I'm a M.O.M.

Menu Plan Monday!

2011-11-28T12:27:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving leftover style!!

I am just about out of turkey, thank heavens!! and also still have a little bit of ham leftover too.
So far I have made last years turkey taquito's, and then a chicken spaghetti (with the turkey of course).

I have this Taco Soup in the crockpot for tonight

Tuesday - Turkey Pot Pie (already simmering on the stove)
Wednesday - Thinking of trying out this
Thursday - Hoping there are leftovers from early on in the week.
Friday - Fun friday night, a frittata (using leftover Ham), and probably waffles!

Menu Plan Monday!!

2011-06-28T16:59:00.000-05:00

Or well Tuesday!!!!

Trying to come up with some recipes for the next 5 days, that fit into my meal plan and daily calories. All meals I have submitted into Myfitnesspal.com and every serving is under 350 calories! SWEET! So here is this week's plan.

Wednesday - Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
Thursday - Family night out
Friday - Mexican Lasagna
Saturday - If boys are home, then homemade pizza night
Sunday - Spaghetti w/meat sauce
Monday - Chinese chicken night
Tuesday - Breakfast for dinner (Frittata, pancakes, and sausage)

Getting back on Track!!

2011-06-15T16:05:00.001-05:00

I am the worst at working out and trying to lose weight. I dream lofty goals of seeing a size 8 in my jeans again (I did get there after my surgery 3 years ago mind you haha) and of having a ton more energy. But when it boils down to it I just am no good at keeping at it! I admit I am a junk food addict and am a notorious midnight snacker. But in the last 3 months I have managed to at least STOP my 2am wake up and eat sessions. Guess it helps that my daughter is sleeping sounder and on a schedule (for now).

So once I found myself kicking my awful snack problems, I went on a 30 day fast of sweets and coffee.   This is something I never thought I would make through but by golly even though I faltered on Mother's Day with cheesecake, I did make it 30 days (and no I won't lie I did eat cake on that day haha). After that 30 days I found that I could get up and GO without my 2 cups in the AM, and I found that I wasn't snacking that much. So I realized that it was time to pick up another healthy habit. Every thing takes baby steps and I felt heck I'm well onto #3 at this point.

I didn't know what that #3 would be but I knew it had to be something I could stick with because well did you read up there I just don't exercise on schedule. Doesn't help that I live with the fused spine and the thoughts in the back of my head what if this breaks my back at ALL. TIMES. even though seriously come on it can't happen. Ok ok back to #3, well it's been 3 weeks since I ended my 30 day fast, and these last few weeks a friend of mine keeps talking about counting calories. HA! But then I looked into it, I read into it, and I realized that this was my #3.

So I began with www.myfitnesspal.com and here I am on day 4 of calorie counting and I can see that I CAN do this, and I WILL do this. This I guess is my new mission (I sure have had a lot on here huh??). My goals are not lofty, I don't want to be wafer thin, I would be completely happy to find myself at a 150.   So I am pushing through with this step, and hoping that I can keep myself accountable and see where it takes me. I mean let me be honest I only have *cough*29*cough* to lose ;)

Next step #4 well let's just say it entails working out, and well seriously? I am going to take this SSSSLLLlllooooowwww as mud as not to scare myself into a chocolate chip cheesecake with a side of chocolate chip cookie dough induced coma after breaking down in tears with the I JUST CAN'T DO THIS hahaha

So here is to the next two weeks of being good at #3 and working towards starting #4 ;)

*****UPDATE!!!****
Ok well I posted here my weight and my goals. But to be fair I weighed myself last the 25th of May. That was just 22 days before I started calorie counting, and a week before our vacation.   Since I weighed in at 181 I was guessing that I was at 179. I mean hello VACATION people and well who doesn't eat a ton of junk driving 17 hours ;)

Well today I weighed myself and was happy to see that I weigh only 173!!!
So today I am stunned that in three weeks and being on vacation 9 days I still managed to drop nearly 10 pounds in 3 weeks.

So here is to reaching my goal of 150 before Christmas hahahaha

Great ONLINE Deals going on

2011-06-14T15:57:00.000-05:00

These are a few of the best Online deals I have seen this week.

Now my oldest absolutely LOVES fruit leathers and begs for them when we're out at the store. On amazon I picked up 30 of them for only 10.88 SHIPPED! That's only 35cents a piece, a $16savings of if I had bought them one by one at the store ;) They have cliff bars too!! With the subscribe and save it's only 10.97 shipped! (a 12ct box at Natural Grocers is $14!!)

Amazon is my GO to place for diapers (I've posted some of the information how I've managed to save hundreds over here). This week I was able to get a 108ct box of Easy Ups for only 8.42 shipped!!!

Bountiful Basket Meal Plan

2011-06-14T13:34:00.000-05:00

This week I am working with my basket again, and set out to use mostly brand new recipes.   Thanks to Jen at Jens RAQ I found this gem of a blog and have menu planned for the next 10 days!!

Tuesday - Salads and Baked Potatoes w/broccoli & cheese (uses up the Romaine & Tomatoes)
Wednesday - Chicken Pasta Salad W/ Olive Garden bread sticks (uses up my frozen brocolli from the last basket, peppers, & onions)
Thursday - Rotini Pasta Bake (uses up the peppers and onions) with Braided Bread
Friday - Homemade Pizza Night w/Salads (tomatoes, onions, and peppers)
Saturday - Pepperoni Panini's w/ Fries
Father's Day - French Dip Sandwiches (One of A's fav sandwiches)
Monday - Spinach Crepes (With Corn on the Cob)
Tuesday - Breakfast for Dinner (Frittata, Hashbrowns, & a sweet bread)
Wednesday - Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
Thursday - Chicken Crescents
Friday - Homemade Chinese night
Saturday - Date Night
Sunday - Mexican Lasagna
Monday - Next day to meal plan!!!

Breakfast & Desserts
Pineapple - Watermelon Slushes (I have pineapple frozen from the last basket!!)
Fruit Kabobs   (How cute are those!!)
Watermelon Sherbet!   (I Think I may actually eat this one)
Pear Crisp (Oh this looks amazing!)
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Yogurt Fruit smoothies (with peaches and frozen strawberries and frozen grapes)

Menu Plan Monday!!

2011-04-17T14:27:00.000-05:00

Jeeze I got realllllyyyy behind/lazy about blogging.

Getting back into the swing of things with menu planning, we've used up almost of the stockpile, so going to have to start replenishing that as well! Need to get things stocked up again so we don't have to grocery shop as much this summer!

But for now this week's Meal Plan!!

Pineapple-Mango Salsa, with grilled chicken and white rice

Sandwich Wraps for picnic dinner.

Broccoli-Cauliflower-Potato Cheese Soup YUM!!

Chicken and NoodlesChicken and Noodles with fresh Yeast Rolls.

Stuffed Poblano Peppers and Salad

Leftover night is gonna have to happen one night this week!

Pork Tenderloin with carrots and potatoes and Jello Cake for dessert!

Walgreen's and CVS this week!!!

2011-03-02T08:17:00.000-06:00

Here is the list of this weeks best deals! Here is my challenge this month!! Take $10 and start shopping CVS and Walgreen's this week!! We'll roll our Register Rewards all month long and see how much we can save and just how LITTLE we can spend!!!

CVS

Oral B Crossaction Power Toothbrush or 2pk refills $6.00
Get $3 ECB (limit 2)
Use $3/1 any Oral B battery toothbrush from 2/27 P&G
Final Price: Free!

Fiber One Cereal, Smart Start Cereal, Kashi Cereal or TLC bars 2/$6
Get $2 ECB back (limit 1)
Use (2) $1/1 Smart Start coupons
or $1/1 Kellogg’s Smart Start Cereal, exp. 3-20-11 (RP 02/06/11)
or Use $0.75/1 Fiber One Cereal, exp. 3-19-11 (SS 02/06/11)
or Use (2) $2/1 Kashi coupons (if you got these when they were available)
Final Price: as low as free!

Dawn Dish Soap .99
Use $0.25/1 Dawn Product, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
Final Price: .74

Softsoap Body Wash $2.99
Get $2 ECB (limit 1)
Final Price: .99

Here is this week's best scenario's to use with just $5.00 to start out with!!

Transaction #1
Buy 1 SoftSoap Body Wash @ $2.99
Total= $2.99
ECBs earned= $2.00

Transaction #2
Buy 1 Crest ProHealth Toothpaste @ $3.29
$1/1 Crest or Liquid Gel (P&G insert 02/27/11)
Pay with $2 ECB’s from above
Total After Coupon= $0.29
ECBs earned= $3.29

Transaction #3
Buy 1 Oral-B CrossAction Toothbrush @ $6.00
Buy 1 Dawn Dish Soap $0.99 (filler)
$3/1 Oral-B Battery Brush

$0.25/1 Dawn Product
Pay with $3.29 ECB’s from above

Total After Coupon & ECB’s= $0.45
ECBs earned=$3.00

In the end you will have paid just $3.77 out of pocket and have bought $13.27 in merchandise. You are left with $3.00 ECBs to use next week!!!

Walgreen's

Colgate 4oz Total $2.99
Use $0.75/1 Colgate Toothpaste, exp. 3-19-11 (SS 02/27/11)
Get $2.99 Register Reward
Final Price: .75 moneymaker
*If you find the Diabetes and You coupon book, there is a $1 coupon inside!

Baby Magic Hair or Body Wash $3
Get $3 Register Reward
Final Price: Free!

Theraflu $4.99
Get $1 Register Reward
Use $2/1 Theraflu Product printable
Pay $1.99
And if Warming Caplets are included- submit the try me free rebate from 2/13 SS
Final Price: Free or possibly a $3 moneymaker after rebate

NasoGel Drip Spray $4.99
Get $4.99 Register Reward
Final Price: Free

Motrin IB or PM 20ct $3
Get $3 Register Reward
Use $1/1 Motrin Product printable
Final Price: $1 moneymaker

Aquaphor Lip Repair $4.99
Get $4 Register Reward
use $1/1 printable
Final Price: Free

This is my tip on getting all the deal's at Walgreen's this week with just $5 in your pocket!!!

Rolling Scenario
Transaction 1
Buy the NasoGel
Pay $5.00 OOP (plus tax)
Earn $4.99 in RR

Transaction 2
Buy Baby Magic Lotion OR Body Wash @ $3.00
Buy Motrin @ $3.00
Use the Motrin Printable
Use the $5 RR from Tran. 1
Pay $0 OOP
Earn TWO $3.00 RR!

Transaction 3
Buy Colgate @ $2.99
Buy Aquaphor @ $4.00

Use $1.00 printable
Use $.75 off Colgate
Use $6.00 RR
Pay $.25 OOP!! (plus tax)
Earn $7.00 in RR!!

In these Three transactions you will pay $5.25 out of pocket, leave with in $18 merchandise and $7.00 in Register Rewards of to use on your next visit!!! Keep your $7.00 and we'll keep rolling it this MONTH!!!

Target this week is just bonkers!!

2011-02-21T19:42:00.002-06:00

There are so many deals this week at Target I'm going to have to forgo my no shop to stock up on some cold meds and cleaning supplies (I'm low on it all).

Here are some more GREAT deals to be had this week at Target!!

Seventh Generation Dish Liquid 25 oz. $2.69 (Regular Price)
-$1/1 Seventh Generation (cleaning products incl.) Target Web Coupon x3/26
-$1/1 Seventh Generation Product 01-23-11 RP x4/23
-$1/1 Seventh Generation Household or Personal Care Product x3/22
=.69 cents each after a stack

Seventh Generation Various Spray Cleaners and Wipes $2.99 (Regular Price)
-$1/1 Seventh Generation (cleaning products incl.) Target Web Coupon x3/26
-$1/1 Seventh Generation Product 01-23-11 RP x4/23
-$1/1 Seventh Generation Household or Personal Care Product x3/22
=.99 cents each after a stack

Seventh Gen. Multi Surface Concentrated Cleaner 28 oz. $2.79 (Regular Price)
-$1/1 Seventh Generation (cleaning products incl.) Target Web Coupon x3/26
-$1/1 Seventh Generation Product 01-23-11 RP x4/23
-$1/1 Seventh Generation Household or Personal Care Product x3/22
=.79 cents each after a stack

Garnier Select Nutritioniste Skin Care Items* $4.49 - $4.69 (Regular Price)
*Nutri-Pure Towelettes 25 ct OR Skin Renew Brusher Gel Cleanser
-$2/1 Garnier Skin Care Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/19
*-$2/1 Garnier Moisturizer or Cleanser 2-20-11 Parade Magazine x5/20
-$2/1 Garnier Cleanser Or Moisturizer, Any – 12-05-10 RP x6/15
= as low as .49 cents each after stack depending on price at your store.

Hefty One Zip Travel Bags, $0.84
$1/2 Hefty One Zip Printable Coupon
$0.34 ea. after coupon!

Finish Quantum Dishwashing Detergent, $2.50 (10 Ct.)
$1.50/1 Target Coupon
$1/1 Printable Coupon
$1/1 Finish Quantum, exp. 2-28-11 (SS 01/23/11)
FREE after coupons!

Halls Cough Drops, $1.19
$0.50/1 Target Coupon
$0.50/1 Printable Coupon
$0.19 ea. after coupons!

Up & Up Items

Up & Up All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach $1.37
Up & Up Bleach $1.47
-$1/1 Up & Up Cleaning Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
=.37 cents for Cleaner or .47 cents for bleach after coupon

Up & Up Cotton Balls 100 ct $1.12 – $1.29
Up & Up Cotton Swabs 300 ct Plastic $1.42
-.50/1 Up & Up™ Cotton Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
= as low as =.62 cents after coupon for the cotton balls

Up & Up Dryer Sheets 40 ct $1.37
-$1/1 Up & Up Cleaning Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
= .37 cents after coupon

Up & Up 55 yds Mint Waxed Floss .89
Up & Up Single Count Toothbrush $1.29
Up & Up Mouthwash 16.9 oz $1.37
-$1/1 Up & Up Oral Care Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
= FREE Floss, .29 cent toothbrushes & .37 cents mouthwash after coupon

Up & Up Pain Reliever 24 ct .99
-$1/1 Up & Up Pain Reliever Target Web Coupon x3/26
= FREE after coupon (Coupon adjusts down & doesn’t beep)

Up & Up 20 ct PantiLiners .87-.89 (Regular Price)
-.75/1 Up & Up™ Feminine Care ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
= as low as .12 cents after coupon depending on price at your store

Up & Up Bleach, $1.47
$1/1 Up & Up Cleaning Product Target Coupon
$0.47 ea. after coupon!

Up & Up Liquid Dishwashing Detergent, $2.59
$1/1 Up & Up Cleaning Product Target Coupon
$1.59 ea. after coupon!

Up & Up All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach, $1.37 $1/1 Up & Up Cleaning Product Target Coupon $0.37 ea. after coupon!

There is a HOT New $5 Women’s Denim Target Coupon available right now that will make for FREE Jeans at Target!

Target has jeans marked 75% off with prices as low as $4.98
Use the $5 Women’s Denim Target Coupon
FREE after Coupon!

Combine these with these other HOT deals and this week is a great week to learn how to shop at Target!!!!

Bountiful Basket Recipes!

2011-02-21T16:16:00.000-06:00

Here I am stumped with this week's basket!! We got butternut squash, and cabbage oh and MORE Kale. So I set out to figure this week out. I think I have a grand idea of what to do, just hope the husband person likes these meals and the littles as well!

Butternut Squash and Kale Chili
This calls for some of my past basket items that I have chopped and stored up in the freezer too!

Everyone and their momma seems to be raving about this soup, so I think I'll give it a whirl!
Zuppa Toscana Soup

Now these just seemed interesting and I am praying I get a working oven FAST!
Squash Fries

Now to figure out just what to dowith this big honkin head of Cabbage!
Please no one tell me Cole slaw, again everyone and their momma is making Cole slaw around these parts ;)

Frozen Food Deals @ Target

2011-02-20T18:48:00.002-06:00

Here are the best deals that I've found at Target this week

Health & Beauty
Up and Up Floss is .89
Up and Up Toothbrushes (kids or adults) $1.29
Use $1/1 Up and Up Oral Care item Target coupon
Final Price: Free-.29 each!

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razor $9.89
-$4/1 Gillette Fusion Proglide Manual or Power razor 01-30-11 PG
*Venus Breeze Razor $7.99 DEAL IDEA: Buy 2 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razors $9.89 = $19.78
-$8.00 (usee two $4/1 Gillette Fusion Proglide Manual or Power razor 01-30-11 PG
= $11.78 - $5 Gift Card Back wyb 2
= $6.78 for 2 or $3.39 each after coupons & Gift Card

Grocery

There are a ton of great frozen food deals at Target this week!!!
Best thing yet you can print the coupons and still earn the deals!!

Smart Ones Entrees $1.80
Use $5/10 Target coupon
and use $5/12 manufacturer coupon

Final Price: $.96 each when you buy 12

Market Pantry Frozen Veggies $.97 per bag
Use $1/4 Target coupon
Final Price: .72 per bag

Tony’s Pizza $1 Buy 3
Use 2 $1/2 Tony’s Original Crust Pizza, exp. 4-30-11 (SS 02/13/11)
or Use 2 $1/2 Tony’s Pizza printable
Final Price: .50

Totinos Pizzas $1.12 Buy 4
Use 1.24/4 printable coupon
Then use Target.com coupons $1.00 off 3
Final Price: .56

Tyson’s Anytizers $2.25
Use $1/1 from 1/23 SS
Final Price: $1.25

Albertson's Deals This week!

2011-02-17T15:14:00.000-06:00

There are Freebies to be had this week!!! Thanks again to my coupon buddy Crystal for cluing me in that there are so many great deals this week!!

Here is a list of the best deals this week and where you can find the coupons to match up. If you order from mycouponhunter.com you should get your coupons by next Monday, and can shop on Tuesday. I'm free to shop if you need some help just let me know!

Albertsons Large Eggs dozen On sale: 10/$10.00 Notes:
Find a printable at coupons.com for 55cents off 2!!

Bar-S All Meat Franks On sale: 10/$10.00 Notes:
Bar-S 16oz franks or bologna 2pk $1.00/2 Sunday Supplement RP01/30/2011 $1.00 for 2 - $0.50ea.

Fresh Express Salad Blends On sale: $0.99

General Mills Cereal Honey Nut Cheerios 12.25 oz., Golden Grahams 12 oz., C On sale: $1.88 Notes:

General Mills cereals $1.00/3 Sunday Supplement GM02/13/2011 $4.64 for 3 - $1.55ea.

General Mills Cereals Chex, Fiber One, Honey Nut Cheerios, Oatmeal Crisp, Raisin Nut Bran, Total or $1.00/2 Sunday Supplement SS01/30/2011 $2.76 for 2 - $1.38ea.

Halls Cough Drops On sale: $1.99 * Notes: Buy one get one Free
I have found Tearpads at Walgreen's and Albertson's for BOGO!

Peter Pan creamy peanut butter 16.3 oz On sale: $1.19 Notes:

Peter Pan peanut butter $0.50/1 Sunday Supplement SS201/02/2011 $0.19

Pillsbury Grands 10.2-12 oz., Sweet Rolls 7.3 oz. or Crescent Rolls 4 oz On sale: $0.79 Notes: Limit 5, Must buy 5 for discounted price
Pillsbury Grands refrigerated biscuits $1.00/2 Printable $0.58 for 2 - $0.29ea.
Pillsbury Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls $0.50/1 Sunday Supplement FREE

Tonys Crispy Crust Pizza On sale: 10/$10.00 Notes:
Tony's Crispy Crust pizzas or any Single Serve product $0.50/2 Sunday Supplement SS02/13/2011 $1.50 for 2 - $0.75ea.
Tony's Pizza, any $1.00/2 Printable $1.00 for 2 - $0.50ea.
$0.50/1 Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza, exp. 4-30 (SS 2/13/11)

In the 3 Day ad you can score TP for 1.99!

Cottonelle Bath Tissue 6 Double, Ultra Double or Double With Aloe Rolls On sale: $2.99 Notes:
Cottonelle Toilet Paper $0.50/1 Print 2 and do two transactions!

Walgreen's Deals this Week!!!

2011-02-16T17:13:00.000-06:00

Ok this week's Walgreen's deals don't excite me this much....there are two ok deals...but there is an even BETTER DEAL this week!!!

Reach Total Care Toothbrush or Floss, $2.99
Get $2 RRs
B1G1 Select Reach Toothbrushes, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 10/10/10)
$0.50/1 Select Listerine or Reach Items, exp. 12-31 (SS 1/9/11 #2)
$2/1 Select Reach Dental Floss, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 10/10/10)
$1/1 Reach Floss, Flosser or Toothbrush, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 10/10/10)
**More Reach coupons
As low FREE plus overage after coupon and RRs!

Lysol Healthy Touch No-Touch Hand Soap System (8.5 oz.), $11.99
Get $7 RRs
$3/1 Lysol Healthy Touch Hand Soap System printable
$3/1 Lysol No Touch Hand Soap System (SS 02/13/11)
$1.99 ea. after coupon and RRs!

Now check out this scenario for FREE Diapers!!!
(Thanks to my good friend Crystal for this tip!!)
The monthly Register Reward deal is for Nueragen PN. You buy it at 14.99 and receive a $10 RR!!
Well here is the scenario to knock your socks off this week!!

1st Transaction: Buy 1 Neuragen PN for $14.99
Use $10.00 Coupon from Diabetes and You Magazine
Pay $5.37 Get Back $10.00 RR

2nd Transaction: Buy 4 Diapers B1G1 @ $8.99
Use $2 Coupon from Infant Care (Will deduct $8)
Buy 1 Cow Tales @ $0.27 (filler)
Use $10 RR from 1st Transaction
Pay $0.23

Total OOP will be 5.60!!

*** The Diabetes and You magazine can be found near the pharmacy. The Infant care books can by found up front near the sales ads, or you can ask an employee!

What to do for Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-13T13:27:00.003-06:00

I try to makeValentine's a very simple but fun day for the boys! There are so many things you can do, but to me I feel since my kiddo's are so young and EASY, I just keep it that way, Easy that is ;)

Well if you aren't like me and plan on making a crazy schmancy dinner you can order HEART shaped pizza's!!!
Papa Murphy's has their heart pizza for only $7

Papa John's has a Valentine's Day Special for 14.99, which comes with a 1 topping heart pizza and the cinnapie!

IHOP: Get your printable coupon for Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 FREE! (VALID 2/14 ONLY)

SONIC: Get your printable coupon for Buy 1 Sonic Burger, Get 1 FREE! (VALID THRU 2/28)
REDBOX: FREE One-Night Movie Rental when you use code BEMINE. Find a location near your using here! (VALID 2/14 ONLY)

Target HOT tip FREE greeting Cards and CHEAP Diapers!!

2011-02-10T19:54:00.001-06:00

It’s that time of the year to buy expensive greeting cards! You can use the following coupons and deal to get some of the cheaper ones free at Target:

Buy six American Greetings cards (prices start at $1.29)
Use three $2/2 American Greetings Cards (Facebook Offer)
Use two $1/3 American Greeting Card Purchase Target Coupon
Get six free after coupons!!!

Also there is a coupon for Huggies Diapers 2.50 off.
There are 2.00 off one printables at Coupons.com right now.
8.99 Huggies Jumbo Pack
-2.50
-2.00
4.49 for a Pack!!

5.74 and cured of my Withdraw

2011-02-09T13:33:00.000-06:00

Ok well maybe not completely cured, but I will make it another month or two without my BFF Tar-jay!

So I mention only spending $5 a week on needs, trying to stay under it, and then rewarding myself in the end. Well today my friends I spent 74 cents over but it's ok I really needed boot socks, my legs were FREEZING in my boots and you know that's just not jolly.

So I bought
22 yogurts
2 Gallon's Distilled Water (For the steam vac)
5 Butters
4 Sprout Baby Food
1 Earths Best Jar
2 Pan scrubbers
3 Electrosal
1 box of Spoon's L told me to buy them
Loaf of bread
and 2 PAIRS of CUTE Boot SOCKS!

Ok this is my confession.....

2011-02-08T20:08:00.000-06:00

I'm going into Target WITHDRAW.
I think I'm seriously going into fits if I don't get a fix...but I have to stay away. Far. Far. AWAY.

Sigh, what's your biggest budget buster? If I don't go to Target what do I do clean house all day. Psshh like that's any fun when Target is just Right. There. Ok can you say I have a problem?

So here have some Target Weekly Deals, go save yourselves a TON of Money and make momma proud!!

Maxwell House International Cafe Asst. Varieties $2.73 (Sale thru 2/12)
-$1/1 Maxwell House Coffee Target Web Coupon x4/15
-$1/1 Maxwell House International Cafe HERE
= .73 each after a stack

Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper $1 (PC thru 2/26)
-.50/1 Hamburger Helper HERE at top of Page
-$1/3; .75/3 Hamburger Helper 1-2-11 GM x2/26
-.75/3 Hamburger Helper
= as low as .50 cents each depending on your coupon

Vaseline Intensive Rescue 10 oz Lotion $2.69 (Sale thru 2/12)
-$1/1 Vaseline Intensive Rescue Lotion 6.8-oz.+ Target Web Coupon x2/28
-$1/1 Vaseline Intensive Rescue 1-30-11 Unilever RP x2/27
-$1/1 Vaseline Lotion 1-30-11 Unilever RP x2/27
= .69 cents after stack & sale

Boca Meatless Products Down to $2.74 from $3.49 (Regular Price)
*-$2/2 Boca Frozen Items Target Web Coupon x4/15
-$1/2 Boca Meatless Product 1-2-11 SS x2/27
-$1/2 Boca Products HERE at zip 90210
= as low as $1.24 each depending on price at your store

Hot Movie Deals!!!
There’s Something About Mary on DVD $5 (PC thru 3/19)
-$3/1 There’s Something ABout Mary on Blu-Ray or DVD
= $2 after Price Cut and coupon!
Mr. & Mrs Smith on DVD $7.99 (PC thru 4/2)
Mr. & Mrs Smith on Blu-Ray &14.99 (PC thru 3/19)
-$3/1 Mr. & Mrs. Smith on Blu-Ray or DVD
= $4.99 for the DVD & $11.99 for the Blu-Ray after price cut & coupon
Australia on Blu-Ray $13.00 (Regular Price)*
*Was $24.99, now newly lowered for me- but will likely be very random, can’t hurt to look though
-$3/1 Australia on Blu-Ray or DVD
= $10 after coupon if you find the lowered price
27 Dresses on DVD $9.00 (Regular Price)
-$3/1 27 Dresses on Blu-Ray or DVD
= $6.00 after coupon
Romeo & Juliet on Blu-Ray $14.99 (PC thru 4/2)*
-$3/1 Romeo & Juliet on Blu-Ray or DVD
= $11.99 after coupon and Price Cut

This is what will force me out of my house and sadly have to go to Target, but who can pass up 25 cents!

If you have been hanging on to your $2.25/1 Finish/Electrasol tabs coupon that came out in the 1/2 inserts, I have great news for you. Target has cut the price on those to just $2.50 per box. So, if you have the $2.25/1 coupon you get them for just 25 cents. I believe there was also a $1/1 value coupon in the same insert. $1.50 per box is not too shabby either. This price cut is available through 3/12 but the coupon expires before that!

Weekly Hot Deals Around Town..

2011-02-08T19:04:00.000-06:00

I will not go shopping, I will not I tell myself, but then I see these deals. SO I will share so you all will go partake in these deals and let me live vicariously through you all. Can you tell me if you score the glade deal, this is an amazing deal!!

Some of the best deals this week that I see are all close to free after ECBs!

CVS
Glade spend $10 earn $3
Buy (2) Glade Scented Candle Holders at $2.50 ea.
Buy (2) Glade Sense & Spray Refills at $2.50 ea.

Use (2) $1/1 Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Candle Holder printable
Use (2) $1.50/1 Glade Automatic Spray Refill printable
Spend $5.00 and Earn $3.00 in rewards!\
$0.50 ea. after coupons and ECBS!

Nivea Lip Care On Sale: $2.99*, Get $5 ECB wyb $10

4 Nivea Lip Care $11.96
-2 B1G1 Qs $5.98 (RP 2/6 you can order from mycouponhunter.com)
Spend $5.98 out of pocket and EARN $5 in rewards!!!
$0.98 wyb 4 after coupons and ECB

Trident Vitality or Stride Spark 9-14ct On Sale: $0.99, Get $.99 ECB
=Free after ECB

Zantac 150 24ct or Zantac 75 30ct On Sale: $8.99, Get $3 ECB
-$5/1 Printable
=$0.99 after coupon and ECB

But Mooooommmmm I have a coupon!!

2011-02-08T18:51:00.000-06:00

Ok Ok this not eating out is not easy, no I can't make it even sound easy, it just frost my cupcakes. Not in a good way. Well poor Mr. R tonight was like it's TACO Tuesday! I said baby next month we'll use them, but Mom I have coupons! The boy knows how to get his momma's heart huh? He knows the Trust Journey rules (The Trust Journey is something we're on at our church, we're trusting in God and have pledged a donation), and baited me with the dreaded coupon. It wasn't easy to look into those eyes of his and say no but I stood firm and said next month baby, next month. THEN we get to the car to run and get rolls for dinner and he says look I have coupons for Texas Roadhouse too!! Talk about being a tempter what a slick little man he is. But we pushed through the cravings and beggings, got our Rolls at Albertson's and enjoyed some of the best mini meatball slider's ever!!

Now to just kick my own craving for Chinese food and we'll be ok ;)

Menu Plan Monday!!

2011-02-06T20:10:00.000-06:00

Well this was a bountiful basket week, and let me say AMAZING!!!! So with my freezer stocked up, all the produce I can now meal plan for the rest of the MONTH!!! I'm not going to set a day for the meals yet, but rather make a list of every meal that I can make from the stockpile and list is out so I can let the boys pick and choose meals of their choice. Now since Saturday nights are typically nights the boys go to grandma's I don't plan meals for those nights, but do have leftovers and fixins for sammies on hand just in case. We also are going to try to out for a coupons night out with my Moms Club, so with that I need 18 meals to finish out this month:

Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Italian Sausages w/Peppers & Onions
Homemade Pizza Night
Chinese night (Orange Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, & Rice)
Steak Fajita's
Sloppy Joe's, Homemade Fries
Breakfast night (Frittata & Crepes)
Grilled Pork Chops
Valentine's Fancy Dinner Party for the boys with Steaks, Baked Potatoes, & Layered Salad
Smoked Sausage w/rice and beans
Roast w/potatoes and veggies or I may use the Roast for Drip Beef Sandwiches
Soup, Salad, and Bread night
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
BBQ Pork Sammies
Tilapia w/ Noodles
Baked Potatoes & Salad
Mini Meatballs Sliders

That's 17 meals, and makes room for us to have leftovers a couple times, or to just wing it a night or two. Too much planning and my head could explode, seriously I mean it, it's just not in me to be this planned out except for when I'm pregnant. and No you can stop right there I'm not pregnant again. Nope not ever, I'm just trying to save money and plus it's Super Bowl Sunday. What else am I to do with my time other than meal plan!??

Hands down the ONE thing I know I will be making is Chocolate Zucchini Cake for Valentine's Day as well. Made this last summer and the kids devoured it faster than I've seen them eat cake. SO moist, and plus what mom doesn't love the fact it has hidden veggies in it!!

I'm participating in Menu Plan Monday hosted by Organizing Junkie, check it out for more meal time ideas!

Freezer Information!

2011-02-06T14:48:00.000-06:00

Ever wonder how in the world I can go a month without having to go to the store? Well I basically freeze EVERYTHING that I buy. There are some surprising things you probably never thought about freezing. Like eggs (did you know you can freeze those cooked or uncooked?) How about gallons of milk? (I used to be able to do this but I just don't have room for it now. You'll almost always find butter in my freezer, with gogurts for the kids, cream cheese, and regular cheeses. Have you ever frozen bread? I used to do this a lot when we had the bread store and I'd stock up every other week for less than 5 bucks. So sad to see it close down, it was the end of a great wonderful year of bagels, English muffins, and chocolate pies *sobs*

One of my new favorite sites is StillTasty.com A huge and wonderful resource to help you navigate all those fresh veggies you can get from bountiful baskets.

Did you know:
You can chop and store fresh veggies up to a year in your freezer!
You can store bananas in your freezer up to 3 months!
You can eat yogurt past the "sell by date"

Check out StillTasty.com it will change how you look at food ;)

Weekly Totals Week 5!!

2011-02-05T14:56:00.000-06:00

Well after my last post here, I didn't have any needs this week!!

We have a leftover amount of 12.88!

I am going to work on a meal plan for this next week, and quite possibly the rest of the month to help me complete the pantry challenge, I have already came close to breaking it last night. But Chinese sounded SO good!! But I didn't break, I survived not ordering Chinese food, and I will survive because I say so ;)

This is why I am...

2011-02-03T22:28:00.001-06:00

                                ... so blessed

                           ....so HAPPY and filled with JOY when I think of my LIFE!!

                    ....thankful for God entrusting me with them!

....so frugal because I get to Stay at HOME with them!

...now if I could find the EASY button when it comes to raising the little boogers ;)

I am so in love with THEM!!

Pantry Challenge is On!

2011-02-03T12:56:00.002-06:00

I am trying to spend nothing this month in order to save even more and pour more into our savings account. This month's challenge is going above this year's Mission! For the month of February I am challenging us to use only what is in our pantry. Only allotting $15 a week towards bread, milk, eggs, and cheese (the one thing that never lasts around here no matter how much I buy). If and I mean a big IF I can keep us below that 15 up until the last day to order Angel Food I will go ahead and place an order for Angel Food as it will go towards our March Menu.

So quite simply here are the 3 Rules for the Challenge:
1. Devote at least 2 FULL weeks to only using what you have on hand. (I am devoting the next 25 days).
2. No going out to eat (with the exception of our anniversary which is in 2 weeks)
3. Planning menu's ahead of time to ensure the best use of items we have on hand.

So are you up to the challenge, I know I am SO ready!! Let's see just how we can NOT spend this month on groceries!

Stockpiling, wait are you a hoarder?!

2011-02-03T08:32:00.003-06:00

I come across the crazy looks, and the oh so you hoard food more times than I can count when I mention that we stockpile in our house. But really is it hoarding, what is stockpiling, and how does it help me live easier?

First a stockpile quite simply is when you have lots of items on hand that your family uses on a daily basis. Hoarding to me is having useless items accumulating and having no real purpose or reason. The main difference is that with a stockpile you will use it up, and with hoarding you can never get rid of it in any manner. They are two VERY different things I mean have you seen hoarders? Yeah I still know where my cat is and my kids are ;)

My stockpile is a collection of items that will sustain my family for at least a month at a time. (longer for our health and beauty items). The size of ones stockpile will depend ultimately on the size of their family and also how long they want to live on it without having to shop.

My stockpile to me is not massive, but yes it is more than the normal person's cupboards. But we will use it up within their expiration dates. When a class party comes up, or we are on the list to bring snacks that week at school I know I don't have to rush out to the store at 7 am because I forgot AGAIN, no all I have to do is go to our stockpile and I know that we will have something on hand. NOTHING beats that!

Every year during the holidays the kid's and I do shoe boxes or Operation Christmas Child, and we always go to our toy stockpile, H&B, and candy and fill up with ease. If we hear of a family in need we fill up from our stockpile, at times we can fill a huge box full of items at a seconds notice and send it off. That is why I stockpile, I can share and donate without breaking the bank and help so many more people. When my son brings home the letter at the last minute because he forgot he was to donate to the troops, we can go to the stockpile and fill up 2 shopping bags with travel sized items and send them to school the next day.

I know that sales rotate, and I know what my kids absolutely LOVE. So when a sale comes up and I can get it for free or close to it, yes I will buy at least 6 to a dozen depending on that item. For instance last fall Quaker Oatmeal came up on a deal and it was less than 25 cents a box each for Cereals, Quick Oats, and granola bars. In all I bought close to two dozen of those different items, and my kids have loved it all and we're almost out of everything 4 months later. I knew that my kids would eat all of it within 9 months time and it would save me time and money, TONS of money. Plus granola bars are great to take for snack time at schools and soccer games last minute!

Quite simply it hurts when someone compares stockpiling to hoarding it is NOT the same thing. It is quite OK to buy 5, 10, or *gasp* 20 bottles of shampoo at a time as long as you KNOW your family will use it up before it expires. If you have 10 containers of juice on hand if you know you will use it up before it goes bad. It IS OK to stock up on items when you find a good deal, so that when something happens (say you get so sick you can't go get juice for the kids) you can rest and get better knowing you don't have to go get what your kids need at the last minute. When my kids get sick I know that I have their needs on hand at a moment's notice and don't have to take them all out sick to the stores, when my son's run out of their favorite mouthwash I know we have 2 in the stockpile. Nothing feels better than having to run out last minute and fight crowds (especially at Christmas time!) This week we've had bitter cold temps, and I can imagine the amount of people in the stores trying to "stock up" for the frigid temps, but I never have to run out at the last minute to prepare for severe weather, another one of the perks of stockpiling.

If you can slowly build up a stockpile, you have less you 'have to' buy each week. If you are just starting, try to set a goal to stockpile at least one item that you regularly buy each week.

That is my stockpile currently, minimal but at least I don't have to do a ton of shopping at all the next TWO months!

Winner Winner Chicken....

2011-02-01T16:37:00.000-06:00

Err I guess it's Fish Dinner huh??

Well anyways here are the winners for the Gorton's Giveaway!!
The following winners will need to watch for an email from me. If you are a winner, you will have 48 hours to respond with the required information. Winners must reply to their notification e-mail within 48 hours, or their prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen. So please keep an eye out for my e-mail!

To be Fair and honest I used Random.org to pick the winners. Here is how the winners panned out!

Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:

Timestamp: 2011-02-01 22:30:14 UTC

Congrats goes to!!
Samantha
Simply Crafty: Wood Creations
Amy
kellyr78
Almost Crazy Coupon Lady

Thank you all for participating, again check for an email from me shortly!!