definately not very thrifty, and not one of the "free/cheap" ideas I had come up with for family summer fun.

We did have a really great time, despite the cost. And it was my mothers birthday afterall, so I don't regret letting her pick what she wanted to do. But the zoo will definately not being a weekly summer outing for us this year. I am planning a picnic in the park and a nature walk for this weekend...hoping that will keep my husbands mind off shopping at the mall :) Wish me luck, as I married a shopper!!

Whatever Wednesday!

2008-06-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have been working hard at getting things up and listed on Ebay. My goal is to list 5-10 new things a day, so that every day I have that many auctions ending. Eventually I would like to get up even higher than that, but for now 5-10 seems to be working out well. So far, I love it. I have not had one day that I have not made at least $10. That might not seem like much, but if I do that every single day, that is an extra $300 a month. My hope is to get it up closer to $25 a day.

I also discovered one more thing that I really love about selling on Ebay...I can be earning money while I am sleeping...how cool is that?? My husband wonders if I may run out of stuff to sell. I guess that is possible. But everyday I am able to come up with at least 5-10 things...in fact, I have a box full of makeup right now (all brand new) just waiting for me to list. I have to hold myself back from listing it all at once. It is very addicting. I keep finding myself online just to see if anything else has sold, or is being bid on. It is a thrill seeing that things are selling.

So far it has been pretty easy, and I am making money. I can only hop that it will continue to be this easy. I am so thankful and grateful that I learned how to create streams of money online, and that it has given me the chance to be at home with my family. Day three of being a stay at home mom...and I LOVE IT!! (Ok, now I am off to catch up on the laundry while my little guy is sleeping, and the Princess is at swim class.)

By the way, if you are interested in checking out my auctions, my ebay name is ctul8078~ Let me know what you think!!

Take Five Tuesday!

2008-06-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

I started making a list of some of the fun, inexpensive things that my family can do this summer for entertainment. The beach and local pool is out for at least two more weeks since my little guy can't get his cast wet. So, here is my list so far...

1. The Public Library...nice and cool, and we can check out some new kids books (and mommy books) for free.

2. The parks in town.... We have several, so it will be fun to go to a different one each time so that the kids don't get tired of the same one.

3. Garage sales/yards sale...have you seen how much fun a kid can have at one of them with a dollar?? Plus it gives me the chance to pick up some cheap reading, some kids clothes, and maybe some things that I can resell on ebay.

4. The walking trails....our town has a walking/bike trail through the woods. It would be fun to try that out a few times this summer. Maybe I can set up a scavenger hunt for our 6 year old. My little guy will just love the new sights.

5. Our backyard...we have a swingset, a play tent, bubbles, a water table, sandbox, and even a kiddie pool. (once we can use it) It would also be fun to set up a picnic, and I already have a picnic basket.

6. Different rose gardens and parks in Lansing...a bit of a drive, and will costs gas money, but the parks themselves are free, and fun.

Can you think of any other fun, inexpensive things I can do?? I would love to get some input from other mothers out there...stay at home, or not. :)

Manic Monday!

2008-06-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Well, after a wild and crazy weekend I have finally made it to Monday. And so far it has been relatively calm. I had a doctors appointment first thing this morning, so I decided to take a few minutes before the appointment to run to CVS. I did great with the two transactions I made. I bought a total of 16 Maybelline Great last mascaras and paid $2.26. I will either sell them on Ebay, or at my upcoming yard sale.

Speaking of Ebay...I have been doing great with my online sales. I just cashed out $150.00 and have almost another $100.00 built up again in my account. My goal is to get to at least $150 a week in sales, but ultimately I would like to build it up to $250 a week. That would make up any income we are losing from my being a stay at home mom, and allow me to still contribute as much as I was to my retirement account.

My plan is to work as hard as I can over the summer and see if I can get to that point. IF I can I will likely continue to stay at home and concentrate on my online stuff...IF I can't then I will look into finding a part time or full time job. I am REALLY hoping that I can make this work...because this may only be my first day...but I am really enjoying myself so far~

Selfish Sunday!

2008-06-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was my first official day as a stay at home mom. How did it go??

Well let's see...my little guy woke up at 7:15, so I was able to sleep in for an hour and fifteen minutes longer than normal. That was nice....but then it started to go downhill from there.

He was extremely clingy and fussy when he first woke up. And he needed my full attention at all times. Now, I know myself very well...and the morning hours are typically my most productive. That was near impossible with a 16 month old clinging to my leg. Lesson learned....I either need to find a way to get him involved in what I am trying to get done in the morning, or I need to wait until his first nap around 9 to do anything.

He did take his nap a bit before nine, and I headed out to get some errands done. (daddy is home for the summer because he is a teacher) I made it to the post office to send an Ebay package out, only to learn that our post office does not open until 9. Lesson learned...know my local stores hours, or ship from home by printing off a postage label off my computer.

Made it to a few garage sales, and the grocery store, and back home by 10:30. Luckily the little guy was still asleep, so I could finally have some breakfast. Headed to the kitchen to warm up my ice cold coffee...and stepped on a toy. Ouch! So I limped the rest of the day, and this morning woke up with a nice big bruise on the soft part of my foot.

All in all...I did not get even half of what I wanted to get done, and the things I did finish I rushed through. By the end of the day when I crawled into bed, I had a bruise on one foot, a stubbed toe, and a papercut (made by a cardboard box) on the web of my right hand. Lessons learned?

1. Don't try to accomplish so much in one day. It will never happen and you will feel like you failed.
2. Plan your errands with your child..getting them out of the house, and using his nap time to finish the things that you can't do with him at your feet.
3. Figure out ways to get him involved, or at least occupied while you are doing things.
4. Wake up earlier...even IF you really want to sleep in that extra hour.

Savings Saturday!

2008-06-21T16:41:00.001-07:00

Here is my BIG CVS savings for Today!! I bought 10 Revlon products, 2 Almay One Coat Mascaras, and 12 Sally Hansen Nail polishes. I spent a total of $4.32, saved $110. 86 and earned $10 in ECB!! Not bad for a twenty minute shopping trip!! How did eberyone else do??

Freebie Friday

2008-06-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today is my very last day as a full time career woman, so my freebie tip for today is to enjoy every freebie that life has to offer you. Whether it be a free ten minutes of uninterrupted time, a free plant as a goodbye gift, a free lunch out....or the freedom to be a stay at home mom. Enjoy it, cherish it, and count your blessings. After all, the best things in life really are FREE :)

Check back tomorrow for Savings Saturday!!

Thrifty Thursday

2008-06-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am often asked how I manage to get such great deals at CVS, and how I know what coupons I should stock up on. There are many sites online that you can find this information. iheartcvs.com and hotcouponworld.com are two of the ones that I use to learn about some upcoming deals at CVS. I use slickdeals.net to find out all I want to know about couponing at Target, and what is coming up in future weeks there. Below is an example of what is to come next week at CVS....(credit goes to iheartcvs.com)

6/22 - 6/28 weekly ecb deals

ECB Deals
Playtex Gentle Glide or Sport Tampons 36-40 ct $2 ECB ($7.99) Limit 1

ThermaCare Heat Wraps Back 2 ct or neck/arm or abdominal 3 ct $2 ECB ($5.99) Limit 1

Clairol Hydrience $2 ECB ($5.99) Limit 5

Pampers Mega Pack Diapers $3 ECB ($13.99) Limit 1

Buy Anthelios SX get $5 ECB ($29.00) Limit 5

Buy $20 of Neutrogena Skin Care get $5 ECB Limit 5
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator $34.99
Neutrogena Healthy Skin or Healthy Defense $9.99
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive $17.99

Buy $20 of L'Oreal Skin Care get $5 ECB Limit 3
L'Oreal Collagen or Wrinkle Decrease $17.99
L'Oreal Skin Genesis $17.99
L'Oreal Advanced RevitaLift $14.99
L'Oreal Age Perfect $14.99
L'Oreal Age Perfect Pro-Calcium $21.99

Oral-B Pulsar Toothbrush $1 ECB ($4.99) Limit 5

Buy ONE Oral-B Toothbrush, Crest Toothpaste, or Fixodent Adhesive Twin Pack get $2 ECB Limit 3

Buy Night Guard get $5 ECB (Prices Starting at $29.99) Limit 2

Buy CVS Blood Pressure Monitor Excluding Manual Get $10 ECB (prices starting at $39.99) Limit 1

Prilosec OTC 42 ct $3 ECB ($25.99) Limit 1

Accu-Chek Aviva $10 ECB ($19.99) Limit 1

Buy ONE Bengay Product Listed Above Get $2 ECB (prices starting at $7.99) Limit 1
Cream 2-4 oz, Gel 2 oz, Pads 2-3, or Patches 4-5 ct.

Buy ONE Band-Aid or Neosporin Product Listed Above Get $1 ECB Limit 1
Ointment 0.5-1 oz, Band-Aids, Patches 5-60 ct, or Blister Block Stick 0.34 oz

Buy $15 of Imodium, Mylanta, Pepcid AC, or Complete get $5 ECB Limit 1
Imodium A-D $1.00 Print

Buy Colgate get $2 ECB ($2.99) Limit 5
MaxFresh Burst, Total Advanced Clean, Whitening or Fresh Toothpaste 4 oz, Wave or Sponge Bob Toothbrush

Buy Listerine get $1 ECB ($3.99) Limit 5
Original, Cool Mint, or Freshburst 1 liter with Free Reach Access Flosser

Buy Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers get $2 ECB ($2.99) Limit 1

Buy FOUR SoyJoy Nutrition Bar get $4 EB Free After ECB Limit 5

Buy $20 of Charmin Ultra 12 pk, Bounty Basic 8 pk, or any Duracell Batteries get $10 ECB Limit 1
Charmin, any .25 (6-30-08) P & G 6/1/08

BOGO Deals (Buy one get one free)

All Nature's Bounty Vitamins or Supplements.

Right Guard, Xtreme, Soft & Dri, or Dry Idea

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($4.99)

Kodak PowerFlash Camera 27 Exposure ($9.99)

All Laundry Detergent

Sobe, Propel, or Gatorade

Edy's Ice Cream 48 oz ($5.99)

Doritos ($3.79)

Kellogg's Cereal (Raisin Bran Crunch, Frosted Flakes, Mini-Wheats, Smart Start 17-18.2 oz, or Special K 12-12.8 oz

Maxwell House Coffee 11.5-13 oz

Kraft or Simply Asia

All Lumene Sun Care

Bayer Original 24 ct, Enteric 32 ct, or Chewables 36 ct

Photo Books (all sizes 10 page hardcover)

BOGO 1/2 Off
CVS Batteries (AA, AAA 4 pk, C, D 2 pk, 9 volt 1 pk)

Photo Frame or Album (excludes digital photo frame)

CVS Food Storage Bags (snack, sandwich, slider storage, freezer 15-150 ct, or plastic wrap 200 ft.

Sunglasses (adult or kid's styles)

All Maybelline (excludes great lash)

Lumene Cosmetics, Skin Care, Sun Care

CVS Razor Blades, Cartridges or Disposable Razors (Blades 10-11 ct, cartridges 4-10 ct or razor 1-24 ct)

CVS nail polish remover or cotton (rounds, squares, balls, or ovals)

CVS Supplement (fish oil 60-250 ct, CoQ10 30-90 ct, or Omega-3 60 ct)

I-Caps (eye vitamin & mineral supplement 60-120 ct)

Met-Rx (big 100 or protein plus bar 3-3.52 oz)

Dietary Supplement (3-day red carpet diet 15 ct, 10-day hoodia diet, green tea or natual fat burner 30 ct)

So, in looking at this list I determine:

1st-Is there anything that I need?
2nd-What are the best ECB deals?
3rd-What coupons do I have that I can match up with the sale price, or the ECB deals?
4th-Is there anything that is money maker? (an example of this would be if you get more back in ECB then what you will spend to buy the product.)

For this next week the deals I will be concentrating on are the BOGO free of Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (I have $2/1 Maybelline coupons, meaning I can get two mascaras for 99. cents), the Buy $20 of Duracel and get $10 in ECB (I have Duracel battery coupons, and what parent can't use more batteries), the Colgate Toothpaste at $2.99 each and earn back $2.00 in ECB (I have ten $1.50 off Colgate MQ's that I bought on Ebay for $1, so that I could do this deal. It is a money maker after I use my coupons, and get my ECB back) and the Maybelline Makeup at BOGO 1/2 off. (Again I have $2/1 off any Maybelline product coupons, and this will make for cheap/free makeup that I can resell.)

I usually try to look at least one week ahead, and often two weeks ahead so that I can plan what I am going to buy. That way if I find a great deal on something, I can always order some coupons off a clipper site, or Ebay, or even trade for them. Sometimes I just pass on really great deals if I have to pay too much for the coupons. Afterall, my goal is to save as much as I can, and if I spend too much buying coupons, I am not really saving that much. I tend to only buy coupons if the deal is a money maker with them.

So, there you have it. That is my secret (or not so secret) formula for getting some great deals at CVS! It worked out great this morning. I bought 9 mascaras, and 18 nail polishes...spent $8.66 and earned back $25 in ECB to use during my next CVS trip. I have one more trip planned before Sunday...I'll post it on Saturday and let you know how I did. (if my camera is cooperative I will even post a picture or two!)Until then, have a great day and keep thinking thrifty thoughts!

Whatever Wednesday!

2008-06-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Do you enjoy going to the movies?? How do you feel about getting a free ticket to see a new Universal movie?? Interested??

The next time you are at a Target, or even a Walmart, check out the Ponds products. On many of them you can find a tiny pink sticker. Purchase the one with the stickers (use coupons if you have them!!) and then go to Ponds.com. Enter the Promo code from the sticker, enter the UPC from the product...and Voila!! You will be allowed to print out a movie pass that is good on any Universal Studios movie through October! (I have read that you are allowed a total of four free passes per household.)

I have found some websites online where the UPC code is available, without the purchase of the product. It is completely up to you if you want to use a code from online, or buy the product for the code. Either way, you do need the peelie sticker to get the Promo code to enter!

Hope this information helps someone out there get a few free movie passes to catch a great new flick this summer!! Enjoy!

Take-Five Tuesday!

2008-06-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Why is this not my first week as a stay at home mom??

I ask this for a very important reason...this is the week that my family really needs me to be at home, and here I am sitting at a job I no longer want to be at, dealing with mean spirited people...when all I want to do is be at home giving all of my love and attention to my family...especially my injured children.

Yup, I said CHILDREN!!

My youngest litte guy broke his leg last Friday, and is having such a hard time not getting frustrated by his lack of being able to walk or crawl. I feel so helpless trying to ease his frustartions, and keep his mind off what he can't do. How do you explain to a 16 month old that they can't try to stand...and that they really shouldn't crawl either. It has been a rough few days with that.

Then today, my 15 year old called me from basketball camp. He and another kid were diving for the same basketball, and their heads collided. They both ended up needing stitches, and being sent home early from the camp. My son is upset because that means he can't play in the game tonight, and also can't practice tomorrow. I am upset because he has stitches right above his eye, and will likely look like he has been punched in the face come morning time.

I told my husband to keep a CLOSE eye on our daughter....what are the odds that we would have two of our three in the Emergency room in one week...?? I don't know, but I think I would have a heart attack if it happens again this week.

So, why?? :) Doesn't it always seem to be that things happen at inconveinent times?? I guess in just a few days it won't matter much anymore, because I WILL be home!

Manic Monday!

2008-06-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today began my last official Monday as a career woman, and after the weekend I had, I would give anything to be at home right now caring for my little guy. I have so many things to finalize here at work, so here I am, sitting at my desk, wishing I were holding my son. I know that daddy is taking good care of him, and that is the only thing keeping me sane today.

I have a lot of goals that I have recently set for myself that I will attempt to accomplish once I am done being a full time employee. Hopefully I will get them all posted here by the end of the week, so that I can help myself stay accountable.

I am really looking forward to being able to devote more time to my blog, my coupon shopping, my saving goals and strategies, and to my ebay sales. But mostly I am looking forward to being able to care for my son each and every day...to playing with him...and laughing with him...and teaching him. Those things will be my priorities, and the rest will be secondary. It is such an exciting time for me right now. Thanks for sticking with me on this new journey. I can't wait to see where this new path leads me...and you!!

Self Indulgant Sunday!

2008-06-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ummmmm...well, where do I start?? This was perhaps the least self-indulgant day I have ever had. I had wanted to make this day so special for my husband...a big, homemade breakfast...a trip to the zoo with the kids...lunch out and a special dinner...BUT that did not work out as planned. With my 16 month old currently in a half cast, with a fractured tibia bone....not much was easy this weekend, especially Sunday. I guess I will try again this next weekend. A long hot bath and a glass of wine is calling my name:)

Savings Saturday!

2008-06-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

So, I have to be honest. I did not shop even once this weekend. NOT because I did not want to, but because we had a minor child emergency...and after that I did not venture too far from home. My youngest child broke his leg on Friday!! I am still in shock, and I think he is doing better than I am with it. I did manage to make it to CVS this morning, and this is what I bought:

8 Revlon Eye Shadow Quads, at $6.99 each. They were BOGO free so I only paid for 4 of the 8 of them, and then I used $2 off Revlon coupons on each one. My remaining balance owed was $6.46, and I paid with a $6.00 Extra Care Buck earned at an earlier trip...so my actual price for all 8 was .92 cents!! I plan to either sell these at my next garage sale...or attempt selling them on Ebay.

I plan to buy a few more of the Revlon this week, as I still have ten $2 off coupons that I can use on this deal. I also plan to buy some Maybelline mascara at $5.99 each. These are one of teh Extra care deals this week at CVS. Spend $15 on Maybeliine mascara or lipgloss and get back $5 in ECB. I have $2 off Maybelline coupons still, so I can get these next to free, and earn money back on them from CVS.

What are some of the deals you will be out looking for this week?? I would love to get some other ideas on what to buy this week, but have not even had the chance to go through all of the flyers yet! If I come up with any other good ones, I will be sure to post them as soon as I can.

Freebie Friday

2008-06-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Some Freebies thanks to Crystal over at Money Saving Mom!!

Powerade:
For those of you who have the $0.75/1 Powerade coupons from Sunday's insert, here are some great deals:

Target: Powerade Zero is 0.79. Use the .75/1 coupon from the Sunday paper insert and get it for $0.04!

Wal-Mart: Powerade is $0.75. Use the $0.75/1 coupon and get it free!
CVS: Powerade is on sale for $0.77 at many stores. Use the $0.75/1 coupon and get it for $0.02!

TCBY:

In honor of deserving dads everywhere, TCBY, The Country's Best Yogurt, is celebrating Father's Day with free frozen yogurt! Any dad that visits a TCBY location on Father's Day, June 15th will receive a free small cup or cone of yogurt to help celebrate the special day. More details at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4PRN/is_2008_June_3/ai_n25474855

Get a free sample and coupon for St. Joseph aspirin by visiting http://www.mylanta.com/vcrc/offers/campprivacy.jhtml?id=vcrc/offers/sj_ahafreesample.inc

Do you know of any other Freebies?? If so, let me know. I am always on the lookout for some great free stuff :)

Thrifty Thursday

2008-06-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned recently, I am getting ready to embark on a new journey as a stay at home mom. In making this decision I had to do a lot of thinking about my spending habits, and what areas in my life need a "thrifty" makeover. I honestly felt guilty as I started making a list of the ways that I have been "less than" frugal over the past few months...but to keep this blog honest, here is a list of ten that I have been guilty of:

1. Late fees on rental video games and dvds....WHY can't I seem to get off my butt and get these things back on time so that I avoid paying late fees? And what is even worse, is that my son had his video game out for so long...that they actually charged me the full price for it!!!! A $60 lesson in procrastination, and outright laziness.

2. Not keeping my coupons organzied....TRUE, I have a ton of them, but if I cannot figure out some way to get them better organized, why even bother. In the last few months I have "misplaced" big dollar coupons that I needed to use, and have bought stuff at full price without using a copuon, when I KNOW I had one for that product somewhere.

3. Not doing as good of a job planning menus as I should...meaning extra trips to the grocery store, wasting gas and money.

4. Not using up leftovers before they go bad...I try hard to get creative with them, but I have thrown a lot of things away that could have...and SHOULD have been used in some way.

5. Misplacing medical receipts that I could have turned in for reimbursement from my Flexible Spending Account.

6. Misplacing TWO transfer prescription coupons that could have earned me $50.00 in gift cards to CVS.

7. Buying food products more than once because I could not find the first one, or thought we were out when we were not.

8. Not planning errands more carefully, and wasting gas, time and energy having to go back out.

9. Eating fast food for breakfast and lunch multiple times a week....this I should be able to cut out completely once I am not working.

10. Losing rebate receipts, or failing to send for a rebate in time, even when I have completed everything I needed to earn it.

There you have it...and I have decided in looking over this list that all of them pretty much come down to my poor organizational skills. I really need to spend some time working on that.

What type of thrifty mistakes do you find yourself making over and over that are costing you money? I would love to hear someone else admit that they are not as frugal as they would like to be. I know that I am not the only one!! :)

Whatever Wednesday!

2008-06-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, and thanks for checking back to see if I was up and blogging again. It has been a rough few days, trying to get everything settled, and figuring out if we could really make ends meet with me no longer working. Thanks to a pay increase on my husbands new job, and my many new ways of earning small streams of income, I think we can do it and we are going to give it a shot. It has been a long time coming at my job. I loved the place that I worked but my manager had become unbearable, and the stress it was causing me was affecting all areas of my life....but not any longer!!

Over the next few weeks, my intent is to get into blogging daily. I will continue sharing any great coupons deals, sales, and money earning techniques that I can...as well as exploring the world of being a working mommy from home. I am really hoping that my staying at home will give me even more insight on learning new ways to cut expenses, and creating even more small streams of income to add to my debt repayment plan. I have no intention of losing sight of getting us out of debt...but it may take us a bit longer to do it now. That's ok...as long as we keep heading in the right direction.

Check back tomorrow, and I will have a new blog on being thrifty. The word has taken on a whole new meaning for me now!

Manic Monday!

2008-06-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a quick blog to let you know that I have NOT disappeared. I will return to my regular blogging by Wednesday. I had a HUGE career shakeup, and my last day as a working mom will be June 20th...after that I will be working hard as a stay at home mom, and continue to explore my blog, and ways to save and earn extra money. Thanks for being with me so far on my journey as a full time working mom....I hope you will stick around as I transition to a stay at home mom :)

Thrifty Thursday

2008-05-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday!!

I have a great thrifty tip for today if you have a monthly prescription for medication. I am sure that you have seen ads at pharmacys, and drugstores promoting a giftcard with a transfered/new prescription.....but have you ever checked them out?

I have done it several times, and the extra money in gift cards has come in very handy for buying groceries, and making my CVS money go even further.

How does it work? When you find an ad in the weekly store flyer, or get a coupon at checkout, check your prescriptions and see if there are any that you can transfer. Take the prescription, and the coupon to the store...fill it, and get back a gift card. (the demoninations vary at each store) If you don't have a prescription yet, just hold on to the coupon. You never know when you might need it. You have to fill the prescription somewhere, and it will cost you the same no matter where you do it...why not earn some extra money off it when you do??

I have done this deal at CVS three times, for a $25.00 gift card each time. I have also done it at Meijers (my main grocery store) once for a $10.00 checkout coupon, and once for a $30.00 check out coupon. If you have a coupon for a store that you do not normally shop at, check with the stores that you do use. Many of them will honor the coupon, and give you the giftcard to use at their store.

At first I felt like I was ripping off someone by doing this, but recently I was told by a CVS manager that they WANT you to use the coupons. The employees at CVS actually earn an extra $12.50 for every $25.00 prescription coupon that you redeem. So, it is money in your pocket, and in theirs too!!

Give it a shot!! You have nothing to lose...and money to gain :)

Whatever Wednesday!

2008-05-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

I'm back!! Welcome to Whatever Wednesday....I just had the craziest coupon/sale experience I have ever had, and I thought that I would share my story with you.

First let me say, I hardly ever shop at Kmart. I barely look at their sale flyers, and don't pay much attention when I hear that they have sales going on. Not too smart for someone that is trying hard to master the coupon game. So, last week I did a quick deal with their Maybelline nailpolish. I clarified their coupon rules with their BOGO free deals, and had a manager tell me how to do it correctly.

Today I went in. Sale ad in hand, and a pocket full of Revlon coupons. I had read that their Revlon nail polish and lip color was BOGO free this week. I decided to give a run at Kmart a shot. It was a mistake, but more of a costly one for them then for me.

As I mentioned the ad stated that All Revlon Lip color and Nail Color was BOGO free this week. When I got to the makeup aisle, I noticed that certain Revlon lip colors were also on sale 50% off. That made them an even better deal then the Nail Polish, so I made sure I only bought the ones on sale. I pulled my coupons out to match them up, and headed to a cashier. The very first thing I had her do was make sure that the 50% off Lip color would also ring as the BOGO free. It looked like it was, so I stopped paying attention. We get to the end of my order and she is scanning the last coupon...and she tells me my total. $31.**!!

WHAT??? That can't be right!! I look over the receipt and see the problem right away...half of the lip colors rang up full price, but BOGO free. The other half rang up 50% off but not BOGO free. The cashier could not do anything to fix it and suggested I go over to Customer Service.

I can honestly say that Darlene in Customer Service was wonderful. She tried her best to figure out how to fix it, but ended up needing to call over a manager. The one that came (Steve) was a jerk from the minute he stepped up. I explained what the issue seemed to be, and he replied that I could not combine the in-store sale price with the weekly flyer deal of BOGO. I asked him why not? I showed him the flyer and no where in the flyer does it say that it excludes sale priced or clearanced items. He got mad, and said that I could not do both and that was that. I told him that I would like to void the order then, and I would like my coupons back. Then he became a real pain, lecturing me about how many coupons I had used. He stated that the coupon clearly states that I can only use one coupon per purchase, and I noted that was what I had done. I counted out the lipsticks, and then the coupons. He then told me that I could not use them on the "free" items, and I reminded him that I did not end up getting free items because I was not allowed to combine the deals. I also assured him that I had okayed my coupons with another manager last week, to which he just walked away.

Poor Darlene. At this point she is just apologizing away to me, and I feel bad for her. I just asked her to please void everything, and she proceeds to try. She has to go through each item, scan it, cross it off, scan it again and then put it aside. The entire process is taking forever, and then she tells me that she has to do the same thing with each coupon. By now I have been at this "return/void" for over 40 minutes. She scans the first coupon and it beeps that it needs a manager override. After calling for an override five times (no lie, five times!) a different manager gets on the phone with her and tells her to cash out the entire receipt, give me back my coupons, and let me leave. So, Darlene hands me $31.** in cash (what I paid on my debit card) and $35.00 in cash for the value of the coupons...THEN she hands me back all of my coupons. I asked her if she was supposed to do that, and she noted that was what David, the manager, told her to do.

So, here is what I figure Kmart would have made off my transaction had they followed the ad and in store prices... $2-3 in cash from me, and $35 reimbursement from the manufacturer's for the coupons. Instead, they paid me $66.**, gave me back my coupons, and lost a customer in the future. Not smart business if you ask me.

Be Back Soon!

2008-05-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to blog really quick and let you know that I will be back soon. I am on an extended weekend, but will return to my regular posting for Whatever Wednesday!! Please come back and visit then !!

Freebie Friday

2008-05-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

You Freebie for the day....

Check out the various rebate offers at stores/businesses near where you live.

There are many that are offering special added bonuses if you spend all/or part of your tax rebate at their business. For instance, I have mentioned Meijer's rebate offer before. It is going on until 5/31. For every $300 in gift cards that you buy, they will give you back a $30 coupon off any General Merchandise purchase. (Maximum amount is $1200 in gift cards, and $120 in $30 coupons.) I did this once earlier in the month, and I did this again this morning. I know that I am planning to do my flower beds and garden this weekend. So, this morning I bought more gifts cards for Meijers (that will be used for my groceries for the next 2-3 months) and received back $60 in coupons that I can use towards the purchase of my lawn and gardening supplies. To me...that is a great freebie!!

How are you spending your tax rebate?? Is it going towards a debt, being used for a big purcahse, or saved?? I would love to hear what your plans are...so send me and email, or post a comment.

Thrifty Thursday

2008-05-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that driving your car to and from work, as well as out to lunch, each day continues to dimish our air quality and promotes global warming. The EPA estimates that the average car pumps twice it's weight in carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. On an average that is 19.4 pounds of carbon dioxide for every gallon of gas burned. So what can we do to help reduce these ommisions?

One obvious way would be to share rides when possible. Think about it. Do you live near another employee and could carpool to work? Are three of us headed in the same direction when running errands at lunch? Are five of us all attending the same dinner meeting, or headed to the airport for the same flight? Why not share a ride? Not only will you save money on fuel and the wear and tear on each car, but you will be decreasing the amount of pollution being put back into the environment.

It is true that it may not always be convenient to carpool everyday. But even sharing a ride with someone just two days a week will reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 1,590 pounds a year! And even if you cannot carpool to and from work, sharing rides just at lunch will help. In fact avoiding just ten miles of driving every week would eliminate about 500 pounds of emissions in a year. Every little bit helps.

The next time you are headed out to that restaurant for lunch, ask a fellow coworker if they are heading the same direction. Running to the store on your lunch hour?? See if anyone else had the same errand planned. Does a coworker live right around the corner from you? Consider riding to work together just once or twice a week. Plan your route out before running your errands. With a little bit of effort and planning we can all save ourselves some money, and help our environment as well.

Whatever Wednesday!

2008-05-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today we are going to talk a bit more about snowflaking, and I am going to share a few of the ways that I have earned some of my snowflakes.

First let me say, I have been willing to do even the smallest things in order to earn a few dollars that I can put towards my debt. Below I will include a list of what I have done, and how much I earned from it. I will follow that with a list of future things that I am considering trying.

My Snowflake List:

1. MyPoints.com: MyPoints.com is a website that sends me emails, and offers. I earn points for every email that I read or offer that I complete. Sometimes the emails include short surveys, and if I qualify for the survey I can earn even more points. Points can also be earned for shopping online if I access the web shops through MyPoints.com. There is even a new way to earn points for every online coupon that I print, and redeem through the site. Points can be redeemed for gift cards to many different places. So far I have earned enough points for a $25.00 gift card to Target, and am working towards another gift card currently.

2. In Box and Send Earnings: Both sites are basically the same so I will include them as one. They are websites that pay me to read emails that they send. I can earn actual money from surveys that I qualify for, or for completing different offers. To date I have earned $24.80 with In Box and $19.12 with Send Earnings. I can request a cash payout after I have earned at least $30.00 on either site. (Note: I have been doing both for close to a year...so it does take awhile to hit the $30.00 mark)

3. Best Mark Mystery Shops: This is a mystery shopping company that you apply to. After your online application, you will be notified if a mystery shopping job is available in your area. If you accept a job, you will be given a code to enter to get the instructions for the shop. (sometimes you will have to complete an online tutorial for that company before they will assign you that shop) After you complete the shop, you go back to the site and fill out a survey about your experience, and fax proof of a purchase. The payment for shops varies. I did three shops and earned $30.00. (Note: I am contacted all of the time to do more shops, I have just been too busy over my lunch hours to take the assignments. I may try again once fall hits.)

4. Revolution Money Exchange: This is an online bank/payment company similar to Paypal. I signed up for an online account, and received $25.00 as a sign up bonus. I also earned an additional $10.00 for a referral that signed up under my name. I can cash out at any time and have them either transfer the full $35.00 into my bank account, or request a check for a small fee. (I think it is under $2.00) To date I have earned $35.00.

5. Ebay: I started selling some of my "freebies" on Ebay about 8 weeks ago. Currently I have earned $261.75 from my Ebay sales.

6. PayPerPost: This is an online company where I can accept posting/blogging advertising assignments for pay. Payments range from $5 to $10 for each post. There are a few rules to this, and I have not been able to take advantage of many of the jobs yet. I plan to keep trying. So far I have earned $20.00 for one post.

7. CashCrate: This site seems similar to In Box and Send Earnings, except they do not send me emails to read. I get paid based on the offers that I sign up for...most of them are silly game sites or survey sites. I use my non-work email because I get a ton of Spam mail from it, but so far in less than a week I have earned $5.90. There ae also ways to earn extra cash for referrals at this site. I have not tried that yet, but may add a link to my webpage in the future. Cash Crate will send out checks anytime your total earned is over $10.00 after the 20th of the month. I will likely continue this one if I do indeed get a check after I hit $10.00.

8. Half.com: This is a side company of Ebay, and you can list books and such. It is unlike Ebay in that there is no bidding on the items. There is a flat fee, and once you sell something you are contacted by Half.com to complete the transaction. I have earned $7.91 selling two books on this site.

9. Cash4Books.com: This is another book selling site, similar to Half.com. The difference is that Cash4Books.com buys the book directly from you. You go to their site, and put in the UPC code from the book. If they are buying that book, they will give you their buying price. You can accept or decline their bid. If you accept they will tell you how to send the book, and pay standard shipping costs. Once they receive your book(s) they will contact you and either accept the shipment (if it is good condition) or they will return it. If they accept it they will mail you a check. So far I have earned $9.72 selling 5 books. (Note: They do not accept anything other than hardcover books, and many of the books that I wanted to sell they were not buying.)

So...I think that is my list. (other than cashing in change and returning pop bottles) On my forecast for the future....

1. ING Direct: I am thinking about setting up an online bank account with ING. They pay out a higher percent interest, and give a $25.00 bonus when you signe up witha set amount of money in your account. My goal is to keep our $1000 baby emergency fund in this account, earning more interest then where it is at right now.

And that is it so far... I am in the process of looking for a few other ways that I can create a few more small streams of money.

So, what have you done...or what are you looking at trying?? Please share some ideas with me...I would love get some news ideas!!

Manic Monday

2008-05-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my work day is almost done, and this is the first time all day that I have had 5 minutes to post anything. It has definately been another Manic Monday for me.

It was a very profitable weekend with my yard sale. I hit my goal of $1000, and then earned a bit extra. I sent off a nice check of $1000 to my Discover card....not much fuurther to go and that will be paid off too.

My mom and I decided to try another yard sale in early September, so I guess I better start stockpiling again so I am ready. If I ever wondered before if people would really buy makeup and lotions at a yard sale...I will never wonder again. They went crazy over it!! I may have to make things just a bit higher next time :)

No luck on getting my dryer fixed this weekend. My husband is the greatest, and normally very handy...but he could not figure it out. So, I set up another appointment to get that taken care of this week. In the meantime I had to do laundry at my moms. It made me really feel fortunate to have a washer and dryer in my home in the first place...I will never take them for granted again.

How was your weekend...and your Monday? I would love to hear about it. What made your day manic??

Friday, Saturday and Sunday...

2008-05-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

I am taking a three day break from posting this week. I am in the middle of completing the Relay For Life walk with my company, and getting ready for my two-day yard sale. Please catch back up with me on Monday and I will tell you all about my weekend, and have a new snowflake total! I am hoping that it is high enough to wipe out my current "snowflake" debt on my Discover card!!

Have a fantastic weekend, and say a prayer that the weather holds out for my sale this weekend!!

Thrifty Thursday

2008-05-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Today's Thrifty Tip....Know your stores coupon policies!

Why is this important? It can save you both time and money, as well as many hassles!

When I sit down to plan my shopping trips for the week I always have a set of specific things handy. Those items are:

My coupons (I have three seperate coupon holders)
The flyers for the upcoming week, or in some cases the monthly flyer
a list of things I need
my price book (listing the lowest prices I have found on items that I buy all of the time)
a notebook and pen
envelopes
and a calculator

I typically make a list of the items that I know that we need for the upcoming week, and then I look through the flyers. I check if any of those items are on sale, and if they are then I check to see if I have any coupons that match up. I will label each envelope with the name of the store I am going to, and then under that I will write down my shopping list. I will put the coupons for that store inside of the envelope.

As for the next weeks meals, I try to use up ingredients that we already have on hand first. I will create the meal plan for the week based on what we have, and then what is on sale. For instance, if I know that we have some lettuce left, and most of the ingredients for tacos...that will likely be a meal the following week. I may have to pick up tortillas, but then I am not throwing away the lettuce.

IF you know your stores coupon policy (policies) it will help in planning your shopping for the week. Does your store double coupons, and if so is there a limit on that? If it does, it might make sense to buy that item at Store A, rather than Store B, even if the price is a bit higher at Store B before the coupon. Will your store match a competitor's coupon or sale price?? If it will you might be able to do all your shopping at one place, and save gas, and time. Do they accept internet printable coupons? (some stores do not) If they don't, and you spend 30 minutes printing coupons, and planning your trip, only to be told they won't take them...it is not only a waste of your time, and money, it can also be a huge hassle for you, and the line of people behind you at the store. (this happened to me yesterday!)

A good example that I have of knowing your stores policy is my shopping trip this morning. I went to my local CVS. I know that my CVS accepts competitors coupons and internet printed coupons, so I went with that in mind. I bought 4 Lumene Products, 4 Physicains Formula products and 3 Aquafresh toothpastes. I used 4 Target Lumene coupons, 4 PF coupons, and 3 internet printed Aquafresh coupons. I spent .19 cents, and earned back $8.97. (for the toothpaste) A fantastic trip, and great savings! I am so glad that I know that stores policy.

A not so great trip....my lunch trip to Meijers yesterday. I have shopped at this Meijers many times, but had no idea that thier store policy had changed. They do not like internet printed coupons anymore. They will take them, but not without a manager coming over to "ok" them. Normally that would not be an issue, all of my coupons were legitimate. The problem was that after they were okayed, the manager was still upset about me using them, and did something to the register to override them, and managed to freeze the screen. In order to fix it, she had to shut it down, and reboot it. Again, I would not think that was that big of a deal, but 20 minutes later it had still not rebooted. I was late getting back to work by that point, and just told her to void the entire order. She did, but did not want to give me my coupons back. Now that I know this specific store has problems with internet printed coupons, I will think twice about using them there. I will likely plan any trips to that Meijers with that in mind now.

Lesson learned...

Whatever Wednesday!

2008-05-14T12:47:00.001-07:00

I have joined the revolution...the snowflake revolution!! Now, before you start to think I have lost my mind...check it out by going to www.snowflakerevolution.com. (I will add the Blog link as soon as I can.)

It is a group of like thinking bloggers, that are using snowflakes to get themselves out of debt. The more I read on the site, the more motivated I am to earn more snowflakes to throw at my debt. Before I know it, I am going to be in the middle of a blizzard!!

Of note on the site...there is nothing to pay, nothing to earn. (other than some important snowflake knowledge!) It is really just a place to read more, and share more with others. And for me, it is perfect, because that is really what my blogging here is all about!

RevolutionMoneyExchange

2008-05-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder...there are only two days left to sign up for RevolutionMoneyExchange and claim your $25.00!! I did, and it was so easy. Now I have $35 sitting in my online account. I can cash it out at anytime, and they will send me a check.

If you haven't checked it out yet, now is your chance. And if you refer someone else, and they sign up, you will get an extra $10.00 added to you account, and they will get their $25.00.

Just click on the RevolutionMoneyExchange button on my sidebar...and collect your money!

Take Five Tuesday!

2008-05-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am having that guilty mom feeling. My youngest son is 14 months old, and we have yet to have a new "family" picture taken of the five of us. Is that horrible??

The biggest reason that I have not done it yet is the cost. I really want to get family pictures taken, but I just can't seem to find a good, cheap photographer. Any one have any suggestions??

My family is the most important thing in the world to me, and I really want to have this done soon. Do any other moms out there feel guilty that they can't seem to spend the money on this, or am I just being silly?? I would love to get some feedback on this one. Send me and email at celiciat@hotmail.com, or post a comment below and tell me how you save money with professional pictures.

Manic Monday!

2008-05-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

I will have to make today's post a shorter one. I am crazy busy at work, and at home this week. It is definately a "manic" Monday for me. My dryer broke down last night meaning that I had to go to my mom's to finish drying my laundry, and then I got to work and was slammed with new things to work on for the week. If you add to that that I am trying to finish getting ready for my big yard sale this weekend, it is looking like the entire week may be a bit manic.

I do have some shopping trips planned, and will keep up with my daily posting as best I can. I will continue to blog as new, fun information, and/or tips come to me.

Have a fantastic week!!

Self Indulgent Sunday!

2008-05-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Being that yesterday was Mother's Day...I spent most of the day being "indulged." I really wish that Mother's Day came more than once a year :)

My day was fantastic (if you ignore the fact that it rained for about 90% of it, meaning that I did not get my grilled steak dinner!). It started off with me getting to sleep in, and then when I did decide to get out of bed...I returned a few minutes later with a new book, and 30 minutes of quiet reading. Then I had a big breakfast with my in laws...omelets! YUM!!

The rest of the day I spent around the house, just enjoying some free time. My parents came over for dinner, which ended up being pizza because of the rain, and then I enjoyed some quiet time watching the finale of Survivor. (I really had wanted Amanda to win...)

How did you spend your special day??

Savings Saturday!

2008-05-12T11:28:00.001-07:00

This past week I had my best shopping trip ever~~ I paid only $3.01 and saved 125.64. I do not have pictures to post, but I will tell you what I bought!

Recently Meijers started promoting a "rebate" program. If you use your rebate check to buy Meijers gift cards, they will give you back a $30 register coupon for every $300 you buy. I decided to buy $900.00 worth, and will use most of it towards groceries for the next few months. (and also gas) That was not the shopping trip of my coupon career though....this was!!!

I went to Meijers to stock up on a few things that I had coupons for. I will list what I bought, what the price was, and then next to that what coupons I used.

MY TRIP

5 Post It's at $1.79 each, used 5 $2.00 off internet printed Post-it coupons
5 Maybelline Eye Shadow Singles at $2.46 each, used 5 $2.00 off "peelie" coupons found at Target (note:Most Maybelline products have these same coupons at Meijers as well)
6 Maybelline Great Lash Mascaras at $2.99 each, used 6 $3.00 off "peelie" coupons found at Target
4 jars of Gerber 3rds baby food at .70 cents each, used 1 Catalina coupon from Meijers for .75 cents off
2 "2 Pack" Gerber baby foods at $1.09 each, used 1 catalina coupon from Meijers for .50 cents off
3 Johnson's Buddies soaps at .99 cents each, used 1 catalina coupon from Meijers for $3.00 off 3, and 2 $1.00 off any Johnson's product internet printed coupons.
1 1/2 gallon Meijer milk at $2.03 (no coupon)
3 Meijer chicken breast fillets, total $8.66 (no coupon)
1 Heinz ketchup at $3.79 (no coupon)
2 Dove Body Washes at $3.99 each, used 2 $3.50 off Dove coupons
1 Bic Soleil Razor at $6.99 each, used 1 $2.00 off coupon
1 Bic Soleil Razor Refills, 4 count, at $6.99 each, used Buy one razor get refills free coupon
4 Boxes Rice Crispies cereal at $1.74 each, used 4 $1.00 off any Kelloggs "peelies" found recently at a different Meijers (note: this Meijers also had the same "peelies" on the boxes of Kelloggs)
2 Boxes Rice Crispies with strawberries at $3.59 each, used 2 Buy any Two Kelloggs, get these free "peelies" also found at a different Meijers.
2 Packages Meijer brand bacon at $1.50 each (no coupon)
1 International Delight Coffee creamer at $1.50 each (no coupon)
1 Package Totilla chips at $3.00 each (no coupon)

Total: $33.01
Minus one $30.00 rebate coupon (from the purchase of the gift cards)
Total with tax: $3.01!!!!!!!!

Note: The body wash, razor, razor refills, post its, buddies soap, and all of the Maybelline makeup will be sold at my yard sale next weekend. I have now enough chicken to last 4 meals, and cereal to last me 6 weeks. The tortilla chips will be used for nachos when the weather is too wet to grill. Because of the stockpile that I already have built up, I should not need any other groceries this week. I also received a catalina for $3.00 off 3 Johnson's Buddies (more free soap!!) and one for .75 cents off any 2 jars of Gerber 3rds babyfood. AND each on of the Maybelline's that I bought had more $2.00 off "peelie" coupons attached. Looks like I will be making another trip to Meijers this week before my sale :)

Freebie Friday!

2008-05-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

Some Great Mother's Day Freebies:

If you're a mom, you can get a free cup or cone for Mother's Day at TCBY. Details are at tcby.com. It is not confirmed that ALL TCBY's are participating, so please call your local TCBY ahead of time!!

There is also a rumor that Cold Stone Creamery stores will offer a free Like-It size with up to 3 mix-ins to mothers on Mother's Day, Sunday May 11, 2008. Again, verify this with your local store as it doesn't seem to be advertised.

Sign up for Boston Market's Mom's Party and receive a coupon for a free dessert, good all month long (meal purchase required, but you can use this coupon multiple times).

Walgreen's Freebie:
According to Sisterly Savings and Hot Coupon World, when you purchase the New Gillette Men's 2-in-1 Bodywash (12 oz.) at Walgreens for $3.49, a coupon prints out for a free bottle.

It is being reported that whenever you use your FREE coupon to buy another free bottle another coupon will spit out. If it works like this then you can roll this deal multiple times and get as many free bottles of bodywash as you'd like!

RevolutionMoneyExchange

2008-05-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing a lot of talk on blogs and forums about RevolutionMoneyExchange and how you can earn $25 for signing up for an account. I wasn't going to try it, thinking that it must be a scam of some kind, but after reading that some of my favorite bloggers have tried it, and have made money with it, I decided to give it a shot and signed up a few days ago.

It was a simple to sign up and verify my information and I now have $25 showing up in my account. I can't imagine how or why any company would be paying people $25 just to sign up, but it's worth signing up for if you have a few minutes and could use $25. Click on the Link for the site and sign up if you want to make an EASY $25.00.

They also have a referral program which allows you to refer others and receive $10 per referral (up to $500). I have read many other's blogs about how they have earned hundreds of dollars doing this! (I have even seen copies of a few of the checks sent out!)

I am not one to turn down free money, and can't imagine that too many others would either. Once you set up the account and have things verified, the money is deposited (similar to Paypal)and you can request a check or to have it transferred directly into your bank account! I am not sure when I will cash mine out, but when I do it is going directly towards my snowflake for the month!! What will you do with yours??

Thrifty Thursday!

2008-05-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Snowflakes, Snowballs and Dave Ramsey!

I mentioned in my post yesterday a concept called snowflaking. I want to take some time today to explain that concept more in depth, as well as the idea of snowballing debt, and introduce my readers to Dave Ramsey. (my financial idol)

Snowflakes are small and unique and no two are exactly alike. The idea of snowflaking with money is similar. You take any small amount, even a few pennies if that is all you can gather, and you put it towards your debt. The debt snowflakes are unique each month, as they are never the same amount, or come from the same areas each month. The really nice thing about snowflakes is that they can really add up. You may earn extra from a rebate, an online sale, a refund, etc. You can send those small amounts to your debt one at a time, or you can wait until a specific date and send them all in together in one lump sum. (that is how I do it) They are not sums of money that you can count on from month to month, because if they were then they should be added into your budget and would be part of the overall money that you could use towards "Snowballing you debt."

So, what is debt snowballing?? Basically debt snowballing and Dave Ramsey go hand in hand. Dave Ramsey has coined the phrase debt snowballing. The idea of it is that you list all of your debts from the very smallest to the largest amounts owed. (not by the interest rates) Then you make a budget for yourself. You list all of your incoming money and all of your outgoing money. For every debt that you have, except the smallest one, you pay only the minimum amount due. But for that smallest debt, you are going to put every penny that you can afford to on it. Once that debt is paid, you are going to take the payment that you were making on it, and add it to the minimum payment on your next smallest debt. Just like a snowball going downhill, each time you pay off a debt, your "debt snowball" picks up more money to pay on the next debt in line. You continue with this debt repayment plan, until all of your debts are paid off.

Really, it's that simple. Since I have put our family on this debt repayment path, we have paid off TEN of our debts. We still have a long way to go, but with each debt that is eliminated we get more motivated to keep going...and to try to find more money to throw at the debt.

You can check out my side bar to see the debt that I am working on this month. Our Discover card. That is our next smallest debt. So, all of my snowflake money and snowball money will be going towards that debt until it is paid off.

I will continue discussing Dave Ramsey and his teachings throughout my blog. I think what he teaches about money and debt is very important, and I strive to one day be able to say that we are officially debt free. There are other steps for us to take to get us to financial security, and I will also discuss them as we work towards that ultimate goal.

I signed up for Pay Per Post!

2008-05-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

What is Pay Per Post you ask, and why would I have signed up?? Well, it is very simple actually. Pay Per Post is a website that pays me to blog about certain things. I have read about it on a few other blogs that I read, and I decided to give a shot myself.

Why? Besides the obvious (getting paid) there is the less obvious, and that is that I love to write. What better than to get paid to write blogs on my site.

Does it mean that I am planning to venture away from my other topics? NO WAY!! It actually is just one more way for me to be creative with my natural abilities and earn money at the same time. So, every once in awhile, you will see a blog that may be slightly off topic. Just skip over it if it is not of interest to you.

What do I plan to do with my Pay Per Post earnings?? Add it to my debt repayment plan of course. And as I mentioned in yesterday's post...every little snowflake of money that I can earn will help me to pay off that debt even faster.

Interested in joining Pay Per Post yourself...just click on the Pay Per Post link on my site and you can read all about it.

Take-Two Tuesday!

2008-05-06T12:43:00.001-07:00

It is official, Tuesday night golf league has started for my husband, and that means.... ME time!!

I love my husband with all of my heart, and actually miss him when he is out on Tuesday nights, but I also love the fact that after I get our youngest to sleep, I often have an hour or more of uninterupted "me" time. Tonight is the first night of the season, and I am looking forward to it.

How will I spend my time this evening? I am thinking about a long bath, and a new book. Or maybe I will cherish my alone time with the remote control...and watch something funny, or romantic...or both.

I guess that in the long run, what matters most is that I don't fill it with even more chores, and instead use it to relax, and do the things that I never spend the time doing anymore.

For those of you that don't have a golfer for a husband, how do you carve out time for yourself? I would love to hear about it, and have you share what you do with that time.

Manic Monday

2008-05-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

I decided to take yesterday off from blogging....my own personal selfish day. :)

Actually, I needed to do some spring cleaning, and get stuff around for my yard sale which is two weeks away. So, there really was not much "me" time this last weekend...and may not be much for the next few weeks.

After my family, and job...my number one priority in the coming weeks is to earn, and save as much money as I can just in case my husband does not have a new teaching job for next school year. I figure that if we do not need it for that, then I can use everything we have saved to pay down our debt.

A few new things you may have noticed on my site...I have set up a food budget for my family for May of $300. That works out to be about $75 a week. Everytime I purchase something from the grocery store I will deduct the amount on the website so that I can keep myself on track, and you can see my progress. For this month I will not include my extra shopping trips to CVS, Target, Walgreens, etc, but in the coming months I will. My ultimate goal is to keep all of it to under $300 a month.

I am also going to be tracking how much I have saved using coupons, and how much extra I have earned from selling on Ebay. I have included a tally called $ for my Snowflaking. A snowflake is anything extra that I can put towards my debt. For the most part, I am following the Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey when it comes to paying off my debt. In doing this I "snowball" my payments on my debt. (I will explain this more in depth later this week) A snowball is a set amount each month that I can put on my debt, and a snowflake is all of the little amounts that I can use as well, but they are irregular. For example, when I make a sale on Ebay...that is a snowflake because it is not money that I counted in my budget. A snowflake could also be getting a rebate back, cashing in some change, or any other small amount.

So, in the coming weeks...pay attention to how I am doing. If you see something that doesn't make sense...send me an email, or post a question on the site. If you want to know which coupons I used on a sale...just ask. I will respond as soon as I can.

Savings Saturday!!

2008-05-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

This last week I made several shopping trips to Meijers, CVS, and Target and saved a bunch of money. I went to Meijers first because they were having special deal on 100 calorie breakfast bars. They are normally $3.99 a box but were on sale for 3 for $5.00. I decided to buy 6 boxes because I had 6 $1.00 off coupons. I also took back some pop bottles for a refund. After she was done ringing everything up, I looked at the register and saw .40 cents. I handed her $1.00 and she started shaking her head. She told me that she owed ME .40 cents! I was so happy...6 boxes of breakfast bars for my husband and oldest son...and they paid me .40 cents to take them out of the store!! You can't beat that!!

I also made a trip to CVS and made money back as well. I bought 3 Garnier Cream Cleansers, 2 Garnier Pure Gel Cleansers, 3 Garnier Towelettes, 1 Garnier Microbead Scrub, 1 Garnier Daily Serum, and 6 Post-it Flags. I used a variety of different coupons, and paid $6.34 OOP...but they gave me back $15.00 in Extra Care Bucks for the next time I shop at CVS! (see picture)

And finally...one of my trips to Target was fantastic too. I bought 2 bags of Good life cat food, 3 Scothbrite toilet bowl cleaner refills, 2 Glade candle refills, 3 Archer farms salsa's, 6 Aveenos, 2 Scotchbrite scrubbers, 1 package of plates, and 8 Lipton To Go's. I used multiple different coupons on everything, paid $12.23 OOP, and earned back $10.00 in gift cards for the Aveeno. (see picture)

Freebie Friday

2008-05-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Free Stonyfield Farms YoMommy 4-pack of yogurt!

Sign up here to receive a coupon for a free Stonyfield Farms YoMommy 4-pack.
Limit one request per household through May 31, 2008, while supplies last. Coupons for $1 off a 4-pack of YoMommy will be substituted after all available Free coupons have been distributed.

Click here to create an ecard and get a coupon for a free purse-sized bottle of Clinique Happy. (Thanks, More Than Enough!)

Free sample of UnderJams

Free sample of Arm and Hammer toothpaste

Get your free sample of Dunkin' Donuts coffee here.

Free Beauty of Bathing sample

Free sample of Sun Crystals

Free Bush's Beans recipe booklet (Thanks, More Than Enough!)

Thrifty Thursday

2008-05-01T12:55:00.001-07:00

Welcome to this weeks addition of Thrifty Thursday. The following are some tips for driving and maintaining your car that can help reduce carbon emmisions, and increase your fuel efficiency.

Check your air filter: Nearly one in four cars today need to have a filter replacement. A clean air filter can improve your gas mileage by as much as 10% and save .28 cents for every gallon of gas.

Straighten up: Poor alignment causes tires to wear out faster and forces your engine to work harder. Proper alignment can improve your gas mileage by as much as 10% and save .28 cents for every gallon of gas.

Tune up: Getting a tune up on your car can improve your gas mileage by 4% and save .11 cents for every gallon of gas.

Pump em up: Your tires that is!! More than 1/4 of cars have improperly inflated tires. The average under inflation is 7.5 lbs, and can cause a loss of 2.8%, or .8 cents a gallon of gas.

Check your cap: Nearly 17% of cars have broken or missing gas caps. Not only does this reduce your gas mileage, but it is also harmful to the environment. Taking care of your gas caps can save .2 cents per gallon of gas.

Slow Down: For every 5 miles that you reduce your highway speed you reduce your fuel consumption by 7%! If you reduce your speed from 70 down to 65, you can save .19 cents per gallon of gas.

Drive more smoothly: The more smoothly youu accelerate and decelerate the better your gas mileage will be, with a potential savings of 33% on teh highway and 5% in town. This is a potential savings of .48 cents per gallon of gas for freeway driving.

Lighten up: For every extra 100 lbs. carried in your car, you lose 1-2% of fuel efficiency. That is .4 cents for every 100 lbs.

Don't be Idle: Idling in your car causes extra pollution and wastes gas. If you are stopping for more than 30 seconds, try turning your engine off. This can save you .1 cent for every 2 minutes that you do not leave your car idling.

And...don't forget to carpool when you can...even if it is just to run a few errands. Every little bit helps!

Whatever Wednesday!

2008-05-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Well...today(yesterday really) I had planned to write about some money saving techniques that I have been using...but then I was hit full force with the reality of our economy. My husband has lost his job due to never ending budget cuts in the educational system. I am stunned, but can't say that we did not see it coming. We did. But I also think that both of us spent the last few months in denial, thinking that the school would find a way to keep him. When we were told yesterday that he will be given his pink slip by Friday, that denial had to come to an end.

I started this blog as a way to help others, and myself, get out of debt and live more frugal, green lives. I warned everyone that it could be a rough road in the beginning, and it looks like the journey I am getting ready to embark on, will likely be even rockier than I had imagined. I will still make every attempt to share what I know, and to learn all I can, because now, more than ever, my family will need it. Please hang on for the ride...it is a bound to get a bit bumpy for awhile!

Take-Two Tuesday!

2008-04-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest struggles that I seem to have is convincing the rest of my family that we really do not need to spend a bunch of extra money each week, or month. It seems like it is a never ending battle to stay within a budget at times. I try to explain why I am saving, and working so hard at cutting our expenses...think I am doing really good at it even, and then BAM...out of nowhere there is a $40 meal out, a $200 trip to the mall or a broken window...

How does everyone do it?

I was just reading one of my favorite blogs by moneysavingmom.com (see link at the side) and she is doing a series on eliminating clutter from her home. In her last post she wrote about how her family manages to save money by simply staying home. That sounds so easy, but I am not sure that I could convince my family of the benefits to it. If it were just me...no problem. I could spend months hiding out in my home, not spending money at all. But my family loves to go do things...and those things always cost money. So, how do I balance it??

I haven't figured out the answer to that question just yet. It is something that I need to ponder a bit more, and then figure out how to make it work for my family. I am sure there is a way to compromise a bit on it. Like set up an entertainment/fun budget...and once that moeny is gone each month...then we stay home.

How do you do it?? Send me and email at celiciat@hotmail.com or post a comment. I would love to get some other's thoughts on this subject!!

Manic Monday

2008-04-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Each Sunday night I spend a few minutes (ok, more like 30 minutes) preparing for the day ahead. I get my son's diaper bag ready, make sure my work clothes are set, fill up my coffee pot and turn on the timer, and make extra bottles. It never fails, however, that when I wake up on Monday morning, I have a hard time getting out of bed, and then end up running late even with all of the little things already taken care of.

This morning was no different. I headed out the door ten minutes later than I wanted to, and then my car reminded me (in not such a nice way) that I needed gas. I stopped for gas, and cringed as I watched the amount going up. Isn't it crazy what we are paying at the pump now? But that is a story for another day...maybe some gas cutting tips should be in the forecast for Thursday!!

I get my son dropped off, and try not to let it bother me that he starts crying as I walk out the door. And the entire way to work, I wonder what I could have done differently to have had the morning run more smoothly.

I guess maybe tomorrow I will have to get up when my alarm goes off. :)

Self Indulgent Sunday

2008-04-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

How did you spent some "selfish" time this weekend?? I have to admit that I did not get much. I spent most of Saturday and Sunday doing some Spring Cleaning and getting ready for an upcoming yard sale. But by last night, I knew I needed at least 30 minutes of "me" time. How did I spend it??

I grabbed a large glass of freshly brewed sweet tea (made of course with my cheap tea from Target!) and ran myself a hot bath. For those of you that don't know, I count my blessings everyime I sink into my garden jacuzzi tub. It is one thing I always wanted to have in a home...and I love every minute that I get to spend in it!!

Last night was no exception...I spent 20-30 minutes soaking, reading a good book, and sipping on my tea. It was pure heaven on earth for me!!

How did you spend time on yourself this weekend?? I'd love to hear about it!

Savings Saturday!!

2008-04-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Guess How much I paid for all of this?? $1.96!!!!!! How?? Here is how the deal worked:

12 Herbal Essence Shampoo and Conditioners (they were BOGO free, and then I used 6 BOGO free Target coupons. Many CVS stores will accept competitors coupons...so FREE!)
3 "2" Packs of Lever Soap (Used 3 $1.00 off coupons)
1 Men's Speedstick (Used 1 $1.00 off coupon)
2 Maybelinne Lipsticks (on sale 2/$9.99, and used 1 $2.00 off coupon)
3 Garnier Face Cleansers (On sale $5.99, used 3 $3.00 off coupons)
1 Axe Body Wash (no coupon)
1 Tylenol Extra Stregnth (Used 1 $1.00 off coupon, and 1 $2.00 off CVS coupon)

Also used one $4/$20 coupon sent in an email from CVS, one $2.00/$10 printed at the end of an old receipt, and $21.96 in ECB earned earlier in the month.

So, I paid $1.96 Out of Pocket (OOP) and earned back $14.99 in ECB to use on other deals this month or next month!!

Freebie Friday

2008-04-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

Free Coupons??

Yes, I said it. Many of us spend money to get the Sunday paper, so that we can get the coupon section, and match it up to the grocery deals that week. But did you know that there are many other ways to get free coupons? Here are just a few of the ways that I locate some great coupons to match up with my shopping trips.

1. Sign up for websites and clubs. Are there certain products that you use all of the time, like diapers, or formula? Did you know that by signing up to receive information from those companies, you will often receive free samples and coupons. Sign up for different kinds, and you will be surprised with how often you will get something in the mail. If it ends up that you get a sample of a formula that you don't use, or a diaper that is too small...or even a food product that you won't like...donate them, or pass them on to someone that can use them. If I get a formula coupon in the mail for a brand I don't use, and I can't figure out who to give it to, I will often just leave the coupon next to that brand the next time I am out grocery shopping. Imagine how nice it would be to be shopping for formula, and finding a coupon that someone left behind?? Believe me, it is a great feeling because I have had it happen to me as well.

2. Check out flyers and magazines. Do you have an older stack of magazines that you have read but not discarded? Go through them one more time, this time looking only for coupons. You may find some valuable coupons tucked in with the ads and articles. I have found makeup ones, and vitamins ones, and of course various food products ones. Also, when you are in the store, check out the in store flyers. Many times stores will put out special coupons that they don't send out to everyone.

3. Look for Peelies, Hangtags, and Tearpads. The next time you are out shopping check out the little stickers on certain products. They may be valuable coupons for products that you use. Many times there will be hangtags that are coupons on products that come in bottles, and also tearpads near makeup and some food products. I am NOT suggesting that you go through a store and peel off every peelie that you see, and grab all the hang tags. What I am suggesting is that it is perfectly acceptable to take one or two to use on something that you are buying, or will buy. They are coupons, and that is what they are put on the products for. Manufacturers want you to use coupons to buy their products, and less than 2% of coupons that are put out there are actually redeemed.

4. Check out the Online Coupon sites. I have a few listed on the sidebar, but there are others. Some of them require you to download a coupon printer, but it is easy to do. Check out a few of them and see if there are any coupons that you think you would use. Most of the time you are allowed to print each one once or twice.

5. Ask others for the Sunday inserts. Many times people that get the paper really don't read or even keep the inserts. Check to see if someone that you know would be willing to give you theirs. Where I work we are talking about doing something kind of fun. It is basically a coupon exchange where you bring in coupons that you are not going to use, and you can exchange them for ones that you will use. Employees that do not use them at all can just donate their Sunday coupons.

6. Email, write or call the company. I had heard that people will do this, but had not tried it myself until recently. I decided to send an email to a makeup company that I like, and tell them how much I liked their products. I asked them if there were ever coupons out for their products, and they emailed me back offering to send me some. A few days later I received two $2 off coupons for any product in their makeup line. Not bad for a few minutes of my time.

Can you think of any other ways that I may have forgotten? Please email me or post a comment. I would love to hear of some new ones!!

Thrifty Thursday

2008-04-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today's Blog will be a short one...I am having a relapse with my head cold, and my head has been pounding all day!

Just wanted to give you all a definition to ponder......

"Frugality is enjoying the virtue of getting good value for every minute of your life energy and for everything you have the use of."

What is frugality to you?? What things do you do to live a more frugal, thrifty life? What can you do today...right now, to start using your resources in a more frugal/thrifty manner??

Post a comment, or send me an email. I'd love to hear from my readers.

"Whatever" Wednesday

2008-04-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

Keeping in line with yesterday's eco-friendly blogs...I decided to use today to hit on another important thing that we can all do to be kind to our Mother Earth...and our pocketbooks!!

Everyone knows that driving your car to and from work, as well as out to lunch, each day continues to dimish our air quality and promotes global warming. The EPA estimates that the average car pumps twice it's weight in carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. On an average that is 19.4 pounds of carbon dioxide for every gallon of gas burned. What can you do to help reduce these ommisions?

One obvious way would be to share rides when possible. Think about it. Do you live near another employee and could carpool to work? Are there several of your coworkers headed in the same direction when running errands at lunch? Are you attending the same dinner meeting, or headed to the airport for the same flight? Why not share a ride? Not only will you save money on fuel and the wear and tear on each car, but you will be decreasing the amount of pollution being put back into the environment.

It is true that it may not always be convenient to carpool everyday. But even sharing a ride with someone just two days a week will reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 1,590 pounds a year! And even if you cannot carpool to and from work, sharing rides just at lunch will help. In fact avoiding just ten miles of driving every week would eliminate about 500 pounds of emissions in a year. Every little bit helps.

The next time you are headed out to that restaurant for lunch, ask a fellow coworker if they are heading the same direction. Running to the store on your lunch hour?? See if anyone else had the same errand planned. Does a coworker live right around the corner from you? Consider riding to work together just once or twice a week. With a little bit of effort and planning we can save ourselves some money, and help our environment as well.

Earth Day Fun Facts!!

2008-04-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

1. If one-in-four families in the U.S. used 10 fewer plastic bags each month, it would save more than 2.5 billion bags per year.

What can you do??

Check out the new recycled bags that most grocery stores now carry, or request paper bags if given the option.

2. Did you know that homeowners use 10 times more toxic chemicals that farmers??

What can you do??

Research the many ways that you can make your own household cleaners using non-toxic substances such as baking soda, and white vinegar...or buy "green" cleaning products!

3. Every Sunday 500,000 trees could be saved if everyone recycled their newspapers!!

What can you do?

Besides the obvious (recycle your newspapers) you could also share a newspaper with someone...thus eliminating one more paper. You could also skip the actual paper itself, and subscribe to an online addition.

4. When you buy one liter of water at the store, you're actually consuming about six liters of water. That's because when manufacturers make plastic bottles, it takes five liters of water to cool the plastic. And all of that plastic is stacking up by the millions in landfills around the world.

What Can You do??

To save the resources used in creating all those bottles
drink tap water or filtered water. If you think you will miss the convenience of the plastic bottles, buy some reusable ones and reuse them.

5. Did you know that receipts from 8 billion ATM transactions every year are one of the biggest sources of litter on the planet. If everyone left their receipts in the machine, it would save a roll of paper more than 2 billion feet long—enough to circle the equator more than 15 times.

What Can You Do??

View your balance on the kiosk without printing out the receipt. You can also not get a receipt when you are getting gas and paying at the pump. Think you will forget the transaction? Keep a small notebook in your purse, or car and write it down until you can transfer it to your checkbook.

This is just a very small list of some changes that you can make in your life today!!

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

Typically today would be my Take-Two or Take-Five Tuesday, but I felt it was important to take a timeout this Tuesday to discuss Earth Day!!

What is Earth Day??

Earth Day is a day dedicated to the environmental health of our planet. Bothered by the fact that the state of the environment was a non-issue with politicians, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson started thinking about and pushing for an Earth Day in late 1962.

The very first Earth Day was not observed until 7 years later. It was celebrated on April 22, 1970 by as many as 20 million Americans in schools and communities across the country. By 1990 it had become an international event with more than 200 million people in 141 countries celebrating. Current statistics estimate that over 500 million people will be participating today!

Earth Day is still celebrated on April 22, although some people observe it on March 21st, the first day of spring. Various environmental groups use the day to draw attention to current local and global environmental issues, and communities around the world mark the day with educational programs about the Earth's environment, and what steps individuals can take to diminish the current threats to it.

Being thrifty really does go hand in hand with being more green, and protecting our Earths resources. It doesn't matter how you chose to celebrate today, as much as it matter that you mark it in some Earth friendly way...even if it is educating yourself more on the steps that you can take.

Remember to Respect and Love your Mother. (Earth that is!)

Target Coupons Update

2008-04-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

I am attaching a link to a site that I use often to print off my Target coupons. There are others on there that are great as well as the Lipton one. Check out the Target Colgate one (combine with a Colgate MQ if you have one, for some very cheap toothpaste.) The Target Ocello Sponge coupon is great if you can still find any Ocello sponges on clearance. (they are ranging in price from .98 cents to $1.78 before using the coupon...so cheap sponges for spring cleaning.) Also, the toy coupon for $5 off any $25 Toy purchase is fantastic to combine with the clearanced toys! (and it doesn't expire until OCTOBER!!)

http://www.afullcup.com/upload/cmps_index.php?page=coupon_generator

Happy shopping and saving!!

Manic Monday

2008-04-21T12:41:00.001-07:00

My New Years resolution this year was to get more organized in all areas of my life. (work and home) I recently had the opportunity to attend a seminar on organization, and it made me view the things I was doing a bit differently.

I am a list maker. I write everything down. I list my grocery shopping trips, my errands, my goals. My daily "To do" list is long enough to last an entire week. I never cross everything off, and I often end up feeling defeated before I even begin the day. After taking this seminar, I have figured out why.

If you create a daily "To do" list you always will find stuff to add to it, and you will become overwhelmed. You will spend the day cramming as much stuff as you can into it, only to start the next day off doing the same thing. You don't look at the long term picture. You don't see the end in sight. Everything is something to be checked off the list. And in most cases, it never gets done, and what is left gets added to the next day. And that day's list is already long enough, right??

Instead of creating a daily list, you should create a weekly "To Do" list. On Sunday night, or even Monday morning, look at your planner. What must be accomplished this week? What appointements do you have? What deadlines do you have to meet? Add those priority items to your list first. (with the time and date next to them) Then, think about your short term and long term goals. What small steps can you realistically take this next week towards fulfilling them? Add a few of those steps to your list. And then STOP. That is your "To Do" list for the week.

Focus on those items first, and if you have other time to add less important things into your week, add them when you can but don't add them to your list. I keep a second list, my "Things I want to do/need to do" list. This is a list of hundreds of little things I want to do...phone calls, research, filing, etc. I pull out that list when I find I have free time. Most of the things on this list only take a few minutes to do, so I just add them in when I can. If I don't get to them, no need to feel guilty about it. IF they become priority items, however, then they get added to my weekly list.

Think about your week ahead. If you are a list maker, look at your "To do" list for today...and consider how many things on that list actually have to be done today. Consider letting things that are less important slide until you feel like doing them or have some free time to focus on them. Put your top priority things on the list first...and when those things are done...tackle the others.

After awhile, you will actually notice two things. One, you are less stressed about getting it all done. And two, you will actually begin to get more done, because you putting first things first...in your head, and on paper!!

Self Indulgent Saturday and Sunday

2008-04-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, I took a brief timeout for the weekend, and decided to be selfish both days. Ok...not really...I am sorry for no weekend posts but I caught a bad cold and spent most of the weekend in bed. I will post some saving tips this week to make up for my lack of doing so over the weekend!!

Briefly though, for those of you that don't already know this, you can often find great coupons on the Target website. Go to Target.com, scan down to the bottom of the page and click on the link for coupons. It will take you to a page with various Target coupons. Target updates the coupons bi-monthly, and sometimes you can find some very great deals. I am new to connecting a link in my blog, but as soon as I have it figured out I will add direct links to coupons. (also note, you can use BOTH a Target coupon and a manufacturers coupon on the same item, saving you even more money~)

There is a great one out right now for those of you that are tea drinkers. Target has a coupon that is for $1 off any Lipton tea. This can be used on the boxed variety (hot and cold), the bottle variety, and even the Lipton Tea To Go packs. It may not seem like a great coupon...but the Cold Brew Boxed Tea is $2.04 at my store, making it almost half off with the coupon. The bottled Green Tea is $1.29, making the tea .29 cents for each one! And the To Go tea, is .99 cents (can be found near the checkout lanes) so it is FREE after use of the coupon. The coupon for the tea expires 5/10/08...so get to Target and stock up while you can!! (some Targets will limit you to 2-3 at a time, and others will let you buy as many as you want.)

You can print Target coupons as many times as you want from your computer. You can also print them from the Gift Registry kiosk in the store as well, saving your paper and ink! If you do see a coupon on the Target site that you know you will use a lot, print as many as you think you will us. The coupon will be replaced with the new batch of coupons, even if it has not yet expired.

Freebie Friday

2008-04-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

I will make this a quick post today as it is a beautiful sunny day outside...and that is where I long to be.

If you are looking for a few freebies, I often check out walmart.com. Click on the following link, and it will take you to the Free Sample page.

http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Free-Samples.aspx?fromPageCatId=11

There you will be able to find samples of Good Nite Diapers, Maybelline Mineral Powder Liquid Foundation, Gold Bond Lotion and a few others. I check this site out a few times a month as the freebies change often. Please note that you will need to fill out a bit of information in order to get the sample, but you do not have to agree to be contacted. It is also limited to one sample of an item per household. It takes a few weeks to get a sample, but once you start signing up, you will find them in your mailbox often!

Check back next week, and I will have some more freebies posted for you!!

Thrifty Thursday

2008-04-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up I cannot remember a time when my mom was not careful with her money. She often got after us girls about leaving lights on, or spending too much on things. I never paid much attention to it then. As a kid, the concept of money was pretty foreign to me. It is not taught in school, and even my mom really never talked about it...other than to get after us about wasting it.

So, not until recently did I actually start to take interest in it. Where it comes from, where it goes to...and why there never seems to be enough of it. I have to admit that once I actually started thinking about it, and caring about it, I have become a bit obsessed with it. I want to know everything I can so that I start making better decisions with the money I have, and so that I can figure out ways to earn even more. I guess that is what being "thrifty" is all about.

If you look up the definition of thrifty, it is "being careful and diligent in the use of your resources." But everyone has different ideas of what thrifty is to them. It is not a "one size fits all" subject. And it really shouldn't be. The point is to make it useful and practical to you and your life. You have to decide how best to be careful and diligent with the use of your resources...your money, your time and even your energy.

The easiest way to make it personal, is to ask yourself why you are doing it, or why you want to start being more thrifty. Are you saving up for something special, such as a new car, a vacation, or a downpayment on a house? Are you being thrifty because you are living off one income, and you need to be very careful with your money in order to make ends meet? Or are you being thrifty because you long to be debt free, and you know that the only way you can accomplish this is to learn how to relate with money?

I know that I fall into the later category. It has become very important to me to get out of debt as soon as I can. I want this more for my family, than just about anything. There is simply no price tag that can be placed on being able to fall asleep at night not worried about bills, money, or retirement. I want to get to a point that we are no longer living paycheck to paycheck, just hoping that there is enough left to make it through the end of the month.

I mentioned that I have become a bit obsessed with this. It has actually started to become a game with me. How much can I save?? How little can I spend? How do I reduce this bill even more? How do I add even a few more dollars to my income this month? I find myself setting up mini goals and challenges with my money...and I get a thrill out of it. I am hoping that everyone that reads this Blog will get as excited as I do about finding a great deal, and learning to be more thrifty. Maybe I can spread my obsession a bit :)

Join me in the Thursdays to come and I will share a few of the ways that I have started to become more thrifty and frugal, and help you find some ways to add some more thrift into your life as well.

"Whatever" Wednesday

2008-04-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have recently been tapped by my company to sit on a team to promote energy efficiency and making our office more "green." In doing my research for that project, I have come across many interesting frugal tips that can be used by my coworkers in my office, as well as in my family in my home. My tip today:

Reuse your old coffee grounds! Ok, I am NOT suggesting that you use them to brew another cup, or pot, of coffee. (although that idea may be worth looking into with as expensive as coffee is becoming these days) What I am suggesting you do is to save your used coffee grounds to be used again in some rather interesting ways. There are many ideas out there that I had never thought of that would be worth the extra effort of saving the spent grounds rather than just tossing them out with the garbage.

What can you do with those used grounds? If you do a quick websearch, you can find lists of things to do with them. I am not going to relist them all here. What I would rather do is tell you what I think are the best ideas...and which ones I am planning to try this year. These are the ideas that I can honestly see myself taking the time to try...and as all busy, working moms know...time is a very precious commodity. So, here goes...my top 5 ways that you can reuse old coffee grounds.

1. Reuse Coffee Grounds as fertilizer for your indoor plants, flower beds and gardens. Did you know that used grounds are nutrient-rich, and are said to repel snails, slugs, and ants? Simply sprinkle some dried grounds in with the soil, and watch your plants flourish!

2. Use the grounds to repel cats from marking in your flower beds. If you mix the grounds with some orange peels, and then sprinkle them around your plants you will deter cats from using your flower beds/gardens as their outdoor litter box. Cats do not tend to like the scent of either citrus fruits or the smell of coffee.

3. Did you know that coffee grounds can act like baking soda when placed in a smelly fridge or freezer? Place a small bowl or two of the grounds in the offending area, and leave it overnight. Take the bowls out in the morning, and either reuse for something else...or toss.

4. Coffee grounds can be used as a preventative to a clogged drain in your kitchen. Simply pour them down the drain and follow them with several cups of hot water. The grounds will act as a natural abrasive, and will help to remove the gunk starting to build up.

And finally, for the hardworking moms that want an all natural beauty tip......

5. Use your old coffee grounds as an exfoliant for your skin. Pat the grounds on to your skin, massage in, and then rinse. This will help with rough, dry patches, and leave behind softer skin.

As I said...there are many other ways to use the old grounds. These are just a few of the ones that I plan to try. ( and I still may have to look into reusing them by brewing another pot of coffee!!)

Are there any that you have heard about that you use or would like to try? I would love to hear about them. Please feel free to comment, or send me an email!

Day Two Tuesday

2008-04-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

I have been busy setting up all of the details for this new Blog. I still feel a bit overwhelmed, but wanted to give you a basic idea of what to expect in the days and weeks to come on my new Blog.

I plan to break up my entries by the days of the week. Each day will have a theme to it, and my post for the day will relate in some way to that theme. So, what are the themes you ask?? Great question...they are as follows:

Manic Monday: I don't know about you, but every Monday that comes around for me is filled with chaos, and disorder. It always hits me at the beginning of each week, that I always have way more to do on my "To Do" list, than there are days in the week. So, I am setting aside Mondays to discuss getting more organized, and finding time savers that we can all use to help ease up the mania.

Take-Two Tuesday: (or Take-Five....) If I am writing about romance tips, and ways to keep your marriage going strong, then it will be a Take-Two Tuesday. If it is a Take-Five Tuesday, expect to find family fun ideas. (since that is the size of my family! :)

Whatever Wednesday: I need a day in my Blog, and in my life, for "whatever." This day, mid-work week will have ...well, whatever I feel like blogging about. It may be links to other blogs I love...it may be a "green" tip, or it may be a reader Q&A.

Thrifty Thursday: Don't we all want to learn about how to become more thrifty? This theme will include everything, and anything related to that goal.

Freebie Friday: I find so many different freebies offered online. Most of the time it is through reading some of my favorite Blogs, but other times I just stumble upon them. On Fridays I will share them all with you. (Please note that in some cases a "freebie" may be offered earlier in the week if it may be over with before Friday. I want you to be able to take advantage of it as soon as you can!!)

Savings Saturday: Saturdays will be devoted to saving money. My posts will revolve around coupons, shopping tips, investing tips, and getting out of debt tips. I may post pictures of my recent purchases...or have readers post pictures of theirs.

and finally......

Self Indulgent Sunday: One of the hardest things for a full time working mom is to find time to take care of herself. Sunday's will be devoted to just that. I may post health and beauty tips, relaxation techniques, reviews on good books I have read, or discussions about traveling and hobbies.

So, there you have it....my plan for this Blog. What do you think?? I'd love to hear from you

Wow, My First Post!

2008-04-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, today is a very big day for me. I have been reading others Blogs for months now, and thinking that I would love to try blogging myself. I really don't know what took me so long. It just seemed so complicated to get started that I put it off week after week.

But...here I am, my very first Blog.

My friends have asked me, "What are you going to write about?" The plan is to write about the reality of being a full time working mom and wife. How can modern day women balance it all and not lose themselves in the process?? I plan to relate tips that I use daily, from organizing to saving money. I plan to highlight things that I want to try, and even things that have not worked out so well. I hope that this Blog will inspire other working moms, to get more organized, to save money, to spend more quality time with their families....but most importantly, to remember to take care of themselves.

This will be a journey of learning for myself as well. I am not organized yet. I still spend more money than I should. I often forget to carve out even ten minutes for myself. But I am hoping that by creating this Blog, we can take this journey together. Bear with me in the first few weeks (maybe even months) because the road ahead may be quite rocky at first. I may do more learning than teaching, and I hope that I will find readers that are willing to share their failures and successes too.

Thanks for visiting my Blog, please come back and join me on my journey of being a full time working mom and wife.