Remember last week when I only had 20 dollars left in the "grocery envelope" to buy the next week's groceries? As I mentioned, I don't want anyone to think we are destiute or anything, it's just that I try to stick to a budget and had gone high the last few weeks, so I try to make it a game to even everything out. Basically, I didn't make it, but I almost did! I spent $24 out of pocket, got but $2 was for a gift and I got back $3 in ECB at CVS. Here's the breakdown:
Harris Teetor:
2 gallons milk $2.47/ea (this is really 4 gallons since I mix it with powdered)
16oz sour cream 50 cents
4 cream cheese mini packs 50 cents/ea
pack Kraft singles $2
2 dozen eggs $1.47 ea
2 boxes HT cereal 97 cents ea
Contessa mongolian beef $7 (this was a HT "meal deal"--buy this, get the next items free):
2 liter Pepsi free
14oz Success rice free
wonton soup free
4 pk egg rolls free
total: $21.35
Rite Aid: (I used $15 in +UP rewards)
vanilla frosting 90 ce
2 3/4 # chocolate bars (will use for cc cookies) $1ea
banana bread mix 90 ce
2 (4) packs juice boxes $1 ea
2 boxes of yeast roll mix $1 ea (will use for pizza crust)
2 bags of blueberry muffin mix $1ea
1 bag croutons $1
1 box fig newtons $1
1 jar salsa $1
lip balm 50cents (gift)
cough drops 50 cents
32 oz tea $1.00
pack of cookies $1
total : $1.03
CVS: (all from the dollar section except the last...)
1 # Penne pasta
1# rotini pasta
plastic sandwich bags
1 bag popcorn
1 bag of trail mix (for granola)
1 box dried fruit (for granola)
2 8 oz honey mix (I use this for honey/oil in granola)
1 four pack applesauce
1 candy bar (gift)
1 8oz box toasted oats
1 bag teddy grahams
2 boxes cheezits $5.99 (double wrapped--$3 back in ECB)
Total: 83 cents
Total for the day: $23.21
I totally realize this is not a healthy diet, but we were low on snack food and have lots of staples in the freezer. I think we'll make it til Friday and my next shop! Just wanted to let you know what a "cheap shop day" looks like:)!
Here's to happy shopping days!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Intentional
Intentional seems to be the operative word this week; it has shown up all around me, so I'm taking that as a sign.
Abby was filling out a scholarship application and had to write a 2-3 page paper critiquing a paragraph from the book Leading with a Limp by Dan Allender. The paragraph begins with: "A lazy person does little to nothing while a busy person does almost everything, but the similarity is that both refuse to be intentional. Busyness is the moral equivalent of laziness because is involves refusing to live with courage and intentionality."
Ouch. That was quite convicting! I had never really thought about the fact that my lazy days and my busy days are neither one very productive. The more I contemplated this fact, the more I realized that it was a very accurate fact indeed; that I feel just as unsuccessful at the end of a day spent being lazy as I do on a busy but unintentional, unplanned day. You see, I am very good at keeping busy, but being intentional? Not so much. There are times and certain areas in my life in which I am very intentional, but on the other hand, I can spend whole days flipping through magazines and clicking my way aimlessly around the internet. Let's just say that those are not very productive days. The Word is replete with examples of the importance of being industrious (which implies intentionality).
The one area in my life that I try the hardest to be intentional is in regard to my family. Not surprisingly, it is where I struggle the most. I believe that Satan will do all in his power to destroy our families because he knows they are the foundation of our civilization; therefore, that is where he will attack the hardest. This week I am committing anew to intentionality with my husband and my children. Who's with me??
Abby was filling out a scholarship application and had to write a 2-3 page paper critiquing a paragraph from the book Leading with a Limp by Dan Allender. The paragraph begins with: "A lazy person does little to nothing while a busy person does almost everything, but the similarity is that both refuse to be intentional. Busyness is the moral equivalent of laziness because is involves refusing to live with courage and intentionality."
Ouch. That was quite convicting! I had never really thought about the fact that my lazy days and my busy days are neither one very productive. The more I contemplated this fact, the more I realized that it was a very accurate fact indeed; that I feel just as unsuccessful at the end of a day spent being lazy as I do on a busy but unintentional, unplanned day. You see, I am very good at keeping busy, but being intentional? Not so much. There are times and certain areas in my life in which I am very intentional, but on the other hand, I can spend whole days flipping through magazines and clicking my way aimlessly around the internet. Let's just say that those are not very productive days. The Word is replete with examples of the importance of being industrious (which implies intentionality).
The one area in my life that I try the hardest to be intentional is in regard to my family. Not surprisingly, it is where I struggle the most. I believe that Satan will do all in his power to destroy our families because he knows they are the foundation of our civilization; therefore, that is where he will attack the hardest. This week I am committing anew to intentionality with my husband and my children. Who's with me??
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9-11
9-11-10, 10 years later
In memory of all the patriots who died that day, and to those left behind.
And to all those who serve today to protect this great land--thank you.
You are not forgotten.
Friday, September 10, 2010
20 dollar grocery shop. Free bath and body!!
My little garden is doing so well....I'm soooo excited. I'll try to remember to get a picture on soon so you can watch the progress.
Tomorrow the kids have a cross country meet and have to be at the school at 6 am on a Saturday. Nice. At least I don't have to run with them. I'm actually glad it's on a Saturday, that way they don't miss any class time, which is always a bother when it comes to making up classwork. After the meet, I'm going to attempt to do my grocery shopping for the week on 20 bucks out of pocket. That's what's left in the budget right now. I could put it on the card, but I prefer to make a game out of it. The plan: Harris Teetor has milk for 2.47, HT brand cereal for 97 cents and a few other great deals. I also have $15 in +UP rewards to use at RiteAid and $15.50 in ECB for CVS. Since I don't need any toiletry items after last weeks big shops, I'll use all the $ for groceries and should do just fine! It will be a great week to use up some items hiding in the back of the freezer.
While I'm out grocery shopping, I'm going to hit the mall for a couple of freebies. Get an absolutely FREE 2 oz of Men’s Twilight Body Wash from Bath & Body Works. No purchase necessary!!! Only good 9/10-9/12 Take this printable coupon:
http://bbw.imageg.net/graphics/media/bbw/2010/fb/fb_TW_exclusive2.4.pdf
Will also use my $50.00 gap groupon from a few weeks back.
Here's a good deal at http://www.snapfish.com/: Get $10.00 off any order at Snapfish with the coupon code WOW10OFF on prints and gifts. This coupon code can only be used once per account and it expires on Thursday, September 16. Pay just shipping and tax on a $10 order. Thanks goes to Freebies4mom.
Have a great weekend blogger buddies!!
Tomorrow the kids have a cross country meet and have to be at the school at 6 am on a Saturday. Nice. At least I don't have to run with them. I'm actually glad it's on a Saturday, that way they don't miss any class time, which is always a bother when it comes to making up classwork. After the meet, I'm going to attempt to do my grocery shopping for the week on 20 bucks out of pocket. That's what's left in the budget right now. I could put it on the card, but I prefer to make a game out of it. The plan: Harris Teetor has milk for 2.47, HT brand cereal for 97 cents and a few other great deals. I also have $15 in +UP rewards to use at RiteAid and $15.50 in ECB for CVS. Since I don't need any toiletry items after last weeks big shops, I'll use all the $ for groceries and should do just fine! It will be a great week to use up some items hiding in the back of the freezer.
While I'm out grocery shopping, I'm going to hit the mall for a couple of freebies. Get an absolutely FREE 2 oz of Men’s Twilight Body Wash from Bath & Body Works. No purchase necessary!!! Only good 9/10-9/12 Take this printable coupon:
Will also use my $50.00 gap groupon from a few weeks back.
Here's a good deal at http://www.snapfish.com/: Get $10.00 off any order at Snapfish with the coupon code WOW10OFF on prints and gifts. This coupon code can only be used once per account and it expires on Thursday, September 16. Pay just shipping and tax on a $10 order. Thanks goes to Freebies4mom.
Have a great weekend blogger buddies!!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
It's the economy, stupid.
That being said, I know I am blessed. The recession hasn't affected me tremendously at this point...just in smaller peripheral areas. Then again, I believe with all my heart that the frugal things I have always done made this time a little easier. We cut back every day; the services/items that other folks are cutting out of their budgets, we have never used. You truly don't miss what you never had. The money that we could have been spending on these items we used instead for savings and paying down debt. I'm not bragging, really. What I am trying to say is that if we can't learn from the recession (41% of us out there), then it is all for naught and we will probably be in another one before too very long.
Living within/below our means is the way to go. I can guarantee you that you will be far less stressed if you can learn the lesson sooner than later. John Wesley said back in the 18th (?) century: "Make all you can, give all you can, save all you can." And what is conspicuously missing? Spend all you can. I'm with Wesley. Less really is more.
How has the recession affected you? Have you lost a job or had hours cut? Have you started clipping coupons or stopped going out to eat? Are you part of the 41% that can't wait to spend again? If so, why is that? Let me hear from you on this one.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
some new freebies
It's been quiet here on the Cliff home front. Nothing too exciting happening, which is a good thing I guess. I do have radish and lettuce up in the garden, only 4 days after planting! Exciting. I've never really done well with fall crops, maybe this will be the year. Here a few freebies/deals for you:
Get a free sample of L'Oreal Shampoo here: http://www.redplum.com/pages/loreal.aspx (If the link says no more are available, possibly try again on another day. It appears you will get coupons anyway.)
Get a form for a 100% rebate for "by nature" pet food here:
http://www.bynaturepetfoods.com/coupons/index.php?S=rebate
This was posted on several websites:
Amazon has a new program called Amazon Moms. Sign up now and get:
•30% off select diapers and wipes: normally you get 15% when you subscribe & save, but Amazon Moms get an extra 15% discount for a total of 30% off!
•Free Amazon Prime Membership for 3 months: that means you get free 2-day shipping for 3 months on thousands of items – if you buy $25 or more from the Baby Store (in a single order) you get an extra free month of Amazon Prime, up to one free year (but everyone gets the free 3 months without buying anything from the Baby Store)
•Refund for Current Amazon Prime Members: if you are already an Amazon Prime member, go ahead and cancel to get a refund and at least 3 months free of Amazon Prime. You bet I jumped on this offer because it means I get a refund of $46.61 and between 3 months to 1 year of free Amazon Prime (depending on my shopping in the Baby Store, I’m sure I’ll buy a few gifts there this year). I received my refund email the morning after I joined Amazon Mom. Be sure you join Amazon Mom and cancel when they ask you if you want to cancel.
And not be outdone by Blockbuster, Netflix is also offering a whole month free trial (as opposed to 2 weeks.) Just go to http://www.netflix.com/ and follow the links.
Get a free sample of L'Oreal Shampoo here: http://www.redplum.com/pages/loreal.aspx (If the link says no more are available, possibly try again on another day. It appears you will get coupons anyway.)
Get a form for a 100% rebate for "by nature" pet food here:
http://www.bynaturepetfoods.com/coupons/index.php?S=rebate
This was posted on several websites:
Amazon has a new program called Amazon Moms. Sign up now and get:
•30% off select diapers and wipes: normally you get 15% when you subscribe & save, but Amazon Moms get an extra 15% discount for a total of 30% off!
•Free Amazon Prime Membership for 3 months: that means you get free 2-day shipping for 3 months on thousands of items – if you buy $25 or more from the Baby Store (in a single order) you get an extra free month of Amazon Prime, up to one free year (but everyone gets the free 3 months without buying anything from the Baby Store)
•Refund for Current Amazon Prime Members: if you are already an Amazon Prime member, go ahead and cancel to get a refund and at least 3 months free of Amazon Prime. You bet I jumped on this offer because it means I get a refund of $46.61 and between 3 months to 1 year of free Amazon Prime (depending on my shopping in the Baby Store, I’m sure I’ll buy a few gifts there this year). I received my refund email the morning after I joined Amazon Mom. Be sure you join Amazon Mom and cancel when they ask you if you want to cancel.
And not be outdone by Blockbuster, Netflix is also offering a whole month free trial (as opposed to 2 weeks.) Just go to http://www.netflix.com/ and follow the links.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Cancer and remarkable men
This morning I was talking with my sister about my mom. Seems she is having more pain in various areas around her body. While we don't know for sure, all of us (mom included) can't help but think that the cancer cells might be doing their dastardly deeds and causing her pain. Cancer is just horrid. There is no other way to put it. It is a maddening disease that will stike 1 in 3 of us before we die. I hate that my mom is another stat. I want to think that it's not cancer that's causing her pain. I want to believe she'll always be there. Realistically, of course, I know we all die, it's just that death is never easy. I would ask you selfishly to pray for mom and for all of us. Sorry I'm so melancholy today...
On another note, that has nothing to do with cancer, there is an opportunity coming up this weekend to meet and hear a truly remarkable man. Here is the excerpt I just received from an email:
Dear Friends,
This weekend, Rev. Aaron Johnson will be in the Triad speaking and greeting friends. We would like to personally invite you to meet Rev. Aaron Johnson and experience his amazing life of civic ministry that inspired us to sponsor Man from Macedonia, Rev. Johnson’s recent biography. Whether being beaten and dragged from a dime store lunch counter, standing blindfolded before a Ku Klux Klan meeting, or praying knee-to-knee with a death-row inmate, Rev. Johnson’s story shows us how hatred and fear smell, sound and feel, while he speaks to the need in all of us to be empowered with hope and trust. Here is the weekend schedule:
1. Border’s Bookstore, Holden & High Point Road, Greensboro, NC Saturday, September 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
2. Friendly Hills Church, 1450 Guilford College Rd., Jamestown, NC Saturday September 11, 6:00 p.m. Rev. Johnson will speak and receive guests at a reception to follow. Special music will be presented by Don Grier, Operation Starting Line platform artist.
3. New Bethel Baptist Church, 1116 Montlieu Ave, High Point, NC Sunday, September 12, 11:00 a.m., speaking at worship. Rev. W. Sherman Mason, Associate Pastor, is the outstanding reader of the audio version of Man from Macedonia! The audio book will be available at all 3 events in addition to the hard and soft cover editions.
Please help us promote this wonderful opportunity to keep this part of our North Carolina history alive by spreading the word to your friends and other contacts. Since release of the biography, we have witnessed young children, the middle aged, and elderly folks awed by Dr. Johnson’s spoken words. Whether black or white, his legacy helps us understand who we are and how far we’ve come.
For more information, call Dennis or Debbie Walsh at (336) 869-7412
On another note, that has nothing to do with cancer, there is an opportunity coming up this weekend to meet and hear a truly remarkable man. Here is the excerpt I just received from an email:
Dear Friends,
This weekend, Rev. Aaron Johnson will be in the Triad speaking and greeting friends. We would like to personally invite you to meet Rev. Aaron Johnson and experience his amazing life of civic ministry that inspired us to sponsor Man from Macedonia, Rev. Johnson’s recent biography. Whether being beaten and dragged from a dime store lunch counter, standing blindfolded before a Ku Klux Klan meeting, or praying knee-to-knee with a death-row inmate, Rev. Johnson’s story shows us how hatred and fear smell, sound and feel, while he speaks to the need in all of us to be empowered with hope and trust. Here is the weekend schedule:
1. Border’s Bookstore, Holden & High Point Road, Greensboro, NC Saturday, September 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
2. Friendly Hills Church, 1450 Guilford College Rd., Jamestown, NC Saturday September 11, 6:00 p.m. Rev. Johnson will speak and receive guests at a reception to follow. Special music will be presented by Don Grier, Operation Starting Line platform artist.
3. New Bethel Baptist Church, 1116 Montlieu Ave, High Point, NC Sunday, September 12, 11:00 a.m., speaking at worship. Rev. W. Sherman Mason, Associate Pastor, is the outstanding reader of the audio version of Man from Macedonia! The audio book will be available at all 3 events in addition to the hard and soft cover editions.
Please help us promote this wonderful opportunity to keep this part of our North Carolina history alive by spreading the word to your friends and other contacts. Since release of the biography, we have witnessed young children, the middle aged, and elderly folks awed by Dr. Johnson’s spoken words. Whether black or white, his legacy helps us understand who we are and how far we’ve come.
For more information, call Dennis or Debbie Walsh at (336) 869-7412
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