Menu Plan Monday: 04/18/2016

This week is fairly easy work-wise, only 1 large tour.  I do have a bunch of paperwork to do, as well as some floral things to make for the next tea.  Home-wise we are gearing up for Howard's 2nd birthday this coming weekend!  It's Curious George incase anyone is interested; he loves that monkey!  I have one day that is jam-packed with appointments, but other than that, I am hoping for a fairly laid-back week!  Here's how the menu's looking for this week... 

• Breakfasts: Yogurt, Fruit, and Mini Bagels for me, Pop-Tarts for Joe, and Mini Muffins, Fruit, Yogurt, Sausages, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Salads, Canned Soup, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, Chicken Salad/Tuna Salad/PB and J Sandwiches, Leftovers
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Cheeseburgers and French Fries
• Monday - Take-out
• Tuesday - Crock-pot Chicken, 3 Cheese Pasta, Vegetable (TBA)
• Wednesday - Tacos, Mexican Rice, Salad
• Thursday - Leftovers/Clean out the fridge
• Friday - Howard's Birthday - Sonic!
• Saturday - Frozen Pizza (Cake and Ice cream party afterwards)

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 04/10-16/2016

This week I stocked up on cheap Pop-tarts for Joe's breakfasts (which earned me $14 in FREE gas), money-maker shampoos, new puzzles for Howard, and some fresh produce!  I also spent very little - under $60 for the week - which is AWESOME!  I am hoping that I can keep that up for the rest of the month! 
Here's how the spending broke-down this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $0.93 oop, Earned $4 ECB's ($2 Garnier Fructis, and $2 Garnier Whole Blends), $2 Saving Star Rebate (Garnier Whole Blends), and $5.29 Gift Card (I was accidentally charged for an extra shampoo)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $21.08 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $37.29 oop (For buying 6 boxes of Pop-Tarts, I earned $0.40 off each gallon of gas up to 35 gallons, or $14 in gas savings!)

Total OOP: $59.30
Total Earned: $11.29
Total Remaining for April: $210.01

Linked to Couponaholic, I heart Publix, and many more! 

Weekly Spending Report: 04/03-09/2016

This week I got some great deals on diapers, produce, and proteins! 

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $23.89 oop, Earned $8.75 ECB's ($5 Pampers/Always, $3 CVS Diapers, and $0.75 M and M's), and $1.50 Ibotta Rebate* (Pamper's Cruisers)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $47.02 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.55 Mobisave Rebate ($0.25 Bread, and $0.30 Lettuce), and $1 Find and Save Rebate

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $32.47 oop, Earned $0.25 Mobisave Rebate (Eggs), $0.25 Ibotta Rebate* (Eggs)

Total OOP: $103.38
Total Earned: $12.30
Total Remaining for April: $269.31
*Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

Frugal Finds: April 2016 Edition

I was able to make it into the thrift store this month, twice!  I found some great deals -- not as many as I was hoping for, but that's the way it goes sometimes.  I really could use some fresh short-sleeve tee shirts, I found 2, but I need about 3 more.  I also found the most adorable little cup!  In the store I was hemming and hauling about whether to buy it or not, but then I decided that for a buck I really couldn't go wrong.  If I couldn't find a use for it, I knew I could sell it and get my dollar back.  Well, it is the PERFECT size to hold small post-it notes on my desk!!!!  I was excited to find some clothes for Howard in larger sizes as well.  I LOVE the pull on jeans for him, but they are so hard to find used above 2T.  So, when I saw some today is amazing condition and half-price, I snatched them up super quick!  #ifyousnoozeyoulose  Here's the price run down of my thrift scores this month...
First Trip:

3T Pull-on Jeans for Howard (in mint condition) $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
4T Pull-on Jeans for Howard (in mint condition) $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
4T Pull-on Jeans for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
5T Fleece PJ Pants for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
Youth size 4/5 Heavy Fleece Zip Hooded Coat for Howard $5.99
Short Sleeve Navy V-neck Tee for Me $3.99
Tiny Gilded Peacock Cup for my desk $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
+$0.06 Tax (for cup)
Grand Total OOP: $14.49
(would have been $24.99 before sales, saved $10.50 or 42%!!)

Second Trip:
5T Fleece PJ Pant for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
Short Sleeve Teal V-neck Tee for Me $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
Hanging Basket for Howard's Magnet Collection $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
Potty with Elmo Sound Book for Howard $0.99
 Matching Game for Howard $0.99
+$0.12 Tax (for game and book)
Grand Total OOP: $6.07
(would have been $10.07, saved $4 or 40%!!)

Have you been thrifting lately?  
Any amazing finds to share?  
Let me know in the comments!

Menu Plan Monday: 04/11/2016

This week I have a fairly heavy work schedule, including 2 large tours -- but, the spring cleaning is done and the house is organized and looks AMAZING!  Now if the weather would just cooperate, we could get on with open windows and outside play.  Also, for some reason the fridge is breeding leftovers, so that is on the menu until it's empty.  Then we'll move in to some quick and easy (and crock-pot) meals!  I think part of the issue (not really) is all the fresh veg I have been buying (and eating) lately -- I need to re-learn how to cook since I am eating more salad and less of everything else.  But, enough of that, without further ado, this week's meal plan...

• Breakfasts: Pop-Tarts - Joe, Mini Muffins/Waffles/Fruit and Grain Bars/Yogurt - Howard, Eggs/Strawberries/Yogurt - Me
• Lunches: Leftovers, Misc. Frozen Diet TV Meals, Salads, Canned Soup, PB and J/Tuna/Egg Salad Sandwiches with Chips
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Leftover Buffet
• Monday - Tacos, Mexican Rice, Salad
• Tuesday - Crock-pot Pork Loin, Crock-pot Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and Cheese
• Wednesday - Take-out
• Thursday - Leftover Buffet, take 2
• Friday - Homemade Pizza, Salad
• Saturday - Crock-pot Chicken Breasts (1/2 for dinner and 1/2 for Chicken Salad next week), Rice Pilaf, Misc Veg from the fridge

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Menu Plan Monday: 04/04/2016

This week I am finishing up my Spring cleaning -- almost done!  Open season starts here at the museum, so I have my first two pre-scheduled tours this week, and I have a tea to prepare for on Saturday, so yeah, things are going to be a little busy around these parts.  Cock-pot meals to the rescue!  I also got some not so great news back from the doctor that my triglycerides are high, so I need to cut back on carbs and sugar, no bueno.  I purchased a bunch of fresh fruit and veggies this week, and prepped enough to get me thru a few days on Sunday.  That way I can have salads at the ready, and strawberries, because strawberries are delicious!  We'll see how things go; I have to have my blood rechecked in 4 weeks, so hopefully a little change in diet helps.  Any way, on to the menu plan for this week...

• Breakfasts: Yogurt/Sliced Strawberries/Eggs and Toast for Me, Pop-Tarts for Joe, Waffles/Fruit and Grain Bars/Mini Muffins for Howard
• Lunches: Leftovers, Salads, Canned Soup, Tuna Salad/Egg Salad/PB and J Sandwiches
• Dinners: 
• Sunday - Turkey (red) Kielbasa, Scalloped Potatoes, Creamed Spinach
• Monday - Crock-pot Pork Tips and Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Broccoli
• Tuesday - Tacos, Salad, Mexican Rice
• Wednesday - Pizza, Salad
• Thursday - Canned Soup, and Grilled Cheese or Takeout (depends on how late we are getting home from Joe's grandfather's house)
• Friday - Crock-pot Lasagne, Salad, Garlic Bread
• Saturday - Leftover Buffet

For more AWESOME menu plans, visit Org Junkie!

March 2016 Budget Update

This month I came in under budget again!  I don't know how many more months that will be possible the way Howard is eating.  Howard turns 2 in April, but he eats like a 10 year old, sometimes, other times he barely eats at all - I'm told this is a normal toddler thing - but when he does eat, man he really eats.  Any who, I got a LOT for my money this month - cheap diapers, ground beef, various vegetables, strawberries and so much more!  I am loving the coupon deals that I have been able to score at CVS and Giant lately; I hope that they continue!  Also, the Dollar Tree has really upped their game in what they have to offer.  I have been able to pick up learning items/manipulatives and snacks for Howard, as well as cleaning and crafting supplies for me.  Overall I am really pleased with what I have been able to purchase and still stay under budget.  Here's how my spending went in March...

• Week #1: $89.84 oop, Earned $12 ECB's , $1 Saving Star Rebate, and $0.40 Mobisave Rebate

• Week #2: $96.85 oop, Earned $7 ECB's, and $0.95 Find and Save Rebate

• Week #3: $84.89 oop, Earned $13 ECB's, $0.99 Saving Star Rebate, $1.50 Ibotta* Rebate, and $0.34 Find and Save Rebate

• Week #4: $45.40 oop, Earned $7 ECB's, $1.50 Checkout 51 Rebate, $0.30 Mobisave, and $1 Saving Star Rebate

• Week #5: $54.38 oop, Earned $6 ECB's

Total OOP: $371.36

Total Earned: $52.98

Total Remaining: $22.69!!!!  

This will be added to April's money, so I will start next month with $372.69!

How did you do with your budget this month?  

Did you get any amazing deals?

Share in the comments below...

Weekly Spending Report: 03/27-04/02/2016

This week marked the end of the month, and I finished March $22.69 under budget!  I'll add this to April's money, and will hopefully make out just as well next month.  I got some great deals this week, including $1.50 mashed potatoes, money-maker shampoos, and a bunch of cheap items from the Dollar Tree!  I've already tried out the lint roller that I purchased, and like it so much I went back and bought 3 more!  The sticky on it is great, but what most impressed me was the ease of tearing the used sheet off the roll.  I highly recommend them.  I also grabbed a beach ball while they had them in stock.  Last year we bought Howard one at the ocean because another child had one and he liked it so much -- they are $6 in Ocean City - yuck!  So, I bought a spare for a buck, which is a much better price in my book.  Any way, here's how my spending went this week... 

• Monday's CVS Trip: $5.61 oop, Earned $6 ECB's ($4 Garnier Fructis, and $2 Gillette)

• Monday's ALDI Trip: $17.79 oop

• Monday's Giant Trip: $13.02 oop

• Wednesday's Dollar Tree Trip: $8.42 oop

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $9.54 oop

Total OOP: $54.38
Total Earned: $6
Total Remaining from March: $22.69!!!  Under budget again!!!

Linked to Couponaholic, I Heart Publix, and many more! 

Goals Update: March 2016

March was a little crazy here in Maryland - we had some 70+ degree days, and we also had snow - go figure.  The days when the weather was nice, I opened all the windows in the house to air it out, and then took Howard outside to play at various playgrounds nearby all day.  He needed time outside, and so did I.  I didn't get a whole slew of items accomplished in March.  I did get quite a few things done on my household project list, and I also did well with my blogging goals!  Other than that, I didn't really do much.  But that's okay.  I am so thankful for the nice weather we have had and time I've had off from work to spend with Howard.  In April I go back to a more regular work schedule, which is nice, but I'm going to miss all the time I've been able to spend at home with Joe and Howard.  Hopefully when they finishing hire a new tour guide here at the museum in April/May, I can go back to my 3-day-a-week schedule.  So, anyway, here are how the rest of my goals are playing out so far this year...

Personal:

• Lose 20 lbs (about 1.5 lbs a month) - So far I have lost 4 pounds.  It isn't much, but it's something.  I also went for some blood work this month.  Since I have been having such a hard time losing weight, despite daily exercise and dieting, the doctor is leaning towards either a thyroid or hormone issue.  I am hoping it is something simple that requires a pill, and then I can feel better and go about my day, but we'll see.  She should have the results by the end of the month.  If it's earth shattering, I'll share. 
• Exercise 292 days - In March I exercised 29 out of 31 days.  For a total of 73 for the year.  I'm right on track with this goal!  I feel great for the most part, a little sore, but great!  I just wish I was losing more weight though.
• Drink at least 70 oz of water everyday - I did better with this in March.  Still not quite up to 70 oz, but close.  Most days I can get in around 48-56 oz, which is about 3-3 1/2 water bottles.  I think part of my progress has to do with the warmer weather we have been having.  Who wants to drink ice water when it's snowing?  Not me, that's who.  I much prefer hot tea.  But, now that Spring is upon us, the sun is out, and the weather is heating up -- ice water, here I come!  

 Financial:

• Coupon and deal shop to stick to my $350/month budget - I shared my budget update for March here.  If you click over, you can see all of the great things I was able to stock-up on while still staying $22.69 under budget!  This included $1.04 packages of diapers, Green Giant frozen vegetables, Eggo Waffles, dry shampoo, and a variety of other items.
•  Earn at least 6 - $25 Amazon gift card through Swagbucks - I was able to earn my second $25 Amazon gift card this month!  2 Down, and 4 to go.
• List at least 10 things per month online or 120 for the year - January - Check (23), February - no check (0), March - I listed a lot of toddler boys clothes as well as an old desk on a Facebook selling group - check (43). 
• Set up at 6 Flea Markets/Shows to sell our wares - Joe sat up at a tool show this month.  He didn't sell a whole lot, but we did get rid of a few things.  Total for the year = 2

Household:

• Completely declutter the entire house - I still have 2 areas left.  I am waiting for a couple of other household projects to be done before I tackle these last two areas, but I am so excited to be this close to finishing!
• Finish my 2016 project list - I have my project list update posted separately.  However, I will share that I was able to finish most of my decluttering, purchased some frames for DIY wall art, and finally cleaned out the chest freezer, along with a few other things.  I shared some pictures of my progress here. 

Blogging:

• Post at least 3 times a week - I posted at least 3 times per week again in March.  All totaled I shared 16 posts in March, which averages to over 3 a week!  I loved being able to share the Easter baskets I made for Joe and Howard, as well as how I made the gift tags. 
• Do a 31 day series in October - Not there yet.  I have been working on some ideas in my blogging journal though. 
• Set up a Facebook page for my blog - Still not done.  I looked into the process one night, and it was too much to do that close to bedtime.  I plan to get this done one day in April during Howard's nap time.  

How is everyone else doing with their goals?

Anything new or different you are trying this year?

Share some of your goals in the comments...

Menu Plan Monday: 03/28/2016

This week I am planning to tackle my deep Spring cleaning.  I am hoping to be able to do the entire house in a day or two while Joe and Howard are away.  I clean every week, but twice a year I like to make sure that the house is thoroughly dusted, scrubbed, de-gunked, and disinfected.  Since there's a lot of hard work on the docket for this week, I kept my menu plan easy; there's lots of crock-pot meals like usual, as well as a couple of leftover days to keep the fridge cleaned out.  Here's what's cookin'...

• Breakfasts: Waffles, Mini Muffins, Fruit and Grain Bars, Pop-Tarts
• Lunches: Leftovers, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, Canned Soup, Quesadillas
• Dinners: 
• Sunday - Out to Lunch/Dinner with Family for Easter
• Monday - Homemade Hamburger Helper
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Pork Loin, Crock-pot Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and Cheese
• Thursday - Crock-pot Orange Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Buttered Steamed Broccoli
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Pizza

For more AWESOME menu plans, visit Org Junkie!