Blogging Away Debt

Recap of Jan.

2012-02-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

I believe in GOD, but I'm not into religion to go to church every Sunday. But for all purposes I must have done something right. January I was able to pay off BOA and the Disney account. So THERE!

February is starting off to be a tough month. Super Bowl party, job search, and vet. bills have really kicked us back. My goal is to pay Discover off by March 16th.

I've started this off by finding money from a loan fee returned and scavengering the house for spare change again. Hopefully, something else will fall into our laps to make this new goal achieved.

Wish me luck!

Spending Money

2012-01-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

With the Friday the 13th came some grocery sales. I'll be hitting HyVee again after work, but here is what I've spent so far.

Fareway
Great deal on pop for Super Bowl party coming up 3/$8.88
Bought bananas for $.29 a lb and Fareway Tomato Juice for chile
Spent:$26.41

Peachwave
Frozen goodness on a bad day is what the doctor call for.
Spent:$8

Hyvee
Bought beer for Jake, after I lost a bet.
Spent:$10.88

Scavenger Hunt

2012-01-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

Do you miss these? I absolutely LOVED these as a kid. My mother even put one together at the mall for a birthday party for me. It was an absolute blast. Yes, I'm an 80s child if you haven't guessed. Any hoo, today I sent myself on a scavenger hunt to find MONEY.

Here is what I've found so far:
$18 in spare change (there is alot more, but I had to leave for work)
$5 in one of the winter coats
$2 in my jean's pocket

Here is my plan. Go through all the coat pockets. Search the laundry room. Empty all the cars out. Clean my desk drawers at the office.

Once I'm done, I'm going to reward myself with an ICEE from Kum & Go and deposit every penny towards the Disney card. I'm determined to pay off that card by the end of the month!

So have a Happy Friday the 13th!

Resolutions

2012-01-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

I gave up! I admit it. I stopped writing because I figured that with all that free time I could actually get my projects done.
Well that didn't happen so here I am back writing for you and me.

Background info: I HATE Budgets!
But I understand the need for one, so along the side -> I will be adding my grocery, Target, eating out, etc. items from month to month to see what we spend and where we can save.
We've tried keeping track, but it in the end it was just paper building up to throw away.

Even though it's the 12th, here is what we have so far:

HyVee 1/10
Cereal
Bounty
Dinner from Kitchen
Spent:18.64

Fareway 1/11
Pillsbury Toaster Strudal Sale
Spent: 13.70
Saved: 6.80

Buffalo Wild Wings
Late Night Dinner
Spent: 21.00

Starbucks 1/12
Loaded Brooke's Gift Card
Spend:13.00

Review: Select Foods, Sioux City, IA

2011-05-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure you already know we have a new grocer in town. As a couponer I was super excited. Another store to score great deals in, right?

Not! I dropped by today for an hour to shop around and compare prices for random things I buy.
Right away I was greeted from the fresh produce stocker. I'm thinking, this is going to be amazing a place where people actually encourage you to shop. After a few minutes I decided to grab a cart. Great prices on bananas $.49 a lb. and cucumbers $.69 ea. After the fresh produce I literally went up and down every asile looking for things I normally buy.

Tidy Cat $6.99

normal not on sale price

Oscar Hot Dogs $2.3?

HyVee has them for $.99

Off brand 1% milk 1/2 gallon $1.89

normal

Kool-Aid $4.99 a box

HyVee has packets for dirt cheap

Boneless Chicken Breast $4.99lb

WalMart $1.88lb

80% Ground Beef (tube) $1.99 - not a bad price

Fareway 93% 2.49

NY Texas Toast $2.83

HyVee $2.00

Pam Cooking Spray $3.02 6oz or $3.47 8 oz

this is a great price without it being on sale

I know I checked HyVee in the $4s but don't remember the size

Pop, Chips, and Cereal were all high. My advice check the ad that comes out in Wed. paper or the Shopping before going to Select Foods. I didn't ask about a coupon policy which I'm kicking myself in the butt for, but I only found two coupons in the whole store attached to products. Hopefully, in the future they will get better.

Reminder: Redbox Discount Codes

2011-05-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Text 727272

"Deals"

To recieve a code for Free or cheap movie rentals!

I've seen anything from $.25 to $1.50 Off 1 rental.

Back in the Ringer: Target Shop

2011-05-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

Of course the one Sunday I wake up and decide to go back to sleep instead of get papers is the one with the AMAZING coupons in it! Darn It. Thanks to Gpa and my works paper delivery, I still got to participate.

2 - 4 packs of Women's Degree $4.99 ea.

- B1G1 Degree from 5/22 RP

- (2) $1 Target Degree Coupons

=$2.99 or $.37 ea

Wooo Hooo!!

Picked up another 3 Men's Degree for a friend, whom I just recently tried to pawn off Men's Dove.

3 - Men's Degree $2.34 ea.

- (3) $1 Mgf. Degree Coupons (found on coupons.com zip 60606)

- (3) $1 Target Degree Coupons

=$1.02 or $.34 ea

Not to shabby!

Check out Q-Club - Toast Your Friends & Get Toasted Yourself

2011-04-13T09:42:00.001-07:00

Check out Q-Club - Toast Your Friends & Get Toasted Yourself

Great Deal on Eggs and Redbox Rentals - Wags - Starting 17th!!

2011-04-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

The $.55/2 Dozen Eggs coupon is back- this you can use anywhere on any brand of eggs. Just select American Egg Board from the drop down menu to find the coupon.

Usually Walgreens has great prices on eggs- I find them at $.99 most weeks.

Starting the week of the 17th, Walgreens has a special promotion:

Buy 2 Dozen eggs at $1.29 each and get 2 Redbox movie rental codes free! use the $.55/2 printable coupon and your final price is $2.08 for all 4 items!

(Thanks Deal Finding Chik & http://myfrugaladventures.com/)

Staying away from the Stores

2011-03-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

There is really little we need right now other than a few groceries here and there. So I've been taking to time to go through our house. As my wife would say, "I have a LIST." But lists work for me. This next week I have four spots in our house that I will go through and price for garage sale or throw in a donation box to go. Between Brooke and I we really have no time and it shows as you walk into our house. So goodbye clutter!

Sioux City's Promenade Cinema 14 Movie Theater

2011-03-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

$7.50 for a $15 Voucher to Sioux City's Promenade Cinema 14 Movie Theater

WalMart Now Accepts OVERAGE

2011-03-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

This is HUGE. For more info. Check out Krazy Lady's blog HERE.

Looking aHead Weekend

2011-03-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

Walgreens

Vicks NyQuil or DayQuil 10 or 12 ct or Liquid 6 oz $4.99
With in ad coupon, Limit 3
Puffs FREE up to $1.99 when you buy 1 Vicks product from PG 2/27
$4.00/1 Sinex product from PG 2/27
Final Price: $0.99

Thanks to Krazy Coupon Lady

Michael's

50% Off Regular Priced Item March 4-5

Click HERE

Old Navy

B1G1 Graphic Tees (no coupon required) March 4-6

HyVee Freebies

Athenos Greek Yogurt $1 - $1 IP MQ = FREE
Kool-Aid is on sale at Hy-Vee this week for $.10 each making them FREE! with Facebook coupon
Nestle Candy Bars, on sale 2/$1 [use $1/2 tearpad recently found at Caseys] = free

Other good deals
Milk: $1.98 (3day)
Bacon Wrapped Filet: $1.88 (3day)
Shredded Cheese: $4/5 (3day)
Boneless Chic Breast: $1.88/lb Stock up Price is between $1.69 - $1.99/lb

Charmin Stock Up

2011-03-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks goes out to Totally Target for the coupon heads up!

Buy 2 Charmin 18 packs of Sensitive at $9.99 ea
Use 2 - $2/1 Charmin Sensitive Target Coupons RP 2/20
This is where I differ from most people . . . .
$19.98 - $4 Target Coupons = $15.98 + $5 Target Gift Card
Rip Open the Packages and grab those $2 Charmin Sensitive Manf. Coupons and head to Customer Service to do a missed coupon on your reciept
$15.98 - (2) $2 Charmin Manf. Coupons = $11.98 or $6.98 by factoring in the Gift Card

Since I paid with Target GC I can say that $6.98/36 rolls = $.19 a roll for me
Wooo Hoooo!

Here is Totally Targets Deals:
DEAL IDEA: Buy (2) Charmin 18 pack ($9.99) = $19.98
-$4.00 (use two $2/1 Charmin Sensitive Bath Tissue Target Coupon 2-20-11 RP x4/30
-$1/2 Charmin 2-27-11 PG x3/31
= $14.98 - $5 Gift Card Back wyb 2
= $9.98 for two 18-packs or .27 cents per roll after coupons and Gift Card

DEAL IDEA: Buy (2) Charmin 18 pk ($9.99) & (2) Charmin 40 ct Freshmates ($2.49)
= $24.96
-$5.00 (use two -$2.50/2 Charmin: (1) Freshmates AND (1) Bath Tissue TQ 1-30-11 RP x3/31
-$2.00 (use the two $1/1 Charmin Freshmates from inside the packages
-$4.00 (use the two $2/1 Charmin Sensitive Bath Tissue from inside the packages
= $13.96 – $5 Gift Card Back wyb 2 Charmin Bath Tissue
= $8.96 for two 18-packs of bath tissue AND 2 tubs of Freshmates after coupons & Gift Card

KMart Doubles 2/27-3/5

2011-03-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

Okay here are the rules:

Double up to $2 manufacturer’s coupons.
Limit 5 coupons per day.
Only purchase 4 of the same item using double coupons
Only 1 coupon will be doubled per item.
You must scan your Shop Your Way rewards card to get your coupons doubled.
You must have a minimum of $25 in groceries and pharmacy items before coupons are scanned in order for them to be doubled.

There is also a P&G Catalina promo going at the same time. You CAN combine these promotions.

Buy $35 before coupons of P&G products and get a $10 Catalina coupon that prints at checkout, good for anything in the store.

Participating P&G brands:
Tide, Charmin, Bounty, Downy, Pantene, Crest, Olay, Always, Duracell, Cascade, Febreeze, Bounce, Covergirl, Dawn, Swiffer, Gillette, Tampax, Pampers, Old Spice, Secret

Here is my plan:

4 Tampax (18 ct - $4.49 each) = $17.96

Tide (75 oz ) = $8.99

Tide Pre Treat Spray = $4.49

Tide Stain Packs (18 ct) = $6.99

Total $38.43

-$1 Tide Coupon (P&G Coupon Book) *doubled

(4) -$2 Tampax (PG 2/27) *doubled

-$4.49 Buy Tide Get Free Stain Release (Spray was the only option carry at SC KMart)

-$3 Stain Release

Total after Coupons $12.94

Tax $2.06

Paid OOP $15 Plus $10/$10 and $4/$40

Sneak a Peek at tomorrows HyVee Ad

2011-03-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

With so many things to do these days, wouldn't you like to peek at tomorrow and see what your day will be like.

Go HERE to HyVee's website and check out tomorrows ad. It may vary but for the most part it will have everything on sale that SC and SSC will.

Zip Code: 52302

Tuesday Target Run $1.82 in Tax

2011-03-01T08:42:00.001-08:00

This run was a fast stock up on Halls & Gum. Last night I ended up sick. Running nose, sore throat, etc. etc. and I wasn't up for more than what I ordered in coupons today. Hopefully, be better by tomorrow!

Halls (6)
$1.19 - $1.39
(3) B1G1 Coupons *found at HyVee taped on their Halls Bags
(6) $.50 Off Halls Target Coupon

Dentyne 3 pack of Pure (18)
$1.79 *rain check price (reg. $1.99)
(18) $1 off manu. *ordered from eBay
(18) $.75 Off Dentyne Pure 3 pack Target Coupon

Orbits (4)
B1 Remix G1 Orbits Free
(2) $.75 Orbits Target Coupon *SC allows 1 Target Coupon per item, I could have used 4 but I received overage and my subtotal was already $0.00.

We didn't plan ahead . . .

2011-02-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

If your new to saving money you may not know that taking the time to organize your life will SAVE you money.

Example: Brooke & I had to go to Lincoln on Saturday for a baby shower. While it is $$ to drive that far for 2-3 hours. She made the decision that we should go. Well this last week with life getting in the way I didn't have time to PLAN. Even though I grabbed 2 cans of pop and 2 bottles of water for the trip this is what we purchased throughout the day.

Gas Station:
1 pack of Gum
1 bottle of Water
1 bottle of Pop
1 ho ho's
1 Reese's Cups
$12

Wal-Mart
1 Gift Bag
2 Tissue Paper Packs
1 Bottle of Lotion
2 Diaper Wipes Packs
$13

Target:
1 bottle of Pop
1 bottle of Water
2 pack of Gum *She loves gum
$7

$32 spent on being
UNORGANIZED

While this may not seem like a lot of money it can become that if you continue to live like we did on Saturday.

So this afternoon I will be working on New & Improved Car Kits for each vehicle!
Lotion & Gum are the MUST adds.

Best Buy Bambi Blu Ray Combo Deal Tomorrow 3/1

2011-02-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

While Brooke & I have decided to cut down on buying movies we both agree that the exception is Disney movies.

Reason #1 Often Disney releases a coupon to make the Combo Blu-Ray/DVD under $15
Reason #2 Disney releases movie for a short time then pulls them back into a vault for later re-release
Reason #3 We LOVE Disney!!!

Disney’s Bambi DVD+Blu-ray Combo Pack with Exclusive Bonus Disc $22.99
-$10/1 Bambi Diamond Edition on Blu-ray or DVD Combo Pack
= $12.99 after coupon

While your there here is another deal:
MegaMind DVD $13.99
$5.00/1 – MegaMind Blu-Ray or DVD – (smartsource.com)
Final Price: $8.99

Target Weekly Deals Starting 2/27

2011-02-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

Here is what I'm thinkin' about doing this week! All match up's were found on various sites' like Totally Target, Krazy Coupon Lady & Hip2Save.

Excedrin Extra Strength Express Gels 20 ct $3.59 (Regular Price)
$3.00/1 – Excedrin Extra Strength Pain Relief Item, 20ct or Larger, Target Coupon – (target.com)
$1.00/1 – Excedrin Extra Strength 20 ct or larger – (smartsource.com)
Final Price: FREE!

Buy 1 Charmin Ultra Soft Double Rolls, 18 pk or Mega Rolls, 9 pk Bath Tissue $9.99Buy 1 Bounty Giant Paper Towels, 12 pk $14.99
Use $1.00/1 Charmin Bath Tissue Ultra Soft, Strong or Sensitive, Target Coupon from RP 1/30 #2 (exp 2/28)
And use $0.25/1 Charmin Product from PG 1/30 or 2/27
And Use $1.00/1 Bounty Paper Towels, 6 pk or Larger, Target Coupon from RP 1/30 #2 (exp 2/28)
And Use $0.25/1 Bounty Towels or Napkins from PG 1/30 (exp 2/28)
Pay: $22.48, Receive $5 Target Gift Card
Final Price: $8.74 each

Kotex Liners, 18 ct $1.01
$1.00/1 – U by Kotex Product – (ubykotex.com)
Final Price: $0.01

Up & Up Ibuprofen 24 ct $0.99
$1.00/1 – Up & Up pain relief item – (target.com)
Final Price: Free

Rayovac Batteries (Dollar Section) $1.00
$1.00/1 – Rayovac Batteries – (facebook.com)
Final Price: Free

Walgreen's Deals for Week of 2/27 - 3/5

2011-02-28T07:18:00.000-08:00

Options . . . . .for FREE Puffs . . .or Cheap Coke Zero

#1
Buy 5 Vicks VapoDrops $0.90 each
* No VapoDrops Sold in SC or SSC stores
Buy 4 Puffs Kleenex $1.79 each
Use 4 $1.00/1 Vicks Product from PG 1/30 exp 2/28
OR Use 4 $1.00/1 Vicks product from PG 1/16 exp 2/28
AND Use 4 Free Puffs (up to $1.99) wyb One Vicks product from PG 2/27
Final Price: $0.05 each item

#2
Buy 4 packages of Vicks Dayquil or Nyquil Sinex $5.49 with in ad coupon = $21.96
(this should work with the in ad coupon and RR deal)
Buy 4 packages of Puffs (up to $1.99 in value each)
Use 4 $4/1 Vicks Sinex coupons found in the 2/27 PG
Use 4 FREE Puffs (up to $1.99) with Vicks purchase coupons found in the 2/27 PG
Pay $5.96
Get back a $10 RR
Final cost all FREE + a $4.04 moneymaker!
* This isn't prompting a $10 RR

Cheap Coke Zero with Hershey's Purchase
From Wild For Wags

#1
BUY(6) Hershey’s Minis or Drops 2/$5 (* No Reese's Minis - Only Pieces left)
Total = $15
(3) -$2/2 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Drops, Cookies ‘n’ Creme Drops, Reese’s Minis, Reese’s Pieces, York Pieces, Almond Joy Pieces or Hershey’s Special Dark Pieces, any stand up bags 8 oz or larger – 01-30-11 SS x3/30
Total = $9 or $1.50 EACH (Get back $15 worth of Coupons!)

BUY 5 – Coke Zero $3.33 each (3/$10 price in my ad) (*Found 3 Coke Zero @ SSC Store only - watch for restock Mon. - Wed. morning for all stores in SC)
Total = $16.65
USE
1 – $2/1 Coke Zero 12pk (2057) (Takes off $10)
= $6.65 or $1.33 EACH! That’s $.11 a can!

Here are the coupons you’ll get at checkout…
$1/2 Coca-Cola 20 oz. Bottles (2053) x5/21
$2/1 Coca-Cola 8-pk, 75 oz. mini cans (2054) x5/21
$2/1 Coca-Cola Zero 12 pk (2057) x5/21
$3/2 Hershey’s or Reese’s Candy, 19.75 oz (2058) x5/21
$2/3 Hershey’s or Reese’s Pieces, Minis, or Drops, 8 to 10 oz (MQ) x5/21
$2/2 Planters Deluxe Mixed Nuts 10 oz., Deluxe Whole Cashews 9.75 oz. or NUTrition 9.25- 9.75 oz (2060) x5/21
$2/2 Ritz 16oz, Wheat Thins 9 – 10 oz, or Triscuit 9.5 oz (2061) x5/21
$1/2 Planters Flavor Grove Almonds 6 oz or Peanuts 16 oz (2062) x5/21

Thanks again to Krazy Coupon Lady & Wild for Wags on their input!

Tuesday Target Run

2011-02-22T12:56:00.000-08:00

New printable Target coupons Available check them out HERE.
Great deals can be had. Cents for Green Works Cleaners & for a lot of Up & Up products.
Denytne 3 packs can be as low as $.04. You need the $.75 Target Coupon and then 2/13 SS $1/1 Coupon from weekly ads. I didn't see it. I ended up ordering 20 coupons for $1.50
My math will hopefully look like this:
20 - 3 packs @ $.04 ea. + $1.50 = $2.30
$2.30 / 60 = $.04 individual pack
Still bargain price for me!

2 Tidy Cat Jumbo Liners for the Cat Box Reg. $4.ish
(Tried for the $5 GC with 2 Pet Items - NOT APPLICABLE)
5 Up & Up Ibuprofen Reg. $.99 for 24 ct. - $1 Target Pain Relief Coupon = FREE
5 Up & Up Allergy Reg. $1.86 for 24 ct. - $1 Target Allergy Relief Coupon = $.86

Movie Tuesday: 2/22/11

2011-02-22T01:01:00.000-08:00

Today is Release Day for Movies on DVD & Blu Ray

Redbox (* NEW Release)
Little Dandelion Dust
Get Low*
Kalifornia
Held Up Psych: 9
Let Me In

Blockbuster
L'autre monde
Kings of Pastry
Due Date
The Temptation of St. Tony

Take advantage of $1 Tuesdays at all Main Street locations. Soft drinks and popcorn are only $1 each. Combine this offer with a matinee showtime (in select markets) and the savings can be huge.

Getting Back to Saving & Making $$

2011-02-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today I spent 2 hours on Opinion Outpost earning some cash.
$10.50 to be exact!

I'm not going to cash out . . .but I've started a list.
It's called what I want . . .but what I want to pay.
Rule #1 : Has to be on the list for 1 month i.e. 30 days
Rule #2 : Has to be something both of us agree on
Rule #3 : Has to be a reward for hardwork
(i.e. decluttering, cleaning, project done, working out for such and such days)
Cause everyone LOVE's rewards!

House Party: Johnsonville Italian Inspiration House Party

2011-02-16T13:11:00.001-08:00

I got the Johnsonville Italian Inspiration House Party!
Woo Hoo!

Party day is March 12, 2011 — that’s when I will host a get together and enjoy lots of delicious Johnsonville^® Italian Sausage.

Here's how it works
1. Go to HouseParty.com
2. Browse the parties and find 1,2, or 3 that your interested in
3. Sign up for an account and Apply NOW
. . . .then wait . . .and wait some more
They will email you either way. Remember they get thousands of submissions so try to make yours stand out!

After they email you a winning email, go to the site ASAP and set up your party!
Send some emails out to your family and friends and wait for them to send you your party pack.

Party Pack

What will be in my party pack?

Coupons for free Johnsonville^® Italian Sausage
Coupon for free Prego Italian Sauce
Coupon for free Sargento shredded cheese
Coupons for $1 off Johnsonville Italian Sausage
Coupons for free Johnsonville Chicken Sausage
Johnsonville recipe pamphlets
Johnsonville Deli Bites
Johnsonville Summer Sausage
Paper plates and napkins
Spaghetti scoop
Apron
Oven mitt

P.S. I'm not that lucky, and I've hosted at least 6 in the past 2 years. It's doable, so try it out!

HouseParty.com

Movie Tuesday: 2/15/2011

2011-02-15T01:45:00.000-08:00

Today is Release Day for Movies on DVD & Blu Ray

Redbox
(*) Released Everywhere today

Death Race 2
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger*
Game of Death
Storm Warriors
Waiting for Superman*

Blockbuster

Unstoppable
Kites

Debt . . .

2011-02-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

When I first started looking at debt management, I was told to find Dave? I believe Dave who was my answer. But really if your looking a plan to remove your debt, I highly recommend looking for Dave . . .Ramsey. Debt Guru! I'm currently in his 7 Baby Step Program to get out of debt. And I want OUT now!

Here is a link to Dave's site or look below for a little preview of the steps.

Baby Step 1

$1,000 to start an Emergency Fund

Baby Step 2

Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball

Baby Step 3

3 to 6 months of expenses in savings

Baby Step 4

Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement

Baby Step 5

College funding for children

Baby Step 6

Pay off home early

Baby Step 7

Build wealth and give!

Almost . . . Stock up Price: Pork Chops

2011-02-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

I know what your thinkin' "an ALMOST stock up price." Well I'm still considering myself learning the stock up side of meats. Last week, when Fareway had Boneless Chicken for $1.69 I had to check to see if it was a good price. Where else but at the Krazy Coupon Lady's site. Yep! That's her name. So I went HERE. and low and behold it was a GREAT price. (did you feel me channel Tony the Tiger)

So this morning, I'm checking my ads. SO not impressed when I remember Brooke saying something about Pork Chops or something like all we ever eat is Chicken and Beef. Well on the bottom of page 1 it says $1.99 lb for Chairman's Reserve Family Pack Pork Chops. That has to be a great price, RIGHT?

WRONG? According to Krazy (for short) she says that it will have to be
Boneless Pork Chops $1.49/lb
But then I remembered a promotion that Tyson has with Fareway through 2/31. $3 off any $10 purchase.
So I went to Fareway to investigate.
How much was a Family Pack? Well the packs that I got were $7.92 & $7.62.
Can they make one that is $10.01? Nope, it's a set amount that goes into each one.
Can I combine both Fareway Coupon and Tyson's? Yep!

So while I would have had the stock up price had I only spent between $10 or $11 before coupon, it can't be done. But I ended up buying 2 family packs (minus $3*) I paid around $1.60 per lb. Which is SO much closer than $1.99!

*Tyson $3 off $10 coupon is a text coupon for Fareway ONLY. Text "25827" the word "PORK" to receive the code and then show it to your cashier! Easy as pie, and she had never seen one before.

I Heart Fareway!

Movie Tuesday: 2/8/11

2011-02-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

Redbox Releases

Paranormal Activity 2
For Colored Girls
You Again
Middle Men
Tamara Drewe
The Romantics

Blockbuster Only
Life As We Know It
Princess and the Frog
My Soul to Take
It's Kind of A Funny Story
Le Refuge
Ong Bak 3
Wild Target
Speed Dating
I Spit on Your Grave

Stock Up Alert: Boneless Skinless Chicken

2011-02-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

According to most blogs the stock up price on Boneless Chicken Breasts is: $1.69-$1.99/lb.

It's $1.69!

Can you believe that regular price is $2.99!
That would hurt!
Anyway, the great thing about Fareway is that you can call ahead. I called Thursday afternoon and asked for 20lbs to be ready this morning. By allowing them the time to prepare they will package it anyway you want. So because it's just Brooke and myself, we just do 2 breasts per package. LOL!
Price valid until Tuesday night. 2/8/11

Saved Quarter Challenge

2011-02-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

Over at "The Saved Quarter Blog" I've been inspired to save as much as I can. But the problem is always: How much am I going to save? How am I going to do this WITH Brooke? What will saving accomplish for me?

February 2011 Challenge

1. Save a quarter of just my income. $300
2. Create a Budget allowance for Food.
3. Pull Credit Report.
4. Try to Renegotiate Interest Rates on Cards and Make a Solid Payment Plan for all Credit Cards.

Snacks for the Super Bowl

2011-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

If advertising would have anything to do with what you eat it would mainly be chips, dip, pizza, soda, etc. So why no capitalize on their sales? I did!

Yesterday I hopped (literally!!) to Target. Excited for the first time about grocery shopping. Check out what I scored on!

Diet Dr. Pepper 12 pack $2.75 sale price
minus $.55 peelie found on 12 packs at HyVee (can be used on 2 -2 liters too!)
minus $1 Target Coupon found on Target's Website
$1.20 per pack plus $.60 for deposit = $1.80 ( I grabbed 6!)

Tostitos and Dip Deal
Buy 2 Chips (2 for $5) Get Dip Free (-$2.50)

2 Tostito Chip Bags = $5
minus (2) $.55 coupons from 1/30 =$1.10
1 Tostito Dip =$2.50
minus (1) $.55 coupon from 1.30 = $.55
so far . . . $7.50 - $1.65 = $5.85
Then hand over Target Coupon from website if you buy 2 chips and 1 Dip minus $1
$4.85 - minus Target's FREE Dip ($2.50) = $2.35 for 2 Chips & 1 Dip

Now this is the controversial part . . .Target doesn't allow double dipping, but I have heard that people are price matching Walgreen's Ad for $1.97 chips. If your Target would allow this you could come away with paying . . .

$ 1.29 for 2 Chips & 1 Dip

Side Note: In all seriousness I grabbed some Planters Nut for the Mom. She Loved Nuts! (Anyway!) Target single serving is only $.79 and they have a target coupon for $.75 off any so I picked up 4 bags for $.16 for V-Day. Mom's always are forgotten for these small holidays, so I want to make sure she knows that Brooke and I love her and thank her for EVERYTHING she's done and continues to do on a daily basis for us.

Brooke was also getting low on lotion. Now if she had not been getting low I would not have bought into the Vaseline Deal. $2.99 for the small bottle with $1 man & $1 target =$.99 lotion.
The last time I bought her lotion (exact same) I paid $.25. So I feel a alittle slighted, but I bought 7 hoping that gets us to a better sale.

Last Day for $1 Mayo or Miracle Whip (thank goodness I check expiration dates, we have 2 that expire Jan. 11)
HyVee 12-hour Sale is today. We love Prego, so I will be there to pick up two. If you live in SC, DM, or Omaha area we didn't get the Prego coupons that would have made this deal fantastic.

Redbox & Main Street Theaters

2011-02-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Today is Release Day for Movies on DVD & Blu Ray

Redbox
Remember Promo Codes: N6TRWTV
Machete
Catfish
Welcome to the Rileys
The Client List

Blockbuster
Conviction
Let Me In
Never Let Me Go
Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2

Take advantage of $1 Tuesdays at all Main Street locations. Soft drinks and popcorn are only $1 each. Combine this offer with a matinee showtime (in select markets) and the savings can be huge.

RAGBRAI XXXIX - July 24-30, 2011

2011-01-31T14:11:00.001-08:00

This is going to be me! LOL! Congrads Marisa, you are riding across Iowa.

MILEAGE AND CLIMB

Day 1 — 64.2 miles 4,946 climb
Day 2 — 65.4 miles 4,798 climb
Day 3 — 70.9 miles 1,784 climb
Day 4 — 56.1 miles 1,246 climb
Day 5 — 57.5 miles 3,294 climb
Day 6 — 75.3 miles 2,800 climb
Day 7 — 64.8 miles 2,338 climb
Total — 454.2 miles 21,206 climb

This year’s ride runs July 24-30. The event starts in Glenwood, with overnight stops in Atlantic, Carroll, Boone, Altoona, Grinnell and Coralville before the Mississippi River tire-dipping festivities in Davenport.

The 454-mile route is the 14th-shortest, and 18 miles short of average. Fifteen routes have been hillier, so the 10,000 riders will find the climb in the moderate range.

Combine the mileage and hills, and organizers consider this the 22nd-easiest ride, meaning 17 routes have been tougher.

Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!

Best Week Ever . . . .(Last Week)

2011-01-31T09:31:00.000-08:00

Monday: Let's just say Christmas came early for me. Opened my mail to find an amazing gift from a friend!

Tuesday: Went to buy Secretariat at Target. Target's Price was $24.99, so I brought along the Best Buy ad to price match it to $22.99. Hey $2 counts. The reason I bought it at Target is that you can get a Target Card (Debit) attached to any checking account and save 5%. That means only paying 2% tax. Every little bit helps. So I grab the movie and hand the ad over. She price matched it, and then I handed over my $8 coupon from Disney Movie Rewards. I swiped my Target Debit Card and then looked down to see $7.99! Okay so be honest, should I have said something. I was supposed to pay $14.99, but she price match my blu ray to the regular DVD price in the Best Buy.

Wednesday: Worked early in the AM at Best Buy. To save time I ran through McDonald's to grab my grandfather a big breakfast and a coffee. Well the conversation went a little like this.
May I have a big breakfast?
Would you like hot cakes?
No thanks.
I also need a decaf coffee, medium. And a #11 with a Hi-C Orange please.
Would you like hot sauce with the burritos?
No thank you.
Okay so I roll up to Window #1 and hand over my credit card (big no-no but gpa pays me back).
I drive forward to Window #2 and she hands me the two drinks and tells me it'll be a moment for the food. No prob. My gpa is my boss, so it's all good. She then hands me a sack with two burritos and a hash brown. Ummmmm . . . . looking at my receipt I mention that I ordered a big breakfast, but didn't get charged. May I pay for one? Politely she declines and hands me a big breakfast with pancakes for FREE. Have a nice day, as she waves me off. I love McDonald's!

Thursday: Brooke and I are current organizating our whole house. Pictures will have to come later!! Anyway biggest problem I'm dealing with is organizing the weekly ads. I was using a filing cabinet. Then I was just using big files. Well I want to go back to the cabinet. So I stopped by Staples on my way to work for some trendy (cheap) file folders. Well it seems that for appealing and colorful you pay a premium. A $4.99 for 12 folders PREMIUM. So I'm thinking they are so cute. Where else am I going to go. I could check Target or Wal-Mart, maybe? I was motivated and heck I was going to try to think of some what to rationalize the expense. I guess I could always take them back if Brooke said absolutely not. So with a skip in my step I reach the check out lane with 4 packs of 12 trendy folders. (thinking $4.99 times 4 = $20, ekk Brooke is really going to kill me).
First pack . . . . . $4.99
Second pack . . . .$4.99
Third pack . . . . .$4.99
Fourth pack . . . . . . . . . . .$.50 WHAT!!!

Wrapping my head around that happened I paid $.50 for 12 folders. Wait are there more? So I go out to come right back in. Staples doesn't have a scanner. :-) Well after hauling each and every 12 and 6 pack to the front to get scanned I returned my three at regular price of $4.99 each for three other packs that were clearance at $.50. So I only spent $2.00. WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!

So that is my BEST WEEK EVER!!

WOW!!

2011-01-31T09:23:00.000-08:00

Has it really been that long . . .January 14th?!?!

I'm a mess right now. Busy with EVERYTHING:
School started.
Working both jobs.
Working out with Trainer Paul (Boot Camp).

It's just crazy, so I apologize. I have all these picture and ideas for posts and I found no time at all to create them.

February resolution: Post Everyday!

Wish me luck!
Marisa

Back into Couponing

2011-01-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

After slacking MAJOR through the holiday's I've come back to couponing. While it takes a little bit of time, the money saved is amazing.

If you'd like to start I recommend some of theses sites:

Couponing to Disney (HyVee Ad Matchups)
Hip2Save (Overall deals)
Common Sense With Money (Overall deals)
Totally Target (Target)
Wild for Wags (Walgreens)
Fareway Site Is the ONLY resource I've found reliable (Fareway)

Otherwise check out all the button on the lower right hand side.

Disclaimer: I direct you to these sites because I LOVE them. They have NOT paid for this referral. THANKS!

2011-01-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Buy 2 Orbits 14-piece Gum Packs @ $1.29 each (or 4 like I did)
Use B1G1 Free Orbits Gum Coupon (HERE) (2 for me)
Then use Wags In Ad Coupon (Limit of 4)

After 4 packs - 2 B1G1 Coupons & Wags In Ad Coupon = $.18 subtotal
add $.19 for tax
=$.37 for 4 packs of gum ($.0925 a pack)
Woo Hoo!

This is what your receipt will look like.
Remember to hand over mfg. coupons then the Instant Value Wags Coupon!

Enjoy!

* newbie side note B1G1 Coupon will print 2 per computer

Pop Cans & Day Day #10 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (Laundry Room/closet)

2011-01-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

I returned most of my mother's pop can's for $10.95
Pretty Good for 30 mins of work, Right?

So here is my BEFORE pics of the Laundry Room
(please don't judge, I've been slacking)

Soon I will be on track again and post the AFTER photo, until then pray for time!

Day #5 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (Under the Kitchen Sink)

2011-01-06T11:08:00.001-08:00

Here is my "under the kitchen sink"

I think that I shop at Target too much if I can make out where the bags are coming from. ;-)

So this morning after checking in on Toni @ Bowl Full of Lemons

I knew that I couldn't prolong buying storage containers any longer. Plus I admit I've been jealous of people that have drawer liners, so I wanted to start pricing what it would cost.

Target had some REALLY cute containers. Around $2.49- $3.49
Then I remembered that someone said they found drawer liners at Dollar Tree, and then I found tons of plastic containers for $1. Okay I knew I was in the Dollar Tree, but WOW.
I was impressed with the selection. I bought 6 for the price that I had paid for 2 at Target.

So here are some of the items that get to stay under the kitchen sink.

Empty Cabinet
(I want new cabinets)

Close Ups

AFTER

So it still looks cluttered! Darn It!
But I'll be marking the items with a sharpie in the next couple of months, to see what I actually use.

Day #4 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (The Linen Closet)

2011-01-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

Nothing much but a re-organize job. But hey that's what it's all about. Soon everything will just need a 15 min touch up. I live for that moment!

(PICTURES to come) uploading error!
cross your fingers for tomorrow

Have you started thinking about V-Day?

2011-01-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's only January 5th. But if I start now I can make something amazing, instead of picking up something over priced which always ends up being under used.
What do you think about a t-shirt quilt? In my organizing I ran across some shirts that Brooke and I each saved to make into quilts. By wanting to make the quilt I will have eliminated all the bags of shirts and made a thoughtful gift. Right?!

Transfer of Moolaaa

2011-01-04T08:51:00.001-08:00

Did a quick transfer and updated the accounts. Both Brooke and I have been putting in some long hours this holiday season trying to bump up some of our goals. While we both want to take a vacation sooner than 2012, it may have to be a short trip to Sioux Falls, Minneapolis, or Chicago. We've moved more money into our Car Fund and taken from Disney. This may be a reoccurring theme, but as we near the middle of the month I will set out concrete goals for not only money funds but projects.

As an added bonus, we bought Quicken Deluxe 2011 to Set Goals & Save More. We've heard a lot of good things about this program and we hope that it will allow us to come together to manage our money better.

Couponing to Disney, a blog I regularly follow, will be my accountability in not eating out. A big chunk of our money disappears to fast food and restaurants. We need to eliminate this to more forward.

So the totals are as of 1/4/11 . . .

Car Fund
$2592

Disney
$374

Emergency
$255

Day #3 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (The Messy Tupperware Cabinets)

2011-01-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

Before

After

I didn't consider this much of a transformation.
I just organized what I had into categories i.e. lids and containers.

I'm going to keep on the look out for plastic containers like you see on A Bowl Full of Lemons. I LOVE the the bright pop of green color.

Impressed with my wife

2011-01-03T14:01:00.000-08:00

So I sprung the idea of getting organized on Brooke about a week before New Year's. While she agreed the idea sounded great, she (and I both) didn't know where we would find the time to accomplish such a daunting task.

Plan A: Participate in Organization Challenge

Plan B: Throw a Super Bowl Party
(Nothing like a party to motivate)

While I believe I caught an eye roll at the mention of finding this challenge on a blog, she didn't kill the idea. WooHoo!!

And then she does this . . . .

and totally blows me out of the water!
Now my lovely wife is the deep cleaner and the perfect partner, but I NEVER saw this coming.
So that is why I'm posting about her helpful cupboard cleaning project.

Organized Challenge #2 - Your computer desk (top only)

2011-01-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

This is what I had to face this morning. Let's just say that maybe someone was geeky or excited enough to wait up for midnight, which is when A Bowl Full of Lemons posts her challenges. If that was the case, I sure as didn't want to wake up and dig into our office a.k.a. people are coming let's shove it into the office and close the door.

After Brooke left to go to work, I grabbed a quick shower and grabbed two cardboard boxes, trash bag, and some plastic containers. (This is where I was saying thank you to the angels that it was ONLY the top of our desk)

This was AFTER I removed all the items from the desk top.

Now before I reveal the end result. I want to say that hopefully after the whole office is cleaned and organized I will be able to put these storage bins (with labels) into the closet for a more organized look.

This is mostly papers that need a spot in our filing cabinet.
Have a small amount of CDs and a card organizer.

These are plastic containers that will eventually be placed in closet with labels.
Don't know what to do with the keyboard and mouse to my MAC tower.

More plastic containers!

Have some empty frames for a hallway project.
I will probably organize our software with a CD binder later on in the 21 Days.

So what do you think?

Day #1- Organized Challenge @ Bowl Full of Lemons

2011-01-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

Day #1 Challenge (Organizing the "junk" drawer)

BEFORE

This was a huge mess. It's the first drawer we see when we come in through the side door. Add that with the fact that it's in kitchen, it was destined to be a junk drawer.

20 minutes later . . .waalaa . . .

AFTER

Tomorrow I will add more containers to separate these items that get to stay. But until then . . . I'm going to be watching the Alabama game. Go Crimson Tide!!

Website Wednesday: A Bowl Full of Lemons

2010-12-29T08:18:00.000-08:00

While this would make a great centerpiece if Brooke liked the color YELLOW, but I'm talking about a blog I've found this morning through Sustainable Chic Designs.

She is hosting a challenge to anyone wanting to start organizing their house after the holidays. It starts on JAN. 1!! Head on over to her website, A Bowl Full of Lemons. I'll be participating, hope to see there!

The 21 days to getting ORGANIZED challenge!

Panera Friday & Surprise for the WIfe

2010-12-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

This is my amazing treat for FRIDAY!

Psssssttt . . .plus the wife and her co-workers will be getting an amazing treat from me . . .Jitter "SunShine Donuts". She has been feelin' so crappy lately I want to make up for being an absent spouse. This last month we have only had two hours together AWAKE! She leaves at 5:45 am, when I'm asleep. I bring lunch for her and I to eat (30 mins). I get off at 4:30, and if we are lucky she would have gotten off earlier so we can eat dinner and chat (1hr and half). Then I leave by 5:45 to go work again. This wouldn't be so horrible, but lately I've been getting home around midnight to 12:15 am, which is after she has gone to bed. So hopefully she will appreciate her favorite donuts. HAPPY FRIDAY!

After Clearing the Crap from my Desk

2010-12-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

Here are the after photos!!

The bulk of it was done in a day. It’s important to remember the more you can store in draws (in an organized fashion) the better your overall desk looks.

So tell me what you think . . .

Clear the Crap Thursday: Office Desk (Work)

2010-12-16T10:57:00.000-08:00

My desk is the first sight for many customers. While we don’t have a whole lot of people just walking into our office it is a management office and I NEED to get organized.

Check out these BEFORE pictures . . .

Stay tuned for the AFTER pictures! Hopefully around 3 PM, wish me luck.

Tuesday on DVD

2010-12-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

Redbox
Mother and Child
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
The Other Guys

Blockbuster
Despicable Me
The A-Team

Look for The Town & Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole to come out on Friday. (Blockbuster only for rentals)

24 Days Until Christmas: Advent Calendar

2010-12-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

Allison, from House of Hepworths, post today reminded me about a gift I bought that I could incorporate into Brooke's Countdown to Christmas.

Lego Advent Calendars…
Brooke loves Lego's and while I have been drooling over an Wooden Advent Calendar from Target this is PERFECT for her. It has been the only tradition I have kept since we started dating.

My mom being the amazing mom that she is got me a chocolate calendar that you can buy almost anywhere. So start December 1 off with a advent calendar . . .

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-12-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday from all of us!

Website for Wednesday: The CSI Project

2010-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

This website is all about creating some inspiring! Today, while wanting to decorate I logged immediately on to this site. Reason being, every week they issue a challenge where anyone and everyone can participate. For instance, this week is the

Painted Holiday Challenge

With that they tell you the judge for the competition. Amazing enough that it's usually a blogger. I Love It. Just have never thought of ANYTHING post worthy yet, but don't worry I'm working on an idea. Anyway . . . this week if you enter you will be judged by Krylon and Krylon is giving one lucky CSI participant a 6 pack of spray paint of your choice. I know I'm a dork but I'm SO excited. I may have to take a picture of some painted holiday craft . . .or something.

Movie Night

2010-11-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

If you live in Sioux City, you may know that it's $1 Tuesday at Main Street Theaters. Popcorn and Pop is ONLY $1 each. Major saving can be had at the movie if you do this and combine it with an early show.

Unfortunately, Brooke and I will be getting off later. But we will still plan on taking advantage of $1 pop and popcorn. Here is the dilemma: We saw Tangled (AMAZING) this last Saturday, so we are trying to choose between Burlesque or Love and Other Drugs. What do you think?

Just in case you don't want to see either of those I highly recommend Harry Potter or Tangled. Morning Glory was just okay. While Due Date fell short when I thought I might get something like Hangover.

Everyone still out there . . .

2010-11-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

. . . it truly was touch and go for Brooke and I. With Thanksgiving meal and a long nap, both Brooke and I worked the entire weekend away. We are so looking forward to the day, when we don't have to have a second job.

In other NEWS, I'm starting a 25 day countdown to Christmas. Brooke admitted that the season really hasn't hit her and that maybe we should just skip some stuff. (i.e. Secret Santa). We'll I'm going to try to work on her spirit with 25 Daily Activities to bring us more in the holiday spirit.

So far I've starting making a plan for the office to organize and a plan for our own 25 Days Countdown. I ordered 2 Lego sets for a crafty evening project: The Winter Village Bakery & The Winter Toy Shop. We are both HUGE lego fans so this will be a nice relaxing project.

Do you have any other ideas?

Website for Wednesday: Get Baked with Bree

2010-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ha ha! Yes, you read that right. But no I didn't mean it THAT way. Back in October I got on a "If you can bake, well so can I!" Now anyone that knows me, realizes that I can't cook without a microwave or easy prepared instructions. So what in the sam heck made me think I could bake WITHOUT my man Pillsbury. Her site is Baked with Bree, and she makes everything look simple. Plus I saw Hot Chocolate Cookie recipe and this picture.

Right now she is one of many talented lady's that are participating in a Link Party called "12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies ." This is a great time to JUMP over to her site and see all her Friday treats and well as everyone else for all those treat platters.

Christmas Carol $9.99

2010-11-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Brooke & I both LOVE Disney movies, plus that this is a Blu Ray it's a steal! Target had a coupon in yesterday's ad that if you buy a Disney Blu Ray $14.99 and up SAVE $5. Pair that with Disney's coupon for $10 Off this Blu Ray, you'll spend $9.99.

Side Note: Brooke and I have decided to only buy Disney Blu Ray's and movies that we absolutely will watch over and over again. This means more renting. This may seem like a waste but we don't watch half of the movies or TV shows that we have bought. Our movie pass will end in Dec. 2010, so after trying to buy a new one (max $1100 bid) we decided that we will save that money and rent movies from Redbox, Blockbuster, Cinema Now, etc. But it has allowed us to set a $550 budget for entertainment for 2011.

P.S. And this doesn't mean we won't be going to the movies, because that would be unthinkable.

Weekend Recap

2010-11-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

Brooke and I were supposed to go to Omaha and see Harry Potter in IMAX with Brooke's friend from high school and her sister, but everyone canceled so we figured a weekend at home was a BLISSFUL idea before the BLACK FRIDAY rush!

Saturday morning, minus the early (6 AM) meeting at Best Buy, was very uneventful day spent at home. We did leave for a couple hours to see Harry, downtown at Main Street Theaters.
Loved It!

Sunday Morning was packed full of errands. Brooke started us off in the right direction of Perkins for breakfast. The idea struck us to try something new. DON'T! While this won't happen to everyone we didn't like either of our new, never tried before dishes.

After all the running around we settled in to cleaning and fixing some of the doors that have been on (Brooke's) our to do list FOREVER!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

2010-11-18T12:41:00.001-08:00

2012 is a long way away BUT Brooke and I sat down and had a long discussion about a vacation. As in we NEED one, now! The budget tells us that 2012 is the earliest that we will be able to take 5-7 days off without any major problems. So instead of dwelling on the 2012 (Sept.-Nov.) tentative date, we talked about resorts.

In Summer of 2012, Disney World will be adding another value resort called Art of Animation Resort. Here's what the website says:

Coming soon: a new Walt Disney World Resort! Disney's Art of Animation Resort hotel, a Disney Value Resort hotel, will draw its inspiration from 4 classic Disney animated films: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Disney·Pixar's Finding Nemo and Cars.

Booking dates for this family-friendly resort, scheduled to open Summer of 2012, have not been announced yet. Please continue to check back for more information and details.

We choose The Lion King.
In the running was

Disney's Contemporary Resort & Disney's Polynesian Resort.

But we don't spend that much time in the room. So we went with CHEAP and get the benefit and them being brand NEW! Woohoo! Plus if we want we can upgrade to a family suite for more room.

Life

2010-11-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

I'm exhausted. To my friends out there that have to work in retail or deal with the madness of these holiday rushes, "My heart is with ya!"

Many people that know me, also know that I've always worked two jobs. I like to stay busy, plus extra money is always welcome. Now that the holiday's have started, I'm starting to feel "OLD." I said it. Not to be made fun of but I realized this last night at 11 pm when I got off of work: My feet ache, I started to fall asleep in the two mile drive home, and I really think I threw out my back lifting. (I'm laughing at myself too!)

Any Who, I'm really looking forward to 2011. Hopefully, I will be able to get organized by then, because I haven't touched a thing since beginning of last week.

Bye for Now.

Playing Games with my Head

2010-11-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, I was majorly kicked about saving every last penny we had. But lately I'm in the spending mood. I know part of it is Christmas and the holidays, but we just can't afford to be eating out and buying all of our wants. So I transferred all but $500 out of our Disney Fund to kick my butt back into high gear to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!

Please scold or cheer us on as we try to cut the budget some more and SAVE even more in the next month as well as in 2011! I'm still trying to create a 2011 plan! To be continued . . .

Website for Wednesday: Better After

2010-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe you are not that craft inclined, but love watching HDTV or DiY for those amazing make overs. Better After is the website to drool over. Site Owner says: "This site is inspired by you! This is a showcase of my favorite part of any design project or makeover: The before and afters! It's always better after!

So if you have a few minutes, click HERE to see what I mean.

Website for Wednesday: House of Smiths

2010-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

So I was inspired over the pre-Halloween October to create some decorations for our mantle. That is when I found Shelley from House of Smiths & Wonderfully Wordy. Other than being a full time mother, she also has a vinyl business! Check out the page I found HER E of all that you may do with vinyl.

Project: Dirty and Clean Dishwasher Tag

2010-11-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

With our organizational and cleaning kick in full gear I ran across a NEED. Dishwasher Tag! I'm always looking and inspecting the full dishwasher to see if I ran it or Brooke did. Plus I thought it would be an awesome reminder to actually DO the dishes. Hint Hint

While I try to be crafty, you all know that I turn to the trusty WEB to inspire (I blame the only 24hrs to a day rule). This is how I found Carina Gardner, mommy, designer, and instructor. Not only did she make a tag, but she made four different colors of her design and posted it on her website for all to use.

Here is a picture tutorial of my 5 min project. $1.40 YEAH!
Go to Carina Gardner website and click on the link to print!

Cut out whichever one you like!

You can't tell, but I laminated mine with a sheet from Staples. Mainly, when if it gets wet I won't have to make another one. (Free from another project)

Went to Micheal's and grabbed a small sheet of ProMAG $2.80 reg. used a 50% off coupon printed from slickdeals.net or you can find them in weekly ad

Finished Project!

Tips for a Tidy Home by TidyMom.net

2010-11-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

This is a repost from TidyMom's website HER E. Just thought that with the clean and organization theme this week I'd repost it on my blog so that you may benefit from her ideas. All the information was taken from TidyMom and is her copyright.

It’s no secret……I like a Tidy Home!

Hence the name, TidyMom.

Ever wonder HOW I got that title?

My oldest daughter assigned me that title years ago when we first got online. Does that girl know her mom or what? LOL

I’m not neurotic or one of THOSE moms. I don’t really LIKE to clean, I just LOVE the end result. I like to look around the house and see clean. I don’t like the stress of seeing a mess.

Trust me, I have piles of junk like everyone else, some are just hidden in closest (remember this post).

How do I keep my house looking tidy?

I’m going to share a few of my tips (what works for me)

Don’t let it sit for later (Clean ASAP) – a mess is much easier to clean up when it happens. Once food or dirt is allowed to dry or soak in, it’s going to take a lot more time and elbow grease to clean it later.

Don’t Put it off – this is probably my BIGGEST household tip! Clean as you go. You’ll be amazed that many things only take a few minutes to do if you clean as you go, rather than hours of cleaning if you put it all off to do at once. If you stay on top of these things daily your house will look nice and you will be more organized and relaxed. Some of the things I do daily are:

make my bed
wipe down the bathroom after I have gotten ready – I keep Clorox wipes and a cloth diaper under the bathroom sink – and I give the bathroom a quick wipe down daily.
clear the dinner table AND do dishes as soon as we finish eating.
load the dishwasher any time there’s a dirty dish – it really only take a few seconds, instead of having a sink or counter piled with dirty dishes.
wipe off the counters and table.
sort mail, throw out junk.
do at least one load of laundry
fold and put away laundry as it comes out of the dryer

By doing these things daily you can reduce stress and have a visually cleaner home.

Set a Timer for Quick Clean Ups- Many days I will give myself 15 minutes and run thru a few rooms and just pick up stray times, fluff and straighten the room. You’ll be surprised how often this will motivate you to keep going. Get the kids to help – make it a game!

Dust While on the Phone – often if I’m on the phone with my mom or daughter, instead of sitting on the couch, I will get up and dust a room while we chat! Multi tasking is my friend

Don’t walk to another room empty handed - there’s almost ALWAYS something in a room that belongs some where else – don’t pass it up, grab it on your way – even if you just open a door and toss it in!

Clean up as you cook - I have a small kitchen, so I really get stressed if I have no room to cook or bake. Like wise, if you’re waiting on dinner in the oven, clean up the mess while it cooks.

I LOVE to come home to a Clean House- I try and pad my “to go time” by 15-30 minutes and do a quick run thru before I leave, put dirty dishes in the dish washer, wipe off counters, pick up stray items, even vacuum if I have time. I especially did this when I worked, that way I could walk in to a clean house and start dinner with out the stress of a messy house to pick up as well.

These are just some tips that keep me sane, more relaxed and a happy mom.

Do you have any quick cleaning tips?

Christmas Fund Axed!

2010-11-09T14:04:00.001-08:00

I've given up! With the kids all done and my sister I think we are in a fairly good place. Or this won't come to bite me in the ass, I've axed the Christmas Fund and instead am going to focus on finishing Christmas shopping to enjoy December with stress free FUN. Don't worry I'll keep you updated.

Reminder: Coke Rewards

2010-11-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Your weekly point balance reset for the week this morning. So to get a head start on my week I'm entering in mine today and reminding you to as well.

Monday To Do List . .

2010-11-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Monday:

pay bills
file paperwork
general tidying (LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, KITCHEN, BEDROOM, BATHROOM)
laundry IN PROCESS
clean dishes
wipe down entry & side door
wash bed sheets DONE

How are you doing with your daily chores?

Monday Morning Shop: Target

2010-11-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Target

4 Halls $1.17 ea - $1/2 Coupon 11/7 SS & $.50/1 Target Coupon = FREE
2 Prevacid Boxes $10.49 - $5/1 Target Coupon (Target Website has it down as $1, but prints $5, no problems when scanned at lanes) & $4 coupons.com printable coupon = $1.49 ea
2 Target Spiderweb reg. $2.99 90% $.29
1 SpiderWebs with Spiders $?? 90% $.29??
1 box of Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners (4 Liners) $1.79 - $1 Coupon 11/7 SS = $.79

Holiday Money Saver: Christmas Cards

2010-11-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Every week I try to remind all readers that entering in cokes to mycokerewards.com will save you $$ in the long run. With the holidays coming I know that I will want to create some kind of Christmas Card. Today, My Coke Rewards is offering a ONE DAY ONLY reward of 20 Snapfish holiday cards for 30 points (instead of 300).

Create personal cards and invitations. Send a greeting from the heart. Get in on the deal.

Wednesday's the best day with deals like this. Here's a chance to save 90% on the perfect holiday greeting. Get in on the deal now, while supplies last. Send 20 Holiday photo cards that will be keepsakes to your family and friends. Choose from hundreds of designs and turn your photos into a personalized Holiday greeting (or save-the-date cards, baby announcements and more). They're printed on high-quality photo paper and available in 4" x 8" and 5" x 7" sizes. Cards are sold in sets of 20 and include envelopes. Who haven't you talked to lately? Reconnect with them today.

Customer pays shipping and handling. (Will be able to pick up at Wal Mart or Walgreens) Credit Card is required. Snapfish reserves the right to de-activate coupon codes if fraud is suspected. Via mail order only. Rewards can be redeemed through January 31, 2011.Limit of one (1) redemption per member.

Website for Wednesday: Young House Love

2010-11-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Young House Love

I stumbled onto this site after searching for home improvement project ideas.
Meet Sherry and John Petersik their motto is "We’re Young. We’re Fun. We’re Repainting Again?!"

If you think you'd be interested in seeing their site click HERE.

Wow . . .it has been awhile . . .

2010-11-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry for that delay.
Life!

Scentsy Giveaway from Little Miss Momma

2010-10-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

Scentsy Giveaway

{and FREE gift with purchase}
*AND tons of other special offers*

Go HERE to see the Giveaway details.
Sorry, just ran across today, it ENDS TONIGHT at MIDNIGHT

Remember blogs like these have great giveaways that if you win will allow for great gifts come Christmas! Good Luck everyone!

Money Fluctuation

2010-10-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Halloween is almost here and while I'm in the spirit of the Holiday's I can't get over how much they co$t.

While I just got paid from my part time job this last week I saw a cut in the Disney Fund because of Halloween spending & a trip to Nebraska. Started with $1158.73 and Finished with $1090.63. I just hate going backwards!

Our Emergency Fund jumped a little because of some loose change I deposited, but other than that nothing drastic. Started with $287.75 and Finished with $330.04.

I don't forsee these funds moving a lot in the next two months. I had the unfortunate luck of eating a hitch with the front of the Lincoln. Part alone is $190! Woo hoo. The wife was less than thrilled. Side note: Also received a Red Light ticket. How can anyone afford to pay those? So while I'm flushing down our money through the drains hopefully, my wife will cover some of my slack.

FREE Redbox Rental

2010-10-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Want a reason to smile? Treat yourself to a free rental tonight! Text TREAT to 727272, and you’ll get a free Rebox rental code good for tonight only.

I got my code in less than 5 seconds…

(thanks Cathy & Southern Savers!)

Update: Organization

2010-10-13T12:44:00.001-07:00

The main hallway closet is organized!

Inspired by . . .

2010-10-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Sustainably Chic Designs
I used to be very crafty! But haven't done anything since I first moved into my first house in 2006. You would think that would be when my creativity would shoot through the roof. Saturday night, Brooke and I sat down to watch the Alabama game on TV and low and behold and hour later I was the only one still watching the game. :-) So I grabbed the computer and stumbled onto this website. She is from Minneasota and her motto is "Your one stop site for creative ideas in sustainable living, decorating & DIY!"

Well I saw two inspiring ideas. That were literally calling my name!
1. Family Name Pumpkin

2. Halloween Potion & Specimen Jars

Well here are my finished products, curtsy of her wonderful step by step directions!

The Davies Pumpkin
Total Cost $10

Eyeballs Specimen
Total Cost $4

Update: Project Organization

2010-10-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Laundry Room . . . . . CLEANED!

It's been a long while

2010-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

(snapping out of it)

Since I've posted last (Oct. 4)!!! Ekkk, scary huh. Well I don't know if having the seasons changing or things happening in my life has been depressing but I haven't had the ambition to write ANYTHING!

Well you may be asking yourself, what has changed? Tons! Here are the key points:

1. My wife and I both took off Friday from work and spent the weekend together.
2. I found creatively thru some wonderful websites. (I will be sharing)
3. Decided to start making myself happy!

Deposit: . . . . or lack of one . . .

2010-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Car Fund: + $.53 cents Interest
$1602.41

Disney Fund: Had to make a unexpected payment. So even when my $103 Best Buy Paycheck hit, I still took a hit of $22.15.
$1158.73

Emergency Fund: Currently at $287.75 only because I choose to pay $$ towards the account BEFORE paying bills. I believe that this won't last until next pay period but it is worth a shot since I didn't have anything left over from last month.

Christmas Fund: $0
Until my wife and I hammer out who is getting what I'm refusing to put money in this account. We scored earlier this year when Target clearanced their toys to 90%. So all the kids are covered. We even had enough to send presents to friends' kids for birthdays. Woo Hoo!

Organized: Update

2010-10-04T13:08:00.001-07:00

Second Drawer
Accomplished Friday Morning

Now I'm working on the other two
drawers plus the upper cabinet. As
you can see below, I think I have my
work cut out for me.

My lovely wife completed the kitchen to a spotless splendor, while I worked Sunday. Check this out!

Operation: Get Organized

2010-09-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

#1 Drawers

I think everyone can relate a little when I say that our drawers, whether they are for pens & pencils or medicine, etc. are just thrown together. So when it's time to find something it all becomes a cluster of items that may or may not be in the one of many drawers you thought you saw it last.

Yesterday, I went around to Target, Wal-Mart, & Lowe's and tried to find something that would help separate the madness and make it more organized. The cabinet you see below is a hallway built in closet that is supposed to house towels, toilet paper, and paper towels. But because of the drawers overflowing I've had to push stuff into the cabinet instead of the drawers.

BEFORE

AFTER

1st drawer is done! 1.5 hours to prep, 15 mins. to execute
Now on to the 2nd.

Reminder: 4 Swag Bucks Everyday

2010-09-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

When your trying to earn prizes and gift cards through Swagbucks it's always helpful to do the daily freebiees.

Open Browser with Toolbar
Go to NOSO and click thru all the offers (you don't have to do any)
Click on Surveys (again don't have to participate, just look at page)
Vote on the Daily Poll

Other sites like:

SwagC0dez.info
or
sc-s

Help with all those hidden codes. As of right now I have cashed out for $65 dollars towards Amazon and I only started doing this since July 2010. So you can still grab a lot by Christmas if you wanted to start NOW!

It's been almost a week . . .

2010-09-28T13:28:00.001-07:00

Just when I'm thinking my life isn't going to get any crazier, it happened. So I apologize for moving the blog down on my priority list.

Tuesday Target Run

4 - 1 load Tide Paks - FREE with $1/1 Coupon from Aug. P&G
2 - C9 Sports Bras - $5.50 after sale (reg. $12.99) and $2.50 Off any C9 hangtag
1 - Iron Man Blu Ray - $7.99 after Swiffer Rebate $10 Discover Card
1 - Re Style Clear Shower Curtain - FREE plus $$2.66 overage with $5 Target RE Coupon

Total $18.32 with TAX
All was good until I bought the bra's, but hey they were a decent price.
Hopefully, tonight I will be able to stop at Wal-Mart and get more Tide with my expiring coupons. Target's Tide was filled with pouches that had been opened. Gross to go thru!

Deposit Friday

2010-09-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Disney Fund
Best Buy Payroll Check $179.27
Updated Total: $1180.88

Emergency Fund
Pop Cans $0
Spare Change $0

Haven't had a chance to hit the bank or Wal-Mart. Will update later today!

btw HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY to my wonderful friend (only reader) SCOTT!

Code Out!

2010-09-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR CODE!

Saved with Progressive Insurance

2010-09-16T09:30:00.001-07:00

Now this is not what you think . . .I don't want you to change over to Progressive Insurance, in less you were already planning on doing it.

With my paycheck from yesterday, I started to pay bills. Knowing that I LOVE to save money I couldn't help but click on the icon that said:

Save now. Enjoy a $33.00 EFT Discount and save an additional $222.33 in installment fees when you enroll in automatic payments.

HELL YES, I would love to save money. It's bad enough that I have to be on SR-22 for that speeding problem. Yikes!

More money into the Emergency fund for me! My mother confirmed State Farm has a similar savings, but was unsure if it was the same dollar amount. So next time you pay your bills, check and see if it will save you some $$ to enroll in automatic payments.

Thurs. Early Shop

2010-09-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

I keep checking on my fertilizer, sadly it's still 30%.

Here's what I did pick up though:

3 Glad Sense and Spray (old version) $5.04 each price cut
- $3 Target Coupon 9/12 SS
- $3 Mfg Coupon 8/22 SS
FREE plus $.96 overage each

2 RE Shower Curtain (Solid Color) $3.99
- $5 RE Bathroom Coupon
FREE plus $1.01 overage*

1 RE Shower Curtain (Patterned Clearance) $6.98
- $5 RE Bathroom Coupon
$1.98

2 Fuze Drinks $1 each
- ($1) B1G1 Target Hang-tag
- $.75 Mfg Coupon (found in gas station)
$.25 for 2

72in Home Shower Rod $19.99
- $10 Home Bathroom Coupon
$9.99 each

Deposit: 15th of the Month Cash Out

2010-09-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

All the finance books I've read have told me to pay myself 1st then pay bills. While you could consider this my payment from my paycheck, it really is what I have left over from my previous paycheck that I'm transferring into our Emergency Fund.

I work well under pressure. So I figure if I need to add a little pressure to save more for the end of the month, and repeat that twice a month it may add up to some big deposits. My wife on the other hand HATES stress i.e. we only have $$ until next paycheck, so this will be my little blog secret. (that she will read about later)

$65 Leftover from paycheck
$202.75 Total

Code Out

2010-09-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Location: Twitter

Fall Preview 2010

2010-09-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

My wife and I love watching a huge variety of shows. So when the fall line up is posted it's almost like a scheduling class in what to watch (i.e. DVR) to make sure that all favorites are covered as well as each new pilot to see if anything new would interest us.

After printing the guide, I'm thankful for two DVR's and expanded hard drives.

Join General Mills Psst...and My Get Together!

2010-09-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

Taken from Money Saving Madness:

She has all copyright to the following. ENJOY

If you haven't joined General Mills Psst and My Get Together, it is something you might want to consider! Take a look at what showed up at reader Cindy's door the other day!

5 boxes of Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper
1 box of New Whole Grain Helper, Honey Mustard Chicken
45 product coupons
A special Hamburger Helper ceramic serving bowl
A fun foam Hamburger Helper hand

You can join General Mills Psst HERE and you'll be contacted when there are hosting opportunities. I received a survey to see if I qualified for one this week. I am hoping to find a box of goodies on my porch just like Cindy did!

Code Out

2010-09-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Go to HERE for more info

Ziploc FREE Gift Pack

2010-09-14T07:58:00.001-07:00

For the month of September, Right at Home will be offering a weekly bonus giveaway. Each week they will offer a different gift pack filled with SC Johnson products! Go HERE to request this week’s offer, a FREE Ziploc Fall Meals Gift Pack. Gift Pack includes one Ziploc® Brand Vacuum Freezer Starter Kit, one 15-count box of gallon size Ziploc® Brand Freezer Bags with the Smart Zip™ Seal, and one set of large rectangle Ziploc® Brand Containers. Offer is for the first 10,000 to respond, however if you have received or applied for a previous gift pack in the last 180 days you will not be eligible for this offer.

Early Morning Shopping

2010-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Ore Ida (2 bags of French Fries & 1 bag of Tatar Tots)
Buy 2, Get 1 FREE
All Ore Ida Bags are $2.50
So for $5 minus $1.50 Mfg Coupon on 2 = $3.50 for 3 bags

Bounce Dryer Bars
2 3-month Bars $7.99 each
Buy 2, Get $5 Gift Card
With $1/1 Mfg & $1/1 Target Coupons

Product Cost 4 packs = $31.96
- $8 Mfg & Target Coupons
-$10 Gift Cards
4 Packs of Dryer Bars = $23.96 or with 8 Dryer Bars they cost $2.995 each

2 more packs of Q-tips
Mfg Coupon - No Longer Avail.
After coupons $.39 each

Market Pantry Wings $6.49 - $2 Target Coupon = $4.49

EZ Seed Scotts Lawn Care $10.12 - $5 Mfg = $5.12 each

Disney Fairies Coloring Book $1.12 Clearance
This is for Jeri's new daughter.

Not a whole lot out there but tons starting to go on Clearance so I will try to do a Clearance report this week to keep everyone up to date.

Deposit: 1st Week $37.75

2010-09-09T14:30:00.001-07:00

I want to shout out a huge THANK YOU to my mom, grandpa, and toward two kind guys from Wal-Mart this morning. They all helped us, by giving cans that they weren't going to redeem.
Picture coming soon of what I started with before I went into Wal-Mart. This morning I met a father and son that had been redeeming cans all morning and were tired, so they asked if I wanted what they hadn't redeemed yet. HECK YES! Two full carts of disgusting cans and bottles were screaming dollar signs. So thanks to all!

Here is the brake down:
Pop Cans $23.05
Found Money $8.70
2 Charges Refunded $6
Total Deposit $37.75

P.S. I found a three year error in my savings account thanks to an amazing teller at Wells Fargo. She caught a $3 charge that was occurring monthly that WASN'T supposed to be there. So hopefully by the end of the day I will have all those fees returning. For now they could only do two. But if they do the last 18 months that will be $45 dollars more!

Scrubbing Bubbles Gift Pack from Right at Home

2010-09-09T05:22:00.000-07:00

Giveaway from Rite at Home is a Scrubbing bubbles gift pack.

This gift pack includes:

One Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel

One Pouch of Pledge Multi Surface Wipes

Click here to sign up for it. but remember that if you have signed up for a Right at Home free gift in the last 180 days you won’t get this one.

For all my Harley lovers . . .

2010-09-09T05:04:00.001-07:00

Calling all Harley Davidson fans– head on over here to request a FREE Harley Davidson Motorcycle poster! You have 32 choices to choose from with a limit of one per household.