"What I Got for the Money" Wednesday

This week I had $67 in cash (I thought it was $62, but I had an additional $5). I ended up doing this in several trips. I went to Walgreens on Saturday to take advantage of the sale on hair care products and dish detergent that was going to expire. Then Monday night I had some free time while Dawson was at Scouts, and didn't want to waste gas money driving all the way home, so I went to Aldi. Then yesterday I did the rest. Here's how it went:


WALGREENS
(2) Fructis shampoo 1.98 (coupons)
(2) Fructis conditioner 1.98 (coupons)
V05 conditioner .24 (clearance)
Electrasol dishwashing tablets .99 (coupon)
Total: $6.53



ALDI
(2) 1 lbs ground turkey 2.38
Can mandarin oranges .45
Can sweet potatoes .69
Artificial sweetner 1.19
Sliced swiss 2.09
5 lbs. sugar 2.11
Multi-grain waffles 1.29
(2) instant chocolate pudding .98
Baking soda .43
Bananas .88
3 lbs. apples .99
Potato chips 1.29
Corn chips .99
Gummy vitamins 3.99
Tortilla chips .99
Total $ 22.51



WAL-MART
French loaf 2.16
Bulk goldfish crackers 5.98
Oatmeal creme pies 1.43
Carnation instant breakfast 4.58
Rice .88
(2) pop tarts 2.50 (E and B snack choice)
(2) chocolate chip cookies 5.00 (K and D snack choice)
Apple juice 2.27
(6) South Beach breakfast bars 2.00 total (coupons ~ see story below)
Bulk bag cereal 3.66
Eggs 1.00 (ad match)
Peanut butter 1.69 (ad match)
Total $ 37.82

WALGREENS
Cover Girl pressed powder 2.19 (on clearance ~ see story below)
Total $ 2.38

WONDER/HOSTESS STORE
Loaf whole grain bread 1.39
Total $ 1.51

Total Spent for Week $70.75 (That's $4.25 under goal, but I haven't bought milk or sliced cheese yet, which will be about $10 more. Are you getting that I am having an impossible time staying under my $75 per week goal? And I had a few extra dollars laying around that I paid for the rest of my groceries with.)

Now, lest I beat myself up for not staying under goal. I am still way under budget, and that's what really counts. Each dollar under my actual budget of $500 per month are snowflakes to add to our snowball of deleting debt, or money to go into savings for something special to reward for hard work! And, I can't imagine what I would have spent this month so far had I not given myself the $75 per week goals ... whoa! I didn't have to buy many meal items this week because of last week's freezer finds, but I did stock up on lots of snacks as you can see.

Now, about the South Beach Bars. A fellow blogger told about the South Beach website where you could get $2.00 off coupons. I was able to print a total of 4, and then found another link to print two $1.00 off coupons. Reasor's had these bars on sale for 2 for $4.00, so I spent $12.00, but had $10.00 in coupons, so I got 30 yummy high-protein breakfast bars for $2.00 total!! Good deal! Then I had gone back to Walgreens because I needed facial powder and they had many brands with B1G1 free. I'm also going to need mascara soon, so thought I would see what they had. Then I found a pack of Cover Girl pressed powder on clearance for $2.16. So I bought it instead and decided to wait on mascara.

I was thinking how I really need a sale for $1 per box cereal. As luck would have it, Reasor's has Cap'n Crunch and Life cereal on sale for $1.77 a box next week, and a deal that if you buy 5 participating Quaker products you get $3 off. So, I'm going to go and get 5 boxes of cereal for $1.17 a box .. close enough!!!

For better shoppers than me, go see Gayle at Grocery Cart Challenge.

Tiny Snowflakes Eventually Make Snowballs

I've mentioned in previous posts that Rick and I have made a commitment to get out of debt, except for our house (that too is an eventual goal, but just not pressing at the moment.)  

We have restructured our budget for 2009 with very intentional goals when it comes to debt reduction.

This theme of frugal living and getting out of debt is running rampant among my friends, as well as in the blogging community.  One particular blogger is charting her successes on her blog, getting down to the nitty gritty.  I like the idea of accountability and visualization, so I have started a ticker on the side of my blog to chart our progress.  She gives specific numbers, I'm providing only percentages.

I don't know if it was her, or someone else, but I heard it said that each dollar saved to put toward debt is a snowflake.  Each snowflake by itself doesn't amount to much.  But when lots of individual snowflakes are added together, they make a snowball.  And if you start rolling a snowball down a hill, it gets bigger and faster.  So, I am going to refer to each dollar saved out of our budget, and used toward debt reduction, as snowflakes.  I will likely give you actual numbers so as to feel a greater sense of accomplishment.  I'll just do one post at the end of the month letting you know how we did.  This really won't kick in much until February or March, but we are taking every snowflake as it comes until then.

If you would like to join me in this venture, and want some accountability and encouragement, just let me know!!  If you would rather do it privately, then I pray you have success this year!

Until then, I'll be putting on my winter clothes getting ready for the snowball fight of my life.

Peace Love Mom ... Giveaway

Go here to enter for a chance to win one of three really cute "mom" shirts.  They are awesome!

Cute Yet So Naive

On the way home from preschool today, Brynne was talking about the horse that neighbors the church, "Harry the Horse."  Out of the blue she said, "We don't eat animals ... we just eat food." Hmmmmm .... no response from mom.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ JANUARY 13, 2009

Outside my window... THE SUN IS SHINING .. PRAISE GOD!!  It's been so dark and dreary here during the week, most weeks, and it sure is nice to see the sun, even if it is only 20 degrees outside!

I am thinking ... about my friends who have unhappy marriages and how I wish we could all just submit to the calling God has for us in our roles as husbands and wives.  We make it so hard .. but it's really so simple.

I am thankful for... healthy kids in the midst of so much seasonal sickness!

From the learning rooms ... I am trying to teach my kids not to say the phrase "I want ..."  I would prefer them to say things, like, "I would really like to have ...", or "Please may I ...", or "Do you think I could ..."

From the kitchen... Eli is playing with an old Playschool town set and his penguins ???

I am wearing... my coat, still, from taking Brynne to preschool.  It's freezing outside and I'm chilled throughout!

I am creating... balance.

I am going... as few places as possible while it is so cold, but I have to go to the store today.

I am reading... as many blogs as I can get my eyes on for ways to spend money wisely, tips on meal planning and grocery shopping, coupons, etc.

I am hoping... that Rick's bonus and our income tax refund are high enough for us to take the RV vacation with our friends that we want to take this summer.  If the number is not what I have in my mind, we can't do it and take care of the priorities we have set for this year.

I am hearing... a lot of peace and quiet while Eli plays alone (he loves Tuesdays and Thursdays when it's just him and me for about 3 hours in the morning.)

Around the house... I have a small list of things I could go ahead and get done with the reward of sitting with my family to watch or favorite show tonight, "The Biggest Loser", without doing anything else!

One of my favorite things... has become sitting as an entire family watching a movie or television show together.  I never thought we would be able to do that (for lots of reasons) and I LOVE IT and look forward to it!

A few plans for the rest of the week ... not much, actually, and I love it!  This Saturday Kyndal and I are going to go to the mall so she can spend some of her Christmas money on clothes.

Here is picture thought I am sharing ...

I wish I could say I actually took this picture, but I didn't.  I've been trying to take a picture of the beautiful cardinals that have been flocking in our front yard the past couple of weeks, but as soon as I step outside they fly away.  They are gorgeous, so vibrant and lovely against the backdrop of barren trees and lack of color, and I have been wondering, "Why are they here?  Don't they know it's freezing?"  I came across this yesterday ...

Cardinal reminds us that no  matter what time  of the day or year it is,   there is always the opportunity to recognize   the importance of our  life purpose.

To be inspired by other Simple Women, visit here.

Come to Him With Your Arms Full

Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord?

1 Chronicles 29:5

Menu Plan Monday

I mentioned last week that I had cleaned out my freezers and fridge and had come upon 8 almost-complete meals. Because we need this to be a cheap week at the store (there is an extra week in January and I really want to stay under my $75 per week grocery goal, and I'm low on cash due to the way the paycheck falls), I decided to utilize some of these meals.  

Monday ~ Pepper jack chicken and rice (from freezer finds)

Tuesday ~ Tater tot casserole

Wednesday ~ (FFY) Fend for Yourself

Thursday ~ Broccoli beef with rice (from freezer finds)

Friday ~ Turkey noodle soup (from freezer finds)

Saturday ~ Chicken voila (frozen dinner found in freezer)

Sunday ~ Hot ham and cheese sandwiches and french fries (from freezer finds)

Now you would think that with this menu of mostly freezer stuff that my grocery bill would only be about $10 this week. But, I have lots of household-type items and snack stocking up I need to do, so I am certain I will still be right at budget. Remember, I only have $55 cash to spend this week (it was $62 but I went to Walgreens to take advantage of those deals).  So, wish me luck as I pare down my list and maximize coupons and ads.

Also, I have found a new website that looks promising called Planning With Kids - Weekly Meal Planner.  I haven't used it yet because I already had this week done, but thought I would pass it along.  It's free so check it out!!

One last thing I thought I would share.  We are HUGE snackers in this house, especially the kids. I try to keep "healthy" snacks around, but we all have our favorites!  My little two love Little Debbie cakes.  And that's typically what they will go for .. I know you all cringe at the thought of all that processed sugar and such.  Anyway, in the last couple of weeks I have been buying some things for "dessert" .. making a batch of brownies here, some chocolate cupcakes there and even some little chocolate pudding pies.  I have noticed that snacking on other things has dramatically decreased since I have been doing that!  And I've been saving money! (Those homemade treats are so much cheaper per serving.)  They first turn to the leftover dessert that's there, and then if they need/want another snack during the day I cut up an apple or have them eat some crackers or something like that.  Anyone have any thoughts or comments on this or anything you do that cuts down on your snacking costs?  I'm always up for new suggestions!

Remember to check out other menu ideas here.

Have a great Monday!

Relaxing (aka Lazy) Weekend

I haven't been this lazy in years!

On Friday night Kyndal went to babysit and after dinner we all sat around and watched t.v. until bedtime.

Yesterday I was in my jammies and robe until after noon.  The only reason I even got dressed was because I needed to take Kyndal into the movies and Dawson to buy crickets for his lizards. I did decide to stop by Walgreens and scored with 2 bottles of shampoo, 3 bottles of conditioner and a box of Electrasol dishwasher tablets (with 5 bonus), all for $6.53.  That was worth the trip!

When we got home we laid around and watched t.v. until it was time to fix dinner.  Then after dinner we watched more t.v.  We haven't done that forever!

This morning we went to church and had an awesome service.  Our Sunday school class is particularly awesome this semester.  We are studying a book called Love and Respect and it is so great.  I am personally really enjoying the material.  After we got home and ate lunch and all sat on the couch again and watched a movie together, then a dvr'd show.  The kids just went out to play and I'm updating my blog and working on this week's grocery list.  Rick went for a jog. We're heading to church in a bit because Kyndal and I have to work in the nursery and Rick is interested in hearing the guest speaker.

We'll come home and eat dinner and then start getting ready for bed.

And that's our weekend.  It seems like a waste, but after several months of non-stop activity, it was so nice.

I really need a nap, but no time now.  I guess I'll just get off my behind and go clean up the kitchen.

Obsessed

Let's call it for what it is ... I have an obsessive personality!  I am obsessed with this whole couponing/rebating/Walgreen-playing thing.  And I must be stopped ... really!  There are many women who double up coupons and rebates to purchase things at Walgreens trying to see how much they can get for free or next-to-nothing.  And they are good at it!  But, do they need it? Do I need it?

As part of this new grocery-budgeting thing, I am also working toward being a better steward of our money and not "wasting" money.  I think by doing this I will be wasting money ... chasing good money with bad, if you know what I mean.

I could go to Walgreens today and buy 4 bottles of Garnier shampoo and conditioner (that Kyndal actually does use) for 99 cents a bottle, Electrosal dishwasher tabs for about a $1 after the coupon and get $1.65 rebate to use later, a 165-count bottle of Motrin for about $1 after coupons, and various boxes of South Beach Diet cereal bars for about 50 cents a box.  That all sounds good, right?  What if I told you I have spent many minutes, maybe hours, figuring out all of the ins and outs of accomplishing this.  Was that time well-spent?  To feed an obsession? I have to think "no".  The whole South Beach Diet bars things is the one that has caused stress (yes I said stress) because somehow a whole bunch of women were able to print 6 coupons, instead of my 2, to allow them to buy 6 boxes for a total of $3 and get a $16.50 rebate to use at a later shopping trip.  I have tried everything I can figure out to get an additional 4 coupons, to no avail.  Is it worth it? Seriously?  Sure, $18.15 of total free money to spend at Walgreens seems so tempting .. but to then turn around next week and do this all over again .. scouring blogs and websites, spending lots of time, stressing over it?  I have to think not, because ....

With the coupons I do have, I can get all 6 of the South Beach Diet bars for free if I just go to Walmart and ad-match the Reasor's deal of 2 for $4 and use the coupons I do have.  I just won't be able to get the 6 designated boxes to get the rebate at Walgreens.  So, I get 6 boxes for free, instead of spending $3 to get $16.50 in rebates.   WHEW!  See what I mean?  And, I can still use that $2.50 coupon for Electrosal and buy it at Wal-mart, where it may be cheaper than $3.49 anyway (which is the price at Walgreens) and forgo the rebate of $1.65.

What I think I will do is stop stressing and just get a good deal if I can.  I don't think I have any plans to play the Walgreen-rebating game.  So far I have been unsuccessful and more stressed than necessary "failing" at the game I'm trying to play.

So, today I will go to Walgreens and buy the Garnier shampoo, because it's a good deal and we will use it, and buy the Motrin, because it's a good deal and we will use it.  I may do the Eletrasol thing to get the $1.65 rebate that I can use on a future purchase of vitamins, because we always take vitamins, and it's a no-brainer.

But I WILL NOT continue to stress about trying to make rebate deals work, by spending money to get money, especially when I can go to another store and just get them for free easily.

Told you I'm obsessed.  You have to take the good with the bad when following my blog!  :)

Enter for a Chance to Win

If you would like a chance to win a Nintendo DS game:  Zenses Ocean, then go here.  By the way, she has great giveaways for kids all the time, so check it out.  Thanks, Shannon!