that my baby boy is too grown up for me to shop here for Christmas gifts... ;-(
Friday, October 5, 2007
"You can't organize clutter" Friday
"Do not give up the valuable real estate in your home to clutter. If you do not love it, use it or need it, let if
go!" Today's Kelly-ism (from FlyLady)
My goal today is to get through two 27 Fling boogies in my zone (Front porch, dinning room, entry areas) and one in the living room & one outside (my Friday zones).
Also the October habit builder is paper clutter, if I can clear up the paper clutter my rooms will be much "cleaner" looking!
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Next store stop Rite Aid
This week there are some really good B1G1F offers plus a couple of Single Check Rebates I'll be taking advantage of...
Colgate Toothpaste B1G1F - $1 coupon
Colgate Toothbrushes B1G1F - $1 coupon
Act Mouthwash 2/$7 - $1coupon = $1 single check rebate
Crest Pro Health night rinse $4.99 - $1.50 coupon = $2.99 rebate
Advil Maximum Strength $3.99 = $3.99 rebate
Cheez-Its 2x $1.99 - $1 coupon
PeptoBismal 2x$3.99 - $1
Speed Stick 2x2.99 - $1
Purex B1G1F Laundry
Miller Lite 30 Pack $15.99 + Deposit $1.80
Crest Pro Health toothpaste $3.29 - $1 coupon = $2.29 rebate
Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse & Powder B1G1F - $3 coupons
Crystal Lake Spring Water $0.79/gallon x 4 = $3.16
Not sure of the totals here but this rounds out my stock up list plus nets a rebate of $10.27
I also forgot to mention in the CVS post that if you sign up for email notices at the website (using your extra care card) you get an extra $4 EBC on $20 purchase so after that my out of pocket will be $62! Woohoo!
CVS - the forgotten EBC
***Updated, I found some better coupons on the web!
I have had an extra care card for years but I guess I've never thought of using it on a regular basis. Until I read Money Saving Mom's articles on CVS savings. Our ad doesn't have any free with extra care bucks this week, but I managed to make a list that will only cost me $66 + tax out of pocket.
My list includes a bunch of those winter cold medicines I need to restock the medicine chest anyways. SO lets break down the plan...
In the Pharmacy purchase
Tylenol Sore throat/ Cold liquid $5 - $1 coupon
Motrin 100 ct $9 - $1 coupon
Child's Motrin 5.50 - $1 coupon
Children's Tylenol Cold $6 - $1
NyQuil Daytime $6 - $1.50 coupon
Advil Cold & Sinus $4 - $2 coupon
*Robitussin Liquid $6 -$3 coupon
*Dimetapp Liquid Children's $7 - $2 coupon
*$48.50 before coupons - $12.50 coupons - $4 EBC from website = $32.00 Plus $20 in Extra Care Bucks I can use for the rest of my trip
Puffs Tissues 6x.99 = 6 - $1 coupon
Pantene Pro-V 3/$12 - $1 coupon
Bounty 8 pk $6.49 - $1 coupon
Dove Hair Care x 2 (approx $9) - $1.50 coupon
Dove Deodorant $3.49 - $1 coupon
Dove Facial Cleanser $4.99 - $1.50 coupon
Irish Spring 3 packs 2x$1.99 -$1 coupon = $2 EBC
Glad Cling Wrap $2.50
B1G1F CVS Disposable Razors approx $4
$52.50 - $8 = $44.50 - $20 EBC from Pharmacy = $24.50 + $12+ in EBC for my next trip
So $56.50 out of pocket = $101 product + $12+ in EBC to use next trip Plus my medicine chest gets refilled & we are ready for the upcoming cold season!
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Thursday, October 4, 2007
Life Lesson...d'oh!
When you are living at your means or slightly above it is easy to put off paying bills until they demand attention, oh like say a water bill. They come every 3 months & aren't really that "bad" ours for the entire house (3 bathrooms, nonstop laundry & dishwasher, plus an apartment) only figures to be $71 a month. not bad, except it's one that gets forgotten until it is $547 + change... oops, am I bad???
Lesson learned = pay bill on time because if you don't the Village you pay an extra $1000 a year in taxes to live in will charge you an extra $155 to turn your water back on... GRRRRRRRRRRRR.
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Garage Lighting
I realized the other day that we have poor garage lighting. The only things in there are 2 incandescent bulbs & I'm pretty sure one needs a new bulb! There is a 4 foot fluorescent unit, but I don't think it is plugged in. I think hubby brought it up from the basement (another poorly lit dungeon).
We need more task specific lighting. There is a long table that we are using as a workbench that has no overhead lighting at all. Makes it really hard to see what you are doing. There are a few windows in there at least. One is a full size normal window & the others are in the overhead doors.
I'd consider a solar light, but with our days getting shorter & shorter it wouldn't help at all with those pesky winter evening projects. Plus our garage is detached, so we even need to upgrade our exterior lighting. Of course the whole garage needs updating not just the garage lighting. The doors are falling apart, of course they are ancient wood doors, the roof is in fair condition & the center support beam, err, well... has no support!
I'd love to flick the switch & be bathed in light, I can say the same for our house. Apparently at some point cave trolls lived here... light is scarce & hard to find!
Tags: PPP. sponsored post, DIY
September Goals Update
1. Teaching kids about $ - I seem to be making some progress in this area, especially with their birthday's coming up soon. The Prince is trying to ask for things he really wants/needs instead of everything he sees a commercial for. I have been slacking in paying their allowances lately, it's not really fair to them, but it's not like they want for much!
2. Saving $ - Well buying the car has made it impossible to set aside much at all. Thankfully hubby has $ going into his 401K & a Savings account out of his check. Plus back to school expenses, tuition, photos, lunch, etc... My ING account has gone backwards, took some out to fund our new checking account, hopefully now that they are linked I'll be able to put it back & add to it regularly.
3. Organizing - "You can't organize clutter." I keep telling myself that every room I am in! My "foolishness" is starting to shrink (Clean House on Style). We are cleaning out all the "clutter" & trying to only leave what we use, love or need. I am in process of clearing our front room out, we are going to move the table in there after I finish ripping up the carpet. Plus it is a Super Fling month on FlyLady, so we are decluttering in each zone. As soon as I'm done with this article I am off for a 27 Fling Boogie.
4. Exercise & weight - Don't get me started... Still haven't lost a pound, but the clothes are getting looser & looser. Considering trying on a 14W next time I go to the store, just to see.
5. Creative Time - I still have multiple unfinished projects, tooth pillow, mixer cover, tote bag, quilt... I will get them done soon, I will.
6. Bed time for the Princess - We will get back on schedule this week, we have been overwhelmed with the back to school thing & our unseasonably warm weather, the kids have been pushing play time to the limits & soon enough it'll be icky, so we've let them!
7. Emergency kits - I organized the first aid kit & have a list for this weeks shopping trip of medicines & supplies so we will be set for winter weather! I also need to pick up some flashlight batteries & a couple new flashlights (new car, new supplies!).
8. Routines - WE fell into our back to school morning routine easily enough, even with have to get both ready for school 2 days a week. It the before bed we've had problems with, but we'll get it together soon.
I haven't been tracking expenses lately & with hubby buying a lot of our food from work it's been hard to keep track of. All I know is that I have 2 freezers full of food! I am going to clean out the fridge a little at a time this week, lots of scary leftovers in there at the moment...
2. Saving $ - Well buying the car has made it impossible to set aside much at all. Thankfully hubby has $ going into his 401K & a Savings account out of his check. Plus back to school expenses, tuition, photos, lunch, etc... My ING account has gone backwards, took some out to fund our new checking account, hopefully now that they are linked I'll be able to put it back & add to it regularly.
3. Organizing - "You can't organize clutter." I keep telling myself that every room I am in! My "foolishness" is starting to shrink (Clean House on Style). We are cleaning out all the "clutter" & trying to only leave what we use, love or need. I am in process of clearing our front room out, we are going to move the table in there after I finish ripping up the carpet. Plus it is a Super Fling month on FlyLady, so we are decluttering in each zone. As soon as I'm done with this article I am off for a 27 Fling Boogie.
4. Exercise & weight - Don't get me started... Still haven't lost a pound, but the clothes are getting looser & looser. Considering trying on a 14W next time I go to the store, just to see.
5. Creative Time - I still have multiple unfinished projects, tooth pillow, mixer cover, tote bag, quilt... I will get them done soon, I will.
6. Bed time for the Princess - We will get back on schedule this week, we have been overwhelmed with the back to school thing & our unseasonably warm weather, the kids have been pushing play time to the limits & soon enough it'll be icky, so we've let them!
7. Emergency kits - I organized the first aid kit & have a list for this weeks shopping trip of medicines & supplies so we will be set for winter weather! I also need to pick up some flashlight batteries & a couple new flashlights (new car, new supplies!).
8. Routines - WE fell into our back to school morning routine easily enough, even with have to get both ready for school 2 days a week. It the before bed we've had problems with, but we'll get it together soon.
I haven't been tracking expenses lately & with hubby buying a lot of our food from work it's been hard to keep track of. All I know is that I have 2 freezers full of food! I am going to clean out the fridge a little at a time this week, lots of scary leftovers in there at the moment...
Monday, October 1, 2007
October 1st????
The month of September went by in a blur! A blur of early mornings, late evenings, arguing about homework, almost daily baths/showers, bills and ignoring the budget.
WE got totally upside down this month, which stinks because it is going to take another month to get right side up again. Started with the washer breaking, $92 later I am back to abusing my GE! We bought a used car & had to fix it up & put it on the road. A much needed expense, but an expense none the less. And my poor van is still sitting at the repair shop, I'm not sure if it's because we can't pay the almost $1000 bill or if the mechanic really doesn't feel like tackling the huge project! Unfortunately for him we are wanting it fixed. I was so discouraged earlier in the week I had considered cutting our losses & sell it for scrap or a project car. But hubby told me that if we put this $ into it, we'd be able to trade it in for full book value by the end of the year (or shortly after). So I am trying to look at it as a win win, either way I will finally have my soccer mom vehicle back & we'll be back to a 2 vehicle family!!! Progress!
We are still trying to sell our concession trailer. I think that if it doesn't sell locally in the next month I'm going to list it on Ebay. Everyone around here is looking to haul their motorcycles & snowmobiles, it is just too finished for that!
We opened a checking account attached to our TD Ameritrade account. I missed checks so much! It was convenient, they arrived just in time for school pictures & a PTA fundraiser (cookboks). The account earns interest, plus it isn't one for everyday use, so we won't be using a ton of checks just more checks for things I would have used cash for in the past (like the MIA school book order from last Christmas...). Which means that the $ will actually earn interest! Woohoo!
Other progress an the home front, we had a tree taken down (our unexpected expense, he just showed up and started cutting, he was supposed to come & tell us when we were on the schedule, oops). It was old & wasn't ever going to fall in the direction we wanted it to, and it wasn't nearly as expensive as I've heard from others. I can't imagine having to pay $2500 to have a tree taken down, we are spoiled it only cost us $400.
That's about it, I'll have to go over the goals and do an end of Summer wrap up! Maybe after dinner :D.
WE got totally upside down this month, which stinks because it is going to take another month to get right side up again. Started with the washer breaking, $92 later I am back to abusing my GE! We bought a used car & had to fix it up & put it on the road. A much needed expense, but an expense none the less. And my poor van is still sitting at the repair shop, I'm not sure if it's because we can't pay the almost $1000 bill or if the mechanic really doesn't feel like tackling the huge project! Unfortunately for him we are wanting it fixed. I was so discouraged earlier in the week I had considered cutting our losses & sell it for scrap or a project car. But hubby told me that if we put this $ into it, we'd be able to trade it in for full book value by the end of the year (or shortly after). So I am trying to look at it as a win win, either way I will finally have my soccer mom vehicle back & we'll be back to a 2 vehicle family!!! Progress!
We are still trying to sell our concession trailer. I think that if it doesn't sell locally in the next month I'm going to list it on Ebay. Everyone around here is looking to haul their motorcycles & snowmobiles, it is just too finished for that!
We opened a checking account attached to our TD Ameritrade account. I missed checks so much! It was convenient, they arrived just in time for school pictures & a PTA fundraiser (cookboks). The account earns interest, plus it isn't one for everyday use, so we won't be using a ton of checks just more checks for things I would have used cash for in the past (like the MIA school book order from last Christmas...). Which means that the $ will actually earn interest! Woohoo!
Other progress an the home front, we had a tree taken down (our unexpected expense, he just showed up and started cutting, he was supposed to come & tell us when we were on the schedule, oops). It was old & wasn't ever going to fall in the direction we wanted it to, and it wasn't nearly as expensive as I've heard from others. I can't imagine having to pay $2500 to have a tree taken down, we are spoiled it only cost us $400.
That's about it, I'll have to go over the goals and do an end of Summer wrap up! Maybe after dinner :D.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Weight Loss Surgery???
I don't feel like I am at a point where weight loss surgery is an option for me. Sure I am heavier than I'd like to be, wider than I'd like to be, but I am slowly slimming down. So I don't even think that I am elidgible. I also don't agree with the assesment that my calculated BMI puts me at severely obese. I used to swim distance events and the butterfly in school. It had a huge impact on my natural shape. I have broader shoulders than most and a basic muscle structure that is larger than a normal 5'4" woman. Sure I still have a bunch of baby fat I'd like to loose. But according to the BMI calculators I was obese at my top fit weight. Can't help it I have curves, I don't think it's possible for me to get to the ideal weight recommended for me. If I remember correctly I was there in the 7th grade... If you could see my Senior year picture you wouldn't think I was obese at all! I think the only way to get an accurate BMI is to be tested by someone certified to do so.
Of course just because I don't think it's not for me doesn't mean it isn't a viable option for those who have tried EVERYTHING else. I think that people considering weight loss surgery should weigh all the options available to them. This website seems to have a variety of support tools and a great deal of information on the Lap-Band option.
Of course just because I don't think it's not for me doesn't mean it isn't a viable option for those who have tried EVERYTHING else. I think that people considering weight loss surgery should weigh all the options available to them. This website seems to have a variety of support tools and a great deal of information on the Lap-Band option.
Easy Chocolate Cake from scratch
I made this cake recipe earlier in the week. It made 2 cake pans (8" rounds) plus 8 cupcakes. I probably should have made 12 cupcakes & smaller layers the cake was really tall! I also cooked it a hair too long, but that said it didn't last long enough for me to snap a picture! The frosting is on the extremely sweet side so for double layers it was a little too much for me, but I am the ONLY one who noticed. I also added 2 T instant coffee powder to the cake mix.
5 Minute Chocolate Cake
Peanut Butter Frosting
1 c shortening
1/2 c Peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
4 3/4 to 5 c powdered sugar
3 to 4 Tbsp milk, divided
Beat shortening, peanut butter & vanilla at medium speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add about half of the powdered sugar, beating well. Add 2 Tbsp of milk. Gradually beat in the remaining powdered sugar and enough milk to make the frosting of spreading consistency.
Add more powdered sugar to stiffen frosting if it is to be used for decorative shapes (flowers, borders, etc.).
5 Minute Chocolate Cake
Peanut Butter Frosting
1 c shortening
1/2 c Peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
4 3/4 to 5 c powdered sugar
3 to 4 Tbsp milk, divided
Beat shortening, peanut butter & vanilla at medium speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add about half of the powdered sugar, beating well. Add 2 Tbsp of milk. Gradually beat in the remaining powdered sugar and enough milk to make the frosting of spreading consistency.
Add more powdered sugar to stiffen frosting if it is to be used for decorative shapes (flowers, borders, etc.).
Friday, September 14, 2007
Black Friday is around the corner
I live for black friday deals. I have done some of my best holiday & family shopping on the day after Thanksgiving. The sooner I get the ads the better I can plan my spending! Nothing kicks off the Christmas season for me like standing in the parking lot with a cup of coffee freezing my behind off with all the other crazy people!
In the past I have gotten a computer, portable DVD player, Nintendo Micro, my sister bought her trampoline, we missed out on the Wii though. I count on getting the ads as early as possible so I can decide if I'm gonna go at all! We usually just go to the local Wal-Mart. So I start searching online for the Wal-Mart deals like now...
I've already signed up for the newsletter & hopefully there will be a screaming deal on TVs because ours is just biding its time... Hopefully there will be some intersecting with my gift list!
I'm not one of the people who go & then try and profit by selling the stuff online later. I'm strictly a gifts or personal use person! I am guilty of picking up a few extras for other people, after all , not many people I know want to get up at 5AM the day after Thanksgiving (unless they are heading to the woods)!
In the past I have gotten a computer, portable DVD player, Nintendo Micro, my sister bought her trampoline, we missed out on the Wii though. I count on getting the ads as early as possible so I can decide if I'm gonna go at all! We usually just go to the local Wal-Mart. So I start searching online for the Wal-Mart deals like now...
I've already signed up for the newsletter & hopefully there will be a screaming deal on TVs because ours is just biding its time... Hopefully there will be some intersecting with my gift list!
I'm not one of the people who go & then try and profit by selling the stuff online later. I'm strictly a gifts or personal use person! I am guilty of picking up a few extras for other people, after all , not many people I know want to get up at 5AM the day after Thanksgiving (unless they are heading to the woods)!
Pepperoni Bread & Pizza Subs
Pepperoni Bread
1 cups plus 2 tablespoons water (70° to 80°)
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
3 1/4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup sliced pepperoni
In bread machine pan, place the first eight ingredients in
order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose medium
crust color and loaf size if available. Bake according to bread machine
directions(check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; make necessary adjustments.
Just before final kneading add pepperoni.
I made this by hand since my BM is still out of commission. I dissolved the sugar & yeast in the water & mixed all the dry ingredients together first. I kneaded in the cheese & pepperoni at the end. Let rise once in oiled bowl in moist oven for almost 2 hours, divided into 2 loaves & let rise again. Then baked at 350 until they were golden (about 20 minutes).
Then we cut the loaf in half & sliced like a hot dog bun. Spread the open pieces with pizza sauce, pepperoni & mozzarella cheese. Put it under the broiler until lightly browned. Then we put it back together & we had pizza subs just like our deli makes them. YUM!
Wished I'd taken pictures. I sent the extra loaf to work with hubby, his coworkers LOVE me!
1 cups plus 2 tablespoons water (70° to 80°)
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
3 1/4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup sliced pepperoni
In bread machine pan, place the first eight ingredients in
order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose medium
crust color and loaf size if available. Bake according to bread machine
directions(check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; make necessary adjustments.
Just before final kneading add pepperoni.
I made this by hand since my BM is still out of commission. I dissolved the sugar & yeast in the water & mixed all the dry ingredients together first. I kneaded in the cheese & pepperoni at the end. Let rise once in oiled bowl in moist oven for almost 2 hours, divided into 2 loaves & let rise again. Then baked at 350 until they were golden (about 20 minutes).
Then we cut the loaf in half & sliced like a hot dog bun. Spread the open pieces with pizza sauce, pepperoni & mozzarella cheese. Put it under the broiler until lightly browned. Then we put it back together & we had pizza subs just like our deli makes them. YUM!
Wished I'd taken pictures. I sent the extra loaf to work with hubby, his coworkers LOVE me!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Cutie
I took this picture of the Princess in our living room, now everyone at hubby's office thinks I'm a pro!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Family vacation planning
I am still holding out for a weekend get away with my kids but now with school starting I doubt it will happen. I am going to start now planning next years trip. I was sent Kango.com to review so I figured hey I'm trying to plan a family trip I'll check it out!
Kango.com is in the alpha phase right now, so they are newbies! Their home page has links to best things to do with kids & families in California & Hawaii. Plus zoo, aquarium, museum, & theme park reviews.
Kango.com is a place to submit your reviews of places you've been & to read what others thought about the places you want to go. Leave your ratings & reviews to help out other families planning their trips. I have a feeling that they will be an invaluable resource while planning our big trip with the kids!
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My weekend reads
Frugal For Life Tips & links for Holidays. Great tips for the upcoming Halloween holiday & others.
Simple Dollar The one hour project One hour makes all the difference. Announcing a new series for September on how to spend an hour to directly improve your finances. Sounds like a good read to get back into frugal mode!
Organizing LA Old Hollywood pantry organization. I have fabulous cupboard space & still have a hard time finding anything! This is my winter project! Labels on everything, a place for everything, no more wasted or over used spaces. The bonus to this should be that I won't go buy something because I don't have it then find it 2 weeks later...
Make it from scratch #28 Great collection of recipes, projects & tips.
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