Eastern Mom's Cents

The Hope to Do List for 2012

2012-01-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hope to do list sounds easier than a goals list.

1. No spend months for January, April and August.
2. $2,000 in savings.
3. $1,500 saved for Christmas by November 1.
4. $500 saved for back to school shopping by August 1.
5. $200/month grocery budget
6. Loose 15 pounds (I write this but numbers are misleading so I'm really aiming for one pants size smaller.
7. Read 10 books (started #1).
8. Pay off some more credit card debt and have no new debt this year.

Now if I go through and accomplish all this and the world ends in December of 2012 will it all have been worth it?

Back for the challenge

2011-12-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

Sara over at Living the Frugal Life is starting her 31 Days of Nothing Challenge and I've decided to give it a try. I have been slacking in every department, financial to cleaning, so this will hopefully be the kick in the rear I need.

You can read the rules Sara has set up for her family here. Mine will have to be tweaked to fit us.

1. No spending except for necessities also. Groceries, gas, dentist appointments this month for all four kids. January is a birthday month for us but I've already budgeted in for the party and half is paid for.

2. Groceries will be $75 for the month. We'll eat from the freezer and pantry, both of which are well stocked.

3. No eating out!

4. To save on gas I'll schedule any shopping I need to do around the kid's activities.

5. Since we do have a birthday this month I will need to buy gifts. I'm leaning towards a new desk that the girls can share. Under $150 is what I'm aiming for.

Does anyone shop without their coupon binder anymore?

2011-06-22T10:14:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile and honestly haven't done much shopping. I"ll blame Pathmark and their triple coupon sales for putting a bad taste in my mouth over coupons. I've watched Extreme Couponing on TLC, what couponer hasn't, and it has sparked such a coupon run it is just taken the fun out of it for me.

Pathmark had their triple coupon sales and I made my little list out and had my ten coupons. Went to the store nice and early to avoid the crowds. The store is old and small and understaffed always, I'm not a fan of Pathmark but for triple coupons I'll make do. Most shoppers had their huge 15 pound binders open on their carts as they walked around. I don't have a binder. I'll stick with my orange plastic accordion coupon holder that stays in my purse 24/7. I headed to self checkout after I got my few things. the store has 4 self check out lanes, one was blocked off for customers who had no coupons. All the lanes were being used and two of them were women who had 20 plus separate orders in their carts, these women were their together I noticed after hearing them talk. Now it's a Saturday morning, between 9-10am. How busy do you think this store was? How long do you think it took these women to check out? How annoyed do you think every person in line behind them was who had one transaction to do?

The kicker is this Pathmark is open 24/7. If you need to use the self checkout to ensure your coupons that state do not double actual double or you find it annoying to have to pay for one transaction, walk those bags to your car and come back in to do another to time consuming than come back at 1am. The store finally announced only one transaction per customer at the self checkout, but not soon enough for me.

The extreme -ness of this show is annoying me. Anyone else? If you have paper towels shoved under your kids bed, do you really need more at the moment? Will you use all that toothpaste before your teeth rot out from eating all that free candy? Where's the balance here?

My vent is done, thanks.

Children's Place Monster Sale

2011-06-08T06:41:00.000-07:00

If you have a Children's Place Outlet store nearby (I just happen to have one in town) than you can print this page to snag an extra 15% of your entire purchase or 25% off a $50 or more purchase.

I use sales like these to pick up clothes for next season for the kids. I'm lucky my kids have not had huge growth spurts where they skip an entire size.

Capri Sun/Kool Aid deal at Kmart

2011-04-27T08:39:00.001-07:00

I'm so glad I saw this deal on Who Said Nothing in Life is Free? I don't usually look at the Kmart circular in the Sunday paper so I missed the BOGO free coupon on the back for Capri Sun or Kool Aid. They're $2 each so with the coupon only $1 each. Limit 10 total boxes but from the comments it looks like you can do more than one transaction. I'm heading back tomorrow to try it again. Remember, you need a Shop Your Way Rewards card to use the coupon.

Shop Rite $.05 trip and CVS

2011-03-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

CVS has Stove Top and Heinz gravy on sale for $.77 this week. You can get all these for the same price with the $.50/1 Stove Top coupon and the $1/2 Heinz coupon that was on the inside of Heinz gravy labels a while ago. $.27 each! I haven't been shopping much and I ran out of peanut butter and milk this weekend. I used up $8 in catalinas and my two free milk coupons and got all this for $.05 after Dove, Wise and Chinet coupons.

Trouble using your Minute Maid coupon at Shop Rite?

2011-03-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Have you printed the $1/1 Minute Maid coupons from their Facebook page and tried using them at Shop Rite? If you're like most people they come up invalid at the register.

After reading all the comments on the MM Facebook page I took my coupons to the courtesy desk as soon as I walked in the store and asked the young lady working if they would be accepted. After many calls on the phone and talking to different people and looking in books and trying to enter different parts of the codes on the coupon the nice young lady gave me a dollar for the coupon and kept it to look into further.

I appreciate all her trying and appreciate even more her giving me the $1 for the coupon. I suggest if you have the coupon and plan to try it at Shop Rite to go to the courtesy desk first and ask to save yourself time and some embarrassment in line in case it comes up invalid.

Home made dog treats

2011-02-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

If I had known it was so easy to make dog treats at home I would've done this long ago. The pups ate their last store bought treat a few weeks ago and I decided to google how to make some at home. I found this recipe for Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits which worked out great since I had everything needed in the house.

I didn't bother with the cookie cutter. I just rolled them and pressed them with a fork. When hubby walked in from work I warned him they weren't cookies but wouldn't kill him if he ate them (I told the kids that when we were making them). He said they looked and smelled just like the peanut butter cookies his dad use to make.

Weekly Spending Totals

2011-02-15T06:50:00.000-08:00

Groceries- $42.69
Total for month- $115.67

Gas- $75
Just me again. Hubby had to fix a buddy's truck who went to Fla and he's been using that. I drove a lot this week with activities for the kids.

Drug Stores- $23.75

Retail- $7.59

Not a bad week.

Valentine's crayons

2011-02-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

This year I wanted to do something different for the kids to give out in class for Valentine's Day. I came across this and asked my son (who's in nursery school) if he'd like to give these to his friends. He said yes and even though I've told him a million times they're crayons he constantly asks if he can eat them. I thought my girls wouldn't want to give these out but one of my kindergartners asked for them so we made more. The other two I still need to pick up candy for.
I dug through our bin of crayons to find all the broken ones and picked up the mold at Target for $2. Simple, cute and cheap. Now I just have to remember to write on the back of the ones for my son's class- Crayons-Do Not Eat.

Weekly Spending Totals

2011-02-05T13:13:00.001-08:00

I haven't done this in awhile.I've been in a funk. I can't blame it on the weather because I don't mind winter and snow. I'm slowly coming out of it and getting back on track which is what's important.

groceries- $72.98
I've toned down my stockpiling a lot. I had a trip to BJs and two trips to Shop Rite this week. The one SR trip was just to pick up the ground turkey on sale since I was at the card store next door. My $250/month budget is my goal from now on.

gas- $74.50
This was just for me to fill up after almost two weeks. With all the snow I haven't been out and I'm planning shopping trips around the kid's activities which is helping.

drug stores- $0

Medical- $0

retail- $6.92
Valentine's Day cards and birthday cards for parties the kids have this month.

pets- $0

take out- $0
I'm proud of this.

This week we are getting our taxes done. I'm one of those odd people who looks forward to tax time. I'll like it even more when the day comes we can spend the check on something fun.

Chick-fil-A FREE breakfast Tuesdays

2011-01-31T16:07:00.000-08:00

For the month of February, the Howell Chick-fil-A will be giving a free "featured entree of the day" between 6:30-10:30 am. One per person and no purchase necessary

February Menu Plan and growing puppies

2011-01-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

I thought four growing kids would eat us out of house and home but I was wrong. It's the two growing dogs that will do that. The boys are almost five months old, all 46 and 39 pounds of them.I know I could buy cheaper dog food but we've decided to go with Eukanuba.

A friend pointed me in the direction of The Hungry Puppy and they have a great program where you get a free bag of food after you purchase so many. Eukanuba also has a program if you buy 5 bags you get a coupon for a free bag. When you're going through a 40lb bag of food in almost two weeks, those programs help.

Now to the people food.
1. waffles & bacon (x2) I got a waffle maker for Christmas and love it!
2. pancakes & fruit (x2)
3. no peek beef tips
4. Chicken with mustard soy sauce
5. chicken alfredo
6. Bourbon chicken
7. drunken pork chops
8. broccoli & garlic pasta
9. slow cooker bbq ribs
10. stuffed pizza rolls (x2)
11. sandwiches (x2)
12. hot dogs & hamburgers (x2)
13. zesty grilled pork chops
14. sticky chicken in the slow cooker
15. garlic & herb chicken

Shop Rite Trip

2011-01-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

The Can Can Sale starts next week so I wasn't planning on going to Shop Rite till than but I realized I had a $2.50 catalina that expired before than I didn't want to waste. The Betty Crocker fruit snacks on sale combined with coupons and the catalina deal made a money maker trip.

Betty Crocker fruit snacks 4/$6
used (2) .50/2 (doubled even though they said DND)
cell fire .50/2
catalina for $2.50
oop $1.32 (used gift card)
got back $2 catalina

Four kids equals a gazillion teacher's gifts!

2010-11-29T08:28:00.000-08:00

A nice and cheap bus driver/CCD teacher gift I found at BJ's. Four in a package for $19.99. Cute mug with hot chocolate, marshmallows, candy cane and piece of chocolate.

Between teachers (luckily no assistants this year), bus drivers, CCD teacher and assistant, Daisy Troop leaders and assistant leaders my gift list has gone overboard. I did gift cards for the main teachers this year as usual, $60 for four teachers. Last year I did candles for troop leaders and candles and scratch offs for bus drivers. Someone I gave a candle to actually was talking to me and another mom about Christmas gifts last year for people and she complained how instead of things like candles she'd rather get a $5 gift card. I'm hoping she just didn't realize and was not just that rude..but I could be wrong.

My kids were talking about Christmas the other day and presents and my oldest said to her sisters and brother that Christmas is really about the birthday of Jesus and not about presents for kids. CCD class is sinking in I guess.

December Menu Plan

2010-11-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

I didn't get to everything on November's Plan. The late nights with CCD and Daisy Meetings are making me cave in and get take out which I need to break. It's mostly McDonald's but this month I'm going to try my hardest not to go the lazy way and get any take out.

So here's what will hopefully be on the menu (it's a short one)

1. pancakes x2
2. french toast x2
3. pot roast x leftovers
4. hamburgers/hot dogs x2
5. Garlic & Herb Chicken
6. Chicken & Dumplings
7. grilled pork chops
8. Lemon Greek chicken
9. mac & cheese/ chicken nuggets
10. Beef tips
11. bourbon chicken
12. stuffed pizza rolls x2 (maybe x4 if they come out good)
13. meatloaf
14. sandwiches
15. still have turkey left over from thanksgiving (maybe 2 or 3 more meals from that)
16. Christmas dinner (most likely steak on the grill)

I've always wanted a new kitchen floor

2010-11-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

I think the puppies might get it for me sooner than I thought. They found the spot where the electric baseboard heater use to be and the small hole on the floor where the wire went into and decided to try chewing on the floor around it. They got some spackle on their nose's from the wall and a good yelling at. We can't afford the new floor yet, as much as I'd like to blame it on the dogs and get one.

My first Black Friday shopping experience

2010-11-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

I have never gone shopping on Black Friday. I usually have most of my shopping done already but this year I'm behind. I only planned on going to BJs for some toys and Tide (there was a good coupon). They opened at 7am and hubby needed to drop of my step daughter before heading to work this morning so I figured I'd get there at 7 to get in and out. There was a line in the parking lot when I got there at 6:45am. A line at BJs? I can just imagine what other stores were like if there was a line at BJs.

After BJs I tried the outlets in town just to get everything done and over with. I wanted to pick up my stepdaughter a gift card to Pac Sun and a shirt. I expected the outlets to be mobbed. They were even offering shuttle service from Great Adventure's parking lot to the outlets because they expected so many people. There wasn't the mob I expected. Plenty of parking left and in and out in no time. The Yankee Candle store was the worst I saw.

I know I've gone overboard this year but I always justify it with the kids deserve it. They don't have those hand held video games and music players and every gaming system created like so many of their friends have (and they do ask for them). I think parents just give and give and what does that teach children? So many kids these days don't appreciate what they have and just expect things for nothing. Sometimes I think the adults of today who just spent and spent their way into debt and foreclosure are creating another generation to do the same.

I'll take that in puppies please!

2010-11-09T08:35:00.001-08:00

Back in August we had to put our dog down after 15 years. Hubby was heartbroken and didn't want another dog, ever. I would've been fine not having another but kids should have a pet in my opinion. I also feel safer with a dog in the house. Hubby gets home from work well after dark and most nights is out in the garage till 1am or later and the garage is several yards from the house.

In lieu of money for a side job he did the person asked if we'd like a dog. We thought about it and eventually both agreed to take the dog. We actually got two. If they keep peeing in the house I'm going to wish we took the money instead.

Jack and Dan are almost two month old black labs. We named them after the characters in the Truck Town books. We tried to think of names the kids would like but I wouldn't feel like a dope yelling out the back door. Optimus Prime was one I would feel like a dope yelling.

November's Meal Plan

2010-11-01T08:29:00.001-07:00

I think having a weekly menu plan makes my life a lot easier. It works for some and not for others. I decided to try a whole month's plan to see how it goes and figured November would be good to start since Thanksgiving and it's leftovers can take up a few days. Hubby thought I was silly for all the time it took going through recipes than making my list and going through the store circulars and coupons but if it saves me time and headache during the week it'll be worth it. It didn't take that long anyway.

1. Chicken & Wild Rice casserole
2. Cider Glazed pork chops
3. Zesty grilled pork chops
4. Lemon Greek chicken
5. Stuffed pizza rolls
6. Garlic & Herb chicken
7. Pot Roast (x2 with leftovers)
8. Chicken stir fry
9. Hot dogs & mac&cheese
10. Dublin Coddle
11. Pasta with 6 herb sauce
12. tacos
13. bbq chicken
14. beef tips
15. pancakes (x2)
16. french toast (x2)
17. Vegetable stir fry
18. Chicken & Stuffing bake
19. Soup & grilled cheese
20. Thanksgiving dinner

I'm taking this as a sign

2010-10-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

My hubby lost his keys awhile back. Back when there was snow on the ground. He figured once the snow melted he'd find them and than figured they were somewhere lost in the garage once he didn't find them in the yard. Months have passed. Not only were his keys on it but my spare key fob for the truck and the key fob for nursery school. Last night I was going through the toy box and asked the kids to look for the potato head rear in the family room. Hubby started looking under the couches and than in the cushions. He pulled out some crayons and other toy parts along with his keys! This says how often I vacuum the cushions doesn't it. It has to be since January we saw the keys. That is my good sign.

Today the UPS van delivered the Scentsy buddy I won on Facebook from a friend who sells the stuff. I'm putting that away for one of the girls for Christmas. I also got the $10 Visa gift card from the P&G Breast Cancer Promotion in the mail today. Two good things to come along today after the good luck sign.

The real important thing that we could use good luck for....refinancing the house. Hubby is waiting for a call back from the guy at the bank and we are hoping we can get our mortgage and home equity loan wrapped into one at our bank. If we can get enough we will pay off our credit cards and have a fresh new start. I can't help but feel it's the cheaters way of a new start but at the moment we'll take it. We talked about this all last night and have come to an agreement on how things will be so fingers crossed we can get this.

Giveaway @ Little Red Hen - I could've really used this!

2010-10-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

13 small apples made 2 pints of applesauce and 13 large apples made 4 pints of applesauce. I didn't make it the same way this time. I only added 1/2 cup of water to the apples in the crock pot and when they went in the food processor I added sugar and cinnamon. I liked the taste of this better, less like apple pie filling.

All those apples came from a visit to Battleview Orchards with my oldest's Daisy Troop. We also got pumpkins so I'll be making some pumpkin puree to freeze (attempting at least). We have another pumpkin picking trip for the twin's Daisy Troop next week so I'll have plenty of pumpkins to try it out on.
Little Red Hen has a great giveaway that would help making applesauce. You can win a strainer in her giveaway. Enter here.

Sears Toy Shop Grand Opening

2010-10-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 16th, Sears Toy Shop will be having their Grand Opening at select stores. From 11am-1pm you can shop and also get your hands on cupcakes, goodies and enter drawings. The first 50 families will also receive a $5 Sears gift card.

You can find a store in your area and download a $5 off $30 or more purchase coupon here.

Shop Rite- Lipton Recipe Secrets catalina

2010-10-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is much more than I was planning on buying today. I was disappointed I couldn't use the Kraft and Nestle $5 catalinas together. I got the Juicy Juice 2/$5 and Ritz crackers $2.99 and SpongeBob Cheese Nips $1.99 to cover those catalinas but the Nestle one wouldn't go. The cashier tried and she was really nice too, unlike the one from last time. I'll head over tonight during CCD to grab the Juicy Juice.

I also bought 4 boxes of the Lipton Recipe Secrets, love this stuff. They're on sale for $.99 this week. At check out I got two $.75 off catalinas compliments of Lipton Secrets and a $1/3 Lipton Recipe Secrets coupon.

Total spent today- $64.53

saved- $87.66

Total grocery budget this month-$153.50

leaves $96.50 left this month

Top Tomato this week

2010-10-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

The kids are all off from school today so we took a drive over to Top Tomato. I haven't been there in ages but the sales looked good this week.

White Rose apple juice $.99 (x2)
Lipton Iced Tea mix $4.99
Hotel Bar butter $1.89 (x2)
Rice Krispies $1.99
milk $2.99 (x2)
cucumbers 5/$1
5 lb potatoes $1.50
onion $.47
carrots $.40 (x2)
apples $2.16
White Rose flour $.99 (x2)- limit 2 with this deal
dozen eggs $.99 (x2)
Lays $.99 (x2)
pork chops $6.25
chicken $4.71 & $4.93

total $ 46.60

total grocery budget this month- $88.97
leaves $161.03 left this month

Homemade oatmeal cream pies- not a winner here

2010-10-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

I used Martha's recipe. I need to learn not to compare the picture of Martha's finished product

to mine because it just leads to depression.

I'm not an oatmeal cookie eater. My hubby is and he loves oatmeal cream pies so I'm constantly buying the Little Debbie ones. I thought I'd give making them at home a try and who better than Martha Stewart to learn from. None of my kids liked the cream. The cookie part wasn't even a hit. I can't give my opinion because I haven't eaten one, I hate oatmeal cream pies. Hopefully hubby likes them so I didn't waste all the ingredients.

If anyone has a good oatmeal cream pie recipe I'd love to try it.

Homemade applesauce- guess you need a lot of apples?

2010-10-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the site I got the recipe I used from. Usually after I print up the recipe I write the site on it but for some reason I didn't this time, sorry. It's basically this recipe from A Year of Slow Cooking but for a larger amount and it used apple juice instead of water. It smelled great cooking. I used 13 small apples (just under 5 lbs). Here's what I ended up with.

2 pints of applesauce! My family would finish this in one meal. I guess you need a lot of apples to make a decent amount to can and keep over the winter.

Shopping for free at Kohl's

2010-10-05T07:47:00.001-07:00

I love getting those $10 off cards in the mail from Kohl's! I didn't do any ahead shopping for the kids this year so I looked through the clearance racks for any summer clothes (hardly anything left). Here's what I found.
2 Tony Hawk shirts $3 each (my son loves skate boards)
Osh Kosh shirt $4.20

My total should've been $10.20 and I have $.49 left on a Visa gift card I was going to use. The Osh Kosh shirt wouldn't ring up so the cashier scanned a $3 shirt again making the total $9 for everything. Saved $45 and paid nothing!

Chick-fil-A of Howell wants to know why you're a Raving Fan

2010-10-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Howell Chick-fil-A location is having a contest where the winner will win a party at this location for themselves and 25 others. All you have to do is write a short essay about why you are a raving fan and submit it to the Howell location between Oct 4 and Nov 6. The winner will be notified Nov 8 and the party will be held on Nov 20 from 3-4:30pm.

Read all the information on their Facebook page.

Some Fall inspired posts

2010-10-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Since school started I feel overwhelmed with everything. This year I decided to "be more involved" and I'm questioning that bright idea of mine. All four kids are in school now, although not all full time, and the three oldest have activities after school. I'm getting forgetful and flustered and I need to relax and take a step back.

Posting on here as slowed, like it was ever really busy. My whole outlook on things has changed to a much simpler one and I'm happy for that. This month I did a monthly meal plan I think will work great with all the after school running around we do now. I've started baking a lot more and buying less pre-packaged food which the kids love. There's nothing like hearing you're the best mom simply because you baked some muffins that day. I'm thinking Fall will be the start of a positive move in our household. Fingers crossed.

I can't wait to start baking pumpkin goodies and found this post on making pumpkin puree (which will be easy to do since we have two pumpkin picking trips already planned for Daisy Scouts and my son has one for school plus our family picking day).

I found this one via Mom's Plans. These pumpkin cakes are so cute and easy to make.

Kailtin in the Kitchen has become a new go-to for me. These pumpkin squares are on my baking list for this week.

Pumpkin Patch Cookies from Jamie Cooks It Up! I love the chocolate pumpkins on top.

And you can head over to Our Debt Free Path to say congrats to FreeBird and family. They hit their debt free date this month. Congratulations!

"They're Obsessed"!!!

2010-09-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

This is what the cashier at Shop Rite mumbled to the next customer in line after I had to go back and vehemently point out the two $5 off catalinas in the machine were mine. Not only did she give me grief on that but she also did not ring up my two $5/5 Kraft products coupons correctly. For some reason she went back to see how much the products cost and manually put in $2.99 twice. What? I didn't catch that mistake till I was back in the truck with my son and in no mood to go back in and say something. I love Shop Rite but I just sent an email about this shopping trip that wasn't a pleasant one. The "they're obsessed" comment is what annoyed me the most. I bought the products to earn those coupons, the lady behind me in line didn't.

So here's what I bought. Check the deals and sales out at Living Rich With Coupons.

Vistaprint free deals still going on

2010-09-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

I just ordered my son's birthday invitations (10 invitations) and 140 return address labels from Vistaprint for the price of shipping only. You can also get business cards, note pads and other items for the price of shipping at Vistaprint now through October 1.

My son loves Moster Trucks so this is what I ordered.

Pathmark Closing Sale- Englishtown, NJ

2010-09-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Pathmark in the Marlboro Plaza on Rt 9 in Englishtown is closing and they are having a sale (no club card required). The sale prices are off original prices. 20% off all groceries, 10% off produce, milk, eggs, bread, meat, deli, 20% off all frozen foods and 30% off health and beauty products.

Here's to hoping it was a good idea

2010-09-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

My hubby is one of those "I have an idea" men. In the past I have gone along with his ideas but over the years I've learned when I should say no and have started saying it. His latest idea I went along with and I'm hoping it was a smart idea.

Hubby's truck is in need of major work. We can't afford a new (new to him) truck even though I know he would love it and he does deserve it. He uses his truck for towing and plowing and the engine in it now won't make it through another winter of plowing. We had some luck when the relative of the boyfriend of the daughter of our neighbor (did you get that?) had a truck a year newer than hubby's to sell. It's being sold because it was totaled in an accident. The frame is bent so it has the junk title but the engine, transmission and every other needed part is fine. It's times like this I'm glad I married a mechanic.

The plan is to swap out his motor for the newer one along with do some minor work on the transmission and use the newer one. Also swap out the bed, running boards and rear doors since hubby's are near rusting. We'll try and sell what we don't need off the newer truck along with hubby's old engine.

And how much for this overhaul that will hopefully do the trick? $3,600. Here's to hoping it works and can save his truck for another 10 years.

Toys R Us & Target

2010-09-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

I went to Toys R Us yesterday (minus all the kids) and as soon as I packed the car and turned it off I realized I didn't clip my coupons. They were sitting at home on the counter. I went back today with my son. The sale and coupons made for a great deal. Three Tag books for $16.59. Each book was priced at $13.99, there were no cheaper books at the store. I managed to sneak two books by my son and put them away for his birthday. We headed over to Target after for the Kraft salad dressing and Vaseline lotion. The Tide was just something I noticed while walking around.
Tide $6.49
used $2/1 home mailer

Vaseline lotion $2.69
used $1.50/1
used $1/1 Target
Thanks Squeezing a Dollar Out of a Dime

Kraft dressing $1.54
used $1/1
used $.50/1
Thanks Money Saving Mom

Toys R Us: Leapfrog Tag Books B2G1 Free even better

2010-09-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

This week Toys R Us has a few B2G1 Free deals including the Leapfrog Tag books. With coupons available like $4/1 Tag book and the $5/$25 Toys R Us coupons you can get some Tag books cheap to store away for Christmas.

Head over to MOJO Savings to find the coupons for this deal.

Raceway Park Event this Saturday

2010-09-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

The US Diesel Truckin' Nationals is this Saturday at Raceway Park.

Kids 6-11 $10

Kids 5 and under Free

Buy one get one free adult admission in the Entertainment Book

My kids love seeing the Monster Trucks. Remember to bring something to protect the little one's ears.

Only two weeks in to school!

2010-09-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

In less than a month my son has outgrown the new sneakers I bought him. I'm not giving him any Miracle Grow so I guess it was a major growth spurt. I bought him new sneakers last week and the hardly worn Sketchers will go on Craigslist with all his other size 10 shoes.

My oldest came home from school last week with a broken back pack. An older girl sat with her on the bus and decided to look through her back pack and in the process some how broke the two zippers. Unfixable, I tried my hardest. Hubby and I told our daughter it's alright to be more forceful in that situation and even though the girl was being nice to her she should've given back the bag when asked. We talked to the bus driver about it but the girl wasn't on the bus the next day and it just fell to the side. Bag pack shopping isn't easy two weeks into school. Toys R Us had nothing she liked and by the time we got to Staples she knew mommy was annoyed so she settled on one. I felt horrible knowing she did so we went to Kohl's and she found one she liked, a messenger bag three times as big as her but she likes it. I returned the other one to Staples.

All the kids being in school is keeping my days busy, which I'm happy about. I haven't posted much because I haven't been looking for many deals lately. My blog reading has changed from deal finding to reading about how people are managing with their debt and coming out of it.

Top Tomato 9/12- 9/18

2010-09-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to Top Tomato in months. There wasn't much over the summer to make the drive worth while. This week has some decent deals if you're in the area.

broccoli $.79/bunch
green peppers $.49/lb
green seedless grapes $.99/lb
5 lb bag Eastern potatoes or 3 lb bag yellow onions 2/$3

Grade A quartered chicken legs $.69/lb

Italian bread $.99

Thomas English Muffins buy one get two free

Shop Rite trip

2010-09-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

The spending $25 this month on groceries plan is out the window. Why do I even attempt it? Those families who can make it on $50 or whatever every month, I don't know how you work your magic but I don't have any of it. I need to start focusing on what works for MY family and stop feeling I could do better compared to others who can manage on less. We just can't do it for our family of six.

I finally started using Cellfire, why did I wait so long to sign up?

Pillsbury Grands $.99

use (2) $1/2

use Cellfire $.30/2

Yoplait GoGurt $2

use $.75/2

use Cellfire $.75/2

Skippy 2/$4 free bread

use (2) $.50/1

potatoes $1.49

iced tea mix $5.99

total before sales & coupons- $33.79

after sales & coupons -$11.44 plus $2 in catalinas back

BJ's 60 day trial membership

2010-09-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

I received this coupon in my email to share with everyone. I love BJ's. Back when the kids were babies I would use the Berkeley & Jensen brand diapers and wipes and the quality was great.

Now that the kids are older I can still find great deals. Their lunch meat prices are great as well as having the cheapest price on milk around.

BJ's has a short video on their Facebook page about using coupons in the store you should watch if you are new to BJ's shopping. BJ's allows you to use a manufacturer's coupon along with a BJ's coupon to make your savings even better.

What to try in the garden next year?

2010-09-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

After reading this post at Learning the Frugal Life I think I'll try growing garlic next year. It's something I use often so it makes sense to try.

I was planning on drying some herbs also but now think I'll plant what herbs are still good in pots and move them inside to use through the fall/winter (if they last). I did find a site that gave directions for drying, pickyourown.org. I've gotten a lot of great information from this site.

Sample of Pampers Dry Max from Sam's Club

2010-09-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

You can request a sample of Pampers Dry Max here and I've read you do not need a membership number to receive this freebie.

Thanks Money Saving Mom

Free appy with entree purchase at TGI Friday's

2010-09-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

If you're signed up for emails from TGI Friday's than you probably got this offer in your inbox already. Receive a free appetizer with any entree purchase between 4-9pm before September 8th with this coupon.

Clinique free shipping and mascara mini

2010-09-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Get a free trio of mascara minis plus free shipping when you place an order for $30 or more at Clinique.com using promo code MASCARA at check out.

Local- Mulligan's Kids Eat Free Deal

2010-08-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

I love Mulligan's. Hubby use to own a shop down the street from the original Mulligans in Farmingdale and we would go there often.

Tuesday Night- 5:30-7pm kids eat free. They also have a clown for entertainment.
Monday night- $6 large plain pizza.

Check out their menu at the Original Mulligan's Restaurant & Grill.

TGI Friday's- Buy One Get One Half Price

2010-08-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

You may have gotten one already in your inbox but in case not, use this coupon for for a half price entree when you buy one entree.

August- It's a done deal

2010-08-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Can I call August done and over with a few more days left in the month?

Well I am. What started out as a bad month has ended on a stressful note and I'm ready to pack it in.

So here are this month's miserable, depressing numbers.

grocery budget-$250
spent- $319.39 over budget $69.39 and I'm blaming this on my sis in law who came down to visit one day and I made dinner (OK, I know it is all my doing and not hers). I made a quick run to Shop Rite for special food (she has celiac's disease) and came out $81.02 later. I've always wanted to try my one daughter on a gluten free diet to see if it made a difference with her psoriasis so I grabbed some extra things and my gosh, gluten free food is not cheap.
saved with sales & coupons- $ 285.69

gas spent- $204.03 I only filled up twice this month and have a full tank now. I know with school starting next week I'll be driving a lot more so I'm expecting it to go up but I'll try to do once a week shopping.

medical/pharmacy- $140 hubby had an unexpected (and completely avoidable) trip to the ER and a follow up at our primary.

retail- $723.68 OH THE HORROR! $416.75 of that was back to school shopping and the kids didn't even need that much. We also had back to school haircuts, a birthday party X's two, I got a new cell phone (but I will get a $50 rebate that will go towards the cell phone bill) and the dreaded pool chemicals again. I want nothing more than to close the pool already but I need to buy a new cover since the old one had holes.

eating out- $105.03 this adds up way to quick.

The last big expense was putting our dog down in the beginning of the month- $480.57

Credit cards were greatly abused this month and I am so ashamed to say I am no longer credit card debt free.

Keeping such a detailed record of what I spend has made me realize one thing, I have a problem. Changes need to be made on my part.

The plan for September.
-$25 grocery budget for milk, lunch meat and other necessities. I will take that out in one cash lump sum at the beginning of the month. I have more than enough meat and other items in the house and my stockpiling is getting out of control I think. After reading some posts here and there I'm reconsidering stockpiling and the extent to do it.

- No ATM for personal items. I am giving myself and hubby $25 each for the month for whatever we want. Whether it be take out for me or beer for him. Hubby has a problem with the ATM card, he uses it too much and forgets to take the amount out of the check book in a timely manner (a week is too long if you ask me, or forgetting completely)

- ATM is only used for gas purchases.

Let's see how September goes.

Weekly Grocery Store Match Ups

2010-08-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

I went to Pathmark and Stop & Shop on Sunday for a few things and plan on going to Shop Rite for the 4 day price break to grab some peanut butter and Minute Maid.

Living Rich With Coupons
Stop & Shop
Pathmark
Shop Rite

Gina's Kokopelli
Stop & Shop
Shop Rite

Stop n' Shoppers
Stop & Shop

Cincinnati Cents
Aldi

Friendly's BFF Club Members

2010-08-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

If you're a member of the Best friends of Friendly's Club than check your email for a coupon for a free level 1 kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree.

You are only allowed to view the coupon once so make sure your printer is ready to go.

BJs Shopping Trip

2010-08-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

BJs is the only place I buy milk. For how much we go through, it has the best price, $2.32.

milk $2.32= 4 for $9.28
BJs apple juice $3.89
Wheat bread $3.89
two dozen eggs $2.59
Cheerios $4.99
used $5/2 BJs coupon & $1/2 manuf. coupon= 2 boxes for $4

Total oop $23.63
saved $6

Remember you can stack BJs coupons with manuf. coupons.

Menu Plan 8/23-8/29

2010-08-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

There was only one switch in last week's menu plan. Instead of the basil grilled chicken on Sunday we had Parmesan chicken (I can't remember the site I got that recipe from, sorry). I didn't have enough fresh basil in the garden but the Parmesan chicken was a big hit.

The zesty grilled pork chops were another hit. I love pork chops on the grill. The marinade was simple,1/4 cup Italian dressing mixed with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and marinate at least 15 minutes.

This week's meals:

Monday: Sunday leftovers
Tuesday: pork chops in gravy, buttered noodles, home made dinner rolls and veggies
Wednesday: burgers/dogs on the grill
Thursday: sandwiches and carrot sticks/cucumber slices
Friday: french toast, fruit

Saturday: grilled steak with Mediterranean marinade (Martha Stewart Living), veggies
Sunday: burgers/dogs on the rill again (The kids could live on this everyday of the summer)

Old Navy Women's short sleeved tees/ v-necks $5

2010-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Now though Wednesday you can get women's short sleeved perfect tees and v-necks for $5 at Old Navy.

Sharing links that are worth the read

2010-08-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some good posts from some good blogs that I thought you might enjoy.

This is from Keeping it Simple and deals with the dreaded FaceBook

This one is from Money Saving Mom and might make you realize what frugality can really teach you is important.

Budget Confessions has one on stopping all that junk mail.

A guest post over at I am a Money Magnet about why you should use coupons.

Money Beagle has 5 ways to save at the beach.

And yummy recipe from Jamie Cooks It Up!

And last but not least a blog I enjoy and a post that made me cry and realize how lucky I am and how much I love my family and children and how strong a mother can be.
Digging Out From Our Mess

$25 Target GC and Prize Pack Give Away at The Thrifty, Frugal Mom

2010-08-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself cutting out countless Box Tops school? I've been doing it all summer in preparation for the three girls to have enough to bring in.

The Thrifty, Frugal Mom is having a give away where you can win a $25 Target Gift card and a wonderful Prize Pack from General Mills. Think of all those Box Tops you can cut!

Shop Rite Trip

2010-08-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

I decided Wednesday was going to be my one shopping day this week and I had my trips to CVS and Shop Rite planned and wanted to return things to Kohls and Payless Shoes. Simple, organized, no reason to go wrong. Hubby called right before I pulled into the CVS parking lot to say he forgot his computer at home and hoped he'd get me before I left for the store so I could bring it to work. Ten minutes to get back home, get the computer, fifteen minutes to get to work and than ten minutes back to CVS where I didn't find everything on my list.

Next was Shop Rite where the three year old boy had a complete break down over not sitting in the cart he wanted. I took this as an omen to end my trips with Shop Rite for the day.

Ben & Jerry's $1.99
used (2) $1/2
4/$5.96

Aunt Jemima waffles $.99
used (2) $1.50/2
4/$.96

Reynold's Foil $1.99
used $.75/1
$.49

Ore Ida Crispers 2/$7

Oreos $1.99
used $1/2
2/$2.98

I wasn't planning on the Oreos or Crispers but those are hubby's favorite fries and he doesn't ask for anything specific at the store so when they're on sale I try to pick them up and the Oreos, well, they're footballs.

before sales & coupons- $41.56
after sales & coupons - $17.48
saved- $24.08

CVS trip

2010-08-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to CVS in ages it seems, or at least long enough to have no ECBs to use. The one thing I find about shopping at CVS, if you want to get all your deals you really need to go the Sunday the sale starts. I had my list and only found 3 of the items on it. No Zegrid on the shelf, no Gillette Pro Glider hanging up and no Purex anywhere. The bright side, my oop wasn't as bad.

SoBe BOGO free ($1.69)
used (2) BOGO free

4/FREE

Dawn Hand Renewal $.97

used (2) $1/1

2/FREE

Crest Clinical $3.49
used (2) $1/1

2/$4.98

oop $5.78

ECB earned $5

Last day for FREE 8x10 photo collage from Snapfish

2010-08-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

I just made mine. I used a bunch of summer photos of the kids.

Go to Snapfish and click on prints, than 8x10 collage. After you create your just use code GRANDSHIP at checkout for your free collage and free shipping.

Thanks $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge

Huggies/Kimberly Clark Rebate: Ends tomorrow

2010-08-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

I just read this at Inspiring You to Save, sorry for the short notice but it ends 8/18/10 so you need to hurry to get in on it.

Buy $25 worth of Kimberly Clark participating products get a $5 rebate or buy $40 worth and get a $10 rebate. All items must be bought in one purchase between 7/11 and 8/18. Go back and check your past receipts to see if you've made the purchases.

Use this rebate form.

Garden: Update, Goals & Mystery Plant?

2010-08-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

Strawberries are still popping up.

The pitiful garden as a whole. I did plant carrots, radishes, onions, lettuce and peas recently hoping to make it into the fall this year.

I have one zucchini plant left and it's doing good. I've never had a plant this long.

My cucumbers. A small area is still flowering and has small cucumbers growing but....

most of the plants look like this. I'll give it till the end of the week and most likely pull them out.

As for plans in the future, hubby has said he will knock down some trees near the garage so I can move the garden to a bigger area. We have five acres with about two to three acres still wooded, which I like.

Luckily we have a neighbor with a tractor and every attachment for it known to man so we can use that to knock down these tress and get the ground ready. I don't think I'm prepared for the amount of work it will be but I know the payoff of all that produce will be worth it. Today I thought about mentioning an idea to my daughter's Daisy Troop leader of having the girls plant a small area next spring that they could donate to the local food pantry from the troop.

Here's my mystery plant. It's not broccoli like I swear I planted. I've been letting it grow wondering what it is. Hubby said they're probably weeds (wise guy). I thought peppers but the leaves don't look right.

I thought egg plant but the flowers are all wrong, and I have no egg plant seeds. Any ideas?

The Children's Place 15% off through Sept 1

2010-08-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Print this coupon for 15% off your entire purchase at The Children's Place, valid till September 1st.

Shop Rite, Pathmark & Stop & Shop match ups for the week

2010-08-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'll be hitting Shop Rite on Wednesday for the 4 day price break but no major shopping. I can't pass up the Aunt Jemima waffles and Ben & Jerry's.

Shop Rite
Living Rich with Coupons
4 Hats & Frugal
Gina's Kokopelli

Stop & Shop
Stop n' Shoppers
Living Rich with Coupons

Pathmark
Living Rich with Coupons

Aldi Deals
Cincinnati Cents

Why I like Mondays- Menu Planning!

2010-08-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

I started menu planning a few months ago and when I actually stick to it, it's very much worth it. It cuts down on eating out and eating quick, last minute fixes that are usually something frozen or unhealthy.

My hubby is not home during the week for dinner because of his work schedule so it's just me and the kids to cook for. My son will eat anything (so far at least) but the girls are picky. I'm always looking for new recipes to try and Menu Plan Monday is a great way to find them.

Some of my favorite sites are:
Mom's Plans
Budget Confessions
I am a Money Magnet
Mom*s Balance
Squeezing a Dollar out of a Dime (her menu wasn't up for the week yet but she always has a great one with all 3 meals of the day planned)

What are we having this week? Here's our Menu Plan.

lunches: grilled chicken salad, pb&j sandwiches, peanut butter crackers, cheese and crackers, fruit and yogurt

Monday: left overs from a busy weekend

Tuesday: grill, burgers/dogs, chips and pickles

Wednesday: zesty grilled pork chops (Kraft magazine recipe), freezer veggies

Thursday: sandwiches and carrot sticks

Friday: pancakes (trying out my gluten free mix), bacon

Saturday: graduation/ birthday party to attend

Sunday: Basil grilled chicken, buttered noodles and freezer veggies

Some meaningful words

2010-08-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

"Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.."
-Elise Boulding

‎"You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need."
-Vernon Howard

And the one I find most appropriate after the month I've been having,

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much."
-Mother Teresa

Calendars & Coupons from Shop Rite

2010-08-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

I haven't spotted the Kellogg's coupon booklet at Shop Rite yet but at the register you should find two calendars. Recipes for a New Year and A Colorful Collection of Hispanic Art.

The Hispanic Calendar had a coupon for $1 off any Shop Rite Autenico Product.

The Recipes Calendar has:
$.50/1 Manischewitz beef/chicken broth

$.75 Manischewitz grape juice

$.75 any Shop Rite Kosher brand item

$.75 Hunt's ketchup

$1.50 Cohen's cocktail franks, Hors d'oeuvers

$.75 Ratner's Cheese Blintzes

$.50 Swiss Miss pudding

$.50 A&B gefilte fish

$.50 Old Fashion Quaker Oats

$.50 Gold's Horseradish

$.50 Tropicana

$.50 Mother's margarine

$.50 Stonyfield Farm yogurt

$.50 Coca Cola
Plus more....

Red Plum printable coupons

2010-08-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

There are some new coupons available at RedPlum.com, including $1/2 Ben & Jerry's pints. Yum!

French Breakfast Puffs

2010-08-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from The Finer Things in Life and they are yummy. I made these tonight to have with our breakfast for dinner meal. 9 simple ingredients you should already have in your pantry and fridge.

Enjoy your french breakfast puffs, I'm sure they won't last long on a plate.

Shop Rite: Deal on Aunt Jemima Waffles next week

2010-08-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Living Rich With Coupons shared how you can score Aunt Jemima waffles for $.24 a box next week.

Print this $1.50/2 coupon and use it during the 4 day price break when waffles will be $.99.

I have asked for a waffle iron the past few years for Christmas. By now I should just go buy one for myself since Santa never seems to come through.

42 more days till Fall!

2010-08-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

I love Fall, minus the racking leaves part of it. Summer has been sort of a bust this year for me. I just can not get out of my funk. I feel I've let everything slip this summer, from keeping up with housework to outside yard work and doing family activities. School will be starting in almost three weeks and I think it will be good for the kids to get back. I am a creature of habit and it will be nice to have the routine back. We have Daisy Scouts, softball and CCD lined up so far and all the kids will be in school this year giving me two days a week with almost three hours those days all to myself.

I planted more seeds in the garden yesterday. The garden was another casualty of my funk. I have cucumbers, zucchini and broccoli growing now, along with my herbs. The cucumbers are on their last leg. It was a lack of watering that did it in. I planted peas, onions, carrots, radishes and lettuce. I'm going to read up on drying herbs and would like to make some pickles with the cucumbers I have left.

Soon the leaves will change color, the weather will get brisk and than Halloween. I can't wait!

Kraft First Taste free Mac & Cheese coupon

2010-08-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

Log in at Kraft First Taste and check your offers to see if you have a coupon for a free package of Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese Dinner (up to $3.99 value).

I should receive mine in 4-6 weeks.

And it's only the beginning of the month

2010-08-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

This is not a financial vent about spending too much money by the 9th of the month but a what the heck else can go wrong vent.

We lost our dog last week. He was at least 17 years old and had been with hubby for 15 years. His age had finally worn him down and we waited till the first sign of suffering which came Wednesday night when he could no longer walk. Hubby took him to the vet Thursday morning and without testing she guessed Lymphoma. He was a wonderful mutt from the shelter who was with hubby through many hard times and than welcomed not only me but 4 kids within three years into his home. We got a card from the vet on Saturday that was very sweet. It had a lock of his hair in a bag and his footprint and the date he passed on the inside. He will be missed more than words can express.

Now today my three year old son decided to swallow a nickle so his sister won't get it. I'm going on the word of a three year old since no one else saw him but we can't find the nickle anywhere. There was the panic when one daughter came up and said he swallowed the nickle and all I could think of was he's in the playroom choking to death. Thank goodness he was standing there talking. The pedi said as long as he is breathing fine than not to worry and give it up to two days to pass. If he complains of pain or it doesn't pass than I need to take him to the ER. He is the first child to swallow something like this. I should've known I wouldn't escape a swallowing incident with the kids.

OK, I'm done with the bad for the month.

The joy of back to school shopping

2010-08-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

Sneaker shopping is complete. The Sketcher's Outlet store had a buy one get one half price sale.

I found some great items on the $2.99 racks at The Children's Place. Everything in the picture was $2.99 except the hooded sweatshirt which was $4.99.

Adorable hair clips from Spunky Bunny I won!

2010-08-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

They finally came today! I won these cuties from Mom's Plans.

I showed them to my three girls and they love them as much as I do. Besides the cuteness factor they are so well made. Ellen was kind enough to ask me if I would like a foam grip added to the Sunflower clips for extra hold. I can't wait for the girls to wear these to school. They had better not get lost!

You can visit the Spunky Bunny Boutique and see all the great hair clips Ellen makes.
Thank you to Mom's Plans and Spunky Bunny Boutique!

Shop Rite Trip

2010-08-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

Eggland's eggs $1.69
used (2) $.35/1

International Delight Creamers $.99
used (2) $.55/1

Dan-o-nino, Danimals 2/$4
used (3) $1/1

Activia $2
used $1/1

Scrubbing Bubbles gel 2/$7
used (2) BOGO, used (2) $1/1

Ziploc 50 ct sandwich bags 2/$3
used $1/2

grapes $1.25, $1.44

used $7 in catalinas
oop- $9.66
saved with coupons/sales- $42.53
received $12 in catalinas

Jonas Brothers Winning the Dream Contest at OfficeMax

2010-08-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Enter for a chance to win the Winning The Dream Sweepstakes from OfficeMax by printing out your page and bringing it to the nearest OfficeMax. Even if you're not a winner there is a coupon at the bottom of the page for a free Jonas Brothers calendar.

When filling out the information online, you need to be 13 years of age or older to participate.

Thanks Coupon Posse'

Kids Eat Free at IHOP in August

2010-08-03T07:43:00.001-07:00

During August, IHOP is offering Free Kids Meals from 4pm till 10pm with each adult entree purchased. This offer is available at participating locations so be sure to phone ahead to make sure your local IHOP is one.

Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on "Just for Kids" menu items.

Where did my budget go?

2010-08-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Since summer started it has just been a mess. I kept a very good record of what money was spent on for July and it has done nothing but depress me. Over budget in every area. It's my own laziness. Not planning things and carrying through with things.

grocery budget- $250

spent- $311.42 over budget $61.42
saved with sales & coupons- $234.25 more time and thought into planning my trips would've made a difference

gas spent- $312.07 this is unavoidable with what we drive. I only had to get gas twice in July but with school starting soon I'm sure I'll be making more trips to the gas station during the week

medical/pharmacy- $70 two kids to the dermatologist (my oldest for a check on her psoriasis and one of the twins for what is eczema. Both twins have it but I saved myself a $30 copay by just having one seen.) A prescription for the eczema was $10.

retail- $401.10 Oh yes, it was $401.10! I did do backpack shopping which was $83.13 alone but we also had 3 birthday parties this month. The pool was also a problem. We needed chemicals, a lot of chemicals.

eating out- $152.40 My downfall as always. A little here, a little there and it becomes $152 worth. Take out for a family of 6 is expensive and we had our family of 7 this month which made it even more. For some reason when my step daughter is here she just assumes we'll get take out and I give in and get it.

So there is my horrible month. Keeping such a detailed record of our spending has made a big difference. Let's see if August can be better.

Available Rebates

2010-08-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Free Triaminic

$10 Rebate for Venus, Olay, Secret, Pantene or Covergirl

Save $4 on ACT fluoride Rinse & SpongeBob DVD

Purchase $50 of Olay, get $20

Coupon match ups for the week 8/1- 8/7

2010-08-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

Here's where you can find the local grocery store match ups this week.

Shop Rite
4 Hats & Frugal
Living Rich With Coupons
Gina's Kokopelli

Stop & Shop
Gina's Kokopelli
Living Rich With Coupons
Stop n' Shoppers

Pathmark
Living Rich With Coupons

Free corn at Stop & Shop

2010-07-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

If your Stop & Shop card is registered online than check your email for this deal.

3 ears of corn for free-you load the deal to your Stop & Shop card and redeem in store.

Sausage, Peppers & Onions the Giada way

2010-07-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

I am a very picky eater. Anyone who knows me will tell you I can survive on pizza, Cheerios, tuna fish and chicken & broccoli (with water chestnuts please). There were several weeks (maybe more like months) during my single living years I did survive on just that.

I was lucky enough to marry a guy who eats anything, and I mean anything. Our three year old son is taking after daddy. This gives me a chance to cook things I would never eat.

I love Giada De Laurentiis Sausage, Peppers & Onions recipe. The only changes I make are not using the turkey sausage and more tomato paste to thicken it up.

And steak rolls were $1.99 this week at Shop Rite.
Hubby could get almost a week's worth of lunches out of this. Normally I would've made it on a Sunday but I had two onions I needed to use before they went bad. I had everything in the house except the peppers and rolls which I grabbed at Shop Rite on Wednesday.

Cole Bros. Circus is coming to town!

2010-07-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when the Cole Bros. Circus sets up it's tent. You can view NY, NJ, PA and DE dates and purchase tickets here. You can also print a free general admission child's ticket, children under 12 year's old must be accompanied by a paid adult.

Target 75% off Toy Clearance?

2010-07-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it this sale should start today. Best of luck to all who venture out.

I will not be going. Last year I did stock up on toys during this sale for Christmas but the few things I did get I wasn't too pleased with by the time it came to wrap them and put them under the tree. My kids seem to change their interests and tastes so quick I don't think it would be worth buying anything 5 months before. I don't stock up on toys for birthday presents either, for my own kids or to give as gifts. I like to let my kids pick out the present for their friend and I like to give a gift receipt so the parent has the choice of exchanging.

I might be in the frugal minority on this one.

$2 Layering Camis at Old Navy

2010-07-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

You can get up to 5 layering camis at Old Navy for $2 each with this coupon. Available 7/29 till 7/31.

Popeye pancakes- mine don't look so good

2010-07-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Once a week I do breakfast for dinner. It's easy, cheap and everyone loves it. I came across this recipe for Popeye Pancakes and decided to give it a try. All the ingredients are things you should have in the kitchen. I recommend looking at the original recipe and picture before looking at mine.

Prepared? Take a look at this yummy beauty.

It will rise in the oven and believe me when I say mine was A LOT higher than this. When I took it out my three year old son said it looked like a skateboard ramp. Besides the odd look the butter pooled on top in spots.

It does taste great and once I cut it up, sprinkled it with powdered sugar and poured on the syrup and added the bacon, it looked much prettier. Everything is better with bacon.

Garden Update: what's left

2010-07-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

There is not much left in the garden. Blame it on the heat, the groundhog or the mole or just bad gardening. I was happy to know I can grow corn. Next year I will plant much more in a separate area. This year I got three ears of corn, none perfect but they tasted good. Here's what's left. My corn husks, I'm hoping to use them as fall decorations, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, herbs and new broccoli and onions

My corn. I had four but lost one during a rain storm.

Zucchini. I keep forgetting to pick them and I let them get too big.

Squash. I'm down to two plants. The heat has hurt the squash and zucchini this year.

My cucumbers. I planted two different varieties (I missed how I did that one).

The other cucumbers. These are doing great. If only I still had some lettuce I could make a great salad.

I planted more broccoli. I did plant them in a row but some how they moved out of line. I'm going to blame my rearranged seeds on the mole. I also have some onions coming up in the row with the lone broccoli.

My strawberries are flowering again. We picked a decent amount compared to last year and much bigger in size.

Trial and error as always. This year I'm planning more on a fall crop and hoping that will go better.

Shop Rite 7/25-7/31

2010-07-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Shop Rite's Dollar Days are back! This looks like a great week at Shop Rite.

Tyson Chicken is 40% off
look for coupons in the Smart Source insert this week

Tyson Breaded Nuggets $4.19
-use $1/1 Tyson Frozen Breaded Chicken SS 7/24

Pompeian Buy 5 Get $5 deal
get you coupons for $1 off Olive Oil and $.50 off Vinegar

4 day price break (Wed-Sat)

Whole fruit Bars $.88
-use $.50/1 from SS 7/24

Minute Maid Tubes $.88
-use $.75/1 Minute Maid frozen novelty SS 7/24

Mennen Speed Stick $.77
-use $.50/1 SS 7/24 (does say Do Not Double)

Old Navy Grand Openings

2010-07-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

Old Navy is having a Grand Opening event at certain stores starting tomorrow. According to their Facebook page there will be lots going on at these stores.

You can see the list of stores here. There are also stores that are opening after remodeling on the list. I wonder if on those opening days there will also be events held?

Cheap Greenworks Laundry Detergent at Target?

2010-07-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Green Works on Facebook just posted about a $3 off coupon available from Target for 90oz Green Works laundry Detergent. You can combine this Target coupon with the manufacturer's coupon for $3 off ANY Green Works laundry detergent to get some cheap soap.

According to the Facebook site, Green Works just had a $3 price cut so you can grab some for $8.99 or $5.99 with both coupons.

The Target coupon is available under HOUSEHOLD.

Sharing Time: Blogs new to me

2010-07-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share some blogs I have recently come across that I've added to my daily visit list. I hope you enjoy them as well.

Frugal Mom Jenn
Jenn has Shop Rite and Pathmark match ups as well!

Money Beagle

Family Balance Sheet

My Tasty Treasures
Love this one!!!

Kaitlin in the Kitchen

My Sweet Creations

Samples and coupons floating around

2010-07-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a round up of some things offered lately:

Grandma Bowser's Dog Biscuits
Better Than Ears Dog Treats
Thanks Money Saving Mom

Snikiddy product

AMC Theatres $1 popcorn and $1 drink
Thanks $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge

Old Navy 25% off for teachers and students July 23-25

$1/1 Perdue frozen chicken product

Quick Chek Weekly free coupon- bag of Jolly Rancher Chews
Thanks Frugal Mom Jenn

Local- Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford

2010-07-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Now through July 25th Johnson's Corner Farm is having a "Corn"tastic sale. Buy one dozen iced corn, get another dozen free. You can get 24 ears of corn for just under $6. Nothing beats fresh farm corn. Visit Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford.

And the winner is.....

2010-07-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

96 comments, thanks to everyone who entered. I didn't expect so many. I was going to do the usual put the comments in the bowl but 96 is a lot of paper and cutting so I looked online for some free random number services and found this one which was super easy to use. Here's what they picked out.

47
Random numbers generated Jul 19 2010 at 19:38:21 by http://www.psychicscience.org/ Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

Number 47 is:
Debbie said...
GFC follower Entry #3fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

I've contacted Debbie and heard back from her already tonight. I'm so glad for her and good luck to everyone with all the other wonderful CSN Store give aways going on right now!

Sensory Friendly Films

2010-07-19T14:47:00.001-07:00

This is a wonderful event that AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society have teamed up for.

"In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned."

The next movie will be Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore on August 7th at 10am. You can find a list of AMC theatres participating here. There are 6 in the New Jersey area.

My first flea market

2010-07-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Six hours of my Sunday were spent trying to sell stuff. Six very boring hours made me $91 after my table fee. This was my first time selling by myself at a flea market and I was honestly disappointed with the turn out. It was a nice day, very hot though. The flea market ran from 9-2 and was decent in the beginning but dead by 11:30 till the end. I unloaded most of the toys the kids had outgrown but sold only 2 clothes items. I seem to better on Craigslist with the clothes. The event is a "Mother's Market" and is mainly children's items. The event benefits our town's food pantry, a wonderful cause.

This was the first time I've ever seen someone selling what I guess is their stockpile. The table behind me had hair products and makeup galore.

Last Day to Enter CSN Store Give Away

2010-07-19T10:28:00.001-07:00

Today is the last day to enter my $70 gift certificate give away for CSN Stores. I'll contact the winner tomorrow and post their name.

You have till 7pm Eastern time tonight to enter here. Good luck!

What's better than shopping for you?

2010-07-16T08:42:00.001-07:00

This post made me smile. I'm having one of those overwhelming weeks and it's nice to appreciate what is really most important.

Budget Confessions

Where to find Stop & Shop matchups for 7/16

2010-07-16T08:35:00.001-07:00

I still need to use the free coupons that came in the Small Victories book. I think I have till the 22nd. Cheerios, Tropicana and Welch's are on my list.

You can find this week's match ups at:
Gina's Kokepelli
Stop n' Shoppers
Living Rich With Coupons

A CSN Store give away from Marilyn's Money

2010-07-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

These CSN Store give aways are everywhere. Marilyn at Marilyn's Money is having a $60 CSN Store give away. The things you could get with $60!

Make sure to enter at Marilyn's give away.

And don't forget my CSN Store $70 give away ends July 19th!

Self mini magazine with Carefree, OB, Stayfree purchase

2010-07-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Offer valid from 6/27/10-8/31/10. Mail this form along with 3 proofs of purchase from any combination of OB, Stayfree or Carefree products and receive a Self mini magazine with Lilith Fair extras.