Menu Plan Monday: 02/01/2016

This week we start a new month and a fresh grocery budget.  After a month of eating down the pantry and freezers, the cupboards are not bare, but there isn't a whole lot left either.  I am hoping for some meat deals soon.  We will be able to defrost and reorganize our chest freezer this coming weekend though, which I am super excited about!  I am planning to sort everything into reusable bags, and redo my inventory sheet while I'm at it.  That will give me a better idea of what I have to work with; this week I'm flying by the seat of my pants a little, as I didn't keep very good track of what was used during January - whoops!  Any way, we have a lot of running around to do this week -- a day spent at Pap's, a morning thrifting, and two days of work, one with a super bowl party!  Which means I kept things simple and planned my meals based on what was on top in the chest freezer.  Here's what's cookin' this week...

• Breakfasts: Pop-Tarts, Aldi's 'Nutrigrain' Granola Bars, Mini Muffins, Bagels, Eggs, Toast
• Lunches: Leftovers, Grilled cheese/PB and J/Tuna Sandwiches, Frozen TV Meals, Canned Soups
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Monday - Crock-pot Meatballs, Sauce, Noodles, Garlic Bread, and Green Beans
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Pork Loin and Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
• Thursday -  Take-out (I'm thinking Friendly's with Sundaes!)
• Friday - Pizza
• Saturday - Crock-pot BBQ Chicken Legs, Misc. Roasted Potatoes and Veg from the Freezer

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie! 

Goals Update: January 2016

January was a very productive month in the decluttering and organizing area.  I am so happy that I have been able to cross some things off my household project list  -- it means that I am that many steps closer to crossing that goal off this list!  Overall I'm very pleased with my progress for only one month in.  Here's how things went goal-wise this month...

Personal:

• Lose 20 lbs (about 1.5 lbs a month) - I have lost zero pounds so far.  I'm okay with this since I am only 1 month in.
• Exercise 292 days - In January I exercised 20 out of 31 days.  I'd say that I am off to an amazing start for not exercising very much in the past.  I also did not start working on this goal until the 5th, so that was 4 days right there that I didn't exercise.  I usually ride my exercise bike and do some stretches while Howard is napping, and then I can also grab a quick shower before he wakes up.  There are days when I am very sore, but there are also days when I feel amazing.  The amazing days are what keep me going and make this en-devour feel worthwhile!
• Drink at least 70 oz of water everyday - I do great with this the days that I work.  The days when I am at home all day find me drinking more hot tea than usual.  I am hoping that I can do better with this goal in February. 

 Financial:

• Coupon and deal shop to stick to my $350/month budget - I shared my budget update for January here.  If you click over, you can see all of the great things I was able to stock-up on while still staying under budget!  We did a freezer/pantry challenge in January, so the only purchases I had to make were things to round out our meals, or make something into a meal.  This left me with a LOT of leeway to stock-up on things at rock-bottom prices!  Like diapers.  And lotion.  And vitamins.  And, you get the picture. 
•  Earn at least 6 - $25 Amazon gift card through Swagbucks - I earned my first $25 Amazon gift card for 2016 this month.  I really didn't think I be able to get another one so quickly; however, I have Joe on board now.  He will ask if I've reached enough for my daily bonus when we go to bed at night, and if I haven't, he'll let the app run while we get ready for bed, and chat, and read.  Little things like that really add up apparently. 
• List at least 10 things per month online - In January I tested the waters of the Facebook selling groups.  I listed bras, swim trunks, purses, chair cushions, and a few other things.  All totaled I listed 31 items in January and sold 9 of them.  Pretty good for a first go-round.  In February I plan to list some sewing patterns on Ebay as well as some books on Amazon.
• Set up at 6 Flea Markets/Shows to sell our wares - We were suppose to set up at a Flea Market on the 30th, however, with all the snow the show has been postponed until February 20th.  So, we will set up next month and get this goal started!

Household:

• Completely declutter the entire house - I made a LOT of progress on this goal in January.  I usually start with the bedroom, move into the hall, then do the living room, bathroom, and kitchen, ending in the nursery/office.  I do that room last because I know the other 5 won't be as involved, and I can get them done quickly.  But then, by the time I get to the nursery/office, I have usually run out steam, or time.  This year I decided to go backwards, kind of.  I am putting my primary focus on the nursery/office, and working on the other areas as time allows.  I can only work in the nursery/office in the mornings, because of Howard's daily afternoon nap (which I am ever so grateful for).  This leaves nap-time for couponing, blogging, OR quiet decluttering.  While I can't declutter my squeaky kitchen cabinets while he is sleeping, I can go through a basket or two in the living room or some dresser drawers in the bedroom.  I think that this tactic is going to work well for me over the next couple months, and allow me to get this goal crossed off sooner.  As for my progress, I have finished the nursery/office closet, desk area, and chest of drawers.  I am also halfway through our bedroom, and the living room.  
• Finish my 2016 project list - I have my project list update posted separately.  However, I will share that I was able to cross off quite a few items, mostly decluttering, but I think it's best to get that out of the way before I start some of the larger projects.  I also managed to do some painting during the blizzard!

Blogging:

• Post at least 3 times a week - I did amazingly well with this goal during January.  I posted at least 3 times per week.  All totaled I shared 17 posts in January, which averages to 4.25 a week!
• 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 -  Didn't happen in January, but I have this at the top of my list for February.  It seems so simple, so I want it crossed off quick.

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...

January 2016 Budget Update

January was the first month on our new increased grocery budget, and it went AMAZINGLY well!  In fact, I was under budget, something that wasn't happening in 2015.  I also got a BJ's membership for half-price in December, and used it to pick up a few things this month.  This helped to save some dough, but the key is to only buy things you regularly use, and that beat the grocery store price.  We also did a freezer/pantry challenge this month to help clean out the odds and ends that had been accumulating over the holidays.  We have almost eaten enough to defrost the chest freezer, and the food has been pretty good as well.  Overall, January was a snowy busy month, but we ate and shopped well, as you can see below...

• Week #1: $70.64 oop, Earned $5 ECB's, $9 Saving Star Rebate, and $1 Find and Save Rebate

• Week #2: $98.52 oop, Earned $14 ECB's, $0.50 Saving Star Rebate, $0.25 Ibotta Rebate, and $6.66 Find and Save Rebate

• Week #3: $59.71 oop, Earned $10 ECB's, and $0.50 Ibotta Rebate

• Week #4: $85.49 oop, Earned $14 ECB's, $1.50 Checkout 51 Rebate, $0.50 Ibotta Rebates, $25 Amazon Gift Card from Swagbucks, and $0.71 Find and Save Rebates

Total OOP: $314.36
Total Earned: $88.62
Total Remaining from January: $35.64

Weekly Spending Report: 01/24-30/2016

Because of the massive blizzard, I missed my usually shopping on Sunday, and didn't get to the stores until Tuesday.  But because the roads were still not in great shape, I needed to take the suburban, and because I won't drive that boat-of-a-car, I also needed to take my husband, and son.  So needless to say, my shopping this week was anything but normal, but that happens sometimes.  We made it through the snow warm and with full bellies, and then restocked afterwards.  There were some great deals on things I needed at CVS, and I picked up the usual needed items at ALDI, but Giant was seriously lacking in the deal department.  I wasn't even going to go, but I thought that with the crazy snow storm we had, there might be meat markdowns, and I can always use marked-down meat!  Unfortunately there were no meat deals to be had.  I did however score some $0.29 diaper cream, and got a good price on some wipes using electronic coupons on my card along with paper coupons.  I also wrangled my husband into stopping at the Dollar Tree since I couldn't go Saturday and I needed some more of the AWESOME baskets below for my organizing projects.  All in all it was a good trip, even if it was a little crazy.  Here's how my spending went down this LAST week of January...

• Tuesday's CVS Trip: $11.44 oop, Earned $14 ECB's ($2 Venus Razor, $2 Rain Check, $10 Benefiber), $1.50 Checkout 51 Rebate (Venus Razor), and $0.22 Find and Save Rebate

• Tuesday's ALDI Trip: $13.07 oop, Earned $0.13 Find and Save Rebate

• Tuesday's Giant Trip: $25.33 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate (Bacon)

• Tuesday's Dollar Tree Trip: $13.66 oop, Earned $0.36 Find and Save Rebate

• Tuesday's BJ's Trip: $18.81 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate (Hot Dogs) 

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $3.18 oop (2 newspapers, and 1 package of Tic Tacs)
• Earned $25 Amazon Gift card from Swagbucks!

Total OOP: $85.49
Total Earned: $41.71
Total Remaining from January: $35.64 (added to February's money)

Linked to I heart Publix, and many more!

Menu Plan Monday: 01/25/2016

Because we are doing a freezer/pantry challenge this month, I made a month-long menu plan on the 1st.  I haven't had to do much editing to it with the exception of leftovers, until this week.  Since we now have almost 3 feet of snow outside our door, my regularly scheduled shopping has been put on hold.  Normally that wouldn't matter, but since we've been eating things down in the house, and it's the last week of the month, most meals I planned this week needed at least one thing from the store to make them happen.  We also need to spend some time at Joe's Grandfather's house this week, and set up for, and sell at a flea market this weekend.  So, we don't have a lot of variety in the menu this week, but until I can get to the store for some fill-ins, we will at least be fed.  Here's what cooking in the Rogers' household this week...

• Breakfasts: Bagels, Granola Bars, Pop-Tarts, Eggs and Toast

• Lunches: Leftovers, Tuna or PB and J Sandwiches, Canned Soups

• Dinners:
• Sunday - Frozen Pizza
• Monday - Homemade Orange Chicken, Jasmine Rice
• Tuesday - Crock-pot Pork Tips in Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice
• Wednesday - Take-out (we will be gone all day at Joe's Grandfathers house)
• Thursday - Mac and Cheese, Hot dogs
• Friday - Frozen Pizza (setting up for a flea market all day)
• Saturday - Take-out (selling at a flea market all day)

 For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie and Little Bits of Granola!

Pantry Challenge Week #3 Update

Week #3 of the freezer/pantry challenge went well.  We ate well, and I created a little more empty space in the freezers!  I think that by the beginning of February we'll be able to defrost the chest freezer!!!

• Breakfasts: Granola Bars, Muffins, Bagels, Pop-Tarts, Eggs, and Toast
• Lunches: Leftovers, Sandwiches (PB and J, and Tuna), Pizza, Misc. Frozen TV Dinners
• Dinners: 
• Sunday - Leftovers (clean out the fridge)
• Monday - Crock-pot BBQ Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli

• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Chinese Take-out
• Thursday - Leftover Chinese Food
• Friday - Beefy Mac and Cheese (homemade Hamburger Helper)
• Saturday - Pizza

 How is everyone else doing in their pantry challenge efforts?  

Create any new family favorites?

Weekly Spending Report: 01/17-23/2015

This week I got the treat to go shopping BY MYSELF!  As in alone, solo, singularly!  It was amazing to be able to concentrate on the deals, and spend some time browsing the clearance without hearing whining from my son, or husband.  I also spent less, which usually happens when I am alone.  I should really shop solo more often.  Any way, we needed diapers, again - someone is in the process of outgrowing size 4s.  I also stocked up on lotion, toilet paper, and first aid supplies (which are hard to get great deals on).  Overall I am pleased with what I was able to purchase, and got some great deals in the process.  Here's how the week went spending-wise...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $14.66 oop, Earned $10 ECB's

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $16.09 oop

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $28.96 oop, Earned $0.50 Ibotta Rebate for Zone Perfect Bar

Total OOP: $59.71
Total Earned: $10.50
Total Remaining for January: $121.13

Pantry Challenge Week #1 and #2 Update

The first week started out wonderful; I got a LOT of decluttering accomplished, we ate some new meals, and I got caught up on my house work.  But by the end of the week I was dragging.  I worked on Thursdays and Fridays, so I got behind on housework again, and ended up getting pizza one night.  But I'm okay with all that.  Saturday was a 'catch-back-up' day, so I am feeling good about how we started the second week.
The second week was crappy all around.  I caught some kind of bug, and Howard's ears and tummy have been bothering him.  I had to work extra to prepare and have a meeting, plus my regular Thursday and Friday schedule.   But I am happy to say we only got take out one night, and that was the night of my meeting.  Plus we've already cleaned out one of the 3 freezers!  The extra refrigerator freezer in our laundry room now only houses butter, margarine, ice packs, some shredded cheeses, and some spare candies.  There is SO much space in there it's crazy!  I have been horrible about taking pictures the past two weeks, but maybe I can make up for that the second half of the month?
Here's what we've been eating during our pantry challenge for the 1st half of January...

Breakfasts: Joe - Pop-Tarts, Laura - Bagel Sandwiches with 1 Egg and 1 slice of Cheese on them or a buttered Cinnamon Raisin Bagel, Howard - Blueberry Mini Muffins or an Apple 'Nutrigrain' bar from ALDI

Lunches: Leftovers, Mac and Cheese with Hot dogs, Soups, Misc Frozen TV Dinners, Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Dinners:

1/1 - Pizza

1/2 - Hot dogs, Mac and Cheese

1/3 - Leftovers

1/4 - Leftovers

1/5 - Crock-pot BBQ Chicken Breasts (new Recipe), Crock-pot Mashed Potatoes

1/6 - Alfredo Pasta, Garlic Bread

1/7 - Leftovers

1/8 - Pizza Take-out

1/9 - Crock-pot Meatloaf, Tater Tots

1/10 - Leftovers

1/11 - Crock-pot Pork Loin and Sauerkraut, Crock-pot Mashed Potatoes

1/12 - Chinese Take-out (work meeting night)

1/13 - Misc. Canned Soups from the Pantry and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

1/14 - Crock-pot Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice

1/15 - Crock-pot Meatballs and Sauce, Pasta, Garlic Bread

1/16 - Dobbin House for our 1/2 anniversary dinner (without Howard!)

Is anyone else doing a freezer or pantry challenge in January?  How is it going?  Have you found any weird or strange things while cleaning out?  
Let me know in the comments!

Menu Plan Monday: 01/18/2016

When planning this week's menu, I tried to keep two things in mind: One, we have a super busy week ahead of us, and two, we need to continue cleaning out the freezers and pantries.  These two key points meant that the crock-pot was going to get a LOT of use this week, and I need to re-inventory the freezers and pantries so I know what I still have to work with.  Overall the plan includes things that we like to eat, and uses up some of the pieces of this and that from the freezer.  Here's what's cookin' this week...

• Breakfasts: Bagels, Granola Bars, Pop-Tarts, Eggs with Toast, and Muffins
• Lunches: Pizza, PB and J or Tuna Salad Sandwiches, Leftovers, Misc. Frozen Meals, and/or Canned Soups with Crackers
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Leftovers to clean out the fridge
• Monday - Chinese Take-out
• Tuesday - Leftover Chinese food
• Wednesday - Crock-pot BBQ Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli and Cheese
• Thursday - Crock-pot Sliders on Rolls, Baked Onion Rings, Veggies and Dip
• Friday - Crock-pot Pork Roast, Crock-pot Baked Potatoes, Broccoli
• Saturday - Leftover Homemade Mac and Cheese (from the freezer), Ham or Hot Dogs

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 01/10-16/2016

This week I spent a little more than I like to -- diapers, I'm talking to you.  Anyway, I am still pleased with what I was able to get for the price.  I was complaining to Joe about the price I paid for diapers at CVS, because I have gotten them much cheaper, and even with two transactions, I still paid more than normal.  Joe said "Laura, do you realize that most moms would kill to get that price on diapers."  Thank you to my husband for the reality check; I need those sometimes, reality checks that is.  So, without further ado, this week's totals...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $32.02 oop, Earned $14 ECB's, $1.16 Find and Save Rebate

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $32.16 oop (included but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O), Earned $5 Find and Save Rebate for purchasing $25 or more

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $28.16 oop, earned & 0.50 Saving Star Rebate for the All detergent, and $0.25 Ibotta Rebate for the Marie's Dip

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $6.18 oop, Earned $0.50 Find and Save Rebate

Total OOP: $98.52
Total Earned: $21.41
Total Remaining for January: $180.84