Happy New Year

Good Bye 2009 and Hello 2010!

I hope 2010 brings everyone much happiness.

Blogging Goals for 2010

My wonderful husband and I were discussing what we would like to happen in 2010 and I told him I would like to make my blog more of an income source for our family. I started my blog at the end of 2008, I started strong but it then fizzled when I got pregnant with our now 4 month old daughter. Now that she is getting to the age where she can be occupied by play toys I will have the time to blog.
My Blog Goals for 2010:

1.Start out posting atleast 4 times a week
2.Research Blogging
3.Get Sponsored, I would like to offer giveaways
4.Attend a conference
5.Post more local grocery store deals

I have many more goals but I want to start out with the above 5 and see what happens.

Joining the Eat From the Pantry Challenge

For the month of January I have decided to join the Challenge to only eat from what we have in the house with a few exceptions. I took an inventory of the meats, sides and such and it looks like we have 18 days worth. I am pretty sure I can stretch this considering we have days I don't feel like cooking. My goal is to spend $100 or less on additional food and this includes eating out.

The money we save will go towards our Winter Vacaction. We are planning a trip to an indoor water park sometime in February.

I will post my shopping trips and menu plans.

Will you join in the Challenge?

National Cold & Flu SymptomTracker

This online tool provides a weekly data feed of cold & flu symptom trends by state plus other cold prevention tips for you and your family.

The Tracker can be found here

The Cold & Flu Symptom Tracker is brought to you by Triaminic®, a leader in children’s over-the-counter cold and flu symptom medication. When dispensing medication to children, remember to always read and follow medicine labels exactly, to ensure that the child receives the right dosage. Single-use products like Triaminic Thin Strips® provides a pre-measured dose of medicine that dissolves quickly on the tongue, so parents know their children are receiving the recommended amount for their age.

You might also be interested in the Sick Day Guidelines that Triaminic® partnered with the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) to create. Parents know when their kids aren’t feeling 100% - these Guidelines are aimed at helping parents decide when to keep them at home, or send them off to school.
You can find sick day Guidelines here

You can also get a $1.50 off coupon here

*I will recieve compensation in the form of samples for this ad, this however does not change my personal opinion

Alice.com

Click here to get $10 sign up bonus

This is a really great site. If you find that you need to save money but don't have the time to search for deals and use coupons, well this website does it for you and ships it to you for FREE!

$5 Mail in Rebate Disney Movie UP

Get back $5 when you buy 2 bags of Birds Eye Voila and Disney - Pixar UP Blu-ray Combo Pack or DVD Download rebate form here also available for download $1 off coupon

Making Holidays Special Savings

Buy 5 Items Get $5 in Savings with this form
You must buy 5 of these participating products 11/8/2009 - 12/7/2009
Vlasic
Open Pit
Log Cabin
Mrs. Butter-Worth
Armour
Duncan Hines
Mail in completed form, cash register receipt(s) items circled and UPC labels by 1/07/2010 to get your savings coupons
Limit one per household

Blah week 11/8 - 11/14

Although I will be BIG grocery shopping this week I will not be going to Walgreens or CVS unless I come across a really good deal.

Walgreens Trip 11/1

Transactions went as planned! You can see them here although I picked up the wrong Blistex so I didn't get the Register Reward, I am contemplating returning it to get the right one.

The Hunts was free with the 3/$1 in ad coupon and if you play this game here you can get a $1 off 3.

My Grocery Store of Choice is

Today they had a great Trick or Treat Event and Halloween Costume contest, Macy won 3rd place for being a box of popcorn so we got a $10 gift card.

While I was getting formula a $10 off a $50 purchase coupon printed at the bottom of my receipt. If you aren't familiar with ShopRites Baby Bucks program this is how it works, when you spend $100 on baby items you get this awesome coupon ($10/$50). You can get a total of 13 of these, I am not sure if it is a yearly deal or during a certain time frame.

Tomorrow I am hoping to get $50 worth of items and get $20 off using the $10 gift card and the $10/$50.

These are the deals that look good to me although you may find others to your liking.

Gold Medal Flour $1.49
There was a $.50 off printable a week or so ago making this $.49 after the coupon is doubled

Carnation Evaporated milk $.99
$.50 off 2 in this weekends insert, once doubled $.49 each

Earn up to $10 in Free Holiday Groceries on your next shopping trip, Spend $20 Save $10, Spend $10 Save $5
Looks like a one time offer per card during the week of November 1-14, 2009, purchase participating KRAFT products using your club card, register will keep track of your spending, once savings is earned it will print at the bottom of your receipt.
A few of the participating products:
Stove Top Stuffing Mix
Nabisco Ritz Crackers
Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese
Jet-Puffed Marshmallows

Scotties Facial Tissue $5/5
$1.00 of 5 coupon from recent insert makes thes $.80 each

Hefty Trash Bags $1.24 10 to 18-ct box twist tie, tall kitchen
$1.00 off 2 from recent insert makes these $.74 each

L'Oreal Kids Shampoo $1.99
$.75 off coupon from this weekends paper makes this $.99 once coupon is doubled to $1

Bananas $.49 /lb

Trying to get a stash of Extra Bucks

I haven't shopped at CVS in quite some time, but with the Holiday coming I want to put some gift baskets together so I thought I would start this weekend. Since sales switch over Saturday evening I went ahead and went after Trick or Treating.

I have to say I was a bit rusty.

I did one transaction and had zero extra bucks to start

2 Glade scented oil holders 2/$5
2 Glade scented oil refills 2/$5
1 St. Ives Body Wash $3.99
1 Plackers Mint 90ct $2.99
2 Oral-B Pulsar toothbrushes $11.98

Total $28.96 plus tax

Used
.75 off Placker
$1.00 off St. Ives
$1.00 off Oral-B Pulsar
2 $1.50 off Glade scented oil holder
2 Glade Buy One Holder get refill pack Free (should have been $2.50 but looking at my receipt she took off max value of $3.99)
1 Oral-B Pulsar Buy One Get One Free

Total out of pocket $10.94
Saved $26.08

Got Back
$3 EB for St. Ives had a rain check and a coupon expiring today
$3 EB for Glade
$5 EB for Oral B
$2 EB for Plackers

Not too bad for just getting back into the game. Can't wait to get down to paying pennies out of pocket again!

My Walgreens scenario

I am starting out with a $2.50 Register Reward and a $4 Register Reward from last week.

First Transaction
2 Tag Body sprays $8
- Buy one get one coupon $4
2 Herbal Essence Products $7
- $1.00 shampoo or conditioner
- Buy one get one coupon $2.50
1 halloween pencil as a filler or something small for about $.35

Total $6.85 plus tax

Use $2.50 and $4 Register Reward

Pay for small filler and tax out of pocket

Get back 2 $2 Regsiter Rewards

Second Transaction

1 3 pack Dial Bar Soap $1.99
-$.35 dial coupon $1.64
1 Blistex lip balm $2.49
1 Filler $.37 or so

Total $4.00 plus tax

Use both $2 Register Rewards

Pay tax out of pocket

Get back $1.50 Register Reward for blistex and $1 Register Reward for Dial

Third Transaction
I am going to see if I can do this but I am not 100% sure I can

2 Herbal Essence Products $7
-Free Product coupon
- Buy One Get One Free

Total $0 just pay tax

Get Back $2 Register Reward

Leave store with $4.50 in Regsiter Rewards for next week

CVS deals I like 11/1 - 11/7

Deals that are appealing to me this week

Spend $10 get $3 extra bucks when you buy Glade scented oil candle refills 3ct. or holder
There's coupons in the inserts this weekend that match perfectly making these almost free

Spend $10 get $5 extra bucks when you buy Oral-B Pulsar or manual toothbrush single pk.
There is $1 off coupon and buy one get one coupons in recent inserts

Plackers Dental flossers 90 ct $2.99 get $3 extra bucks
$.75 Coupon in this weekends insert

Walgreens deals I like this week 11/1 - 11/7

Deals that are appealing to me this week

Dial foaming hand or Yogurt Soap, 7.5oz. or 9.38 oz. 3 Pack bar soap $1.99 $1 Register Reward
$.35 off coupon in recent inserts

Personal Care, Gillette or Old Spice Boday Wash, 12 or 18 oz. Tag or Old Spice Body Spray, 3.5 or 4oz. Old Spice, Secret or Gillette Antiperspirent/Deodorant, 2.6 to 4oz. 2/$8 $2 Register Reward
Tag product Buy One Get One Free coupon in recent insert

Aussie, Herbal Essences or Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner, 8 to 13.5 oz Styling Products, 1.7 to 14 oz. 2/$7 $2 Register Reward
Herbal Essence buy and HE shampooo, conditioner or styler ger any one HE styler FREE from recent insert
Herbal Essence $1.00 off from being a fan on facebook
Herbal Essence FREE shampoo or conditioner from being a fan on facebook

50% off at Payless

Rumor has it Oprah will be announcing a big discount on shoes today! Watch her show and then go to her website to print out the coupon. The coupon will only be good for a very limited time in stores.

Win a 2 oz. Soy-based candle or a $100 American Express Gift Card from The Fragrance Collection by Glade

Enter here daily for a chance to win

$3 Movies at Target

Go here to get your $2 off coupon on select titles. See coupon for Titles.

These would make perfect stocking stuffers. I found these Movie Staycation movies in front of the store near the cash register. Title were limited as this coupon seems to have been out awhile, it expires October 31!

50 Free 4X6 photo prints when you enter promo code GETPRINTS, offer expires tomorrow

I'm back in the game!!

I went to Walgreen's this morning! I actually went yesterday to do the Zantac deal so I would have Register Rewards to shop today.
Yesterday I bought Zantac for $8.99 used a $5 off coupons, got back $9.00 Register Reward.
Today I got
1 Softsoap Ensemble Pump $5.99
1 Softsoap Ensemble Refill $3.99
1 Chapstick $2.99

Used
$3 off Softsoap coupon from this weekends insert
$9 Register Reward

Paid
$1.75 out of pocket

Got Back
$4 Register Reward from Softsoap
$3 Register Reward from Chapstick

2nd Transaction
1 Dulcolax $7.00
1 Fiber Choice 10ct $2.49
1 Reese's Peanut Butter Lovers $ .69 (these are addicting)

Used
$3 off Dulcolax, coupon on product
$4 Register Reward
$3 Register Reward

Paid
$.23 out of pocket

Got Back
$4 Register Reward Dulcolax
$2.50 Register Reward from Fiber Choice

Kodak Gallery: Free $15 Gift Code to 300,000

Check out the details here

Toys R Us and Babies R Us

Now offers Layaway on big ticket items.

2 Week Menu Plan

I started out the day by thinking I was going to plan our meals for the next 4 weeks but then I realized there will be some nights I will not feel like cooking or something may come up so I changed this to a 2 week meal plan.

Check out this blog for tips on organizing, she also hosts a Menu Plan Monday where you can go check out other blogs and take a peak at other people's menus.

Go here for a Menu Planning Template

The following meals are not complex, my main goal is to use up what I already have and to have minimal trips to the grocery store. I also have 4 children one of which is 8 weeks old so I need to be in and out of the kitchen.

I get most of my recipes from here, people do great reviews and offer suggestions which are great for modifying the recipe.

October 19th-25th
Monday
Chicken Lo Mein
Tuesday
Roasted Turkey Breast, steam n mashed potatoes, veggie and biscuits
Wednesday
Lasagne with garlic bread
Thursday
Apple Sauce Pork Chops, steam n mashed potaoes, veggie and crescent rolls
Friday
Homemade Pizza
Saturday
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Sunday
Sloppy Joes

October 26th-November 1st
Monday
Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops
Tuesday
Country Style Chicken, steam n mashed potatoes, veggie and biscuits
Wednesday
Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread
Thursday
Chicken sandwiches and french fries
Friday
Bacon Cheeseburger hamburger helper
Saturday
Creamy Chicken and noodles
Sunday
Green Pepper Meatloaf, steam n mashed potatoes, veggie and biscuits

Macy Kathleen is here!

She was born 5 weeks early on August 22 at 3:57pm weighing 4lbs 2oz.

August Grocery Budget $300

So far this month I have been to Weis 2 times and spent $43.34 and saved $103.81. I have $14 in Dollar Rewards left to spend. I took full advantage of the Dollar Rewards they are currently offering when you purchase product such as Kraft and Kellogs. You can see the full circular good through tomorrow here.

If you have clipped coupons the past couple of weeks there are several coupon matchups.

*The Dollar Rewards are based on the shelf price so that makes for even more savings!

Grocery Budget left to spend $256.66

Update on the homemade vanilla extract

After being in the cabinet for 4 days this is what it looks like

and it smell delicious!
You can see my original post here

The start of homemade Christmas gifts Part 2

What to do with broken up crayons or just trying to make larger crayons for your toddler?
How about melting them!
I followed these directions.

I made these crayons for my son for either his upcoming birthday or Christmas can't decide yet.


I chose to use brand new crayons, after the torcher of peeling all the labels off I organized them by like colors into a large lined muffin pan.

I would suggest if you don't want to ruin your pan to use the paper muffin liners, they peel away very easily once the crayons are cooled.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday
Savory Potato Bake
Tuesday
Crockpot Roast and veggies
Wednesday
Spaghetti and meatballs
Thursday
Beef Enchiladas
Friday
Baked Pork Chops, brocolli and mashed potatoes
Saturday
Pizza
Sunday
Crock Pot Chicken and veggies

A few desserts we will have this week consist of Ice Cream, left over apple pie from Sunday, Apple Crisp, Cinnamon sugar pretzels and funnel cake sticks.

The start of my homemade Christmas gifts

Making Organic Pure Vanilla Extract

So we all know you can pay nearly $5 for a 1-2 oz jar of this stuff at grocery stores and even then it may be imitation. So I got to thinking and did some research online and found several recipes and places to buy organic vanilla beans.

All you need is Vodka which I chose 1 Liter of Absolut 80 Proof Vodka cost roughly $15 at my local liquor store

The Organic Vanilla Bean Company I purchased 10 beans which were $6.95 shipped to the door.


Here is what you do:
When you get your beans take them out of the vaccuum sealed bag, take a sharp knife and cut down the middle but not all the way through, spread the bean open take a spoon and scoop out the seeds or "cavier". Do this to all 10 beans.

It is recommended to take out atleast a 1/4 cup of vodka from the bottle because the beans will let out oils and you don't want the bottle to overflow when you go to open it.
Place all the beans in the Vodka bottle and shut tightly. Shake the bottle and put in a cool dark place such as a pantry or a cabinet that does not get opened often. For the first couple of weeks take the bottle out and shake it up. Go ahead and give it a whiff, sure does smell yummy!


You will notice within the first couple of days the clear vodka turning a nice caramel brown.
It is useable extract after 3 weeks but the longer you let it sit the better it gets.
I plan to let mine sit until right before Christmas because I plan on giving either 4 or 8 oz bottles of this along with a jar of cookie mix to friends and family.
Once you are ready to use or give take a large measuring cup and place a colander with a coffee filter in it and pour the entire bottle of vanilla extract into it to filter out all the seeds and beans. Pour into bottles and enjoy!

The shelf life for homemade vodka can be well over 10 years.

You can use the seeds "cavier" by placing them in a muslin bag and putting it in with your jar of sugar to make vanilla sugar. I personally have no clue what I would do with vanilla sugar do you? Any other ideas on what to do with the seeds?

Total Cost to make $21.95
Rough cost to give as gifts in 4oz bottles $3.00.

Menu Plan Monday

Back to menu planning...atleast for this week.

Monday
Fried chicken breast, corn on the cob and buttermilk biscuits
Dessert-Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Tuesday
Green Pepper Meatloaf with either mashed potatoes or rice
Wednesday
Bbq pork chops, green beans and cheddar herb biscuits
Thursday
breakfast for dinner
Friday
Pizza
Saturday
Smothered porkchops and mashed potatoes with gravy

I have to see what else I haev in the pantry for dessert this week, I know we have tons of Blue Bunny and Ben & Jerry Ice Cream!

Fun filled FREE family Saturday Morning

Chris's vacation starts today so we kicked it off with a few family events that were all FREE!!
Yep all FREE!

We started at Lowes were we helped the kids build treasure chest


after we stopped at Michaels Craft Store and the kids decorated tote bags


and then we stopped at 7 Eleven to get a 7.11 oz slurpee


The next Lowes Build and Grow Clinic is the 25th where they will make a helicopter, you can go to Lowes.com/BuildandGrow. The website stated the recommended grade was 1, but they didn't say anything about my 3 yr old making one of his own, hw also looks liek he could be a first grader though, lol.

Grocery Challenge $400 a month until September

I am "suppose" to be resting as much as possible so my mother went meat shopping for us and spent $115.95.
She got us 6 pks of pork chops, 4 pks of ground beef, 2 2 pks of beef ribeye steaks, 5 pks of chicken breasts, pk of bubba burgers, pk of bacon, huge bag of frozen sausage, crab delight meat, bologna, 2 frozen pizza's, frozen broccoli and cheese, big container of yogurt, huge container of Snack party mix, oreo cookies, chocolate ice cream topping, gerber yogurt snacks, bagels, toaster strudels, 2 pks of hotdogs, frozen pretzels, box of sausage on a stick and cream cheese. She shopped at the Commissary which has awesome prices on meat.

So far for July $115.95 spent and $7.50 saved

Free Lunch Kit with the Purchase of bookbag at Toys R Us

I believe the bookbag must be between $12-$14 to get the free lunch kit. I had the kids pick out what they want online so when we go tomorrow we can get in and out without having to stand there for what would seem like hours.

School Supplies Galore!

I just took a look at CVS and Walgreens for 7/12-7/18 and I see some free after ECB's and cheap school supplies. Granted I am school suppy shopping for a preschooler and a 2nd grader I like having my own back to school supplies such as notebooks and pens around the house.



Some Free after ECB deals at CVS are as follows:

Subject Caliber 70-80 page notebooks $.99 limit 2
CVS or Caliber 12" plastic and wood rulers $.99 limit 2
CVS or Caliber school glue 5oz $.99 limit 2
Caliber or Academic scissors 5" blunt or tip $2.99 Limit 2
Papermate grip pens 8ct $.99 limit 3

Another Great Free after ECB deal at CVS Kodak Hardcover 6x8 Photobook 10 pages limit atleast 3


Cheap School Supplies at Walgreen's

Crayola Markers 10 pk $.99
Pilot Easy Touch Pens 2 or 3 pk $.99
Elmer's 2 pk GLue Stick or liquid 4 oz. $.59
12 pk Colored Pencils or Single Scented Pencil $.59
Fiskars Pointed or Blunt Scissors $.79
Penway 80 sheet Composition Notebook $.79
24 pk yellow pencils $.79
Penway 2 pk pink erasers $.29
Pencil/Crayloa or Dome Sharpners $.29

With in ad coupon
3/$1 1 Subject Notebooks 60 or 70 sheets Penway limit 6
2/$1 Filler Paper 120 or 130 sheets limit 4
Mini Highlighters $.19 limit 3
Writing tablet or Envelopes $.59 limit 3
8/$1 2 pocket Folders w/prongs limit 8
Erasers animal or skateboard $.59 limit 6
Expo Dry Erase Markers 3 or 4 pk $1.99 limit 4
3/$5 Puffs Facial Tissues limit 3

Another great deal is the OFF Clip On Mosquito Protecter
$9.99 with $3.00 Register Reward
I have a $2 off coupon from the Sunday paper making this $7.99 with $3.00 Register Reward

It looks as though the better school supply deals are at Walgreens if you want less money out of pocket but I really want the photo books for gifts later in the year.

I am going to go work on some transaction scenarios.

I'm back!!

It's been a long time since I last posted. I am now 29 weeks along and we are having a baby GIRL!! We have a few names picked out as well as a couple of middle names but she will be called baby girl probably until the day she is born. Girls names are so hard to decide on.

I have been busy with sewing projects. For the past 2 weeks I have tried everyday to atleast cut out a pattern. I am hoping within a month I can have my fabric stash depleted so I can buy more fabric to make the boys Fall clothes. It's been tough with it being summer vacation and trying to keep 3 kids occupied but I have managed to have some time to myself after the kids are in bed. I have made fitted diapers, fleece soakers/longies and skirties, lap tees and gowns for the baby. I am also working on a night time diaper for Cameron who seems to be a super heavy wetter lately.

I have been clipping coupons weekly for the past month but mainly food and household ones. It seems like I am going to the grocery store every other day because the kids keep eating up everything in the pantry. I plan on starting back with CVS this weekend as I need to start collecting school supplies for the kids. I am going to take a peak at this weekends circular and post my scenario which I am sure will be a bit out of pocket.

It's good to be back into blogging, I have missed it so much!

Taking a break

I have actually felt ill looking at the circulars and being online so I haven't been up to staying frugal. Chris bought me a cute little Acer laptop so I can lay in bed/couch and keep up with great money saving tips but still I just can't stomach the screen. So please bare with me for the next few weeks as my morning sickness typically passes right at 12 weeks.



I did see that there are 4 inserts in this weekends papers, it's worth buying more than one. Remember buy in even numbers, for example if it is a buy one get one sale you would need 2 coupons from 2 inserts, so to do the deal twice you would need to buy 4 papers.

Grrrr..Shelf Clearers!!

Ok, so I haven't been to CVS since the 16th of January because I haven't been feeling well and haven't seen any must have items. Well today I had all intentions to get up early like I do most Sunday's and go do my weekly shopping. I didn't get out until a bit after 10am. I made up my scenarios before I left even did a just in case scenario. I really just needed Huggies nightime diapers and Pull Ups and I wanted to get the Revitalift for my mom as I am proud I don't need it quite yet. So really the only items I was in search of was the Revitalift for $5.99 and it was all gone!! I know CVS in general doesn't stock to well. I asked the cashier and she said they had several and to check back later in the week. Why must people take all that is on the shelf, seriously I know there are limits but why be greedy! OK, I am getting down from my soap box now...

On a good note, I went to Weis and got 8 boxes of Stickers fruit snacks for $0.00 and walked away with 2 $2.50 on your next order...and yes there were still more boxes left :)
They are on sale for 4 for $4 and there is a catalina promotion when you buy 4 you get $2.50 catalina.

There is a $.50 off coupon in the paper today which doubled to $1.00 and between my papers and my mom's I had 8 coupons.

Month in Review

I started out really good on the grocery budget, keeping on budget and keeping track of spending but with morning sickness kicking in I lost track and Chris had to go to the store a few times. Needless to say he never gave me any receipts, although I don't think we went over $300.00 we surpassed $250.00, so I am going to take our budget back to $300.00 for the month of February.
We saved approximately $245.00, Chris will not use coupons so I highly doubt he had much savings when he went.

CVS
Spent $39.24
Saved $471.07

Walgreens
Spent $77.34
Saved $307.55

Menu Plan Monday

The first part of the Menu last week went as planned, but as the week progressed I started getting morning sickness so the kids and Chris were on there own a couple of nights. This week and the following weeks will be planned but I am sure with many changes. I am going to attempt to make a freeze meals but again it is iffy with how I am feeling.

Monday: Sloppy Joes and French Fries

Tuesday: Bag n Season Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes and broccoli

Wednesday: Beef Enchiladas with spanish rice and refried beans

Thursday: Steak with baked potatoes

Friday: Cola Chops with fried potatoes and green beans

Saturday: Tacos

Sunday: Country style chicken in the crock pot with veggies and biscuits

My first big purchase for baby

I ran into Target this morning to get storage containers for the boys room. I peeked over at the baby clearance and found the Baby Trend Sit and Stand for $32.25 marked down from $129. They also have Baby Trend Flex Loc Car Seat for $49.00 marked down from $89.99, I plan on sending Chris out later to get it. I didn't have enough room with all the storage stuff I got.

Planning for Baby!

As I announced we are expecting in the Fall.

As a little back story we lost a baby at 20 weeks last April. We went in for our big sonogram to see if we were having a boy or a girl and to make sure all was well. The tech didn't see the heartbeat and we were told based on his size we lost him a couple of weeks ago. We went in a couple days later and I gave birth to our angel. This was and still is very sad for us and we will celebrate him on April 6 of this year.

After this happened I slowly got rid of all things baby so we have nothing accept for the crib. AS we proceed caustiously I am now searching for the best deals on double strollers, car seats and so much more. We cloth diaper so I now need a nice stash of newborn diapers and a few onesize.

Money Saving Mom has started a series on Having a Baby Without Breaking the Bank, this reminded me that I don't need all the baby gadgets that are labeled as must haves. I can't wait to read additional articles on this subject.

A great place to get cloth diapers from Work at Home Moms and used cloth diapers is www.diaperswappers.com.

Another neat site I came across for great baby bargains is Baby Cheapskate it looks like she frequently post some good deals.

Walgreens 1/21

I went in this morning thinking I was just going to get milk and then get Anthoney from school but I saw they were fully stocked with everything I may have wanted so I went back out to the van and grabbed my coupons.
This is what I got for $3.97 out of pocket and saved $29.06

I did one transaction as follows
4 Skippy $7.96
4 Ragu $7.96
2 Mauna Loa $4.00
1 1/2 gallon milk $1.99
Total $21.91
Coupons Used
$3 off $10 Purchase (Grand Opening Coupon)
$10.00 Register Reward
$1 off 3 Ragu
$1 off 2 Skippy
$3 off 2 Mauna Loa Instant Value Coupon

Got back $10.00 Register Reward, I plan on doing the Pepsi deal again and then the Skippy/Ragu one more time.

Free Ocean Spray Light Cranberry Juice at Target DEAD DEAL

Ocean Spray Light Cranberry Juice $1.99

Coupons
$1.00 off Target Coupon
$1.00 off Manufacturer

Target coupons now say one per transactions, so to get more than one you will need to do separate transactions.

It's MENU PLAN MONDAY!!

Today: Chicken and Dumplings (I have left over peas and corn I need to use)

Tuesday: Beef Rollups (Thin steaks with stuffing rolled up)

Wednesday: Bag n Season Pork Chops with baked mac n cheese

Thursday: Chicken fried rice

Friday: Sloppy Joes and French Fries

Saturday: Breakfast for dinner, Pancakes or waffles, bacon, suasage and eggs

Sunday: I have chili written on my calendar but I may do a roast and veggies in the crockpot.

We are adding to our family!!

We are excited to annouce we are expecting another baby in September! With our recent loss we are being optimistic and will enjoy every minute of this pregnancy. With the months ahead I would like to focus on prepaing for baby and being frugal about it.

Walgreen's Trip This morning

Transaction 1

6 Ragu Pasta Sauces $11.94

2 Skippy Peanut Butter $3.98

Coupons

2 $1 off 3 Ragu

1 $1 off 2 Skippy

1 $3/$10 Purchase (Grand Opening Coupon)

Total Out of Pocket $9.74

Saved $11.08

Got back $10.00 Register Rewards

Transaction 2

5 Pepsi 12 Packs $15.00

1 Doritos $2.50

1 tostitos $2.50

Coupons

$10.00 Register Rewards from 1st transaction

$3/$10 Purchase (Grand Opening Coupon)

Total Out of Pocket $7.72

Saved $15.47

got back $10.00 Register Rewards

Scott Product Promotion

The more you buy the more you save! Get up to $4 in coupons emailed to you. Go here for more details.

$3 off a $3 CVS Brand Purchase Coupon

I know I have used it and had no clue it was unauthorized! Please read this and stop using any CVS online coupons unless they are emailed to your email account. Thanks!

Walgreen's Scenario for upcoming sale 1/18

I keep going back and forth about this deal so I am still up in the air about doing it.



6 Ragu Pasta Sauces $11.94

2 Skippy Peanut Butter $3.98

Total $15.92

Coupons

2 $1 off 3 Ragu (I think there may be better coupons coming out in Sunday's paper)



I am looking for my skippy coupons but I probably threw them out because my kids don't care for peanut butter too much. We surely don't need anymore pasta sauce but when the store is practically paying you to take it, it is hard to pass up.



$3 off a $10 purchase (grand opening coupon)



Roughly $11 out of pocket and get back $10 Register Rewards

You can view all upcoming deals for Walgreen's here !

Walgreens Trip 1/14

Sorry no picture!

I did one transactions and got
2 4pk Cottonnelle $5 with in ad coupon
2 Bounty Basic $1.78 with in ad coupon
2 Lysol Wipes $3.79 BOGO
2 Halls Cough drops $1.98 with in ad coupon
2 Celestial Tea $3.49 BOGO
1 pack of skittles $.99
1 LowRider Magazine (Chris insisted) $4.99

My goal was to stay above $10 so I can get $3 off(my store is having Grand Opening) but she scanned it first. I had $6.55 in coupons, my total out of pocket was $13.29. I had anticipated only spending $8 but oh well Chris deserves a treat. I saved $22.35!!

Organizing my children's room's

Photo by mlefferts

Every day I antagonize over there rooms because I don't know where to start. As I type this they are in total chaos, toys and books every where! Today I came across a great article by I'm an Organizing Junkie, she did a guest post called Organizing your child's room for Tip Junkie while she is recovering from back surgery. Thanks to this post I have gathered my thought process and will begin cleaning the slate.

I have been nominated for The Lemonade Award by Coupon Clippin Mama B and Dimely Design. What is the Lemonade Award? A quote from her blog: "If you are not familiar with what the Lemonade Award is, the Lemonade Award is given by a previous winner to 10 people who have shown a great attitude or gratitude this week. It’s a great way to show these people that you appreciate them."

So here are my 10 nominees:

1. So Cal Saver: Her blog was one of the first that inspired me to start my own and the fact that she has 6 kids and still has the time to shop for deals. She rocks!

2. That's Just Nifty Thrifty: She was great help when I was starting my blog and she always has Awesome CVS and Walmart hauls. Very inspiring!

3. The Thrifty Mama: She is always on top of the latest deals and he rblog is very informative for newbies!

4. The "Cent"sible Sawyer: She was one of the first blogs I found and she has great product reviews and giveaways!

5. Thrift Mom in Training : She has posted some very good trips to CVS and Walgreens! We shop at the same CVS and Walgreens so it is good to have a fellow blogger near by!

6:Gotta Love Coupons : Her stockpile is HUGE!!

7. Saving Money Ideas : She post great CVS deals.

8. Thrifty Addict : I love looking at what she has gotten!

9. Little People Wealth : She always post great deals and pictures of her purchases.

10. Saving Makes Cents: I love her new revamped blog! She always has great shopping trips to share!


What to Do Now
I want to say congratulations to all the winners. Please share this opportunity with your favorite bloggers by doing the following:
Put the logo on your blog or post.
Nominate at least 10 blogs, which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude! Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Beef Stroganoff (hamburger helper)
Tuesday: Cola Chops with Mashed Potatoes and Broccolli
Wednesday: Stuffed Peppers with Garlic bread
Thursday: Ham and potatoe bake with biscuits
Friday: Pizza and salad
Saturday: Spaghetti and meatballs with Garlic sticks
Sunday: Salisbury Steak, augratin potatoes, corn and crescent rolls

CVS

Trying to make the most of the $3 off CVS Brand Purchase, can't you tell!

Revlon is BOGO, so I used 1 $2 off and 1 $1 off coupon as well as a $2 CRT I got last week. So I paid $1.49 for 2 eye shadows!

CVS wipes are 2/$4 and the CVS diapers and training pants are 2/$12.99. I of course didn't buy 2 in one transactions because it is a better deal to buy one at a time and use the $3 off a CVS Brand purchase making them $3.50 each.

I will be back later once the house is clean to review my transactions.

Walgreens

Again I haven't looked at my receipts but I think I paid $25.xx. I got the Pepsi deal 5/$15 with a $5 Register Reward but it didn't print so I am thinking of taking it back to another Walgreen's. Seems ridiculous to have to wait 6-8 weeks to get it back by mail. I planned on using the $5 RR to use towards the above pictured.

The Oust is BOGO this week and was unsure about the BOGO Manufacturer coupon so I asked and she said she would accept it. Revlon products are also BOGO so I used 6 $1 off Manufacturer coupons and the YES products I had a BOGO coupon that is expiring and I love these products!