Weekly Spending Report: 12/13-19/2015

This week was an easy shopping week.  I grabbed some free and clear Tide pods for a little bit of nothing at CVS, plus some FREE dish soap.  Then at ALDI and Giant I picked up some needed items and some clearance deals, and earned back some app rebates - yeah!  And I'm sorry about getting this up so late -- things have been a little crazy around here with Christmas preparations!  Here's how the week went down...

• Monday's CVS Trip: $4.79 oop, Earned $6.89 ECB's

• Monday's ALDI Trip (Included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O): $35.12 oop, Earned $0.25 Snap Rebate for the Heavy Cream

• Monday's Giant Trip (included, but not pictured are 8-12 pks of various diet sodas): $44.11 oop, Earned $0.25 Snap Rebate for the Bread, $0.25 Ibotta Rebate for the Bread, and $1 Checkout 51 Rebate for the 2 boxes of Eggos

Total OOP: $84.02
Total Earned: $8.64
Total Remaining for December: $88.07

Weekly Spending Report: 12/06-12/2015

This week I decided that I needed to add $60 into the grocery budget to help cover the gifts that I've been purchasing out of it, like candies.  It's just a LOT easier to do one transaction when Howard is with me. Here's how my spending went this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $26.05 oop, Earned $9

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $41.45 oop (not pictured, but included are 8 gallons of H2O, 2 boxes PB Bars, 1 block of Pepper Jack Cheese, 2 dozen Eggs, and 2 boxes of French Bread Pizzas)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $35.41 oop (not pictured, but included is a tub of Land O Lakes Butter Spread with Olive Oil, and 5 Lean Cuisine Frozen Meals), Earned $0.25 for the Mac and Cheese from Ibotta

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $11.24 oop 

Total OOP: $114.15
Total Earned: $9.25
Total Remaining for December: $112.09 + $60 extra because of Christmas gifts = $172.09

Weekly Spending Report: 11/29-12/05/2015

This week I kept my shopping fairly simple.  I was able to stock up on Lysol wipes and soup, and get our needed snack and meal items.  Here's how the week went down...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $3.66 oop, Earned $6 ECB's

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $41.93 oop (Included but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $31.88 oop

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $3.18 oop (no picture, but includes 2-3 packs of balls for Howard, and a Christmas gift)

Total OOP: $80.65
Total Earned: $6
Total Remaining for December: $226.24

 Linked to Couponaholic and I heart Publix! 

November's Goals Update

November was another very full month - we visited with family, survived Black Friday shopping, went on our first no-Howard date since he has been born, I served a tea at work, and we started our Christmas decorating as well.  This month I didn't do as well with my weekly to do lists, two weeks went great, and two weeks, didn't go well at all.  I think this was partly due to receiving some additional duties at work, and no matter how hard I try to make more there are still only so many hours in each day.  There are some goals that I have come to realize are not going to get done until I am off from work in the winter, they are marked in blue, and will be carried over to next year's goals list.  Here's how the goal area has played out so far this year...

Household:

1. De-clutter the whole house in January, February, and March -- Done!
2. Do a Deep-Spring, and Deep-Fall Clean in March and November  As well as keep up with my weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly cleaning chores. -- Done!  I didn't do as deep of a fall cleaning as I would have liked, but it got done just the same.  I also managed to stay caught up on all of my cleaning tasks, as well as the laundry!  Now if I can just get the Christmas tree up...
3. Paint the Windows/Sills/Trim in the Kitchen and Nursery. 

Family:

1. Write a 'love letter' to Joe each month - This month Joe and I exchanged a love letter text message, it doesn't seem like much, but it was ongoing throughout the month.  This was nice because it was a more consistent way to share how I was feeling, instead of just a once a month letter.
2. Take a trip to Maine in June with the hubby, and Howard. -- Done!
3. Take a Trip to Ocean City in August -- Done!
4. Get together with family at least once a month -- We got together with my family and Joe's family on Thanksgiving.  Dinner required a LOT of prep work, but I am getting better at doing things ahead of time.  Wisdom comes from experience you know.  But it is always nice to be able to spend time with the people that you love.  Howard and I also spent the day with my one sister and niece black Friday shopping.  And, that same sister, and her husband baby sat Howard for us while we went on our date to see Bill Engvall.   I am looking forward to seeing them all again in December!
5. Plan and Execute Howard's 1st Birthday Party -- Done!

Blogging:

1. Have 2 Freezer/Pantry Challenges (January and July), post updates on the blog, and defrost the chest freezer -- Done!
2. Post my Menu Plan, and Weekly Spending Report every week, along with at least 1 other post per week.  This may be an update, a reveal, a recipe, a shopping trip, some Aldi Deals, or a frugal find. -- In November, I posted my weekly spending reports faithfully each week, and linked them up to a few other blogs as well.  I posted my monthly budget report here, as well as a frugal finds post here.  I even managed to post a menu plan one week!  It doesn't seem like much, but it averages out to about 2 posts a week, and that is awesome for such a full month!
3. Plan and execute a 31 days post for October. -- Done!

Health:

1. Lose at least 20 lbs -- I have kept that 20 lbs off, and I am so excited about this.  I am not really trying to lose anymore until after the holidays, I just want to maintain where I am for the rest of this year.  Then in January I plan to add some more regular exercise in, which should help some more pounds fall off.
2. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy, and do exercise of some kind everyday. -- This is something that I have been able to check off each month.  I have also been doing more walking with Howard, so that is definitely exercise in my book!

Budget/Income:

1. Do at least 5 Flea Markets throughout the year, and list at least bi-monthly on Amazon/Facebook Yard Sale. -- We are done with flea markets for this year, but I still haven't managed to find the time to list anything online yet.  This is probably something that will not happen until January when I have some time off from work.  Unfortunately this is something that requires nap-time quiet, and that is usually when I'm at work.
2. Earn Swagbucks everyday by completing the daily poll, toolbar log-in, and NOSO offers daily.  (Try to earn $10 a month) -- I 'm almost up to another $25 gift card -- I was right, having the phone app makes a HUGE difference!  I just let it run during the day when I'm working or cleaning, and then check it periodically to make sure it's still running.  These SB's really add up!
3. Set a monthly budget, and coupon and deal shop as needed to stay within our budget. -- I was able to stay under budget again for November; I posted my budget update here.  We stocked up on quite a few items including toilet paper, diapers, and soup.  We also got to d a little thrifting, which I shared here.
4. Put at least an extra $100 a month on Joe's Credit Card starting in May -- We put a little over $100 towards the credit card this month.  I am happy that we are plugging away on this and I really would like for it to be gone next year, but I know that realistically it will probably take two years to finish paying it off.  Every little bit extra helps though!

Hobby-Related:

1. Scan the huge-a** box of photos we have had since my mom died three years ago, and get them sorted to give to people, as well as put the ones I decide to keep in albums.
2. Continue to work on Howard's baby book  -- Done!
3. Try something new at least once a month and blog about it.  I have a LOT of new recipes and crafts I want to try.

How have your goals gone so far this year?

Frugal Finds: November 2015 Edition

While thrift shopping this past month, I was able to pick up some awesome deals.  I always like to see what others find when they go thrifting or deal shopping, so I hope you all do as well.

Camo Shirt for Joe = $4.99
Pinstriped Blouse for Me = $1.49
Pink Long-sleeved Top for Me = $0.99
White and Grey Striped Cardigan for Me = $3.99
3T Sleeper for Howard = $0.99
Rain Jacket for Joe = $3.99
2 Enamel Ware Baking Pans for the Kitchen $2.99 and $3.99 = $6.98
Pretty Print for our Bedroom = $0.49
Total OOP: $23.91

Beautiful Scarf for Me $1.99
2 Long Sleeve Tees for Howard one 3T and one 4T (and in MINT shape) $0.99 each = $1.98
1 Print for Howard's Room = $0.49
Total OOP: $4.46

November's Budget Update

November was FULL of shopping!  I was able to stock-up on some AWESOME deals, as well as buy the needed items for our menu plans, and a few stocking stuffers too!  And, I was UNDER budget for the month -- I LOVE it when that happens!  I am hoping that I can do just as well in December and end the year on a good note budget-wise.  Here's how November went down...

• Week #1: $115 oop, Earned $23 ECB's,
• Week #2: $77.12 oop, Earned $1 ECB, $1 Checkout 51 Rebate, $2.60 Ibotta Rebates
• Week #3: $86.27 oop, Earned $27 ECB's
• Week #4: $18.52 oop, Earned $34.45 ECB's

Total OOP: $296.91
Total Earned: $89.05
Total Remaining from November: $6.89!!!

Weekly Spending Report: 11/22-28/2015

This week I kept things super simple.  I didn't really need anything for Thanksgiving dinner, and I had almost nothing left in the budget anyway, so I just kept to the deals at CVS.  I went on Sunday for the pre-black Friday deals, and then again Thanksgiving morning for the black Friday specials.  I also stopped into the Dollar Tree on Saturday, mostly for my newspapers.  Here's how my spending went this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $9.35 oop, Earned $23.18 ECB's

• Thursday's CVS Trip: $1.87 oop, Earned $11.27 ECB's

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $7.30 oop

Total OOP: $18.52
Total Earned: $34.45
Total Remaining from November: $6.89

Weekly Spending Report: 11/15-21/2015

This week I was able to get some AWESOME deals on things that were running low in my stockpile, including dry shampoo, Benefiber, diapers, wipes, and chili-seasoned diced tomatoes, which I use in my chili recipe.  I don't have much left in the budget for next week, but I have everything I need for Thanksgiving already.  So, here's how my spending went this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $27.73 oop, Earned $27 ECB's (includes $5 Pharmacy Rewards, and $5 from Rain check)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $22.19 oop (included but not pictured, are 7-2lts of Diet Rite Cola -- I have to stock up on this when it's on sale and I can find it, because it is getting harder and harder to find in stores)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $36.35 oop

Total OOP: $86.27
Total Earned: $27
Total Remaining: $25.41

Weekly Spending Report: 11/08-14/2015

This week I really tried to stick with the basics, but there were a LOT of great deals on things that we didn't necessarily need now, but are things that are needs when you need them, if that makes sense.  So when vitamins, and hand soap, and side dishes are a great price, I stock up.  Even with my stocking, I still managed to keep to a reasonable budget amount.  So, without further ado, my spending report for the week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $1.89 oop, Earned $1 ECB

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $37.05 oop, Earned $1 Checkout 51 Rebate (for bread)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $34 oop, Earned $2.20 Ibotta Rebate ($2 Bonus and $0.20 for Bananas)

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $4.18 oop (no picture -- 2 newspapers, 1 bottle Gatorade, 1 ream cookies), Earned $0.40 Rebate from Ibotta ($0.20 ea for the cookies and Gatorade)

Total OOP: $77.12
Total Earned: $4.60
Total Remaining for November: $111.68

Linked to I heart Publix!

Menu Plan Monday: November 16th 2016

This week is SUPER crazy at work!  We have the volunteer preview on Friday, so I have to work that night, and then we have 3 tea seatings over the weekend, and then next week is Thanksgiving.  Things are a little nutty around here, but I'm trying to keep a super simple menu, so I actually stick with it, and yes there is some takeout on it, because I know it's going to happen so I might as well plan for it.  Anyway, here's what's cooking this week at the Rogers' house...

• Breakfasts: Waffles, Muffins

• Lunches: Leftovers, PBJ or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Frozen Diet TV Dinners, Soup

• Dinners: 
• Sunday - Leftover Chili
• Monday - Tacos
• Tuesday - Homemade 'Hamburger Helper'
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Pork Loin with Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes
• Thursday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajitas
• Friday - Frozen Pizza
• Saturday - Leftovers or Take-out

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 11/01-07/2015

This week I stocked up on TP again.  I'm really trying to get stocked up on things so I don't have to do much shopping during the 3 months I don't work this winter.  I was also able to stock up on some baking supplies for the upcoming holidays.  I see a LOT of peanut butter muffins and cookies in our future - yum!  So, without further ado, here's how my spending went this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $26.67 oop, Earned $23 ECB's (includes $5 from a Rain Check)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $32.16 oop (includes 8 gallons of H2O, and a tub of whipped cream cheese, not pictured)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $41.75 oop (plus I earned $0.50/gallon for up to 35 gallons - I'm up to $0.90 off!) (included but not pictured is 3 - 2 liters of Diet Rite Cola)

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $14.42 (includes some stocking stuffers!), Earned $0.20 from ibotta

Total OOP: $115
Total Earned: $23.20
Total Remaining: $ 188.80

Linked to Couponaholic and I heart Publix! 

October's Goals Update

October was a very full month - we sat up at a steam show, took a day-long yardsaling trip, I served 2 teas at work, and started Christmas preparations as well.  This month I have really been pushing myself to cross things off my weekly to-do list, and I've managed to make a lot of progress at work and home.  My biggest challenge is leaving work at work, which when you live where you work, is hard.  There are some goals that I have come to realize are not going to get done until I am off from work in the winter, they are marked in blue, and will be carried over to next year's goals list.  Here's how the goal area has played out so far this year...

Household:

1. De-clutter the whole house in January, February, and March -- Done!
2. Do a Deep-Spring, and Deep-Fall Clean in March and November  As well as keep up with my weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly cleaning chores. -- I managed to stay caught up on all of my cleaning tasks, as well as the laundry!
3. Paint the Windows/Sills/Trim in the Kitchen and Nursery. 

Family:

1. Write a 'love letter' to Joe each month - This month I wrote Joe an email letter, he really seemed to like it.  I think it helps him to realize that I do appreciate him even if I don't say it often enough.
2. Take a trip to Maine in June with the hubby, and Howard.
3. Take a Trip to Ocean City in August
4. Get together with family at least once a month -- My sister, and her husband, and my niece and niece-in-law came down and spent the day with us at the Fall Harvest Festival we have here at the museum.  It was a lovely day spent together with family.  We also got to spend some time with Joe's family one evening when we were visiting his grandfather.  I love it when this gets crossed off each month, because it means that we have spent time with the ones we love, and yet have to work to see.  :-)
5. Plan and Execute Howard's 1st Birthday Party 

Blogging:

1. Have 2 Freezer/Pantry Challenges (January and July), post updates on the blog, and defrost the chest freezer 
2. Post my Menu Plan, and Weekly Spending Report every week, along with at least 1 other post per week.  This may be an update, a reveal, a recipe, a shopping trip, some Aldi Deals, or a frugal find. -- In October I did manage to post several meal plans, as well as my Weekly Spending Reports.  With the 31 days posts, I really didn't post much else, and I am fine with that.  I did post a frugal finds post here.  I have a few things up my sleeve for November, so hopefully time will continue to be on my side, and I can share them with all of you!
3. Plan and execute a 31 days post for October. -- Done!  I posted for 31 days straight!  My 31 days posts were about the things that I am thankful for.  I did a summary here, if you'd like to see an overview.

Health:

1. Lose at least 20 lbs -- I have not gain any of the 20 lbs I re-lost back, so I am happy with this, and I will keep on keepin' on so to speak.  
2. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy, and do exercise of some kind everyday. -- This is something that I have been able to check off each month.  I have also been doing more walking with Howard, so that is definitely exercise in my book!

Budget/Income:

1. Do at least 5 Flea Markets throughout the year, and list at least bi-monthly on Amazon/Facebook Yard Sale. -- We sat up at out last flea market for the year in October.  We also took a HUGE load of stuff to an Auction.  Basically we cleaned out a bunch of crap that has been out several times and hasn't sold, as well as some things I've been wanting to get rid of from the house.  That brings us to 5 total for the year!   I also finally managed to get some books listed on Amazon!  I have a couple more boxes to do this coming month, as well as a few things to post on a Facebook selling page. 
2. Earn Swagbucks everyday by completing the daily poll, toolbar log-in, and NOSO offers daily.  (Try to earn $10 a month) -- I 've earned enough this month for a $5 gift card, but I am going to hold onto it and save up for another $25 card I think.  I am hoping it doesn't take me forever like the last one did.  
3. Set a monthly budget, and coupon and deal shop as needed to stay within our budget. -- I was able to stay under budget again for October; I posted my budget update here.  We stocked up on quite a few items including toilet paper and body wash.  We also did a little yard sale shopping, which I shared here.
4. Put at least an extra $100 a month on Joe's Credit Card starting in May -- We put a little over $100 towards the credit card this month.  I am happy that we are plugging away on this and I really would like for it to be gone next year, but I know that realistically it will probably take two years to finish paying it off.  Every little bit extra helps though!

Hobby-Related:

1. Scan the huge-a** box of photos we have had since my mom died two and a half years ago, and get them sorted to give to people, as well as put the ones I decide to keep in albums.
2. Continue to work on Howard's baby book 
3. Try something new at least once a month and blog about it.  I have a LOT of new recipes and crafts I want to try -- With the 31 days posts this month, and the fact that I worked a lot of extra hours as well, I just didn't have time to try anything new.  I have been tinkering with a few recipes that I am going to try to blog about over the next month, as they will become part of my new 14-day menu plan. 

How have your goals gone so far this year?

31 Days of Thankfulness Round-Up

I thought that it might be nice to do a round-up of sorts for the 31 days of Thankfulness posts I have done over the past month.  That way if you want to read or share them, they are all in one spot.  Posting daily has been so nice this past month, it has also helped me to focus in on having a thankful heart instead of being annoyed when things aren't going my way.  When I start to feel frustrated or worried, I instead think of all of the good in my life that I am thankful to have.  So, anyway, here are the things that I felt thankful for in October...

Days #1-5: Joe (my husband), Howard (my son), my Home, Full Pantries and Freezers, and my Extended Family

Day #6: Ramen Noodles
Day #7: My Ability to Serve Others
Day #8: Time Spent Alone with my Son
Day #9: Yard Sales
Day #10: Free Standing Dollar Tree
Day #11: Time Spent together as a Family of 3
Day #12: Job that I Love
Day #13: My Ability to Craft
Day #14-17: Coupons, Joe's Grandfather, Cleaning, and Humidifiers
Day #18: Sisters
Day #19: Thrift Stores
Day #20: My Ability to Listen
Day #21: Washers and Dryers
Day #22: Auctions
Day #23: Good Doctors
Day #24: Tiny Closets
Day #25: Local ALDI
Day #26: Crock-pots
Day #27: Indoor Plumbing
Day #28: Days off from Work
Day #29: Water Pitchers with Filters
Day #30: Pistachios
Day #31: Blogs

October Budget Update

October was a FULL month - full of work, family fun, and shopping!  We stocked up on a LOT of great things that we use often, like soup, diapers, body wash, contact solution, and toilet paper.  Plus we even came in under budget; I LOVE it when that happens.  I hope that I can do as well in November even with hosting our families for Thanksgiving.  Here's how October played out...

• Week #1: $78.94 oop, Earned $11 ECB's
• Week #2: $81.13 oop, Earned $5 ECB's and $0.50 Saving Star Rebate
• Week #3: $89.86 oop, Earned $18 ECB's
• Week #4: $48.61 oop, Earned $2 ECB's

Total OOP: $298.54
Total Earned: $36.50
Total Remaining from October: $1.46!!!!

Weekly Spending Report: 10/25-31/2015

This week was hard, but I managed to make it with $3.80 to spare!  I LOVE it when we come in under budget!  I picked up some needed snack and breakfast items, as well as stocked up on some great deals, including soup for less than $1 a can, and cake mixes for around 60 cents each, which will make a nice treat sometime.  Overall it was a good week; here's how it turned out budget-wise...

• Monday's CVS Trip (no picture, just a 2 liter of Pepsi, and 4-12 pks of Coke Products): $0.60 oop, Earned $2 ECB's
• Monday's ALDI Trip: $18.58 oop

• Monday's Giant Trip: $24.13 oop

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $5.30 oop (no picture, just 2 newspapers, 2 books for Howard for Christmas, and 1 journal for me)

Total OOP: $48.61 
Total Earned: $2
Total Remaining from October: $3.80!

Linked to Couponaholic and I heart Publix! 

31 Days of Thankfulness: October 31st 2015

Well, I made it, I posted everyday for 31 days!  I am also much more aware of the things I am thankful for in my life.  I won't say this series has been life changing, but it has encouraged me to try and be thankful and content with where I am and what I have.
Today I am thankful for blogs.  Without blogs, you would not be reading this right now.  I discovered the blog community in 2008 when I was just starting to coupon.  So, at that point I was reading every coupon and deal site that I could find.  I started following them, and then thought, you know, maybe I can share my journey too, and so I did, and do.  Now I follow a multitude of blogs on everything from couponing to crafting, organizing, cooking, menu planning, DIY'ing, and so much more.  Blogs are a wonderful thing, they share information, but also experiences, and feelings, opinions, and research.  So, today I am thankful for blogs, and all they allow us to share!

31 Days of Thankfulness: October 30th 2015

Today I am thankful for pistachios. Oh, pistachios, how I love thee, let me count the ways...  It has taken me years to find a snack that is healthy, and that I actually like.  I crave salty things, so I usually end up with popcorn, not great, but high in fiber at least.  Pistachios on the other hand give me some much needed protein, which fills me up and keeps me that way, plus it can lend a little energy boost as well.  So, when the 3 o'clock blues hit, I am so thankful for my pistachios!

31 Days of Thankfulness: October 29th 2015

Today I am thankful for water pitchers with filters.  The house we live in is over 150 years old.  The water pipes aren't that old obviously, but they aren't very new either.  Our water isn't brown, but it can get a little rusty at times, plus it's city water, so it can sometimes have a not so great taste.  Enter the purifying water pitcher, who saves the day!  Without one, I would have to buy gallons and gallons of water to last just one week for my family's eating and drinking needs.  Not only does it save me money, but it helps keep us healthy, and saves a lot of bottles from going into the recycling.  So, for all these things, I am thankful for my filtering water pitcher!

31 Days of Thankfulness: October 28th 2015

Today I am thankful for days off from work.  Today is my first day off in quite a few, and I am celebrating with a trip to the thrift store, and Sonic!  I don't think this needs much explanation, regardless of whether you have a job or not, a day off from anything you regularly do is always a welcomed break.  So, today I am thankful for my days off -- when I get them.

Frugal Finds: October 2015 Edition

While yardsaling this past month.  I was able to score some AWESOME deals....

Mint Green Lamp for Howard's Room = $0.50

Bubbles and Magnets for Howard $0.25 each = $0.50

Ipod Charging Dock with Speakers for the kitchen (I am so looking forward to using this during my day-long cookie baking sessions in the coming months) = $3
Window Alarm Lock (we are going to use this for Howard on a door that opens to stairs) = $1
Gun Lock = $2
Metal Cow Boy Boot Salt Shaker (for Howard's Nursery shelf) = $0.25
1 bundle of Magazines for Joe = $2
1 Puzzle Card (Christmas gift) = $0.25
4 Books for Howard $0.50 each = $2
3 Heavy Duty Baby Wash Cloths for Howard = $1
1 Package of Washers for Joe = $0.25
Total Spent: $12.75

31 Days of Thankfulness: October 27th 2015

Today I am thankful for indoor plumbing.  I had a preschool group today at work.  During the tour, I was explaining the chamber pot to them, and they were disgusted, but at the same time thought it was the coolest thing ever.  Go figure.  It reminded me that it is so nice to have a bathroom ten steps away, and in a nice heated house, where I can use the toilet, or take a bath, anytime I want.  People of the 1800's wouldn't have known what to do with such a luxury, I on the other hand, wouldn't know what to do without it!  So today, I am immensely thankful for the luxury that is indoor plumbing, and all the benefits that come with it.

31 Days of Thankfulness: October 26th 2015

Today I am thankful for crock-pots.  I love that I can prep something for dinner, throw it in a crock-pot, and then not think about it for 8 hours.  With my new busy work schedule, plus taking care of Joe and Howard, and the house, dinner is usually the last thing on my mind, until we're all starving and ready to eat that is.  So, I am now in the process of devising a 14-day menu plan which will include quite a few crock-pot meals that I can set and forget.  It should help streamline my shopping as well.  Whoever invented the crock-pot is a genius, and I am so thankful to own 3!

Menu Plan Monday: 10/26/2015

This week I am trying a few more new crock-pot recipes before I finalize my 14-day menu plan I want to institute.  It's going to be a pretty busy week; I am working most of it, and we have a tea to serve as well.  We're also gearing up for Christmas here at the museum, so things are fairly hectic behind the scenes where I work.  With all of that in mind, I kept things fairly simple on the menu, and tried to plan things that could be prepped ahead of time.  Here's what's cooking in the Rogers' household this week...

Breakfasts -  Waffles, Yogurt, Eggs, and Sausage

Lunches - Leftovers, Salads, Soups

Dinners:
Sunday - Crock-pot Meatloaf, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli
Monday - Running errands tonight after work, so I'll just grab some take-out on the way home
Tuesday - Crock-pot Pork and Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday - Beef Mac and Cheese (Homemade Hamburger Helper)
Thursday - Frozen Pizza
Friday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice
Saturday - Leftovers

For more AWESOME menu plans, visit Org Junkie!

31 Days of Thankfulness: October 25th 2015

Today I am thankful for having a local ALDI.  Up until last year, if I wanted to take advantage of ALDI's awesome deals, I had to drive almost an hour away.  So I feel so thankful to have one right next to my local CVS, where I also shop weekly.  I LOVE that I can drive 10 minutes, park my car once, and only have to get Howard into one cart, AND I get 2 stores crossed off my weekly errand list.  Having a local ALDI has also helped my family's grocery budget.  I stop there before heading to Giant, and I can get most things crossed off my list at ALDI, saving me a ton of money in a year!  Having a local ALDI is truly a blessing, for which I am so thankful!