The Smith Family

Target Shopping - Ad 1/15~1/21

2012-01-21T19:34:00.001-06:00

Today, Jeff, Ashlyn, and I went to Target. The boys stayed home and played games. I do not think they left their rooms except to get a snack around 3pm when Jeff called Roland to ask if he had chili in the pantry!

The last time I posted, I mentioned we were working toward getting back toward our $400 monthly goal. We are doing better. Today's trip we spent $67.00 which focused on sale items grouped with coupons. I am doing better at remembering to bring my reusable shopping bags to save a little extra. It may only be 5 cents per bag, but figure it still all adds up in the end. I am noticing that Target is putting many more store coupons on their website which is wonderful to get to use a Target coupon in conjunction with a manufacturer coupon! The best deals today are below.

Airborne $5.49

-$2 off Airborne product, SS 1/08

Total: $3.49 each

Lean Cuisine Meals $1.89 each
Target Special- Buy 6, Get 6ct Dreyer's Fruit Bars FREE

-Free Skinny Cow frozen item wyb (6) Lean Cuisine product printable

Total: $11.34 for 6 Lean Cuisine meals, Dryer's Fruit Bars, and Package of Skinny Cow Ice Cream!

Nabisco Cookie Snacks $4.49 each

Target Special- Buy 3, Get 1 FREE

$2/3 Nabisco Honey Maid, Newtons, Ritz Crackerfuls, Teddy Grahams, Snack Well’s, Wheat Thins, 100 Cal and Triscuit, SS 1/08

Total: $11.47 for 4 boxes; 12 packages in each

Capri Sun $4.49 each (2 pack)

Target Special- Buy 3, Get 1 FREE

Total: $13.47 for 8 boxes

Jakob's Report Card - 1st Semester

2012-01-15T14:45:00.000-06:00

Jakob is in the first grade this year and it is sure going by quickly! I cannot believe we are already halfway done with the school year. He is learning more and more each day! Jakob has commented that first grade is going to get harder after the Winter Break as they prepare for 2nd grade. Interesting to hear since I teach 8th grade and we are constantly telling them that we are making sure they are ready for high school.

3 - Meets Expectations
Consistently demonstrates proficient understanding and applies skills independently with minimal teacher support.

2 - Making Progress
Demonstrates initial stages of understanding; applies skills but requires teacher intervention and reinforcement.

1 - Insufficient Progress
Demonstrates a lack of understanding; difficulty accomplishing grade level tasks; reteaching consistently required.

Below is each category from his report card ending with the 3rd six weeks! I am very proud of how hard he has been working and how much he loves to read!!

Language Arts

Uses strategies to comprehend a variety of texts - 3
Uses the writing process to compose a variety of texts - 3
Listens attentively - 3
Communicates ideas, experiences, and needs using academic language - 3

Early Literacy Inventory

Letter Identification - 3
Letter Sounds - 3
Word Lists - 3
Phonological Awareness - 2
Dictation - 2
Independent Reading Level - 3

Guided Reading Level

Student Guided Reading Benchmark - J
Student Uses Strategies to Comprehend Guided Reading Text - 3

Science

Classifies objects by materiels from which they are made - 3
Identifies the characters of the seasons of the year - 3
Identifies the characteristics of day and night - 3
Predicts and describes how magnests can be used to push or pull an object - 3

Social Studies

Explains significances of patriotic symbols - 2
Identifies the responsiblities of authority figures - 2
Identifies characterss of good citizenship - 3
Identifies contributions of historical figures

Math

Selects or develops prob-solving stategies - 2
Communicates explanation of strategy using objects, pictures, numbers, and words - 2
Uses place vlaue to read, write, and count numbers - 3
Uses place value to compare and order numbers - 3
Identifies and describes shapes according to their attributes - 2
Uses words and numbers to describe the value of of coins - 2
Models and applies addition facts - 2
Models and applies subtraction facts - 2
Estimates and measures length using non-standard units - 3
Identifies, extends patterns - 2

Assessing Math Concepts

Number Arrangement - Identifies number arrangements and combine parts to 10 -3
Hiding Assessment - Figures out missing parts to 10 - 2

MyFitnessPal.com

2012-01-08T14:04:00.000-06:00

I am so excited! Yesterday at a UIL school competition, another teacher showed me on her phone an app called MyFitnessPal and it is used to track what you eat to track calories along with the other nutrients of food. It is totally free and has the same concepts as tracking food and weight loss as Weight Watchers. I am completely hooked and have decided to this instead of paying for Weight Watchers monthly. I did not attend the meetings, only did online for tracking what I was eating. MyFitnessPal allows you to track your exercise to include additional calories. All I had to do was enter my age, height, current weight, and my weight loss goal per week. It gave me a daily calorie intake goal along with a weekly exercise goal. After going online, I was able to take my past weight information for tracking purposes since I have been losing weight and it made the ticker below. So I'm looking forward to losing additional weight and saving $18 a month doing it! YEAH! Oh, and the best part - it is on your phone or internet depending on how you want to use it. You can even scan the item and it will pull it up for you without searching!

The other day, I posted about getting back on track and working out on our elliptical machine. I am happy to report that I worked out three times last week and Jeff worked out twice last week on the elliptical!

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Back to Reality and Back to Losing Weight

2012-01-02T20:32:00.000-06:00

Over the break, I read the following post from a friend that I found true.

"Some people worry about what they eat between Christmas and New Years. People should worry more about what they eat between New Years and Christmas more." ~Author Unknown

After I read the post, I agreed with it and therefore decided not to stress over my holiday eating. I decided the cravings of some of the foods was probably better so I would get right back on track with school starting back up. I regained about 4 pounds over the break from lack of exercise and just eating too much!

One of my "Goals" this upcoming year is to continue to lose weight and to exercise three times a week. Before I got pregnant, we bought an elliptical machine. It has been used, but not as much as it should be used! Tonight, I watched How I Met Your Mother and did 30 minutes on the elliptical. According to my elliptical, it stated I burned 225 calories! So my thought process is I need to build my work-out schedule around my favorite television shows! So hopefully by next Tuesday when I re-post, I will be a few pounds lighter!

Finished Something Borrowed now onto The Hunger Games

2012-01-01T21:30:00.001-06:00

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

I started this book while I was pregnant and did enjoy it. I read most of the book shortly before Ashlyn was born. It had an interesting twist and love triangle that kept it interesting. I enjoy reading romance and mystery books and tend to switch back and forth.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

I am enjoying The Hunger Games so far and after the first chapter it had me on the edge of my bed and couldn't stop reading! I read another chapter and probably would have continued if it was not late! One of my many goals is to read more and last year I did not read too much. I like how the libraries now have books that can be loaned out for free and that makes an incentive to read a little quicker since there are due dates!

Feel free to leave me comments and recommendations on great books! I enjoy reading romance, mystery, and police/lawyer mystery books most often.

$323.76 Coupons to Atsugi, Japan

2012-01-01T19:43:00.002-06:00

I mailed the remaining coupons that were expiring on 12/31/11 to the military base in Japan. Since I mailed them after the new year, I went ahead and counted them for 2012. I must say it is pretty awesome to be able to send over coupons I do not use. I know I save enough money to afford the stamps and I enjoy sending them to a base of my choice. My brother continues to serve for the U.S. Navy, and I will continue to send coupons to our armed forces for 2012! As mentioned in my last post, I have sent over $3200 in coupons since July to Atsugi, Japan!

If you would like to learn how to do the same, visit the Overseas Coupon Program website. It's easy to do and I send monthly using First Class Mail. It cost me about $1.50 to send them the coupons monthly.

Target Shopping - Ad 1/1 ~ 1/7

2012-01-01T16:24:00.000-06:00

I went to Super Target today for some basics along with specific items in mind that were on sale that were matched with coupons. Below are the good match ups that I picked up. Some of them I bought two of the item, just depended on what we had on hand in the house. With Christmas being over, I am trying to get back on track with our good coupon shopping and buying the items when they are on sale! I'm also hoping to get back on our $400 monthly shopping budget for groceries and general household items. I suspect with Christmas and having to restock that this month will be closer to $500.

Check out all the Target match-ups at Southern Savers this week's ad!

Similac $13.49

-$1.00/1 Similac Large Powder

-$5.00/1 Similac Coupon Check

Total: $7.49

Cascade $6.50 for 32 count

-.25/1 Cascade product, PG 1/01

Total: $6.25

Tide 100oz $11.99
-$2 off Tide product, excl trial sizes, PG 1/01
Total: $9.99

Duracell 10ct $7.00

-$0.25 Target Coupon (on packaging)

-.75/1 Duracell Coppertop, Ultra Power, Ultra Photo Lithium or specialty batteries, PG 1/01

Total: $6.00

Starkist Tuna Fish in Pouch Containers $1.09

-.50/1 StarKist tuna pouch, RP 1/01

Total: $0.59

Flintstone's Vitamins $5.39

-$2 off Flintstones multivitamin product, SS 1/01

Total: $3.39

Always 16ct Infinity $4.19

-$2 off Always Infinity, 14 ct. +, PG 1/01

Total: $2.19

Tampax Pearl 20ct $3.99

-$2 off Tampax Pearl, PG 1/01

Total: $1.99

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T19:43:00.000-06:00

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It seems like 2011 sure went in a hurry. Here's hoping 2012 is a great year too! For a quick update, read here. Blessing to everyone!

Here are the kids, including Jakob, singing at Church last Sunday. It was so cute, there was a television with the words of the songs below them along with their teachers that are out of sight. If you watch closely, you can see them watching either or both! So cute!

A Very Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T12:32:00.001-06:00

We went to our church's Christmas service yesterday evening. It sure was nice to see everyone and we had a great turnout! Our Pastor, Chris, said there was approximately 260 people there! More chairs had to be pulled for room for everyone. He was super excited especially since the church is considered a baby church since it just started officially meeting September 2011. All the kids at the service received electronic candles and were able to keep them. Jakob was sure excited and careful with his candle. I have volunteered to take pictures and different church events to record the history of our church! It will be neat to look back at them later.

It sure has been nice having the time off from school to visit with family and friends. I think my co-workers along with our students were really ready for the break! In January, I start my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at UNT. My plan is to take one class a semester for starters and slowly knock it out!

Merry Christmas everyone!

13.4 Pounds Lighter since August 15th

2011-12-21T13:23:00.000-06:00

I have lost 13.4 pounds since joining Weight Watchers on August 15, 2011. I started as a size 16 in pants after having Ashlyn and now wearing a size 14. These next two weeks with the holidays, I am going to try to just maintain my weight. I decided that I am not recording my points over the next two weeks, but to eat healthy when possible. Plus, last week was especially hard because my students were bringing me Christmas goodies! I had so many delicious treats brought that I could not pass up and snack on throughout the day!

$971.17 Coupons to Atsugi, Japan

2011-12-19T18:47:00.002-06:00

Over $970 worth of Coupons

Another month has gone by and I have pulled my expired coupons to send to military over in Japan. So far since starting in July, I have sent over $3200 worth of coupons to Japan for the men and women serving overseas in the military! If you would like to learn how to do the same, visit the Overseas Coupon Program website. It's easy to do and I send monthly using First Class Mail. It cost me about $1.50 to send them the coupons monthly. I figure I save enough money using the ones I do that I can afford to send them rather than recycle or trash them.

Last month, I was too busy to add them up so I just put them in an envelope and shipped them off. The reason they would like you to approximate the total of coupons is so they know if they need more adoptions or if they are good! I personally send to Atsugi, Japan because my brother was stationed there majority of his time while stationed overseas.

Menu Plans 12/4-12/10

2011-12-04T13:46:00.000-06:00

These last two weeks have been so much easier since I have gotten back into planning basic menus. It has also helped my weight loss as it appears I will have some more pounds lost when I weigh officially on Monday morning!!

Sunday: Dining Out (Raising Cane's Hockey Game Promotion)
Monday: Corn Dogs & Chips
Tuesday: Cheesy Spirals (from freezer), served with peas and corn
Wednesday: Tacos, refried beans, and chips
Thursday: Leftover Cheesy Spirals
Friday: Chicken Spaghetti (from freezer), served with garlic bread
Saturday: Dining Out?

Yummy Apples

2011-12-03T15:10:00.000-06:00

Ashlyn eating rice cereal and apples on 11/27/11.

Ashlyn successfully had apples with rice cereal this week with her breakfast and at dinner time. She started with about 2 tsp of rice cereal and 1/3 of the apples. Then as the week progressed she continued to want a little more. For the end of this week, she ate 1/2 of the apples and a good 4 tsp of rice cereal. The cereal and fruit is sure helping her though for overnight. She is back to sleeping through the night! She has been a little sick and is almost finally over all of it! The last few nights she has woken up at 4am to cough, but goes right back to sleep after giving her the pacifier. This morning she slept until 6am after going to bed at 9pm, other than waking up once due to coughing. Since it has been a good week on the same food with no reactions, I am going to try a different fruit or vegetable tonight.

Ashlyn's Growth Chart

2011-12-01T22:02:00.000-06:00

I need to put this together so I have for Jakob also, but I will start with Ashlyn. She went to the doctor on Monday, November 21st, for her 4 month checkup. Originally, she was scheduled to go for a checkup and shots, but it ended up being a checkup and a sick visit since she is congested and on breathing treatments. She ended up having to go back in for additional medicine to help her get over her cold, but since receiving her new medications she is feeling much better. We also had our first successful feeding with rice cereal mixed with apple sauce! She is getting it in the morning at her school and then in the evening before bedtime.

4 Month Appointment - 11/21/11

Weight: 14 lbs 7 oz; 60%

Height: 24 3/4; 70%

Head Circumference: 16 3/4; 80%

Ashlyn playing with a toy on 11/23/2011.

2 Month Appointment - 9/23/11

Weight: 11 lbs 9oz; 60%

Height 22 1/4; 50%

Head Circumference: 15 1/2; 60%

Jakob and Ashlyn on 9/29/2011.

2 Weeks - 8/3/11

Weight: 8 lbs; 40%

Height: 19 1/2; 20%

Head Circumference 14 1/4; 45%

Ashlyn swinging on 8/1/2011.

Ashlyn - Sticking out her Tongue

2011-12-01T21:22:00.001-06:00

Ashlyn is about 4 1/2 months now and is playing with her tongue and sticking it out of her mouth. Jeff and I are still watching to see if she begins to lift it up toward the top of her mouth since we believe she too could be tongue tied as I was when I was a kid and so was Jakob. We were able to get Jakob's tongue clipped at the age of 3, but it can be done sooner. Jeff and I would prefer to have it clipped as soon as possible so it does not imper her speech as it did for Jakob.

Last Minute Shopping at CVS

2011-11-30T19:09:00.001-06:00

$82 Worth of Product for $31 at CVS

Today is the end of the month, which means many coupons expire TODAY! There were a decent number of specials at CVS with their spend $30 and get a $10 gift card. I purchase a set of $30 and then use the next $10 gift card on the next transaction. I was supposed to have Pampers Wipes, but after looking at my picture I realized they did not have them and I was not charged. The system took my coupon though or the cashier was nice and forced it through. Overall, I spent a little over $31 out of pocket, but according to my receipts I saved right at $50! The diapers alone would have been approximately $10 each at Target and size D batteries are expensive wherever you purchase them. We use D batteries for Ashlyn's swing and many of her other toys, so they are important!

Transaction #1
4 - Pantene products $3.49

-$3/2 Pantene product, excl trial size, PG 11/27, PG 10/30 (EXP 11/30)

-$1.50 CVS Coupon

Duracell D Batteries - $9.99

-.75/1 Duracell rechargeable batteries, charger or 6 pk + hearing aid batteries, PG 10/16, PG 10/30

2 - Nature Made Vitamin C B1G1 - $6.79

-$1 off Nature Made product, SS 11/06 (exp 12/06)

-$10.00 CVS Gift Card (from last visit)
Total Due: $11.80
Get Back: $10.00 CVS Gift Card

Transaction #2
Pampers Diapers $9.50
-$1.50 off Pampers diapers or pants, P&G Everyday Solutions home mailer
Pampers Diapers $9.50

-$2 off Pampers diapers or pants AND wipes 60 ct +, PG 11/27

2 - Dawn $0.99

-.50/1 Dawn product, PG 10/30

-.50/1 Dawn product, PG 10/30
Dayquil - $9.99
-$1 off Vicks product, PG 10/30 (EXP 11/30)

-$10.00 CVS Gift Card

Total Due: $17.04
Get Back: $10.00 CVS Gift Card

Transaction #3
2 - Jif Peanut Butter $2.50 (Raincheck Item)
CVS Tylenol $3.99
CVS Motrin $3.99

-$10.00 CVS Gift Card

Total Due: $2.98
Get Back: $6.00 ECB ($3.00 from Jif Peanut Butter, $3.00 from CVS Medicine)

Catching up on My Menu Planning

2011-11-26T19:46:00.000-06:00

I have really enjoyed having a dinner menu and the other day, worked on catching up and getting the dinner menu planned out! I have about halfway through December planned out and will continue to add as we go since things have to get adjusted here and there based on events and if there are too many leftovers.

(If you click on the calendar, it will open it full size and is easier to read.)

5 More lbs Lost!

2011-11-22T11:28:00.000-06:00

The last time I posted was when I hit my 5% goal. When I weighed on November 14th, I had lost an additional 5 lbs and weighed in at 159.4 lbs! Yesterday, when I weighed I was 159.6, so not a huge gain which was good. It was a pretty stressful week and I did not count well and sugary snacks sure tasted GOOD that previous week! Yesterday, I ate pretty healthy and today is starting out to be good. My goal is to eat good the days this week that will be easiest to control, since Thursday is Thanksgiving and no matter what I will have wonderful food with my family and friends.

My current goal is 153 lbs. I am currently wearing size 14 jeans and they are loose in the afternoon once they have stretched during the day. However, I cannot fit into my old size 12 jeans that are currently in the closet. Part of me wants to buy new jeans though once I hit my next sizing! I started back on Weight Watchers on August 15th and so far have lost 10.6 lbs and averaging about 0.8 lbs per week.

The one thing I have been missing is my exercise. I have not used our elliptical and I can tell. Ashlyn was sleeping through the night and within the last few weeks she has been waking up starving in the middle of the night! I think she is going through a growth spurt! We are about to start rice cereal and mixing it with something to add some flavor since she is not a fan of the rice cereal plain. I looked back to pictures of Jakob and the first thing he ate right at 4 months was carrots and cereal together. She is currently sick which has put a toll on both Jeff and me and has been wiping my energy to exercise.

Saturday Shopping at CVS

2011-11-13T12:31:00.001-06:00

I went to CVS yesterday evening and picked some of the items on their "Spend $30 Get a $10". I had remaining money on last week's gift card deal and also redeemed enough points from SwagBucks for another $10 Giftcard! Overall, for the above I spent $19.99 out of pocket and have another $10 giftcard for this week! Jakob and I also were able to get our flu shots taken care of while we were there!

I have also been keeping and tracking my receipts for the $10 savings toward CARS 2. If you spend $20 in specific products, you can get a $10 mail in rebate after you purchase CARS 2. The items on the list are items we buy regularly, and I think we are around $15 purchased already between the Scott toilet paper above and Kleenex from a Kroger trip a few weeks back.

Lysol Wipes $2.50
-$1 off Lysol wipes, extra-large, October All You magazine
Scott's Toilet Paper $3.49
Scott's Toilet Paper $3.49
Duracell Batteries 16ct $10.99
-$1 off Duracell product, P&G Everyday Solutions home mailer
Delsym Cough Syrup $12

-$2.00 CVS Gift Card (Remaining from last week)

-$10.00 CVS Gift Card (from SwagBucks)

Total Due: $19.99
Received $10.00 Gift Card to use next time.

CVS Sunday Shopping Trip

2011-10-31T21:19:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I went to CVS or Walgreens due to schedules and not really seeing anything that really made me want to go. However this last weekend was different when I looked at the CVS ad! I was able to pick up 48ct DayQuil packs which we were out of and household items that were needed. I also bought the Planters Cashews for my grandfather as a small item for Christmas. He loves peanuts. Overall, I spent $17.22 out of pocket and have about $2 remaining on a CVS gift card for the next trip!

CVS Shopping on Sunday, October 30, 2011
$4 ECB WYB Schick Quattro for Men or Women Razor, 1 ct., or Refill, 4 ct., $8.99 Limit 1

-$4 off Schick Quattro for Women refill, SS 9/25

-$0.50 ECB
Used SwagBucks $25 CVS Giftcard

Spend $30 - Get $10 Gift Card (I chose $10 CVS to use toward more products!)

2 - Vicks NyQuil, DayQuil, 48 ct., Liquid, 24 oz, or Nature Fusion Liquid/Caplet, combo pk., $9.99

-$1 off Vicks product, PG 10/02 (EXP 10/31)

Always Pads, 14-24 ct., or Pantliners, 30-60 ct., $3

-$1 off Always pads, clean or feminine cleansing cloths, PG 10/02 (EXP 10/31)

2 - Planters Mixed Nuts, 10.3 oz, or Cashew Halves, 8 oz, $3

-$4 ECB
Used Remaining SwagBucks $25 CVS Giftcard
Total Due: $17.22

2 - $2 ECB WYB Listerine Zero, Advanced, Total Care 500ml, Reach Toothbrush, 1-3 pk., Floss, 30 yds., $3.99 Limit 2

-$2 off Listerine Total Care Zero, RP 10/09

2 - Excedrin 8ct (Raincheck Item - $1 RR WYB Excedrin 8ct, Limit 2)

Used $10 CVS Gift Card toward purchase

2 - Tide Detergent, 31-40 loads, $5.94

-$2 off Tide or Gain powder detergent, SS 9/11 (EXP 10/31)

-$4 ECB

-$2 ECB
Used $10 CVS Gift Card toward purchase

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $96.29
Total Spent: $17.22
Total Saved:$79.07 or 82%
ECB Remaining: $0.00
************************************************

Halloween Activities

2011-10-31T20:41:00.000-05:00

We all visited the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, including my mom! We had a great time together and were able to get some fun pictures together! For Halloween, Jakob was Iron Man and Ashlyn was a flower. Ashlyn and I visited our street and said hi to everyone and afterwards, Jeff and Jakob went on the streets nearby us to finish a little more Trick-or-Treating.

I also made these fun crafts for Ashlyn's teachers and Jakob's teachers for school. I found the instructions from a friend's blog, Roberta, and they were quite easy to make. I have not used a sewing machine since I was a kid, but had decided to get one to help with sewing Jakob's Cub Scout patches on and figured I would have other fun things I can make.

Jakob - Tiger Cub Scouts!

2011-10-23T21:50:00.003-05:00

Jakob had his first Cub Scout meeting last week and participated in his first event, the Raingutter Regatta. He really enjoyed painting his boat and racing it.

After all the boys raced their boats, it was time for ice cream! Jakob thought this was great and based on where he was standing he worked on three bowls of ice cream! Since they originally said GO when it was time to start eating the ice cream, I thought it was a race! So I hurried him along at first! Oops! As I recorded him eating, I laughed because he looks around to see if anyone is watching him eat out of all three bowls! So silly!

At the meeting last Monday, he learned about eating healthy and colored a food pyramid chart. His homework this month is to plan and practice a family fire drill and test the smoke detectors.

On Saturday, we went and got his uniform and all the patches for it. On Sunday, I decided to order a basic sewing machine from Amazon to make it easier to sew the patches on and for other random things. On Monday evening, he will attend his first Pack Show and it will focus on Responsibility. Since it is October, the boys and siblings can wear their costumes. I'm glad he can wear his costume since it gives me a little more time to get his uniform ready! Knowing me, I will create a spreadsheet to track what we have completed and what he needs especially since we have two months to catch up on since we were unaware of the local group in our area. One of the electives is going to a zoo to learn about animals which we were already planning a trip next Saturday! Personally, I think Jakob is really going to enjoy Cub Scouts because he is a busy person!

5% Weight Loss!

2011-10-17T19:54:00.000-05:00

Beginning on August 15, 2011, I started back up on Weight Watchers after having Ashlyn on July 19th. After weighing this morning, I entered my weight of 161.4. I have lost approximately 8 lbs and hit my 5% goal today! I am averaging about a pound a week which I am happy with since my weight is slowly dropping and has been staying off. It was exciting to go to JcPenney's on Saturday and purchase jeans smaller than the ones I bought when I went back to work about a month ago! I need to get new work pants, but hoping for another sale this weekend before getting them. :)

Overall, I feel like I am eating better and am more concious of what I eat even on rough weeks when I do not record what I eat. Today, I made sure to get back into recording my food as I still have weight to lose and suspect it could be harder to lose after I get under 160 lbs. My exercise comes and goes on the elliptical in the mornings. It depends on when Ashlyn decides she is hungry for her breakfast in the morning. She is pretty consistent which will continue to help in my routine to get in 20-30 minutes in the morning. I prefer exercising in the morning since it seems like the evenings are full of Jakob's homework and other random chores.

$443.27 Coupons to Atsugi, Japan

2011-10-08T15:58:00.001-05:00

Another month has gone by and I have pulled my expired coupons to send to military over in Japan. So far since starting in July, I have sent over $2300 worth of coupons to Japan for the men and women serving overseas in the military! If you would like to learn how to do the same, visit the Overseas Coupon Program website. It's easy to do and I send monthly using First Class Mail. It cost me about $1.50 to send them the coupons monthly. I figure I save enough money using the ones I do that I can afford to send them rather than recycle or trash them.

CVS and Walgreen's Shopping Trips

2011-09-17T15:44:00.005-05:00

CVS 9/11/11

Transaction #1
$6.79 ECB WYB Rephresh Brilliant pH Tampons, 18 ct., $6.79 Limit 1

-$1 off RepHresh Brilliant Tampons Super or Reg printable

-$2.00 ECB

-$1.00 ECB

-$0.99 ECB

Total Due: $0.87
Get Back: $6.79 ECB

Transaction #2
$3 ECB WYB Pampers Baby Dry, Swaddlers or Cruisers Box $18.99
Ritz Crackers $2.50

-FREE CVS Ritz Crackers Coupon

-$2.00 Pampers Coupon (Home Mailer)

-$1.00 CVS Pampers Coupon

-$6.79 ECB

Total Due: $9.86
Get Back: $3.00 ECB

Walgreens 9/11/11

Transaction #1
$3 RR WYB (2) Vicks Nyquil, Dayquil, or Nature Fusion at $6 ea.

-$3/2 Vicks product, PG 8/28

-$5.00 Gift Card

Total Due: $4.00
Get Back: $3.00 RR

Transaction #2
Huggies Wipes, 184 or 216 ct., $4.99

-$2 off Huggies diapers big pk., or wipes 184-216 ct., Infant Care booklet

-.75/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct., +, excl trial size, Porque Sabes Chorrar Compras booklet

Dawn Dish Liquid, 9 oz, 99¢

-.25/1 Dawn product, Organize in Style home mailer

M&M's $0.50 w/in-ad coupon

-$3.00 RR

Total Due: $0.52

CVS 9/8/11
I also went to CVS on Thursday with my mom and purchased shaving cream, personal items, and some free chocolate. Overall, I spent about $0.50 on my FREE CVS giftcard from SwagBucks. I was quite happy with my purchase last week.

Ashlyn Mackenzie Smith

2011-09-05T14:20:00.000-05:00

Back in April, Jeff and I met friends at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church. We both enjoyed going and finding out the church was starting a ‘daughter’ church closer to our home. We continued to attend Grace Avenue along with attending the Preview Services for the new church, Cross Way United Methodist Church.

On Monday, July 18, 2011, Chris, the Pastor for Cross Way, and his wife, Melissa, came over to our house to visit. He wanted to get together and visit since he figured once Ashlyn arrived it would be more difficult. After visiting and on their way out the door, Melissa asked if we had anyone lined up to stay with Jakob in case Ashlyn decided to make her appearance in the middle of the night. We both looked at each other and said we honestly did not have anyone officially lined up. They told us not to hesitate to call since they lived within five minutes.

Jeff and I were watching television when I originally felt some minor discomfort. I figured Ashlyn was just pressing on a nerve or something, but around 10:00PM, it continued and I was getting even more uncomfortable. I tried to sleep, which did not happen. Right at midnight, my water broke and Jeff called Chris. Melissa came right over and Jeff and I headed to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital around 12:30AM and were able to get checked into my room. The labor was quick and Ashlyn Mackenzie Smith was born on 7/19/2011 at 3:11AM. She weighed 7lb 7oz and was 19.5 inches long.

After arriving home from the hospital, Chris and Melissa messaged the church and told everyone Ashlyn was born. They wanted to set up meals for us to help and other members started bringing dinners the Sunday after we arrived home. Every other day, another generous member brought dinner for us. Jeff and I were speechless over the generosity and were realizing more and more how much this was becoming our church home.

Menu Plans 9/4-9/10

2011-09-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

Here is our menu plans this week. I'm cooking Apple Pork Chops ad the BBQ Chicken from Menus4Moms this week and cooking the leftovers of Cheesy Spirals at the end of this week. I haven't decided how I am cooking the sausage on Friday. I am tired of cutting it and putting barbecue sauce on it. Hopefully I can find a new recipe the whole family enjoys.

Sunday: Sandwiches served with chips
Monday: Leftover Buffet
Tuesday: Apple Pork Chops served with potatoes and green peas
Wednesday: BBQ Chicken served with rice and corn
Thursday: Leftover Buffet
Friday: Sausage
Saturday: Cheesy Spirals served with carrots and Crescent Rolls

Friday Finals - 9/2

2011-09-01T08:47:00.000-05:00

We did good this week overall on our total spending along with our totals on groceries and household items! The goal is to keep it up to continue to spend less, save more, and pay more toward credit cards! So overall, we spent $86.76 and saved $135.50 last week! We went a total of $109 after including fast food and a few other odds and ends, but overall it appears my discount shopping is getting back underway!

Walgreens
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $62.42
Total Spent: $25.44
Total Saved:$48.14 or 77%

Kroger
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $67.64
Total Spent: $42.35
Total Saved:$25.29 or 37%

Target - I had purchased composition notebooks during the summer for school because in the past have had to let kids have them, but this year many students have brought them allowing me to return mine to the store. We also had a $25.00 gift card that we received as a gift which helped too!

CVS

Total Before Savings and Coupons: $7.66
Total Spent: $0.49 on FREE $25 SwagBucks Giftcard
Total Saved:$7.17 or 94%

$649.63 Coupons to Atsugi, Japan for Overseas Military

2011-08-31T20:56:00.002-05:00

Did you know you can send expired coupons to overseas military bases? The program is called the Overseas Coupon Program (OCP) and serves military and their families. They can use these coupons up to six months after the expiration at the commissaries if they are stationed abroad!

I chose a US Naval Air Facility in Atsugi, Japan since it is where my brother was stationed for quite some time. Randy loved being in Japan and figure I will help others save money while they are there! Randy is still serving in the US Navy and I am extremely proud to be his sister! It sure is hard to believe he joined over thirteen years ago!

This is now my fourth month of sending coupons overseas. I received a letter of thanks at the beginning of July. There are $98.15 in food coupons and $551.48 in non-food coupons for men and women of our country to use.

Here's how you can participate!

Pick a base and then adopt the base (so they know you plan to send coupons)
Cut your coupons (Instead of throwing away coupons I will not use now, I cut them and store them until I'm ready to mail. On a monthly basis, I plan to mail them along with other expired coupons.)
Sort them by Food and Non-Food (I have two envelopes ready to sort as I go to make it less of a hassle)
Total the batch by dollar amount (This is to help them determine if they need adoptions at the variety of bases and where they need coupons sent.)
Place each batch in a separate envelope (As long as the envelope is not more than 3.5 ounces, they can be mailed using first class stamps. I weigh mine using a kitchen scale!)
Send a report to OCP

Week 1 - $25 CVS Gift Card

2011-08-30T18:30:00.000-05:00


Week 1 - $25 CVS Gift Card

I received my $25 CVS gift card from SwagBucks the other day and only had a few items I wanted at CVS this week. I was debating the Pantene, but thought there might be a better deal so I decided to wait. When I went in and scanned my card at the coupon center, it printed a store coupon for a FREE package of Always Liners. I went and picked those up and then walked over to pick up the Dawn dishwasher soap. The soap was on sale for $0.99 each and there were 50 cent coupons in the paper making them only $0.49 cents each. I had a $1.00 ECB remaining that was expiring on the first and wanted to use it. When I went to the register, the system took up the full value for the liners and ended up making me about 30 cents. I decided to use the little extra on some cups for Jakob. We picked up some very similar at Target for $3.00 and ended up getting these for $0.75 before the extra coupons. Overall, I spent $0.49 on my gift card and have $24.51 remaining. I also saved $7.17 or 94% if I was using cash.

Transaction
2 - Dawn Dish Soap $0.99

-.50/1 Dawn product, PG 8/28

1 - Always 20 ct. Liners $1.49
-$1.77 FREE CVS Coupon
1 - Summer Cups on Clearance $0.75
-$1.00 ECB
Total Due: $0.49

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $7.66
Total Spent: $0.49 on FREE $25 SwagBucks Giftcard
Total Saved:$7.17 or 94%
ECB Remaining: $0.00
************************************************

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

Visiting the Public Library and Weekend Coupon Shopping

2011-08-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

Jakob and I went to the Public Library Saturday morning to get him more Level 1 and Level 2 books to read. I am trying really hard to make sure we read a minimum of one book a day which is about fifteen to twenty minutes for him to get through those levels.

After the library, we went to Kroger to pick up the weekly groceries to work with our menu planned and turn in our pennies into the Coinstar. We had $12.17 worth of pennies collected and our change jar is much lighter now. I recently learned you can turn in change to the Coinstar locations and receive e-gift certificates toward specific locations depending on the location of the Coinstar. I thought the one I went to would let me put it toward Kroger, but it was not an option. I decided it was not a big issue and selected for the Amazon.com e-gift card.

At Kroger, I spent $42.35 and saved $25.29 or 37%. Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.

Spent $42.35 and saved $25.29 or 37%

Mega Event:
2 - Nutri-Grain Bars $2.49

-$1/2 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal bars, 6 ct +, RP 8/07

2 - Cheetos $1.99
Fritos $1.99
Jimmy Dean Sandwiches $3.99

-.75/1 Jimmy Dean Jimmy D's product, RP 7/31

2 - Sunny D $0.99

-.25/1 SunnyD product, SS 8/07

-.25/1 SunnyD product, SS 8/07
2 - Neslte Pure Life Water $2.99

-$1 off Nestle Pure Life water, 5 gal or (2) .5 L 24 pk printable

Produce:
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.43
Apples $1.69/lb - $4.23
Grapes 0.99/lb - $3.24
Potatoes $2.48

Fridge or Frozen:
3 - Oscar Mayer Lunchables $1.00
2 - Silk Milk $3.22

-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10

Groceries:
Tortillas $1.50
Campbell Cheddar Cheese Soup $1.50
Skinner Spiral Pasta $1.59
Kroger Pretzels $1.25

After church on Sunday, I went to Walgreen's for a few specific items and ended up doing good overall but it took some work this week. I really should just bring my coupon book with me to Walgreen's, but luckily I live nearby and made it work where I was able to use all of my leftover Register Rewards. There was a pretty good deal on P&G products and we were running low on the items. If you spent $30.00 (pre-coupons), you would get $10 back in RR. I then was able to turn around and purchase the other items below. Overall, I spent $26.45 and saved $52.34 or 66% today at Walgreen's. I spent more out of pocket today than I normally do, but I decided before buying everything it was still a really good price.

Spent $26.45 and Saved $52.34 or 66%

Transaction #1 - Buy $30 of P&G, Get $10 RR
4 - Cascade $4.00

-$1 off Cascade product, PG 7/31 (exp 08/31)

-$1 off Cascade product, PG 8/28

-$1 off Cascade product, PG 8/28
2 - Downy $4.00
-$1.50/2 Tide detergent or stain release or Downy product, PG 8/28
1 - Tide $6.00
-$1 off Tide detergent, PG 7/31 (exp 08/31)
Total Due: $25.44
Get Back: $10.00 RR

Transaction #2
2 - Vitamin C $6.99 (Buy 1 Get 1 Free)

-$1 off Nature Made products, SS 8/14

2 - Crest Complete Toothpaste $2.50 (Get $3.00 RR WYB 2)

-$1 off Crest toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, excl Cavity, Baking Soda or Tartar, PG 8/28

1 - Carmex Lip Gloss $1.50 (Get $1.50 RR WYB 1)
1 - Chicken Noodle Soup $0.59 w/in-ad coupon
-$10.00 RR
Total Due: $0.08
Get Back: $4.50 RR

Transaction #3
1 - Cottonelle Toilet Paper $5.00
-.75/1 Cottonelle toilet paper, 12 pk + or (2) 4 pk, SS 8/14
2- Chicken Noodle Soup $0.59 w/in-ad coupon

-$3.00 RR

-$1.50 RR

Total Due: $0.93

Menu Plans 8/28-9/3

2011-08-27T16:53:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday, I cooked Herbed Baked Red Potatoes. According to Weight Watchers, they are 3 points per serving and were pretty good. We are cooking the Cheesy Spirals dinner and Chicken Quesidillas this upcoming week from Menus4Moms. They both look really good and the Cheesy Spirals prepares extra to freeze for later! I must say creating the menus has sure helped our grocery bills since we are cooking what we have along with buying a few things here and there, plus we are not overspending on fast food! Last week, we spent $103 and went slightly over our new $100 weekly budget of groceries, household items, and other un-planned budgeted items.

Dinner Menu
Sunday: Roast served with potatoes and carrots (from freezer)
Monday: Cheesy Spirals served with peas and carrots
Tuesday: Leftover Buffet
Wednesday: Chicken Quesidillas served with Spanish rice and corn
Thursday: BBQ Pork served with potatoes and Ranch Style Beans
Friday: Leftover Buffet
Saturday: Dining Out

Jakob - First Week of 1st Grade

2011-08-27T10:20:00.000-05:00

Jakob's first day of First Grade on was on Monday, August 22, 2011. He is so excited to be in First Grade! He picked out a Star Wars backpack and a Star Wars lunch box this year.

When Jakob come home from his first day of First Grade, he had received a binder from his teacher with important information inside. On a piece of paper, his teacher had him and his classmates draw a picture with their name to put in the front of the notebook. He normally does not write his letters backwards, but he flipped his "S". I can tell he is not used to writing directly with markers because it is not as neat compared to when he writes with pencil.

Jakob brought home these papers on Wednesday, 8/24 from school.

I really liked how neatly he colored this page with his colors!

You can tell they have been talking about the rules and procedures this week. He even had to move his card on Thursday because he did not push in his chair after multiple warnings. I suspect it is a procedure he is just supposed to do without being reminded and he continued to not do it! Jakob remembered to do it on Friday!

We are supposed to read a minimum of fifteen minutes every night. Jakob picked the following books to read from his book shelf this week: Toy to Toy, The Great Race, On the Road, and Gordon's New View. I figured we would try to go the library today and let him pick out some more books for him to read. He has always loves going to the library. After looking at Scholastic's website, it appears many of the Level 1 and 2 Step-Into-Reading books are leveled as mid first grade to late first grade.

To finish the end of the first week, Jakob brought home a math paper and a paper focusing on upper and lower case letters.

This year, Jakob will have spelling words to study and test over them along with homework officially on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. We will continue to study his sight words since there is a list recommended he knows by October, so I'm assuming she will check/test him around that time frame for the list. Starting in two weeks, his spelling test, homework, and literacy books will be coming home.

Overall, I think Jakob has had a great week! He actually asked me one morning if I wouldn't pick him up so early from his "2nd school" (daycare) so he could play a little. I have been transitioning his time so when it is a little later when I go back to work it will not be so bad. They sure have been busy at school since he is exhausted in the evening and is ready for bed at 7pm!

Friday Finals - 8/26

2011-08-26T22:13:00.000-05:00

Kroger
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $71.68
Total Spent: $36.03
Total Saved:$35.65 or 49%

Staples
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $13.30
Total Spent: $7.30
Total Saved:$6.00 or 45%

So overall, we spent $57.60 and saved $92.07 last week! We stayed within our new $100 spending goal including other expenses that we had planned.

Weight Watcher's - Lost 1 lb Last Week

2011-08-25T10:01:00.001-05:00

This past Monday was a week since I started back up on Weight Watchers and have lost a pound so far. I had weighed myself at 5:30AM and then at 6:00AM. I actually weighed a little less at 5:30AM, but figured 6:00AM would be good since I could easily weigh each week at the same time. I'm still adjusting to the new point system and it seems most days I have about 10 points per meal on average. It's not extremely bad since I have 29 points currently per day and 49 extra weekly points. I'm also noticing I am not eating as many fruits and vegetables as the plan recommends. This week so far has gone pretty well and also figure when I go back to work it will be easier since I will not have to time to snack and will be moving more in the classroom.

Busy Monday! Jakob started 1st Grade and Saving at the Stores!

2011-08-22T19:23:00.000-05:00

Ashlyn and I had a busy day after dropping Jakob off for his first day of First Grade! It seems really odd to still be off of work, but I am still enjoying my time off with her of course. :) We went to the bank, Staples, Target, and Kroger. I used a $6.00 reward from turning in empty print cartridges at Staples and picked up paper for my students along with cord cover so my students or I do not trip over the cords running from my projector to my computer. Using my $6.00 reward, I spent $7.30 and saved approximately 45% off my purchase!

At Target, I returned an item and then quickly before getting the Kids SpinBrush Toothbrush for Jakob. They are normally $5.79 and were on sale for $4.63 and I had a $1.00 coupon! Between all the savings including my Target card, I spent $3.26 and saved $2.78!

Kroger did not have everything I was looking for today, but next week's ad is the same to my knowledge according to Southern Savers. I spent $36.03 and saved $35.65 or 49% today! I might check back next week for the items they were out of stock on with next week's purchases. Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00. No pictures this week...Ashlyn was hungry about halfway through my trip - had to stop and let her have a bottle! So overall, I was pretty exhausted after all the trips. We are on track of our weekly spending goal of no more than $100 counting everything from groceries, household, fast food, etc! This should really help with our budget especially with Ashlyn starting school soon too!

Fridge or Frozen:
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Skillets or Sandwiches, 14.8 -18 oz, $3.79
-.75/1 Jimmy Dean product (Facebook) printable

Groceries:
2 - Old El Paso Re-fried Beans 99¢
1 - Old El Paso Seasoning

-FREE Old El Paso Seasoning WYB 2 Old El Paso Product

2 - Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, 99¢

-.50/2 Betty Crocker boxed potatoes, excl buds and pouch printable

5 - SpaghettiOs, 14-15 oz, 49¢

-.50/5 Campbell’s Spaghettio’s pasta printable

2 - Del Monte Fruit Cup, 4-8 ct., $1.49
2 - Kellogg’s Cereal Frosted Mini Wheats, 17-25.5 oz, $2.49
-$1/2 Kellogg’s cereals, 8.7 oz +, RP 8/07
3 - Pop Tarts, 8 ct., $1.59
-$1/3 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts or Mini Crisps, 6 ct +, RP 7/24
2 - Heinz Ketchup $1.99

-.50/1 Heinz Ketchup 8/21 Insert

2 - Nature's Own 100% Wheat Bread $2.99 (B1G1)
King Hawaiian Snacker Rolls

-FREE King Hawaiin Snack Rolls

2 - Wolf Chili $1.67

-.50/2 Wolf Chili (Kroger Catalina Coupon)

Kroger Relish $1.00

Produce:
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.62
Red Potatoes $1.29/lb - $1.92
Red Apples 5/$2.00 - $2.00

Meat:
2 - Oscar Mayer Bologna or Wieners, 16 oz, $1.99

Personal Care:
Desitin Cream, 2 oz, $2.99

-$1 off Desitin Rapid Relief Cream printable

Menu Plans 8/21-8/27

2011-08-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

The Savory Swiss Steak from Menus4Moms last week was really good! Jeff said he wouldn't go out of his way to eat it all the time, but thought it was good. He said I cooked it just right and the meat was tender and not dry! Jakob liked the meat and ate it without complaints! Roland was not liking he had to eat the sauce on top of the meat, but we all have to try new things. I was surprised at how the carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, and onion cooked down -- it was so sweet and tasty!

I also cooked the Sesame Grilled Chicken and the Chicken Pepper Pasta. Personally, I liked the Sesame Grilled Chicken. It marinated most of the day and then Jeff cooked it in the oven for about thirty minutes at 350 degrees. It was tender and juicy. The leftovers were used for the Chicken Pepper Pasta recipe and it was okay. Jakob thought it was Chicken Spaghetti which it had a similar creamy cheese taste. I should have known Jeff would have been iffy on it since he's not much for cheese sauces on pasta at Olive Garden.

Here's the plans for this upcoming week. Jakob starts the first grade on Monday morning! I am teaching 8th grade math and algebra this year, but I return to school in a few more weeks once Ashlyn is a little older for school/daycare.

Sunday: Cheeseburgers served with french fries
Monday: Hamburger Helper served with carrots and rolls
Tuesday: Dining Out
Wednesday: Leftover Buffet
Thursday: Oven Fried Chicken served with mashed potatoes and green beans (Busy Mom Menu for August 22-26)
Friday: Leftover Roast served with carrots and potatoes
Saturday: Leftover Buffet

Rice Krispies, Cookies, Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essence, Degree Deodorant, Duracell, and Salt - $13

2011-08-21T12:40:00.000-05:00

As I was balancing our bank accounts for this upcoming month, I decided to give us a new goal for spending. I decided our goal would be $100 weekly. This would include groceries, household items, fast food, etc. I have gasoline budgeted and certain other items already budgeted, so I figured $100 weekly would be doable if I continue to watch the specials. This in turn will help us save more money and put more money toward credit cards.

So I went to Walgreen's today and bought a few grocery and household items. I was planning to purchase the Rice Krispies at Kroger, but they were cheaper (after the Register Rewards) at Walgreen's. The grocery items are planned for Jakob's lunches. Overall, I spent $13 today out of our weekly budget and I think I got a great amount of items!

Transaction #1
$1 RR WYB (2) Dove or Degree Deodorant 2.6-3 oz at $2 ea

-$1 off Degree Men or Women deodorant, RP 7/31

2 - Pantene Products $4.99

FREE Pantene Product (Home Mailer)

$1 RR WYB Herbal Essence at $3.00

FREE Herbeal Essance Product (Home Mailer)

Aussie Product at $3.00
FREE Aussie Product (Home Mailer)
Total Due: $2.00

Transaction #2
$5 RR WYB (4) Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats 8 pk, Keebler Cookies 11.5-16 oz or Cheez-it 9 oz at $2.50 ea

-$1/2 Kellogg’s Rice Krispies treats, 8 ct +, RP 8/07

-$1/2 Keebler cookies, 6.6 oz +, RP 8/07

-$1.00 RR

Total Due: $6.00

Transaction #3
$2 RR WYB (1) or $5 RR WYB (2) Duracell Coppertop Batteries AA/AAA 16 pk, C/D 8 pk or 9V 4 pk, at $9.99 ea

-.75/1 Duracell Coppertop, Ultra Advanced, Ultra Photo Lithium or specialty batteries, PG 7/31

-$5.00 RR
Total Due: $5.09

************************************************

Total Before Savings and Coupons: $58.43
Total Spent: $13.09
Total Saved:$45.34 or 78%
Remaining RR: $2.00

************************************************
Check out this week's Walgreen's ad here at Southern Savers!

Coupon Savings - August 1~August 19

2011-08-20T08:06:00.000-05:00

I have decided to switch my tracking over to the same way I budget our accounts based on how my husband and I get paid. Starting next month, my tracking of coupon savings will go from the 20th of the month to the 19th of the next month. I think this will help so I can set a true weekly goal and it should help us maintain it especially with school starting back up.

We spent $459.55 since August 1st and saved $284.36 with coupons and sales. This is an overall savings of 38%. I'm hoping our menus will continue to help with our overall spending.

CVS

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $24.85
Total Spent: $0.00 (Used FREE Gift Card from Dallas Morning News)
Total Saved:$24.85 or 100%
Remaining RR: $1.00

************************************************
Walgreen's

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $5.99
Total Spent: $5.99
Total Saved:$0
Remaining RR: $0

************************************************

Weekly Shopping Trips - Target, Costco, and JcPenney

2011-08-18T07:07:00.000-05:00

Since my mom came to visit on Saturday, I picked up everything we needed from Target to make it quicker and easier this week instead of also going to Kroger. I did not have too many items on the list. We spent $52.21 and saved $24.85 or 32%. We bought groceries, personal items, and batteries.

On Tuesday, I needed to get a few things from Costco. Since school starts back up on Monday we needed some basic breakfast items. I picked up a few things for my classroom and we found a Halloween costume for Jakob for about half the cost it would have been at Party City in October, so I went ahead and purchased it.

Weekly Grocery/Household Stores:
Total Before sales and coupons: $172.21
Total spent: $122.96
Total saved: $49.25 or 29%

Jeff, Roland, Jakob, Ashlyn, my mom, and I went ot JcPenney's on Saturday evening after dinner. We had two $10 off $10 coupons and a few $10 off $25 coupons to use. Roland was able to get lots of new clothes for school and we finished the gift card my mom purchased for him earlier in the summer. Overall, my mom spent $118.39 for everything below including the gift card. Factoring the gift card out, she only spent $82.24. Roland's jeans by themselves were $20 each and his shirts were $10 each. Without the additional coupons, we would have spent $140 plus tax on just Roland. However, we were also able to get Jakob new underwear and a Halloween shirt for Ashlyn. The store was super busy with Back-to-School shopping along with their advertised deals and coupons. Sections in the store were well picked over!

Weight Watcher's - 5% Goal

2011-08-15T21:20:00.001-05:00

The first goal is to lose 5% of my current weight. I weighed 170.2 lbs on Monday, August 15, 2011. My first goal is to get to 161.7 lbs. I did Weight Watchers after I had Jakob and did well and dropped back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. I have plans to do it again now that Ashlyn has made her appearance.

I have 29 points per day with a weekly extra of 49 to use. Today, I used 30 points. Tomorrow, I told Jakob we would go to McDonald's. I know I will use extra points, but the reason I have always liked Weight Watchers because it is not a diet. I am planning on having the grilled chicken sandwich for lunch tomorrow with french fries.

I had Jeff take a picture of me Monday night since it would be nice to have a before and after picture as mentioned on the "To Do" list from Weight Watchers.

Starting Back to Weight Watchers

2011-08-15T08:22:00.002-05:00

Today, I am starting back on Weight Watchers. I found a link for 7 free days and then will do the three month plan at $65.00. I like how it is now available on my phone for easy tracking for on the go! On July 19, 2011, my husband and I had our little baby girl and I am now up to watching what I eat to begin losing the extra weight off. I am currently at 170.2 lbs and would like to get back down to at least 150 lbs. I return to work on September 12th and would like to be able to fit better in some of my pre-pregnancy clothes or at least closer.

Menu Plans 8/14-8/20

2011-08-13T15:40:00.002-05:00

Using Menus4Moms, we did fairly well last week with our menu. I already did the shopping for this week and have everything we need for the menu below. Some of the recipes are new for us so hopefully we will like them and I will try to mention about them next week!

Dinner Plans
Sunday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce served with French Bread
Monday: Savory Swiss Steak served with Potatoes and Carrots (Busy Mom Menu for August 15-19)
Tuesday: Sesame Grilled Chicken served with Green beans and Potatoes (Busy Mom Menu for August 15-19)
Wednesday: Leftover Buffet
Thursday: Chicken Pepper Pasta (using leftover chicken from Tuesday) (Busy Mom Menu for August 15-19)
Friday: Leftover Buffet
Saturday: Leftover Roast served with Carrots and Potatoes

Kroger and Target Coupon Shopping

2011-08-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

This last week, we went to Target and Kroger. At Target, we purchased lots of great school supplies and two more containers of Similac Soy Milk with coupons and rebate checks! That puts us at six containers this month at an $11.00 cost rather than paying full price at $23.49 each! We had huge savings at Target with spending $62.18 and saving $60.44 or 49%!

Total Before sales and coupons: $245.75
Total spent: $141.89
Total saved: $103.86 or 42%

At Kroger, we were stocking up on sale items. Here's the break down of everything Jeff and I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00. No pictures this week...since Ashlyn was born we have been a little busy!

Fridge or Frozen:
10 - Smart One Varieties (Price ranging between $2.00~$2.18)

-$3/10 Weight Watchers Smart Ones printable

16 - Yoplait Yogurt $0.60
-.50/8 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
-.50/8 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
Milk $2.39
Eggs $1.69

Groceries:
2 - Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls $1.25
-.50/2 Pillsbury sweet rolls or grands sweet rolls printable
2 - Pillsbury Biscuits $1.25
-.40/2 Pillsbury Grands! or Grands! Jr. biscuits printable
2 - Pillsbury Breads $1.50
-.40/2 Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads printable
2 - Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $1.25
-.50/2 Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls printable
6 - Chef Boyardee $1.00
-.35/1 Chef Boyardee cans or microwave pastas, SS 8/07
-.35/1 Chef Boyardee cans or microwave pastas, SS 8/07
6 - Hunt's Snack Pack $1.00

-$0.45/3 Hunt's Snack Pack (8/7 insert)

3 - Hamburger Helper $1.00
-.75/3 Betty Crocker Hamburger, Tuna or Chicken Helper, SS 7/17

Produce:
Granny Smith Apples $1.69/lb - $5.04
Red Apples $1.35/lb - $3.75
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.30

Meat:
5 - Hillshire Lunch Meat $3.00
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)
-.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat, RP 7/10 (exp 08/13)

Household:
Cottonelle Toilet Paper - $5.99
-.75/1 Cottonelle bathroom tissue, 12 pk + or (2) 4 pk, SS 7/17

Menu Plans 8/7-8/13

2011-08-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am finally able to get back into our weekly menus. It has been a while since I have used Menus4Moms and decided to subscribe to them and try out their detail menu. Since I wanted to try to cook primarily what we already had on-hand, here is what we will probably will be eating this week!

Dinner Plans
Sunday: Leftover Roast served with Carrots and Potatoes
Monday: Leftover Lasagna served with Garlic Bread
Tuesday: Ham and Bow-Tie Pasta served with Dinner Rolls
Wednesday: Tacos, Refried Beans, Chips
Thursday: Leftover Buffet
Friday: BBQ Sausage served with Rice and Corn
Saturday: Dining Out

Morning Shopping Trip between Feeding Ashlyn!

2011-08-02T17:26:00.000-05:00

Ashlyn had a bottle at 8:00AM this morning and shortly after she finished I got around so we could quickly run to CVS, Post Office, and Kroger. We did well and made it home before she was hungry! We did not need much from these stores, but the main goal was purchasing the newborn diapers from CVS since we were almost out! She is much smaller than Jakob was at birth. I picked up Centrum vitamins, 2 Dawn soaps, and Pampers newborn diapers. I used a FREE $20 gift card that I received from ordering my newspapers. Overall, I only spent $6.40 on the card.

Transaction #1
$2 ECB WYB Caltrate, 60 ct., or Centrum, 100-110 ct., or Kids Chewable, 80 ct., $8.99 Limit 1

-$2 off Centrum Reg or Silver Women’s or Men’s product, 100 ct, RP 5/15

2 - Dawn Dish Liquid Soap $0.99
-.50/1 Dawn product, PG 7/31

-.50/1 Dawn product, PG 7/31

-$2.00 ECB

-$3.00 ECB

-$1.99 ECB

Total Due: $1.00

Transaction #2
$1 ECB WYB Pampers Jumbo Pack Swaddlers, Cruisers, Baby Dry or Easy Ups $8.99 Limit 1

-$2 off Pampers Swaddlers Reg or Sensitive, or Cruisers Diapers PG 7/31

-$2.00 ECB

Total Due: $5.40

At Kroger, I spent $21.22 and saved $15.67 or 42%. Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.

4 - Silk Chocolate Soy Milk $2.79
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
2 - Cheetos $1.99
2 - Fritos $1.99
Lays Chips $2.50
6 - Yoplait Yogurt $0.70
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups, SS 7/10

Saturday and Sunday Shopping

2011-07-31T20:03:00.001-05:00

Saturday evening, Jeff and I went to the mall to JcPenney's and Bath & Body Works. We did excellent with coupons at both locations.

At JcPenney's, Ashlyn got four new outfits for $6.99 out of pocket! We had a coupon for $10 off of $25 and a $10 reward coupon from the previous month when we bought the curtains for our bedroom. Her outfits were also all from the clearance racks making it an even better deal! JcPenney's also sent us another $10 off $10 coupon and Jeff picked up a clearanced shirt for $15 that he got for $5 plus taxes.

Bath & Body Works was running their soaps on sale. The special was either 5 for $15 or 7 for $20. They sent me an email for $10 off $30 so I was able to purchase another item that I put back for a gift. My mom started buying us these soaps after we moved to our house and we have really started liking them. Regular price is $5.50 each if they are not on sale, so it was a great time to stock up. Since I was already thinking about spending $20, I loved the idea of getting something for around $10 free due to the $10 off $30 coupon!

Today, Jeff and I went to Staples, Target, and Kroger after church. We were primarily shopping the sales with coupons. At Target, they had Similac Soy Formula on sale for $21.00 each for a 1.37 lb container. These are normally $23.49 each. We bought four with $5.00 off coupons making each one $16. Similac recently sent a sample in the mail containing four $5.00 off checks toward the purchase of Similac. There were no restrictions regarding using them with other discounts. The only listed fine print was the item had to cost more than the check, which they did. Overall, we paid $11.00 each before the Target 5% discount.

At Kroger, we went for a few sale items. A few items were not listed the same as the ad and they were either incorrect or due to the ad being marked for a different store. We decided not to worry about it and check possibly the other store based on the discount. We spent $30.63 today and saved $23.00 or 42%.

Here's the break down of everything Jeff and I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.

Fridge or Frozen:
6 - Yoplait Yogurts $0.70
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups, SS 6/12 (exp 08/06)
2 - 2% Milk
-2 FREE 2% WYB FOUR General Mills Cereals/Granola Bars
2 - Silk Soymilk $2.79 (on sale through 8/7 - plan to purchase a few more)
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
5 - Smart One Meals $2.18

Grocery:
2 - Honey Nut Cheerios $2.79

-$1.00 Honey Nut Cheerios (Internet Coupon)

2 - Cheerios $2.79
-$1/2 General Mills Cheerios cereal printable
Pillsbury Brownie $1.00
-.40/1 Pillsbury Frosting or Brownie mix, RP 6/12
2 - Baby Ruth $0.50

Produce:
Cucumbers $0.67 each - $1.34
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.17
Roma Tomatoes $1.00/lb - $0.80

Sending Coupons for Military in Atsugi, Japan

2011-07-30T10:31:00.000-05:00

Did you know you can send expired coupons to overseas military bases/ The program is called the Overseas Coupon Program (OCP) and serves military and their families. They can use these coupons up to six months after the expiration at the commissaries if they are stationed abroad!

I chose a US Naval Air Facility in Atsugi, Japan since it is where my brother was stationed for quite some time. Randy loved being in Japan and figure I will help others save money while they are there! Randy is still serving in the US Navy and I am extremely proud to be his sister! It sure is hard to believe he joined over thirteen years ago!

This is now my third month of sending coupons overseas. I received a letter of thanks at the beginning of July. Overall, there was $80.10 in food coupons and $425.72 in non-food coupons for men and women of our country to use.

Here's how you can participate!

Pick a base and then adopt the base (so they know you plan to send coupons)
Cut your coupons (Instead of throwing away coupons I will not use now, I cut them and store them until I'm ready to mail. On a monthly basis, I plan to mail them along with other expired coupons.)
Sort them by Food and Non-Food (I have two envelopes ready to sort as I go to make it less of a hassle)
Total the batch by dollar amount (This is to help them determine if they need adoptions at the variety of bases and where they need coupons sent.)
Place each batch in a separate envelope (As long as the envelope is not more than 3.5 ounces, they can be mailed using first class stamps. I weigh mine using a kitchen scale!)
Send a report to OCP

Razors, Shaving Cream, Bar Soap, Hand Soap, Pens, and More! - Only $2.62!

2011-07-26T18:27:00.000-05:00

It has been a few weeks since I have been to CVS. The sale items this week sparked my attention and Jeff and I stopped by the store on the way home from many appointments and errands yesterday. Jakob was excited since I purchased the Spongebob Softsoap. Here is what we purchased for the week.

Transaction #1
$10 ECB WYB $20 any Playtex and Schick Product Limit 1
2 - Schick Quattro Titanium Cartridges, 4 ct., or Disposable Razors $9.49

-B1G1 Schick disposable razors, max $13.99, excl 2 ct, SS 6/26

-$1 off Schick disposable razor pk, SS 7/17, SS 6/19
2 - Skintimate Shave Gel or Cream $2.49

-$1.50 off Skintimate shave cream printable

-$3.82 Gift Card from SwagBucks

-$6.00 Money Card from Returning Toothpaste

Total: $0.86

Transaction #2
$3 ECB WYB (3) Mennen, Irish Spring or Softsoap products Limit 1
Softsoap Liquid or Foaming Hand Soap $2

-.35/1 Softsoap liquid hand soap, 8 oz +, SS 7/24

2 - Irish Spring Bar Soap, 2 pk $3.00

-.50/2 Irish Spring body wash, 3 pk +, excl 2.5 oz or 2 bar pk, SS 7/24

$2 ECB WYB U by Kotex Tampons, Pads or Liners $3.49 Limit 1

-$1 off Kotex U pads, excl trial size, SS 7/24

$1.99 ECB PaperMate Grip Pens $1.99 Limit 1

-$10.00 ECB

Total: $1.76

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $34.83
Total Spent: $2.62
Total Saved:$32.21 or 92%
ECB Remaining: $6.99
************************************************
Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

$34 Saved or 42% - Spent $46

2011-07-03T19:48:00.004-05:00

Our last stop today was Kroger and consisted of Jeff, Jakob, and myself. We pretty much went for a few basic supplies and to pick up the specials. Overall, we spent $46.08 and saved $33.69. I really like how now that we have gotten back into shopping at Kroger, our totals are getting closer and closer to $40/week toward groceries. This helps especially since today at Target, we spent money toward decorating the babies' room. We purchased curtains, wall art, and a flower rug for her room since they were on sale too!

Here's the break down of everything we purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 50 cents to a $1.00.

Mega Event (Buy 10 participating products, get $3 off instantly. Prices listed are after instant savings):
2 - Capri Sun or Kool-Aid Jammers, 10 ct., $1.81
Country Time Canister, 99¢
-$1 off Country Time Drink Mix Kroger eCoupon
Kool-Aid, 99¢
6 - Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, 6-10 ct., $1.99

-.50/2 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, SS 5/22

2 - Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits, 8 ct., 99¢
-.40/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands biscuits, SS 4/17
2 - Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Mix, $1.69
2 - Country Crock, 45 oz, $2.39

-.40/1 Country Crock spread (Facebook) printable

2 - Fritos $1.69
2 - Cheetos $1.69

Fridge or Frozen:
2% Milk - $2.39

Grocery:
2 - Lay's Potatoe Chips $1.99
2 - Baird's Bread B1G1 - $2.99
Kroger Hot Dog Buns - $1.19
Kroger Hamburger Buns - $1.00

Produce:
Apples - $1.31¢/lb - $3.62
Bananas - 49¢/lb - $1.67
1 - Cucumber 88¢

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $79.77
Total Spent: $46.08
Total Saved:$33.69
************************************************

Shampoo, Mousse, Dish Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, and MORE for $6.18!!

2011-07-03T17:07:00.001-05:00

I started using my second $10 CVS gift card today from SwagBucks. I actually spent a little more out of pocket today, so hopefully I can still get this to last a few more weeks! However, today's purchase has many good items we needed. The manager at the CVS actually reminded me about the Hershey chocolate. I had not realized the coupon printed from the machine had said FREE on it! I brought a buy one get one for the toothbrushes, when I should have used two $2/1 coupons. I would have spent about $1 less out of pocket, but oh well. I always save these toothbrushes for trips. After today, I have $3.82 remaining on my gift card and spent $6.18.

Transaction #1
$2 ECB WYB Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner, 13.5-14.2 oz, $4.99 Limit 1

-B1G1 Head & Shoulders shampoo or conditioner, PG 7/03

$2 ECB WYB Tampax Pearl Tampons or Always Infinity Pads, 14-20 ct., $3.99

-$1 off Always Infinity product 14 ct +, PG 7/03, PG 6/05

-$0.50 ECB

-$6.00 ECB

Total: $1.48

Transaction #2
$1 ECB WYB (2) Aussie or Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner, 10.1-13.5 oz, or Styler, 6-14 oz, $3.48 ea.

-$1 off Herbal Essence or Aussie product RP 6/12

-$3 off Herbal Essences or Aussie stylant WYB any product, PG 7/03
$1 ECB WYB Oral-B Advantage or Cross Action Toothbrush $3 Limit 2
-B1G1 Oral-B Toothbrush
Dawn, 9.5-10.3 oz, 99¢
Hershey's Air Delight $1.19

-FREE Hershey's Air Delight (CVS Coupon)

-$2.00 ECB

Total: $3.20

Transaction #3
Colgate Kids Toothpaste $3.00 WYB 2 or More
-.75/1 Colgate toothpaste, 4 oz +, SS 6/26
-.75/1 Colgate toothpaste, 4 oz +, SS 6/26

-$2.00 ECB

-$1.00 ECB

Total: $1.50

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $48.51
Total Spent: $6.18
Total Saved:$42.33 or 87%
ECB Remaining: $0.00
************************************************
Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

SwagBucks

2011-07-02T19:58:00.000-05:00

Take a look below at the gift cards I have redeemed in 2011. So far in 2011, I have earned $35 for Amazon.com and $20 for CVS. I have started saving for CVS gift cards because I have started back up on my good coupon shopping and can use those as weekly challenges. Since I am just beginning to use my 2nd CVS gift card, I'm currently saving for either a $25 CVS gift card or a different gift card. There are a variety of gift card choices including StarBucks, Target, Home Depot, Southwest Airlines, and a few restaurants to just name a few.

Speaking of coupon shopping, they also have coupons you can print directly from SwagBucks! It is powered through Coupons.com, so they are the exact same. After the coupon is redeemed, you are supposed to receive 10 SwagBucks per coupon. Seems interesting since it helps me in both ways (save money on the products I'm purchasing and at the same time earn points for free money!). I started this in the beginning of May 2011, so I might see a few within the next month or two that were redeemed.

New to SwagBucks?

What in the world is this SwagBucks thing everybody is talking about?

That’s what I kept saying too, now it’s my absolute favorite thing. I had heard about it for months, but kept putting it off. Finally I started looking into it and signed up almost two years ago.

Swagbucks is an alternative to Googling, but the results are powered by Google. More importantly, you win Swagbucks by searching. You win Swagbucks just for doing something you already were doing anyway – searching the internet.

They start you off with free Swagbucks and then you WIN Swagbucks when you search online. After only a few searches the first day, I had already accumulated many Swagbucks. After a couple of weeks, I had earned enough to redeem! Yeah. The best part – you can turn them in for gift cards (or other items).

The way I look at it, this is FREE money they are giving me for choosing to “SwagBuck” something instead of “Google”.

Reminders:

Remember to get your 3 daily SwagBucks

Install the Toolbar
Vote on the Daily Polls
Check the Surveys.

Do random searches daily to win searches. On average, you can get 8-11 SwagBucks per day by doing daily searches. Pick random topics, things in the news, to do your searches! You will be surprised how quickly you will get your daily search.

SwagBucks sign up – click here

June 2011 - Coupon Savings

2011-07-02T08:35:00.002-05:00

June 2011 - Updated on 6/29/11
Total Spent: $548.17
Total Savings: $422.61
Percent Discount: 44%

Totals include trips to Costco, CVS, Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart, and Walgreen's. Below are the primary stores I shopped at in June. This includes everything from groceries, household items, and even clothing if purchased from the above stores. Writing the notes next to the transaction sure helps to remember what was purchased during the shopping trip. I plan to continue to track our spending since this will help keep me accountable and continue to bring our out of pocket expenses down! It also allows us to have more money for other things!

CVS

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $143.22
Total Spent: $19.58
Total Saved:$126.64 or 86%
Remaining RR: $6.00

************************************************
Walgreen's

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $45.58
Total Spent: $27.08
Total Saved:$18.50 or 41%
Remaining RR: $0

************************************************

Coupons for Military in Atsugi, Japan

2011-06-29T20:43:00.001-05:00

About two months ago, Jenny at Southern Savers posted about sending expired coupons overseas for the military to use. The program is called the Overseas Coupon Program (OCP) and serves military and their families. They can use these coupons up to six months after the expiration at the commissaries if they are stationed abroad!

I chose a US Naval Air Facility in Atsugi, Japan since it is where my brother was stationed for quite some time. Randy loved being in Japan and figure I will help others save money while they are there! Randy is still serving in the US Navy and I am extremely proud to be his sister! It sure is hard to believe he joined over thirteen years ago!

So on Thursday, June 30th, my second set of coupons will be mailed out. Overall, there was $187.51 in food coupons and $210.99 in non-food coupons for men and women of our country to use.

Here's how you can participate!

Pick a base and then adopt the base (so they know you plan to send coupons)
Cut your coupons (Instead of throwing away coupons I will not use now, I cut them and store them until I'm ready to mail. On a monthly basis, I plan to mail them along with other expired coupons.)
Sort them by Food and Non-Food (I have two envelopes ready to sort as I go to make it less of a hassle)
Total the batch by dollar amount (This is to help them determine if they need adoptions at the variety of bases and where they need coupons sent.)
Place each batch in a separate envelope (As long as the envelope is not more than 3.5 ounces, they can be mailed using first class stamps. I weigh mine using a kitchen scale!)
Send a report to OCP

Menu Plans 6/26-7/2

2011-06-28T21:13:00.000-05:00

We had a rough week last week with our menu and had random changes. This week is another funny week with a few outings planned with family coming into town along with a free food event at Chick-Fil-A on Friday. I'm even behind on getting this week's menu finished and posted. Recently, I have not been sleeping as well since I'm down to only four more weeks of my pregnancy and I think it is wearing on me! Hopefully I can begin planning next week's menu which will make things much easier next week!

Sunday: Steak, Baked Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Monday: Leftover Buffet
Tuesday: Tacos, Refried Beans, Chips
Wednesday: Leftover Buffet
Thursday: Dining Out with Mom
Friday: Chick-Fil-A
Saturday: Cook-out at Church along with Ice Cream and Fireworks!

$10 CVS Gift Card Challenge!

2011-06-27T16:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I spent a little over $10 since I finished up my gift card today for CVS from SwagBucks. However, I have another $10 CVS gift card that I redeemed from points on SwagBucks and is ready to use next! I wonder what I will purchase next with it!

Overall, I am totally impressed with my CVS transactions over the last four weeks! I have purchased toothpaste, Revlon makeup, a razor for Jeff, Zyrtec, Pantene conditioner and shampoo, Scotch tape, All laundry detergent, Jet Dry for the dishwasher, feminine products, and chocolates! Check out all the pictures and totals below!

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $111.58
Total Spent: $13.50
Total Saved:$97.15 or 87%
ECB Remaining: $6.00
************************************************

Week 1 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

Week 2 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

Week 3 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

Week 4 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

Mailbox Monday 6/27

2011-06-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

I received the email on Thursday, for my CVS Gift Card I redeemed through SwagBucks! I currently have $4.30 remaining on my other CVS Gift Card that I received on June 2nd. Overall, it was a pretty good week again of different free things in my mailbox. My favorite is the Swiffer!

FREE:

$10.00 CVS Giftcard from SwagBucks
Redeemed 4 Points for $5.00 Gas Card from Kellogg's Promotion on Saturday, June 25th! (According to website, it should arrive within the next 90 days)

Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo w/Coupon $1.00 OFF any Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (EXP 08/01/11) from Target (unavailable now)
2 Free Miracle Whip Samples from Kraft
Swiffer 360 Degrees from Proctor and Gamble
Parent Choice Wipes from Wal-Mart
Huggies Flushable Moist Wipes w/Coupon $2.00 OFF any Huggies Flushable Moist Wipes (EXP 12/31/11) from Wal-Mart
Kohl's $10 off $10 Coupon
Carter's 20% Coupon WYB $40 or more
Target Coupons

$2 OFF Avent bottle pack (EXP 10/29/11)
$1 OFF Aveeno Baby Toiletry Item (EXP 10/29/11)
10% OFF Entire Purchase (EXP 10/16/11)

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

What did you get in your mailbox this week for FREE? Come join us at A Frugal Friend.

Week 4 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

2011-06-26T19:05:00.000-05:00

I would have spent a little less out of pocket today if the first store had the chocolates, but they had everything else I had planned and was happy! Jeff and I were closer to a different CVS due to watching Cars 2 with Jakob. I had to re-work my transactions a little causing a little more out of pocket today and finishing off my $10 CVS gift card from SwagBucks. On the way home, Jeff asked if I wanted to stop at the other CVS for the chocolates since I mentioned today they would still be a money maker due to the coupon. Sure enough, they had them in stock and was able to pick them up! So great day overall, spending $8.88 and I have $6 remaining in ECB for next week!

Transaction #1
$6.79 ECB WYB RepHresh Brilliant pH Tampons, 18 ct., $6.79 Limit 1

-$1 off RepHresh Brilliant Tampons Super or Reg printable

-$1 ECB

-$2 ECB

Total: $0.86

Transaction #2
2 - All or Wisk 2x Ultra Laundry Detergent, 26-32 loads, B1G1 starting at $7.79

-$1 off all laundry detergent, 28 load +, RP 6/05

Finish Jet-Dry Rinse, 8.45 oz, Gelpacs or Powerball Tabs, 20 ct., $2.99

-.55/1 Finish Jet-Dry rinse agent, SS 6/12

-$6.79 ECB

-$1.00 ECB (Green Bag Tag)

Total: $0.48

Transaction #3
$2 ECB WYB (2) Pantene Pro-V Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler, 5.7-12.6 oz, $3.48 Limit 1

-$3/2 Pantene product, SS 6/19

Total: $4.30

Transaction #4
$5.99 ECB WYB Hershey’s Bliss, 8.6-9.6 oz, $5.99 Limit 1 (Raincheck from last week)

-$1 off Hershey’s Bliss chocolate, 8.6 oz, +, SS 5/01

-$2 ECB

Total: $3.24

Week 1 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge
Week 2 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

Week 3 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $45.22
Total Spent: $8.88
Total Saved:$36.34 or 80%
ECB Remaining: $6.00
************************************************
Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

Challenge - $40 Giftcard to Walgreen's

2011-06-26T17:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I ran out of my gift card yesterday with buying my newspaper. When I purchased the Listerine in week 2, I used my debit card because the cashier and I were trying to make sure it worked and I figured it would be easier to refund me cash if it did not work properly. No complaining from my end since I have 5 double pack newspapers shown which is $25 from the stores leaving the remaining balance for four 9-volts, diapers, wipes, toilet paper, tuna, foil, deodorant, scrunchies, Listerine, shampoo, conditioner, and food items! However, yesterday when I bought the newspaper they had an ad for delivering the newspaper at a good price, only $1.96/week for Wednesday and Sunday. It cost $3 for one newspaper in the store and $5 for two newspapers, so happy about $1.96.

Week 1 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 2 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 3 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 4 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 5 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge - NO SHOPPING

Week 6 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 7 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $129.82
Total Spent: $47.98
Total Saved:$81.84 or 63%
Remaining RR: $0.00
************************************************

Summer Learning: Week 3

2011-06-25T15:35:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures and the copies of Jakob's worksheets from this week. It was a really busy week with random odds and ends going on.

Monday, June 20, 2011:
Jakob and I went to the Public Library and saw the "Slick Juggler". David Slick currently holds the longest time for juggling, twelve hours and five minutes, and is in the Guinness Book of Worlds Records. He also did some magic tricks which all the kids enjoyed along with all of the adults.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011:

Wednesday, June 22, 2011:

Thursday, June 23, 2011:

Making S'mores - Target Shopping Trip Saved $9.19 or 34%

2011-06-25T13:33:00.000-05:00

We were in the area this morning after purchasing tickets for Cars 2 for a showing tomorrow morning and stopped in at Target for a few odds and ends on my Target list. I had debated on purchasing the things for S'mores at Kroger yesterday, but the prices seemed higher than I had seen them here at Target. So I'm glad I waited and purchased them at Target. Jakob also was in need for toothpaste. According to the 6/26 coupon preview, there will be a coupon in tomorrow's paper. However, he is getting pretty low on it and figured it would be better to pick one up and then get a few more with the coupons later.

Grocery:
2 - Honey Maid Graham Crackers $2.99
-$1/2 Nabisco cookies or crackers, 3.7-25.2 oz, SS 6/19
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars $2.49
-$1 off Hershey's milk chocolate (Facebook), 6 bar pk printable
Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmellows $1.27

-FREE Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows WYB Honey Maid Grahams AND Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar Coupon (Home Mailer)

Market Pantry Four-Cheese Shredded Blend $8.24
Carnation Breakfast $5.64

-$1.25 off Carnation Breakfast Essentials (Facebook) printable

Household:
Colgate Kids Toothpaste $2.19

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $26.96
Total Spent: $17.77
Total Saved:$9.19 or 34%
************************************************

2009

2011-06-25T12:12:00.001-05:00

We went to Party City to purchase some basic party supplies to celebrate the New Year. We purchased party hats, balloons, noise makers, streamers, bingo cards, and a few other supplies. The boys enjoyed the evening and watching the ball drop on television.

Journaling: We brought in the new year at our apartment in Lewisville, TX. Roland - 13, Jakob - 3.

Inspiration from the June 21st Sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches.

Evenflo Symphony 65 DLX All-In-One Convertible Car Seat - Lulu

2011-06-24T17:59:00.000-05:00

Jeff and I purchased an additional car seat today at Babies 'R Us. After much deliberation and consideration, we went with the Evenflo Symphony 65 DLX version. It was originally $199.99 and we had a 20% coupon off which helped in the cost since it reduced the price by $40.00 before adding tax. It is designed for rear facing, forward facing, and even a booster later. We currently have an infant carrier that is designed for 5-35 lbs and two forward facing car seats from Jakob. So hopefully, this will be one of the last ones we have to purchase.

$64 Saved or 49% at Kroger - Great Specials on Meat

2011-06-24T14:50:00.000-05:00

Jeff, Jakob, and I went to Kroger after all of our stops today to pick up a few items that were on sale and thought we did pretty good since half of what I bought was in meat. The last time I purchased meat was on June 5th and we still have a decent amount of it all, but the chicken breast and ground beef was cheaper today than the last time. My soy milk was also on sale and it has not been this low in quite some time, so I bought as many as I could with the coupons I was able to get to print!

I spent $67 today and saved $64 or 49%! So even though I went over the $40/week goal, I am excited about finally getting my percentage at 50%! Half of purchases today were related to meat which will be vacuumed sealed and should last easily through July if not longer! Kellogg's is also doing a promotion with the cereal and other specifically marked items stating 4 codes is equivalent to a $5.00 prepaid debit card.

Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 50 cents to a $1.00.

Cars 2 Mega Event (Buy (5) Participating Items, Save $5 instantly. Prices listed are after discount. Limit 3 per transaction.):

4 - Kellogg's Cereal, Frosted Flakes $1.99

-$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal printable or printable

Eggo Waffles, 24 ct, $2.99

Fridge or Frozen:
5 - Soy Milk $2.50

-.75/1 Silk Soymilk printable

-.55/1 Silk Soymilk printable

-.55/1 Silk Soymilk printable
2% Milk $1.39 (Manager Special Price)
3 - Kroger Vegetables - Peas $0.88
3 - Kroger Vegetables - Carrots $0.88

Grocery:
6 - Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 6.6-8 oz, $1

-.75/2 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 6.6-7.2 oz printable

-.55/2 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 6.6-7.2 oz printable

Meat:
Kroger Ground Beef $1.99/lb - $5.97
Kroger Ground Beef $1.99/lb - $5.97
Chicken Breast $1.49/lb - $5.02
Chicken Breast $1.49/lb - $5.02
Chicken Breast $1.49/lb - $4.62
Chicken Breast $1.49/lb - $4.53
4 - Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat (Ham) - $1.00
4 - Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat (Turkey) - $1.00

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $130.51
Total Spent: $66.95
Total Saved:$63.56 or 49%
************************************************

Easy Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

2011-06-22T19:16:00.000-05:00

I made these tonight and I liked them, but will make some changes the next time I cook them which I have listed below. They were quick and easy to make. My six year old enjoyed them and the fourteen year old was hesitant, but I also think he was full after having two helpings of the hamburger helper we were eating for dinner!!

Ingredients:

2 TBSP butter, melted
1/8 tsp garlic (for butter mixture)
1/8 tsp garlic (for biscuit mixture)
Dried Parsley
2 cups Bisquick
1/4 cup Cheddar cheese
2/3 cup milk

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheat with parchment paper.
Melt butter and add 1/8 tsp of garlic to mixture.
In a large bowl, combine biscuit mix, cheddar cheese, and another 1/8 tsp of garlic. Stir in milk and mix (do not over mix). Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls onto prepared cooking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes. Brush or drizzle biscuits with melted butter along with sprinkling parsley lightly on top of biscuit. Bake for 5-7 more minutes, or until lightly browned on the bottom.

Recipe adapted from Skinnytaste.com. Original recipe can be found here.

Mailbox Monday 6/20

2011-06-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

It was a great week in my mailbox last week with many items coming throughout the entire week! I think I am most excited for redeeming enough SwagBucks for another $10.00 CVS Giftcard since I just recently redeemed around May 30th.

FREE

Redeemed SwagBucks for a $10.00 CVS Giftcard on Tuesday, June 14th! (It should process within the next 10-15 days)

Redeemed 4 Points for $5.00 Gas Card from Kellogg's Promotion on Sunday, June 19th! (According to website, it should arrive within the next 90 days)

Pampers Village Prenatal 2011 Magazine with Coupons

50/1 Pampers Diapers
50/1 Pampers Diapers
50/1 Pampers Wipes 60 ct or large
$1.00/1 Always Liners
$2.00/1 Dreft Product
$1.00/1 Duracell Batteries

FREE Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows WYB Honey Maid Grahams AND Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar Coupon
Complimentary $5 Barnes & Noble Gift Card (had to redeem online, actual gift card will arrive within 8-10 weeks)
30% OFF Coupon for Kohl's
$10 OFF of $50 Sears Coupon (good between 7/1-9/30/11)
$2.00/1 Tide Stain Release (any form)
Enfamil Sample (I plan to donate this to the local daycare since we use Similac.)
Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Prilosec OTC Samples (2) from Prilosec
Martha Stewart Living Magazine

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

What did you get in your mailbox this week for FREE? Come join us at A Frugal Friend.

Week 6 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

2011-06-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

Well, we had an unexpected visit to Walgreen's this week due to the smoke alarms beeping this afternoon signaling the batteries were going low. We had two 9-Volt batteries in the house, but decided it would be better to replace all six in the house so they would have the same strength. Walgreen's is the closest to our house without spending tons on gas for a visit for one thing. Luckily, the Energizer batteries were at least marked on sale so they weren't as expensive as they could have been! Yesterday, I also picked up my double pack newspaper with my $1.00 RR that was going to expire today. So overall, I am now down to $1.26 on my $40 Gift Card that I started over six weeks ago.

Week 1 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 2 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 3 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 4 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 5 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge - NO SHOPPING

Dallas Morning News 2 for $5.00

Energizer Batteries 4 pack - $10.99

-$1 off Energizer batteries or flashlight, SS 5/22

-$1.00 RR

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $15.81
Total Spent: $14.81
Total Saved:$6.00 or 29%
Remaining RR: $0.00

************************************************
Check out this week's Walgreen's ad here at Southern Savers!

$67 Saved or 51% at Kroger

2011-06-19T15:32:00.000-05:00

I went to Kroger after my CVS trip today. Some great purchases were the diaper wipes at 50 cents each, mustard at 50 cents, brownie mixes for a quarter, and Kellogg's cereal for $1 each! I spent $66 today and saved $67 or 51%! So even though I went over the $40/week goal, I am excited about finally getting my percentage at 50%! Kellogg's is also doing a promotion with the cereal and other specifically marked items stating 4 codes is equivalent to a $5.00 prepaid debit card.

As I look at the ad each week, I am trying to get back into buying the items when they are on sale. According to Jenny at Southern Savers, all items have a cycle and go on a low price every six to eight weeks. Kroger's ad is good for our area until Tuesday and beginning on Wednesday it changes. However, it appears many of the same items will be on sale next week which might mean not buying much next week if it is a similar ad.

Here's the break down of everything I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 50 cents to a $1.00.

Cars 2 Mega Event (Buy (5) Participating Items, Save $5 instantly. Prices listed are after discount. Limit 3 per transaction.):

2 - Fiber Plus Bars, 5 ct., $1.99

-$1/2 Kellogg’s FiberPlus chewy bars printable

Cottonelle Toilet Paper, 12 double rolls, $5.49
-.50/1 Cottonelle bathroom tissue printable
3 - Huggies Baby Wipes 64-72 ct., $1.49

-.50/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct +, SS 6/12

-.50/1 Huggies baby wipes, 64 ct +, SS 6/12
4 - Kellogg’s Cereals, Frosted Mini Wheats, $1.99

-$1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats or Raisin Bran cereals, 14 oz +, RP 5/15

-$1/3 Kellogg’s cereals, 8.7 oz +, RP 5/15

Produce:

Bananas 49¢/lb - $1.38

-$1 off Fresh Fruit WYB (2) Kellogg’s cereals 10 oz +, Kellogg’s $5 in Breakfast Savings on product booklet

Red Apples $1.31/lb - $3.42

-$1 off Fresh Fruit WYB (2) Kellogg’s cereals 10 oz +, Kellogg’s $5 in Breakfast Savings on product booklet

Sweet Corn 3/$1.00

Fridge or Frozen:
2% Milk - $2.39
Country Crock Butter - $2.91

-.40/1 Shedd's Country Crock spread printable

2 - Starbucks Ice Cream, 1 pint, $2.79
-$1 off Starbucks ice cream, RP 5/22

-$1 off Starbucks ice cream, RP 5/22

Grocery:
Kroger Buns, 8 ct., $1
Kroger Hot Dog Buns, $8 ct., $1
Sara Lee Wheat Bread $2.00
3 - Fritos $1.77 (cheaper than last week!)
Kroger Pickle Relish $1.00
6 - Wolf Chili 3/$5.00
2 - A.1. Steak Sauce, 10 oz, $2.99

-$1 off A.1. steak sauce or marinade, 10 oz +, SS 6/05

2 - Lipton Ice Tea $1.00

-Free Lipton Natural Iced Tea (Facebook), 20 oz printable

2 - French Mustard $1.49

-.50/1 French's mustard printable

Betty Crocker Brownie Mix $1.25
-.50/1 Betty Crocker Supreme Brownies or Dessert bar mix, SS 5/01 (exp 06/25)
-.50/1 Betty Crocker Supreme Brownies or Dessert bar mix, SS 5/01 (exp 06/25)
3 - Nestle Crunch 99¢

-FREE Nestle Crunch Bar WYB 3

-.35/1 Nestle Crunch Bar

Meat:
2 - Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage, roll, patties or links, 12-16 oz, $3

-.55/1 Jimmy Dean roll sausage printable

4 - Oscar Mayer Wieners, 16 oz, $1.79
-$1/2 Oscar Mayer hot dogs, SS 5/15

-$1/2 Oscar Mayer hot dogs, SS 5/15

Value Bacon $3.59

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $134.28
Total Spent: $66.31
Total Saved:$67.97 or 51%
************************************************

Week 3 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

2011-06-19T12:28:00.002-05:00

I'm on the third week of using my $10 CVS gift card from SwagBucks and still have $4.30 remaining! Using my ECBs from last week, I only spent $1.03 today on the gift card and received $5.00 back for next week. I debated on a few other things, but decided against them. Jeff likes the Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers and I was shocked they actually had the one he liked since the assortment is smaller at CVS.

Week 1 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge
Week 2 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

$2 ECB WYB (2) Pantene Pro-V Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler, 5.7-12.6 oz, $3.48 ea. Limit 1

-$3/2 Pantene product, SS 6/19

$2 ECB WYB Colgate Total Gum Defense, Advanced or Enamel Strength, 4 oz, Max, 6 oz, or 360 Surround Toothbrush $2.79 Limit 2

-$1 off Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste, Kroger First Time Savings insert 6/12

$1 ECB WYB (2) Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers $2.50 ea. Limit 1
Scotch Tape, various, B1G1 starting at $2.19
-$1 off Scotch Magic tape printable

-$1 off Scotch Magic tape printable

2 - Hershey's Air Delight Chocolate Bars $1.19

-FREE CVS Hershey's Air Delight Chocolate Bars

-$4.00 ECB

-$5.99 ECB

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $28.88
Total Spent: $1.03
Total Saved:$27.85 or 96%
ECB Remaining: $5.00
************************************************
Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

Menu Plans 6/19-6/25

2011-06-18T21:10:00.004-05:00

Last week, we cooked the Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime and it was delicious! The entire family enjoyed it and linked it above in Recipes. The menus have sure helped with our grocery shopping and planning either what we already have at the house or planning around a specific item on sale at the grocery store. It sure has been nice.

Sunday: Leftover Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and French Bread
Monday: Hamburger Helper, Carrots, Easy Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Tuesday: Garlic Lime Marinated Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole
Wednesday: Honey Lime Glazed Chicken Thighs,White Rice, Peas
Thursday: Leftover Buffet
Friday: Steak, Baked Potatoes, Salad
Saturday: Tacos before Church Event

Summer Learning: Week 2

2011-06-18T15:14:00.001-05:00

We have continued using the Summer Time Learning book from Teaching Creating Resources this week. Jakob really enjoys doing the pages and has even asked about doing them! Here's the events from this past week.

Monday, June 13, 2011
We went to see Critterman at the Frisco Public Library! Each Monday, the library has different events scheduled and look forward to the upcoming events too!

Large area for the shows. Suspect each show was full!

Tortoise - lives on land. Turtles live in water.

Vulture

Beaver

Possum

Barn Owl

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

This past week, Jakob and I read the following books together. Some of them he read to me and others I read to him. He can turn in his reading log after July 4th for prizes from the library! We are on the right track!

Care Bears: What Makes you Happy? by J.E. Bright
Happy Birthday SpongeBob Level 1 by J.D. Chanda
What Pete Ate from A-Z by Maira Kalman
Spark the Firefighter by Stephen Krensky
A Mama for Owen by Marion Dane Bauer

Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime

2011-06-17T15:51:00.003-05:00

Original Photo from Skinnytaste.com using Chicken Thighs

In this week's menu, I had Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime on the list. We made it yesterday evening served along with Oven Fries and it was really good! It was a hit with the entire family including a six year old and fourteen year old!

The original recipe calls for chicken thighs, but I used boneless skinless chicken breast instead since that is what we normally purchase from the store. I adapted a few things in the recipe since I used chicken breast and it all worked great together!

Ingredients:
3-4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
3 TBSP Dijon mustard
1 TBSP light mayonnaise
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1 lime, squeezed (about 1 TBSP)
3/4 tsp pepper
salt
dried parsley

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse the chicken and remove all fat. I cut the chicken breast in half, length wise to help it cook faster. Pat dry; place in a large bowl and season with salt. In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, and pepper. Mix well. Pour over chicken, tossing well to coat.

Line a pan with foil (I personally love the non-stick version) or spray with a non-stick spray. Place chicken to fit in a single layer. Top the chicken with dried parsley. Bake until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. Finish the chicken under the broiler until it is golden brown. I cooked mine for 20 minutes at 400 degrees and then 5 minutes under the broiler. Serve chicken with the pan juices drizzled on top.

Recipe adapted from Skinnytaste.com

Jump

2011-06-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

November 2009, Jeff and I invested in a newer camera. We bought it on Black Friday and these pictures are some of the first I took to test it out after it had been charged! We were in Abilene, TX, visiting with Jeff's parents for Thanksgiving. Roland and Jakob were out back with Lana jumping on the trampoline. I remember being excited to take pictures where Roland was in mid-air and not have it blurry! Roland was almost 13 in these pictures and Jakob was 4 on 11/27/2009. Inspiration for the layout is from Sketchy Thursdays 6.9 Sketch . As noticed from my layout, I rotated the sketch to make it work for my horizontal pictures.

Trip to Kroger with Kids - Right at $40 Weekly Budget

2011-06-14T16:29:00.001-05:00

We got everything pictured above (Except the Fritos, they were ringing up almost twice the amount and cashier said they were the wrong item. It works out okay, since once we got home I saw they will be less beginning tomorrow!) in the shopping cart at Kroger on Tuesday. I had my kids with me during the shopping trip and I lost count of how many times I said, "No, not buying that. If it is not on the list, we are not getting it!" Yoplait Yogurts were on sale for 50 cents again and I have not bought them since May 22. Overall, my percentage was only 23% today, but was right at the $40 spending mark which many people budget for groceries. Plus, my last visit was June 5th so I figure that is good too.

Produce:
Cucumbers 88¢
Roma Tomatoes $1.00/lb - 72¢
Potatoes $2.32
Strawberries $1.97
Bananas 49¢/lb - $1.33

Fridge or Frozen:
2 - Trop 50 Pure Premium Orange Juice $2.88
-$1/2 Tropicana Pure premium or 59 oz. Trop50, eCoupon
Silk Soy Milk $3.54
2 - 2% Milk $2.39
25 - Yoplait Yogurt 50¢
-$0.40/6 Yoplait Yogurt
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups printable
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups printable

-FREE Yoplait Yogurt (from mail)

Grocery:
4 - Knorr Rice or Pasta Sides $1

-.50/2 Knorr rice and pasta sides, RP 5/22

-.50/2 Knorr rice and pasta sides, RP 5/22
4 - Skinner Spaghetti $1.00
Nature's Own Wheat Bread $2.25
Apple Juice - $1.77
French Bread $1.99

Meat:
Bacon $3.59

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $58.29
Total Spent: $44.70
Total Saved:$13.59 or 23%
************************************************

Week 2 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

2011-06-13T15:30:00.001-05:00

Jakob and I stopped by the CVS this morning before going to the library. There were only a few things I was really wanting to pick up and these were two of those items. The other items were medicine related, but I knew if I didn't see them I would not be heart broken. I had to spend about $2 out of pocket, but after using $8 in ECB - I received $10 back for next week!

My $10 gift card has $5.33 since starting that I received from earning points on SwagBucks. I am super excited because I only need about 150 more SwagBucks before getting another $10 gift card for CVS! I love FREE money!

Week 1 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

$5.99 ECB WYB Zyrtec 24 hr Tablets, 5 ct., $5.99 Limit 1
$4 ECB WYB Schick Hydro 3 or Hydro 5 Razor 1 ct., $8 Limit 1

-$4 off Schick Hydro razor, SS 6/12

-$4 ECB

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $17.05
Total Spent: $2.06
Total Saved:$14.06 or 88%
ECB Remaining: $9.99
************************************************
Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

Mailbox Monday 6/13

2011-06-13T07:00:00.012-05:00

Not much free this week in the mailbox. Only received three items, including one coupon. However, I currently only need 195 more SwagBucks before redeeming for another $10.00 CVS gift card! I have been really lucky on the surveys and really racking up the points, so hopefully I'll have it by next week!

FREE

Marthat Stewart Living Magazine
Family Circle Magazine
FREE Coupon for one Yoplait Yogurt

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

What did you get in your mailbox this week for FREE? Come join us at A Frugal Friend.

Menu Plans 6/12-6/18

2011-06-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we are on the second week of school being out and it is sure hot in Texas! The menus have sure made it convenient in the evenings when we are not always in the mood to cook. It sure makes it easier having it already thought through!

Sunday: Church event
Monday: BBQ Sausage with white rice, green beans
Tuesday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Wednesday: Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime, french fries, corn (missed from last week)
Thursday: Leftover Buffet
Friday: Shake and Bake Pork Chops, Potatoes, Carrots
Saturday: Grilled Hot Dogs served with Chips - after Church

Happy!

2011-06-11T14:30:00.000-05:00

This picture is so fun to me because Jakob was so excited and loved riding on the big white bus from Children's Courtyard when he was 4 years old.

Journaling: Beginning on 8/24/09, Jakob attended Lillie J. Jackson Monday-Thursday for speech. His teacher's name was Mrs. Smith. He absolutely loved going each day! Jakob talked about how he went to 3 schools! I dropped him off at the school aged building where he was bussed to/from. Funniest part was he called it the "white" school because the outside of the school was white! He went tot he school until we moved to our new house on 12/7/09.

Inspiration for the sketch is from Liz at The Scrappiest Sketch #123.

Summer Learning: Week 1

2011-06-10T16:05:00.000-05:00

I purchased Summer Time Learning from Teacher Created Resources. This series is designed to help parents prepare their children for the next school year while allowing them to enjoy their summer vacation! It focuses on an eight week schedule which focuses on Monday-Thursday that covers math, reading, and writing. Friday activities are brain teasers. Jakob really enjoys the stickers at the back of the book that he gets to put on a sand castle picture after we finish the pages for the day.

Here are the pages Jakob completed this week from his new book! (Click on the picture to make it larger.)

Monday, June 6, 2011

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Jakob read the following books this past week. We visited the Public Library and they were the ones Jakob found and wanted to check out. He's reading better and better, but still needs to work on it. Summer reading programs are going on and if he continues to read he will be rewarded from the library too! We have more to finish this weekend before returning them to the library on Monday.

Care Bears Caring and Sharing by Samantha Brooke
Ten Terrible Dinosaurs by Paul Strickland
Dora Around the World Level 1 by Suzanne D. Nimme

I also want him to continue writing. This week, he wrote to Landon in Colorado. My friend, Erica, and I used to always write back and forth to each other and we are working on getting them to do the same. He wrote to Landon stating we went swimming and asked if he likes to swim.

Sketchy Thursday 6.2 Winner!

2011-06-09T13:05:00.000-05:00

This morning, I logged onto Sketchy Thursdays to see the new sketch for the week and as I scrolled down, I found out that I was the winner for last week's sketch! I was totally shocked and super excited! Sometime in June, I will receive The Sampler June Kit from Scrapbooking Supplies R Us! It will be fun to see what I can make using the kit and then I will post it on the blog! Check out my original post here.

Papa and me

2011-06-08T16:15:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of my dad and Jakob at Christmas. It amazes me this is from 2009 and Jakob was not even fives year old yet (he's now almost 6 1/2)! My mom and I got them to sit still long enough to take this picture together! Inspiration is from Sketchy Thursday's 6.2 Sketch.

SwagBucks

2011-06-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

Take a look below at the gift cards I have redeemed in 2011. So far in 2011, I have earned $35 for Amazon.com and $10 for CVS. I have started saving for CVS gift cards because I have started back up on my good coupon shopping and can use those as weekly challenges.

Speaking of coupon shopping, they also have coupons you can print directly from SwagBucks! It is powered through Coupons.com, so they are the exact same. After the coupon is redeemed, you are supposed to receive 10 SwagBucks per coupon. Seems interesting since it helps me in both ways (save money on the products I'm purchasing and at the same time earn points for free money!).

New to SwagBucks?

What in the world is this SwagBucks thing everybody is talking about?

That’s what I kept saying too, now it’s my absolute favorite thing. I had heard about it for months, but kept putting it off. Finally I started looking into it and signed up almost two years ago.

The way I look at it, this is FREE money they are giving me for choosing to “SwagBuck” something instead of “Google”.

Reminders:

Remember to get your 3 daily SwagBucks

Install the Toolbar
Vote on the Daily Polls
Check the Surveys.

Do random searches daily to win searches. On average, you can get 8-11 SwagBucks per day by doing daily searches.

SwagBucks sign up – click here

Week 1 - $10 CVS Gift Card Challenge

2011-06-06T12:35:00.001-05:00

I have officially started using my new $10 CVS gift card I received from SwagBucks. I actually had to use a little from it yesterday, when I went to CVS. When I visited yesterday and visited the kiosk for coupons, it printed me a $3 off $10 of any cosmetic purchase and a $6 off Revlon Colorstay. I did not have my Revlon coupons with me and decided Jakob and I could go to the library today and pick up the special at CVS! It worked out great since it was equivalent to having $11 off the foundation! After using my leftover ECB from Sunday, I spent $1.53 on my giftcard and have $7.39 remaining. However, I received $8 ECB back for purchasing the Colgate and the Revlon. I also received a $1 ECB for the Green Bag Tag.

Transaction
$2 ECB WYB Colgate MaxClean SmartFoam, MaxFresh, MaxWhite 6oz or 360 Surround toothbrush 1ct $2.79

-.75/1 Colgate toothpaste, 4 oz +, SS 6/05

$4 ECB WYB $10 of Revlon - Revlon Colorstay Mineral Light Foundation $14.29
-$2 off Revlon color cosmetic, SS 5/08 (exp 06/12)

-$3 off $10 Cosmetic Purchase (CVS Coupon)

-$6 off Revlon Colorstay Foundation (CVS Coupon)

-$6 ECB

************************************************
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $20.43
Total Spent: $1.53
Total Saved:$18.90 or 93%
ECB Remaining: $9.00
************************************************
Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.

Menu Plans 6/5-6/11

2011-06-06T08:20:00.003-05:00

We cooked the Crock Pot Barbecue Ribs last week, and I really enjoyed them! We have so many leftovers from last week, that the beginning of this week has to begin with eating them! I'm looking forward to trying the Grilled Apple Chicken and the Baked Chicken below. Hope everyone has a great week!

Sunday: Leftover Buffet
Monday: Leftover Steak, potatoes, salad
Tuesday: Grilled Apple Chicken (We will cook this!! Last week, I realized we did not have any chicken in the house!), rice, peas
Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, toast
Thursday: Grilled BBQ Pork Chops, Green Beans
Friday: Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime, french fries, corn
Saturday: Leftover Buffet

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

2011-06-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

When I was putting everything together for this recipe, I realized it said chili sauce. I misread it and thought it had said chili powder. I used chili powder this time frame, but while at Target happened to see chili sauce in the same area as the ketchup. Overall, I really enjoyed the ribs and flavoring. I think the chili sauce would have given them a little more kick to them and think my husband would have liked them better that way. Overall, quite an easy recipe to throw into the crock pot and forget about after you have browned the ribs in the oven.

Ingredients:
4 lbs pork baby back ribs
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups ketchup
1 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4 TBSP vinegar
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Season ribs with salt and pepper. Place in a shallow baking pan. Brown in oven 15 minutes. Turn over, and brown another 15 minutes; drain fat.
In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt and pepper. Place ribs in slow cooker. Pour sauce over ribs, and turn to coat.
Cover, and cook on Low 6 to 8 hours, or until ribs are tender.

Recipe from AllRecipes.com

Mailbox Monday 6/6

2011-06-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

I must say, I am really liking the coupons from Pampers! They are arriving in my mailbox more and more often! My second favorite item this week would have to be the JcPenney's $10.00 off $10.00 coupon! SwagBucks also emailed me the link and code to redeem and print my $10.00 CVS giftcard. I am almost out of money on my $25 CVS Gift Card Challenge.

FREE

$0.09 from YouData
$10.00 CVS Giftcard from SwagBucks
Martha Stewart Living Magazine
JcPenney Coupon - $10.00 off $10.00 (These are great coupons!!)
BabiesRUs - 20% Off Coupon
BuyBuy Baby Coupons
Kohl's Coupon - 15% Off
Pamper's Coupon - $1.00/1 Pampers ThickCare Wipes 60 ct or larger

New to SwagBucks? Check out more information here.
New to YouData? Check out more information here.

What did you get in your mailbox this week for FREE? Come join us at A Frugal Friend.

$38 or 37% Saved at Kroger (Includes Meat!)

2011-06-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

We did not need too much this week from Kroger, but we were low on meat and the prices seemed pretty good so I went ahead and restocked our freezer for the month. The bulk of what I spent was on the meat (appox. hamburger $9, pork $15, chicken $17).

Produce
Lettuce $1.18
Cucumber 88¢
Bananas 49¢/lb - $1.41

Fridge or Frozen
4 - Hot or Lean Pockets 2-4 oz, $1.78

-B1G1 Lean Pockets printable (limit reached)

Milk - $2.39
4 - Oscar Mayer Lunchables, 9.7-11.7 oz, $2
-$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables lunch combos w/ fruit, SS 5/15

-$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables lunch combos w/ fruit, SS 5/15

-$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables w/ Fruit (Facebook) printable
-$1 off Oscar Mayer Lunchables w/ Fruit (Facebook) printable

Grocery
Brown sugar - $1.99
Hot dog buns - $1.00
Kroger Olive Oil - $6.49

Meat
3 - Hamburger Meat $3.01
Skinless Chicken Breast $1.99/lb - $5.95
Skinless Chicken Breast $1.99/lb - $5.97
Skinless Chicken Tenderloins $1.99/lb - $4.68
Pork Chops $2.69/lb - $8.02
Pork Chops $2.69/lb - $7.26

Household
all Laundry Detergent, 38-32 loads $2.99

-$1 off all laundry detergent, 28 loads + printable

-$1 off All Oxi-Active Laundry Detergent, SavingStar eCoupon

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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $103.64
Total Spent: $65.21
Total Saved:$38.43 or 37%
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Week 4 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

2011-06-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Jeff and I stopped and picked up my newspaper Saturday evening after church. There were a few coupons in it I wanted for CVS. As I was checking out at Walgreen's today, another customer realized my total for the diapers and wipes. He asked, "Did you just pay only $3.77?" The cashier smiled and I smiled and said yes. My Walgreen's gift card currently has $16.07 remaining. It has also been used toward purchasing my newspapers, rather than paying the subscription price which is currently more expensive than purchasing them in the store.

Week 1 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 2 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Week 3 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

Transaction #1
Dallas Morning News 2 for $5.00

-$1.50 RR

Transaction #2
$1 RR WYB Pamper Jumbo Pack Diapers or Easy Ups at $8.99 ea
-$5.00/1 Pampers Coupon, Walgreen's Manufacturer Coupon

-$2 off Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers, or Swaddlers Sensitive diapers big or jumbo pk, Infant Care booklet

Pampers Wipes 60-72 ct, $2.49 ea

-$1 off Pampers Thick wipes home mailer

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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $19.77
Total Spent: $7.27
Total Saved:$12.50 or 63%
Remaining RR: $1.00

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Check out this week's Walgreen's ad here at Southern Savers!