The 9-5 Blogger

I have moved!

2011-06-21T00:20:00.002-04:00

Check out my new blog (same blog different name)

The Froog

http://www.thefroog.com

Site down for changes!

2011-05-24T11:43:00.001-04:00

Site is going to be on hiatus because I'm moving to my own domain!

Stay tuned!

Weight Loss Challenge Wednesdays!

2011-05-18T14:13:00.002-04:00

Well this is my weight loss check in. I've not done all three of my goals religiously (an apple a day, 8 glasses of water, & 8 hours of sleep) so I'm sure that has not helped. Unfortunately I have lost no weight, but I have gained no weight either so I'll take that as a victory.

This week what I'll change is to 1. Stick to my goals of especially water, but I'm not getting enough sleep and that's effecting me, I know. 2. I'm going to try to add in some exercise but I'm not sure how much. Stay tuned!

Starting Weight: 181 lbs
Goal Weight Loss: 31 lbs
Current Weight: 181 lbs
Weight Loss: 0 lbs
Pounds to Goal: 31 lbs to go!
Week #: 0

Free Molton Cake at Chili's on Monday

2011-05-15T17:00:00.003-04:00

Click me for details

I don't usually post on the weekends but 1. This deal is for tomorrow and 2. I didn't post Friday because blogger.com was having problems so this is a freebie for you in 2 ways.

Tomorrow you can get a free Molten Cake just for sharing the link on Facebook...easy as pie...er cake!

Earn Through Swagbucks

2011-05-15T13:08:00.005-04:00

If you are not on Swagbucks yet, seriously, what is stopping you!? First of all, it's the EASIEST way to earn prizes/gift cards online, and secondly you can win so many cool prizes!

You earn prizes by searching on the website. It's super easy. Most days you earn about 7-12 points for a search, sometimes more. I would say 10 is average though. If you did NOTHING else you could earn a $5 Amazon gift card in roughly a month and a half. For doing a handful of internet searches a day...EASY. (They cost 450 points) You can also get Paypal money for 700 points. There are also tons of prizes and other gift cards, but you can look for yourself that is part of the fun!

Ways to get the most from your Swagbucks:

Do your searches every day (10 average swagbucks)
Do the daily poll (1 point)
Do the NOSO (2 points)
Watch a few videos (2 points)

You'll get about 15 points a day doing those things.

Good ways to get additional points:

Get referrals (when your referral earns you earn!) BTW click any link to sign up as MY referral!
Bonus Swag Codes (Swagbucks posts lots in their blog and through various social media)
Coupons (I feel Swagbucks is a good bang for your buck coupon site at 10 SB per coupon redeemed)
Special Offers - only if you are so inclined, I think other sites are better for this

Please click me to start up at Swagbucks today!

As soon as I redeem my next gift certificate (in the next week or so) I will do a challenge to see how fast I can earn a gift card just to show my audience how awesome this program is!

Don't Pay for Passport Pics!

2011-05-12T13:01:00.000-04:00

Somehow world traveling on a budget sounds like a contradiction in terms. That is because it is SO expensive! My plight is that my husband is from the wonderful country of Scotland, and thus I am forced (my arm is really tied behind my back *wink wink*) to travel to Scotland.

Obviously there is no cheap way to travel, but there are some ways to save money. My first tip to World Travel on a Shoestring is DO NOT PAY FOR PASSPORT PHOTOS.

Get Free Passport Photos at ePassportPhoto.com

I have no reason to refer you to this service other than that it's AWESOME. We used it when going through U.S. Immigration for my husband to get his permanent residence, so you can't get any more official than that! For immigration we needed 8 photos and it was going to cost a fortune. I turned to this service because we couldn't afford a traditional service, and found out this service is so much better!

It's relatively easy, and guess what! You can take pictures till you get a GOOD photo...how often do you have a good ID photo? Well, now you can.

Photo by Damian613

Weight Loss Challenge Wednesdays!

2011-05-11T14:16:00.001-04:00

I have gained quite a lot of weight (especially since hav

ing my son). So I am committing to losing the weight. It will be my weight loss challenge and I'm holding myself accountable on my blog. To be completely fair I will start with the fact that I have a thyroid problem. I recently went to the doctor and had my medicine adjusted so this should help.

I have also given up soda. That is big for me. I am on

ly drinking the occasional soda on the weekends so that I don't go completely insane. I have already gone 2 weeks without it and so far so good.

As far as a diet goes I am really not doing one although I will try to make smarter choices, but I've decided to use 3 of the most common health guidelines I've heard all of my life to guide this month and see how it goes:

Get 8 Hours of Sleep
Drink 8 Glasses of Water
An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Not sure if 8 hours of sleep will help my weight loss but I'm going to try it. An apple may turn into another fruit but generally speaking I'm going to try to eat a piece of fruit a day and up my veggies, too. The water goes without saying, I don't drink enough and I know it will help flush out all the toxins in my body.

Please join my weight loss challenge!

I'm starting at 181 pounds (just weight myself). I want to lose 31 pounds by October which is 20 Wednesdays. I have to lose roughly 1.55 pounds per week to meet this goal. I may add in different weight loss tips as I go, so I'll keep you posted!

Starting Weight: 181 lbs
Goal Weight Loss: 31 lbs
Current Weight: 181 lbs
Weight Loss: 0 lbs
Pounds to Goal: 31 lbs to go!
Week #: 0

Before Picture

4 Ways Portion Control Can Save You $$$

2011-05-10T11:19:00.009-04:00

Portion control is usually associated with diets but applies to every aspect of your life. Let's face it a budget is a diet for your wallet, and a little self control goes a long way. Here are four places in your life that exercising portion control will greatly impact your budget!

1. Meat - Unless you are a vegetarian I can guarantee that meat is taking up a BIG portion of your budget. I am not suggesting to give it up but to limit your portion sizes (especially on expensive red meat).

Not only will this help your budget but it will help your overall health. It is recommended that the average adult eat between 5 to 6 ounces of protein foods in a day. That's not very much, so it doesn't take a lot to fulfill that need.

Feeling too extreme? Understandably you may not want go that extreme, but the key here is to start measuring your food. Does it have to be 5 ounces? No, but the way food packagers package meat it would be a good practice to begin measuring your food. Steaks and boneless chicken breasts are more than someone can eat many times. The excess could be cut off and used for future meals (fajitas or stew, etc). You will probably find that you can make 2 meals out of what you previously were making 1 meal out of.

2. Toiletries - It may seem weird but toiletries are a huge place to get savings by exercising portion control. There are many ways that toiletries are wasted. Instead of just mindlessly using the toiletries take a day to consciously think out how much you are wasting.

Going through body wash too fast? You are probably using too much. If you don't have a loofah, you should get one because it takes a very small amount of body wash to suds up a loofah as opposed to using your hands or a wash cloth.

It's the same with shampoo and conditioner. You are probably over using. You only need a dime sized amount, quarter sized if you have really long hair, and the same goes for conditioner. All that extra lather is money down the drain! Literally!

I am not saying to go out with dirty hair and uncleaned teeth, obviously you have to use your own judgement. It is time to critically think of how much you really need, and discipline yourself. This is a really painless way to save money. No one goes to bed thinking that they wished they'd used twice the amount of toothpaste. After the deed is done you rarely think about it.

3. Cleaning Products - Cleaning products are much similar to the personal hygene products. In addition to using some cheaper products (vinegar, baking soda, etc) you need to pay attention to how much you are using.

When you are using a cleaner (or laundry soap, or fabric softener or dish water) don't just arbitrarily throw in the soap. Use the recommended amount. In the case of not very dirty loads of laundry consider throwing in half the amount. The key that I'm trying to drive home is pay attention to how much you are using and adjust if you are over-using products. This is another pain free way to save some dough!

See my other article Spring Cleaning to find out how to use vinegar around the house!

4. Restaurants - Here's a fact: restaurants give you HUGE portions. Obviously we all like to get out now and then but costs are soaring. A good way to save money while dining out (and likely a few pounds) is to watch your portion size. Many restaurants offer half portions or lighter portions and they are plenty. If the restaurant you are patronizing doesn't offer half portions have no fear. A good tip to get in the habit of is to put half of your entree aside right at the beginning of the meal. That way you have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Another thing to keep in mind is when you go to fast food or ala carte places do not let your eyes get bigger than your stomach. If you are still hungry you can always go back and get something else, but ordering too much food is just a waste of money.

There are many other ways you can save money through portion control - many more than what I've mentioned. This will give you a good springboard to start critically thinking about what you are using. Living frugally isn't just about using a good coupon, and it isn't just living like a pauper. Usually it boils down to being responsible with the resources you already have.

Inbox Dollars

2011-05-09T16:48:00.003-04:00

Alright, just requested a check from my latest Money Maker, Inbox Dollars! I am getting a $55 check in June, so I am really excited. This is technically my first check from this company so I will keep you posted on if they follow through, though they are supposed to be reputable.

The key to any of these paid sites is to do all of the e-mail clicks, watch the free videos and do all of the free stuff. Also, if you see an offer that you like do it through the site. If you do any shopping online chances are you can shop through the site and earn extra money. With Inbox Dollars I earned most of my $$'s through clicks and watching videos. I've already earned $6 towards my next check.

If you think this sounds like fun (and heck it IS easy) please sign up through my link...oh yeah you get $5 just for signing up!...I would love the referral!

Time to get serious

2011-05-06T14:23:00.003-04:00

Okay, it's time for me to get serious about my blogging. Sure, I think about it A LOT, but I am very haphazard about doing it. (Easy to do when you have a 1 year old and work and are helping maintain a house). I am going to be more serious about it now, however.

For me it is starting with a schedule. I am going to blog everyday Monday through Friday and on Sunday I will map out what I will talk about each day. This is starting next Monday so stay tuned for that.

This blog is devoted to all things frugal & all things MOM and that is a TON to cover! I hope you will enjoy this blog, new and improved!

Mayo!

2011-04-25T10:18:00.004-04:00

I've always liked (and feared) the idea of making my own mayo, but I decided to dive in and try it. Let me tell you first hand: it was easy and tasty! I mean seriously easy, and it took less than 5 minutes. I think the key is to put the oil in slowly. This would also be a really good base for your own sandwich spread creations. AND biggest bonus...it's way cheaper than buying a jar of mayo these days (especially the good stuff!) and probably more delicious!

Homemade Mayo Recipe

This is the recipe that I used so kudos to the person who wrote it. It couldn't have been easier and I can imagine using it again. A batch probably costs 40 cents or so, and has very basic ingredients. Definitely give it a try!

Photo by FotoosVanRobin

My Merlot Chicken

2011-04-02T01:44:00.007-04:00

I made the most scrumptious recipe tonight with things I had around the house. The recipe is based off of Chicken Marsala, but I didn't have all of the fancy ingredients and it turned out GREAT! I used Merlot ($3 at Walmart) instead of Marsala wine, whole milk instead of whipping cream and onions instead of shallots, but I'm sure you could use any of the fancy ingredients if you had them! I did this all for under $10 and it seems so fancy!

4-5 Boneless Chicken Breasts [1/2 pkg about $4.25 @ Walmart]
8 oz. Mushrooms [1 pkg about $1.50 @ Walmart]
1/2 of a Medium Onion (chopped) [about $.25]
4 Tablespoons Butter [about $.25]
1/2 Cup Red Wine (I used Merlot) [about $.50]
3/4 Cup of Whole Milk [about $.50]
2 teaspoons Lemon Juice [about $.10]
Dollup of Sour Cream [about $.10]
Salt & Pepper [about $.10]

I made mine for around $8 but you can definitely keep it under $10!

Pound down chicken until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Salt and pepper to taste. Pan fry chicken in 2 Tablespoons of butter on both sides till nearly done. Remove chicken from pan and rest. In the same pan saute mushrooms and onions in remaining amount of butter. When mushrooms are brown add wine and bring to a boil. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Add milk, lemon juice, and sour cream. Salt and pepper sauce to taste. When well blended bring to a boil and then finish cooking chicken in mixture and reduce to a thick sauce. (If sauce doesn't thicken enough, you can add cornstarch or flour mixture to thicken - take out chicken first)

Serve with rice or pasta.

I think you will enjoy!

Quiznos Coupon

2011-03-28T13:16:00.004-04:00

Quiznos has released a printable coupon good for $2.99 small sub. Get your coupon here. Not as good as a freebie, but if you are already a Quiznos fan like I am you may want this bit of savings.

Motivation for spring cleaning!

2011-03-21T11:13:00.004-04:00

Having trouble finding motivation. My camera died so it's hard to get the pictures I need to do this blog, and it's bumming me out.

I think I will do a massive spring cleaning today and keep the blogging to a minimum! I encourage everyone to at least clean 5 things in your house (example: The counters, vacuum carpet, television, etc.)

Springtime!

2011-03-20T12:27:00.002-04:00

It's officially the first day of Spring! And oh what a beautiful day it is (at least here in Dallas). Hmmm, wondering if that means I'm going to have to get some spring cleaning done? Am I the only one who feels like procrastinating?

Here is my problem with spring cleaning. I start with the best intentions but not much time passed before I become overwhelmed then in slowly spirals into a doom spiral of despair. I am cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and every time I try to clean a new thing it opens a Pandora's box to another thing I need to clean. Soon there are things that need to be cleaned surrounding me on all sides and I feel like I am being cornered by my own dirty mess that I have inadvertently made while trying to tidy things up.

Then I give up and go watch TV.

Anyone have any good spring cleaning tips?

Coming back to life

2011-03-20T02:25:00.002-04:00

Okay, I've been doing a lot of new techniques for saving money and this will be devoted to that. I have stopped doing so much of the couponing and now am doing other alternative money making things.

Some of the interesting things we are doing is gardening (to save money on veggies and to make a sustainable life) and I am making my own sun oven (more info to come).

I still do the bargain hunting. This blog is still trying to find its legs so we'll see where it goes.

A Lot of Changes = Hiatus

2009-07-12T23:32:00.004-04:00

So, I have been noticeably absent lately. It is not because I haven't been busy doing my normal frugal things, or have lost interest in the blog. It is because a lot of changes have been happening in my life.

First of all, I think the thing that has spun my life into a tizzy is the fact that I am now roughly 4 months pregnant, which I found out about the time the blog went silent. This is my first baby and I'm very excited and basically it has been a big focus of mine.

Secondly, we've decided as a family to move all the way across the country from the Mitten State to the Lone Star State. It is a huge decision and we are in the middle of a gigantic move.

In essence, this chaos has thrown me for a loop. Truthfully, I've not done too much in the direction of spending much money on either cause...I've been saving money like crazy. I've been to the doctor and bought a couple of this and thats at garage sales but otherwise the pocketbook has been tight in preparation for the big events.

I know that God has big things in store for me and my little family!

Photo Credit to adamr.stone

Weekly Deal Round-up

2009-04-27T18:37:00.002-04:00

I usually only work at 2 stores Meijer & Kroger, but that is not to say that other stores around Midland don't have great deals that I partake in. Here are some other great deals for national chains this week from other great sites!

Target by Fiddledeedee!
Walmart by My Frugal Adventures
Walgreens by Southern Savers
Riteaid by Southern Savers

Staying Motivated

2009-04-27T11:33:00.006-04:00

Today I'm writing about something that is very personal. I know that at times everyone has felt this way, so I thought I would share.

Sometimes it is so hard to go on, and you feel like you are getting nowhere. I feel like the Israelites wandering in the desert, wondering how long I will have to wonder and if I'll ever get into the Promised Land.

I've not had to wander 40 years ... yet. I still get beat down at times. I wonder if I'm doing the right thing or if things will ever get better. I think it's hard when times are tough and you don't know what's around the next corner. It's difficult to stay motivated.

That's my problem right now, motivation. If I knew how long this would last it would be easier, but all of the uncertainty makes everything feel like all of these hard times will stretch out into eternity.

To all of my friends out there struggling through hard times. Keep the faith, and keep hope. We all go through these times and it's important to stay strong.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10

Photo Credit to Josh Sommers

FRUGAL LIVING: Spring Cleaning

2009-04-27T11:22:00.003-04:00

A frugal person's best friend for Spring cleaning are: Vinegar and Baking Soda!

I am not a person who never uses any chemical cleaners but I try to only buy them on sale and with coupons. I like my Clorox Bleach, Windex, Lysol (my BFF), and others.

Homemade cleaners are very cheap, though!

Here's a site with 1001 Vinegar Tips. Some of my favorites:

Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes.
Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.
Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.
To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.
Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda.

Photo credit to G & A Sattler

Meijer Deals for Midland Michigan April 26-May 2

2009-04-26T16:45:00.003-04:00

Meijer has some pretty good deals this week (especially their 10 for 10) but most are Meijer brands. Remember at Midland Meijer you can use coupons and they will be doubled up to 50 cents!

DEALS

Milk $1.98

Bread $.98

Dole Classic Iceberg Lettuce $.98

Eggs $.98

Ears of Corn $.30 cents each

Boneless Skinless Chicken $1.79/lb

Boneless Chuckeye Steaks $1.99/lb

Bagged Cereal $2.66

MEIJER BRAND STEALS

Meijer Shredded Cheese $1.50

Meijer Chips $2

Meijer Pop $2.25

Meijer Franks $1.66

Meijer Honey $1.89

Meijer Ice Cream $2.50

Meijer Ice Cream Sandwiches $2.50

Meijer Polish or Smoked Sausage $2

Meijer Pasta $.50

Meijer Canned Veggies $.60

Meijer Butter $1.79

Meijer Frozen Hashbrowns/Potatoes $2

10 For $10 (Get the 11th Free)

Meijer Liquid Dish Soap
Meijer Skillet Basics
Meijer Frozen Veggies
Meijer Soft Cookies
Meijer Pound Cake
Meijer Canned Fruit
Meijer Applesauce
Meijer Pastry Treats (like Pop Tarts)
Meijer Pretzels
Meijer Cheese Puffs
Meijer Pizza Crusts
Meijer Cinnamon Rolls
Meijer Biscuits
Meijer Crescent Rolls
Meijer Facial Tissues
Meijer Chicken or Tuna Chunks
Meijer Salad Dressing
Meijer Croutons
Blackberries
Avocados
Meijer Heat & Serve Sausages
Meijer Microwave Popcorn
Meijer Gravy
Meijer Bread Crumbs
Meijer Spring Water 6 Pack
Meijer Concentrate Drinks
Kellogg's Cereal in a Cup
Alpo Prime Cuts
"M" Plastic Spoons or Forks
Meijer Essential Paper Towels

5 Best Tips to a Successful Garage Sale

2009-04-26T12:54:00.006-04:00

Photo Credit to angusf

I've been working on my garage sale for next weekend, but I'm an avid yard sale shopper. I was thinking about what makes a good garage sale.

There are tons and tons of tips to have a successful garage sale. It can be a lot of work, but if you plan it right you can make quite a bit of extra money. I think my BEST advice comes from seeing what others do wrong! Here are my 5 best tips! Good luck

Advertise. Definitely utilize every free site you can. There are tons of places where you can tell everyone about your upcoming garage/yard sale without costing you a dime. On top of that I would recommend that you invest in your local paper. It might cost, but it will be worth it!
Signs are important! This is one of the most important things because if people can't find your sale they won't come to it. Firstly, signs should be large, easy to read, and have all important information. Make sure you can write in wide stroke big block letters on preferably white background (with possibly a bright colored border ... I do like those fluorescent colors for accents). It sound have an arrow pointing the way to the sale (very helpful), say Yard/Garage Sale, Address, and Times. Make sure it is readable/noticeable while you are driving by (everyone else will be driving!). Put a sign (possibly consider ballons, flags, etc) in front of your house, at the end of your block, and on all corners to the next main road. Consider making more paths if you live in a sub division with multiple entrances. Remember to check your city for any rules concerning signs. Take them down when you are done!
Organize your items. Organize your items so that they make sense and are easy to see and clearly marked with price. Make items look attractive and clean them up as well as organize your tables, hang up your clothes if possible, etc. You can either make a big sign that says something like 'All Books .25 cents' or you can individually mark each item, but NOTHING makes a potential customer walk away faster than having to ask about a price! Big items need big price tags, and small items can have stickers (they even make pre-printed ones) that are visible without picking the item up.
Don't overprice it! Remember that even though you liked something that it is still old junk. You will sell a lot more stuff if you price your stuff reasonably. Remember that your stuff is not unique and a person can go down the street to the next garage sale to get some old sneakers for half the price of yours. You don't need to underprice, but the key here is quantity and to get rid of stuff while making some money. If it's something you still can't bear to part with...don't sell it!
Bigger is better! People are drawn in by big items, so the more you have the more you can attract people from the street. Put them up front so everyone can see them and beckon people like a beacon of trash. Also, the more people you can get involved the more it will draw in people. For instance, try to organize a block sale, or a sale with a few neighbors, or friends. You can share costs, and people love to stop at one place and get multiple household sales.

I hope these help. Here are some resources that may help you.

Great Deal: $25 Restaurant.com Gift Certs for $3

2009-04-23T21:16:00.003-04:00

$25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates for $4.00

60% Off with every order of $25 Gift Certificates with code BONUS and pay $4 thru 4/26/09. PLUS $15 Dale & Thomas Gift Certificate FREE.

This is a good deal. Unfortunately for those of us in the mid-michigan area there is not much to choose from in the restaurants. In Detroit I know there was a lot more when I lived there. Hurry, offer ends soon!

FREEBIE: Free Chicken at KFC

2009-04-23T12:08:00.005-04:00

Stop into KFC on April 27th to try their new Kentucky Grilled Chicken. KFC wants you to unthink the way you think about them and realize they have more to offer than just fried food. Because of this they are offering everyone who comes in that day a free sample of their new fare.

No coupon necessary...to learn more visit the site:

http://www.unthinkkfc.com/

Enjoy!!

FREEBIE: Reusable Bag from Walgreens + 15% Off

2009-04-22T12:05:00.004-04:00

Walgreens has a special promotion called GO GREEN, SAVE GREEN for Wednesday, April 22 (Today) Earth Day.

Just print the coupon HERE and you will receive a free reusable bag with any purchase plus 15% off all of eligible store purchases, or 20% off of Walgreens brand purchases!

If you are unfamiliar with how to save money at Walgreens, check out one of my favorite sites: Southern Savers. This will give you a good idea of the deals and how to save money even before you get your 15-20% off!

Good luck and Hurry in...offer is only good today for the free bag and the 15-20% off!