Weekly Spending Report: 08/21-27/2016

This week we have been living it up at the beach, and it has been AMAZING!  Since we are caretakers, vacation for us is really about not having a set schedule - not having to get the gates early, no set time to have to be home by, basically just having the freedom to do what we want, when we want.  Seems a little dumb, but for us, just that part is heavenly!  But we also have a Howard to entertain, so we've been to the zoo, a pet store, some outlets, a few antique stores, a small museum of a furnance town, seen some horses, and we've done a lot of cruising in the suburban while he naps.  We left Sunday evening, but earlier that day I stopped into the stores to pick up a few deals, and some things for out trip.  Below is what I ended up with...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $11.55 oop, Earned $5 ECB's

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $52.05 oop

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $49.15 oop

Total OOP: $112.75
Total Earned: $5
Total Remaining from August: $37.99!  I cut that close, but under budget none the less!

Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more! 

Weekly Spending Report: 08/14-20/2016

This week I really didn't need anything other than diapers, so I decided to start picking up treats and snacks for our beach trip next week.  We leave tomorrow and won't be back until September, so after my little bit of shopping tomorrow, I won't be doing much for the rest of the month.  I will probably still hit CVS and the Dollar Tree while we are away, but that will probably be it.  On vacation, we eat out a good bit, especially for dinner, but I still pack some quick and easy breakfast and lunch foods.  My Dad brought me over a boat-load of tomatoes, which I have been enjoying on sandwiches, so whatever is left will be making the voyage with us to OC as well.
Even though there are a lot of items below that I consider to be 'treats,' I still tried to get the best price I could on them.  So, without further ado, here's how the deals were this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $3.82 oop, Earned $5 ECB's (Luvs and Dawn)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $30.88 oop (Included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Paper Plates)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $46.18 oop (Included, but not pictured are 8 Powerades, and a 35 pack case of bottled H2O), Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Chips)

• Wednesday's Dollar Tree Trip: $2.12 oop (no picture, just 2 tumblers with lids and straws)

Total OOP: $83
Total Earned: $5.20
Total Remaining for August: $150.74<- br="" last="" s="" week="">

Dollar Tree Toddler Sock Review + a No-more-lost-socks Trick!

Baby and toddler socks are the bane of every mother's existence - it seems that if you aren't in the store buying them, you are standing in front of the dryer wondering where they have all gone.
Unfortunately, socks for kids are not as cheap as they should be.  Especially when they are always getting lost.  The constant replacing can get pricey, real quick.  So, I decided to try out the kids socks from the Dollar Tree.  They feel nice and soft, come in super cute designs, and you get three pairs for a buck - that is hard to beat!

Howard has been the guinea pig for these socks, and he loves them - they fit him great, he loves the different patterns, and after many washings, they are holding up well.  There was a little shrinkage the first wash, but they still fit fine, and they are cotton, so it's to be expected. 
And, look at all these patterns we have accumulated...

I would definitely recommend that you give these socks a try.  I have purchased a few pairs for myself as well, so I can't wait to try those out.
Now, for the super simple, no-more-lost-socks trick...
drum roll please
put the socks in a lingerie bag before putting them in the washer!

Duh, right?!  It zips shut so no socks are lost.  I put a few pairs in each bag so there is plenty of space for them to wash, zip them shut, and toss them in with the rest of the load.  When it's time to dry everything, the bag goes into the dryer too.  Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
I also purchased these bags at the Dollar Tree, and I am SO surprised by their quality.  The mesh is very durable, and the zippers work great!

This post is not sponsored, the Dollar Tree has no idea who I am, this is just my real-life opinion.

Menu Plan Monday: 08/15/2016

This week Joe and I are preparing for our yearly week at the beach with Howard.  I am so excited I can barely contain myself - good food, pool time, sight-seeing, shopping, and the weather is suppose to be FaBuLoUs!  Along with all the prepping and packing, I also have to work most of the week, run extra errands, do laundry for work, and the normal clean the house and do the laundry stuff still has to get done.  So, needless to say, the crock-pot is going to be working hard this week.   

Here's what's cookin' at the Rogers' house this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, and Luna Bars for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars for Howard 
• Lunches: Egg Salad/Tomato and Bacon Sandwiches, Leftovers, Chips, Veggie Dippers with Ranch, Soup, and/or Fruit for Joe and I.  Howard will have Turkey Sausage links, Cheese Slices, Mac and Cheese cups, and/or PB Waffles, and Fruit.
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Leftover Meatloaf, Pasta Salad, and Garden Salad
• Monday - Take-out while running Errands
• Tuesday - Crock-pot Tomato Gravy, Rice
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajita, Mexican Rice

• Thursday - Mac and Cheese, Hot Dogs
• Friday - Leftovers/Snacky Dinner (it's just me and Howard, Joe is away)
• Saturday - Homemade Pizza

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 08/07-13/2016

This week I spent more than I normally like to, but with spending so little last week, and the meat sales that were going on this week, I just couldn't help myself.  Since I bought extra meat, I decided to go ahead and do a little freezer-cooking.  I ended up making some taco meat, a meatloaf, and some fajita meal kits.  Another chunk of the spending went to vitamins and Benefiber, both of which I hate buying.  They aren't really needs, but also aren't wants, and they are things that you know that if you don't buy, you will feel crummy, so you buy them.  It's a vicious cycle.  Any way - the grocery budget is why we're here - so, take a peeker below to see the deals I snagged this week...

• Tuesday's CVS Trip: $15.56 oop, Earned $1.49 ECB's (Gummies)

• Tuesday's ALDI Trip: $38.26 oop

• Tuesday's Baugher's Trip: $6.78 oop

• Tuesday's Giant Trip: $54.73 oop, Earned $0.50 Saving Star Rebate (Annie's Mac and Cheese)

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $7.42 oop

• Saturday's CVS Trip: $17.28 oop, Earned $12.75 ECB's ($12 Benefiber, $0.75 Reese's) 

Total OOP: $140.03
Total Earned: $14.74
Total Remaining for August: $233.74

Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more...

Frugal Finds: August 2016 Edition

This month Joe and I stopped into the thrift store just to see what kind of fun things we could find, and we hit the clothing and basket jack-pot!  I love using baskets to organize things in our home, but it can be difficult to find large sturdy ones at the thrift store.  Well, this time I found 3!  I also picked up a couple of long-sleeved tops for myself, which I was super stoked about!  Here's all the goodies we found this month...

1 Hanging Basket $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49

1 Large Basket (for Howard's Duplos) $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49

1 Eagle Basket $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99

1 Large Bag of Toys (which I bought because it is FULL of math manipulatives) $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99

1 - 4T Short-sleeved Diner Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 - 3T Short-sleeved Mac and Cheese Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 - 5T Ralph Lauren Polo Rain Jacket for Howard $5.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.99
1 Short-sleeved Gray V-neck Shirt for Me $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
1 - 5T Short-sleeved John Deer Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
 1 - 4T Short-sleeved Popsicle Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 - 4T Gray Sweatpants that say 'Dude' on the side for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 - 4T Gray Sweatpants $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 Long-sleeved Beaded Shirt for Me $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49
1 - 4T Short-sleeved Crocodile Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 - 5T Plaid Shirts for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
 1 - 4T Swim Shirt for Howard $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
1 Long-sleeved Gray Ruffled Shirt for Me $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49
3 Books for Howard $0.99 each - 50% off Sale = 3/$1.47
1 Book for Joe $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
+ 0.50 Tax
Total OOP: $30.28
(Would have been $59.29 before the 50% off sale!?)

Weekly Spending Report: 07/31-08/06/2016

We were away on our working vacation this week, so I didn't really have a ton of shopping to do, or the time to do it in.  However, we did make a quick stop over to Easton, mostly to take advantage of the diaper deal at CVS this week (operation Potty-train Howard to begin in September).  While we were there I couldn't resist stopping in a different Dollar Tree, just to see what I could find.  This week was the start of a new month, and a new grocery budget - I started with $393.48!!!  Here are the few things I picked up this week...

• Thursday's CVS Trip: $16.53 oop, Earned $12 ECB's ($10 Pampers, and $2 Softsoap), and $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Hand soap)

• Thursday's Dollar Tree Trip: $3.18 oop

Total OOP: $19.71
Total Earned: $12.10
Total Remaining for August: $373.77

Linked to I heart Publix, and many more... 

Goals Update: July 2016

 

July was so crazy!  We were still in the RV for most of the month, I worked my normal schedule, plus had a tea, we had to pack for vacation, and had several events at the museum, so needless to say, I kind of feel like a cyclone has blown through.  Some goals I did great with, and some not so much, but I'm still plugging along.  We've been spending a LOT of time outdoors, which wasn't a goal this year, but I think it might make the list next year.  Howard is loving the variety of parks and playgrounds we have found around town.  So, with all that being said, here is how things progressed in July...

Personal:

• Lose 20 lbs (about 1.5 lbs a month) -  I have lost 11 1/2 pounds! I kind of plateaued in July, which is fine, at least I didn't gain anything back.  I am hoping to get back on board with weight loss in August. 
• Exercise 292 days - In July I exercised 27 out of 31 days.  For a total of 176 for the year.  I'm right on track with this goal!  I have really missed my normal workout routine while we've been in the trailer.  I still found ways to exercise, but I am so looking forward to getting back into my regular groove in August. 
• Drink at least 70 oz of water everyday - I did great with this goal in July.  It has been SOOO... HOT!!!  Like melting hot.  So, I have had no problem getting my water intake in each day.

 Financial:

• Coupon and deal shop to stick to my $350/month budget - I shared my budget update for July here.  If you click over, you can see all of the great things I was able to stock-up on while still staying $43.48 under budget!  This included tons of fresh produce, diapers, ice cream, sunscreen, and a variety of other items.
• Earn at least 6 - $25 Amazon gift card through Swagbucks - 2 Down, and 4 to go.
• List at least 10 things per month online or 120 for the year - I did not list anything in July because of the renovations, and living arrangements.  I probably won't list anything in August either since we will be away for most of the month.  I am hoping to list a few things in September.  January - Check (23), February - no check (0), March - Check (43), April - no check (1), May -no check (0), June - no check (0), July - no check (0),
• Set up at 6 Flea Markets/Shows to sell our wares - No shows this month.  Our next flea market is in August.  Total for the year = 2

Household:

• Completely declutter the entire house - I only have one spot left to do, and it is on the to-do list for August -- the cedar chest.
• Finish my 2016 project list - I have my project list update posted separately.  However, I will share that I was able to get some painting done, and some curtains hung, as well as a few other things on my list.

Blogging:

• Post at least 3 times a week - I was 1 post short of posting 3 times a week in July.  I needed to do 12 posts and only got 11 done.  I had some ready to go, but with living in the trailer and having shotty wifi, and going on vacation the last week where there is no reception on our cell phones, those posts just didn't get up until we got home in August.  
• 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 - Not yet, I am hoping to get this done in August.

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...

Budget Update: July 2016

We were still in the RV for most of July, and then at the end of the month, we went away to our 'working vacation' in the trailer - Ha!  But overall it was a good month, especially spending-wise.  I definitely bought more convenience foods than I like, but sometimes you just have to do the best with the money, space, and time that you have.  I was able to stock-up on a LOT of great deals like diapers, produce, meat, and sunscreen, all while staying under budget!  August will be a little crazy with two vacations, and lots of work in between, but I am hoping to have a little wiggle room in the budget come September for some apples and tomatoes to can.  I LOVE being able to open a jar of home-canned tomatoes in January, delicious!  Okay, so enough rambling, we're here to discuss the grocery budget -- below is my wrap-up for my July spending...

• Week #1: $109.39 oop, Earned $10 ECB's

• Week #2: $74.49 oop, Earned $12 ECB's, and $0.25 Ibotta Rebate*

• Week #3: $95.36 oop, Earned $6 ECB's, $4 Saving Star Rebate, $0.10 Mobisave Rebate, and $1.50 Ibotta Rebate*

• Week #4: $90.11 oop, Earned $18 ECB's, $0.20 Mobisave Rebate, and $0.50 Saving Star Rebate

Total OOP: $369.35
Total Earned: $52.55
Total Remaining from July: $43.48!!
*Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

Weekly Spending Report: 07/24-30/2016

This week was the beginning of our 'working vacation,' so you will see some convenience foods and treats below that we don't normally buy (like ice cream cups).  We were in the middle of a hay field selling our wares at a flea market - where there is no Wifi, gasp 😉
Any way, here's how our spending went that week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $24.90 oop, Earned $18 ECB's ($10 Huggies, $2 x 2 Coppertone, and $4 Benefiber - rain check)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $31.81 oop (included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Bacon)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $22.57 oop, Earned $0.50 Saving Star Rebate, and $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Ice Cream)

•  Friday's Giant Trip: $10.83 oop (no picture, just 5 Luna Bars for me, and 2 boxes of Turkey Sausage Links for Howard)
  

Total OOP: $90.11
Total Earned: $18.70
Total Remaining from July: $43.48!