3/22-3/28 Menu

Sunday: BBQ at the neighbors house.

Monday: Hash brown's Supreme and Sawmill Gravy

Tuesday: Mexi-Meatloaf, Santa Fe Rice, Corn

Wednesday: Lasagna Bake

Thursday: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Potatoes Au Gratin, Broccoli

Friday: Chicken and Yellow Rice

Saturday: Spaghetti

K-Mart Doubles!!!

It went to KMart first thing this morning and really found some great deals. I ordered a ton more coupons that should be here mid-week so I'll be making at least one more trip before the sale is over.

Here's what I got today:
4 bags Purina Carver's dog treats $3.49 each. Used 4 $1.50 MC, doubled =$0.49 each
2 bags Pup-Peroni $2.99 each, used 2 $1 MC doubled = $0.99 each
2 bags Perdigree Good Bites Oral Care $3.29 each, used 2 $1 MC, doubled =$1.29 each
4 Ziploc containers $2.50 each, used 4 $1 peelies, doubled =$0.50 each
2 Ziploc containers $2.50 each, used 1 $1.50/2 MC, doubled = $1 each (Keep the peelies from these to use next trip!)
1 Swiffer Dry refill $3.49, used 1 $0.50 MC, doubled= $2.99
1 Swiffer Wet refill $3.49, used 1 $0.50 MC, doubled=$2.99
1 Dawn plus Hand Renewal $2.99, used $1 MC, doubled= $0.99
1 Glade Candle $2.50, used $1 MC, doubled =$0.50

1 Gillette Body Wash $4.49, used $2 MC, doubled= $0.49

1 Gillette Shampoo $4.99, used $2 MC, doubled= $0.99

2 Secret Deodorants $2.49 each, used 2 $1 MC, doubled= $0.49 each

1 Oral B Twin Pack Indicator tooth brush $3.69, used 1 $2 MC=FREE

2 Oral B Twin Pack Advantage Tooth Brush $4.99 each, used 2 $2 MC, doubled= $0.99 each

1 bag Easter M&M's $2.34, & 1 bag Jelly Beans $1.50, used 1 $1/2 MC, doubled= $0.94 each

1 20 ounce Coke $1.29

Total Before Q's= $87.49

Total After Q's= $ 25.06 + 5.07 tax= 30.13

Used $4.07 Gift Card

Total OOP: $26.06

Total Q's used: $62.19

71% Savings!!!

Gardening

So I got my last check today from my old job. It was $331, so I was pleased with that. I paid $200 to my credit card, and I'm keeping the remaining $131 for my garden, and other random things I might want or need now that I have all the time in the world. Last weekend, David and I prepped the area we'll be using for our garden. It's very, very small, but we have big plans for it! We know we're growing some tomatoes, both big, and small sizes, cucumbers, and maybe some spinach. I'm also growing some herbs, including cilantro, chives, and maybe thyme. I'm going out later today to buy the plants from a local nursery. I've never really had any luck with starting from seeds. Plants can get expensive though, and I'm going to try my hand at starting from seeds again. Now that I actually have the time to devote to it. I'll take some pictures when I get done tonight.

I'm so excited!!! And I'd love to hear any comments or suggestions you have.

Christmas Savings

So I've been thinking...it's only 9 months until Christmas. I know, I know-Christmas was just here. But when it comes to saving up for it, it's never too early. As of right now our "savings" for Christmas consists of the points we earn from our debt/credit card ($50). Last year we were able to cash in our points for $400. But then last year we used the CC a lot, and had big purchases like a move, furniture and car repairs. This year, we aren't earning any CC points really, and a moderate amount for debt purchases, but nowhere near as much as last year. So my question is how should we save for this year? Our options are:
1.) Set up and Christmas Savings Account
2.) Set aside cash each month, like the envelope system.
3.) Rely on points and hope we have enough.


Another option is to buy gifts as I go. I've already bought a few, but the downside is trends, sizes, and preferences can change in 9 months and by then things can't be returned.

So what do you do? What works and what doesn't?

Happily Unemployed! And March 15-21 Plan.

Finally, I am done with work and LOVING life. I didn't realize how miserable I was there until I woke up this morning and didn't have to go. My house is clean, my dog isn't alone in his kennel, I've got a home cooked meal in the crockpot. Life is back to normal, and much more enjoyable.

3/15-3/21:
Food: $75
Gas: $50
Cash: $40
Misc: $50

Total: $215


Money Spent today:
Food: $80
Gas: $50
Cash: $40


That Leaves:
Food: -$5
Gas: $0
Cash: $0
Misc: $50

DH and I each have out $20 spending money, plus our $50 misc fund. The bills are paid, we have plenty of groceries, and both vehicles have gas. So we should be good to go for the rest of the week. I know I was really bad last week about blogging, but it was my last week at work and things got pretty rough. But I'm done with that now and spending this week getting re-organized and used to being home everyday.

3/15-3/21: Menu Plan

This is my first week of staying at home, so I'm excited to be able to cook many new meals at home.

Sunday: Meatball Soup
Monday: Crockpot Chops and Potatoes
Tuesday: Cabbage Rolls, in honor of St. Patty's day.
Wednesday: Tacos
Thursday: Shrimp Alfredo
Friday: Spaghetti, garlic bread
Saturday: Out to Dinner

Lunches: Sandwiches, leftovers, canned soups.
Breakfasts: Eggs, bagels, Sausage

3/3 Budget Check-Up

UGH!

General Spending:
$36 Credit Reports (2)
$36 Gas for DH's truck
$18 at gas station for snacks for DH. He'll be out at a "mock war" and needed jerky and energy drinks.

Total Spending:
$90

That leaves:
Food: $0
Gas: $-16
Cash: $20
Misc:$-18


And here I was thinking we'd have a lot left over for savings. Guess not this week. But, we did spend a total of $320 going home last weekend for a death in the family. So when you factor in that we went home on money in the checking account, and didn't have to draw from the emergency fund, I think that's pretty good.