Monday, August 29, 2016

Goals Update: August 2016


August was a whirlwind of happenings - a flea market to set up at, 2 different vacations, a visit to a steam and gas show, a trip to the beach, and a whole lot of work in between.  We did well enough at the flea market at the beginning of the month, that we were able to have a little fun at the beach the end of month!  We took note this year that our vacations are very different now that we have a bubbly 2-year-old running around.  We are looking for free or cheap things to do so we don't feel as guilty if we would need to leave early because he decided to get an attitude.  Any parents out there with me on that?  Overall he did great, and seemed to have a ton of fun.  Anyway, I feel like the month was a productive one, but I am looking forward to being even more productive in September.  Here's how things are looking after August...

Personal:
  • Lose 20 lbs (about 1.5 lbs a month) I have lost 15 pounds!  Even with all the ice cream splurges, I still lost weight!  I really think it has to do with all the walking we do when we're on vacation.  I am hoping to keep this momentum up in September - only 5 more pounds to go this year!
  • Exercise 292 days - In August I exercised 24 out of 31 days.  For a total of 200 for the year.  I'm right on track with this goal!  I feel like all I did in August was walk.  Walking is apparently very good exercise (see above). 
  • Drink at least 70 oz of water everyday - I did great with this goal in August.  The weather has continued to be almost unbearable.  I am so looking forward to cooler weather!  On the plus-side, when you are hot, you drink more.
 Financial:
  • Coupon and deal shop to stick to my $350/month budget - I shared my budget update for August here.  If you click over, you can see all of the great things I was able to stock-up on while still staying $37.99 under budget!  This included tons of fresh produce, diapers, snack food for vacation, sunscreen, and a variety of other items.
  • Earn at least 6 - $25 Amazon gift card through Swagbucks - I earned another gift card in August, but I am really going to have to up my game if I'm going to meet this goal by December 31st.  3 Down, and 3 to go.
  • List at least 10 things per month online or 120 for the year - I did not list anything in August because we were 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), August - no check (0)
  • Set up at 6 Flea Markets/Shows to sell our wares - We set up at a flea market at the beginning of August.  We did fairly well, and got rid of a good bit of stuff.  Our next flea market is in September, so I am hoping for another good show!  Total for the year = 3
Household:
  • Completely declutter the entire house - I only have one spot left to do, and it is on the to-do list for September -- the cedar chest.
  • Finish my 2016 project list - I have my project list update posted separately.  I really didn't get anything accomplished in August, mostly because we were away on vacation for most of the month, and when we were home, I was working.  I am hoping to get things moving again in September.  But, I was looking at the list, and really a LOT of it is done, and that makes me SO happy!

Blogging:
  • Post at least 3 times a week - I was able to post 3 times a week in August.  All totaled I posted 14 times in August!  I really enjoyed sharing my frugal finds with you; I love it when I can score such great deals!
  • Do a 31 day series in October - Not there yet.  I have been working on my outline in my blogging journal.  I am planning to work on the pictures in September.  
  • Set up a Facebook page for my blog - Not yet, I am hoping to get this done in September.
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...

Household Project List 2016 - August Update

 
August was fairly unproductive since we were on vacation for most of the month, but I still managed to get a few things crossed off.  I am hoping to pick things back up in September and get everything crossed off before the end of the year.  My work schedule seems to be evening out, so I should have some more time to put towards to last items on my list.  Here are how the list is looking so far this year...
  • Bedroom: 
    • Declutter 2 Dressers, 1 Chest of Drawers, 2 Nightstands, 1 Closet, and Under the Bed -- Finished in February
    • Steam off the crappy boarder - I'm hoping to get to this in October or November.
    • Re-glue the wallpaper seams - This is on my to-do list for September.
    • Change the wall art - I am still on the hunt for a shelf.  We've gone to quite a few yard sales and flea markets, and we've hit up the thrift store a number of times, I just haven't found what I want yet.  
  • Hall: 
    • Declutter Hall Closet, Desk, and Coat Closet -- Finished in February
    • Sell desk, and move in a bench -- Finished in April
    • Build another shelf in the hall closet -- Unneeded, crossed off in February
  • Bathroom:
    • Declutter the Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers  -- Finished in February
    • Touch up the paint - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.
  • Living Room:
    • Declutter 8 Cube Baskets, 1 End Table, and 3 Dresser Drawers -- Finished in March
    • Finish adding pictures to our 'mural' wall - Finished in June/July. 
    • Paint the letter 'R' on our 'mural' wall -- Finished in January
    • Find new art for behind the futon - I have found the picture that I want, but it's pricey.  If I can find something similar at a yard sale for less money, I will scoop it up for sure.  If not, I'm in the process of saving up so I can get it as a birthday gift to myself.
  • Kitchen:
    • Declutter 35 Cabinets, 1 Pantry, 1 China Cabinet, and 11 Drawers -- Finished in March   
    • Get a new trashcan -- Finished in February
    • Steam the wallpaper off our microwave table, and repaint it - Since this table was damaged during the renovations, and it wasn't in the best shape to begin with, we've decided that my loving husband is going to build me a new one and I'll stain it when he's finished.  I am hoping that he will find time this fall to get this completed, but it probably won't get done until January - but we'll see, maybe I'll get lucky.
    • Paint the windows/sills/trim - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.
    • Clean out the chest freezer and defrost it -- Finished in March
  • Nursery/Office:
    • Declutter the Closet, Dresser, Desk, Chest of Drawers, Bookcase, Sewing Table, and Cedar Chest -- The cedar chest is also on my list for September.
    • Go through the CD 3-drawer organizer and combine into a large CD case - Finished in June.
    • Install new curtain rods and tie backs; Hang new curtains - Finished in July.
    • Make a new curtain for the closet; Hang - Have not started yet.
    • Buy new Lamp/Shade for the Dresser -- Finished in April
    • Re-glue wallpaper - I have this on the September list as well. 
    • Bring in new chest of drawers (#2) - I still need to vacuum the drawers out and put Finish Feeder on the outside.  I'm planning on September for this. 
    • Build new shelf (or two) above the desk; Add books to shelves -- We won't be able to build shelves above the desk the way I wanted to, so I am on the lookout for a small, mostly decorative, shelf at the thrift stores and yard sales.
    • Paint the windows/sills and the closet door frame - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.
  • Laundry Room:
    •  Declutter Desk, 3 Drawer Stand, Bookcase, and Closet (including stored Christmas decorations) -- Finished in March
    • Touch up paint from renovation - I am planning to start this in October.
    • Hang art -- Crossed off in May.  I decided that this isn't necessary.  Plus I am working on Joe to get me a hanging clothes line for in the laundry room, so I will need all the wall space I can get. 
    • Wash box of new-to-us toys - Finished in July.
    • Buy an IKEA cube system, assemble, and organize -- We are moving the desk out of the laundry room in September - the help is already lined up.  Then towards to end of the month we'll make out IKEA trip and pick up the cube. 
 Are any of you working on some household projects this year?
What are you getting accomplished? 

Budget Update: August 2016


August was a jam-packed month - one 'working vacation,' one beach vacation, an event at the museum, and a whole LOT of work in between.  We were able to make enough at our working vacation to have some fun on our beach vacation the end of the month.  Our vacations are always on a cash budget - no credit cards, which makes things so much less stressful.  We also enjoyed quite a few free activities while we were there, including a day at the zoo, and an antique car show.  We spent quite a bit of time at the pool/splash pad at the camp ground, and enjoyed our evening walks there or on the boardwalk.  Howard had a blast, but would only nap in the car for some reason.  So, Joe and I did a lot of cruising in the suburban while Howard slept, however, we were able to see a lot of the outlying areas around OC that we haven't seen before, so that was fun!  Below is how the budget played out for August; it was a higher spending month, but it usually is when vacations are involved...
  • Week #1: $19.71, Earned $12 ECB's
  • Week #4: $112.75 oop, Earned $5 ECB's
Total OOP: $355.49
Total Earned: $36.94
Total Remaining from August: $37.99!
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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!

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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="">

Thursday, August 18, 2016

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.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

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...

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

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... 

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

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
Total OOP: $369.35
Total Earned: $52.55
Total Remaining from July: $43.48!!
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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!

Menu Plan Monday: August 1, 2016


We arrived home from our 'working vacation' yesterday evening.  We had a wonderful time helping prepare for the Steam Show, selling at our flea market stand, and taking Howard to his first carnival.  He LOVED the rides they had, especially the small fire trucks!  If you are ever in Sharptown, MD in July/August, they have an amazing carnival - good food, clean facilities, and all the profits go to the fire department, plus it's a month long!  On Mondays and Tuesdays the ride-all-night wrist bands are only $10.  Being the frugal Mama I am, we went Tuesday.  We played a few games, Howard rode tons of rides, and we had dinner, all for around $30.  I feel like that is an amazing deal for a night out to the carnival.  Any way, the menu this week is super easy!  We have a LOT going on, so I get a few nights off, which I am certainly not going to complain about.  Here's what's cookin'...
  • 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 - McDonald's while packing up our stand
    • Monday - Snacks in the car on the way home
    • Tuesday - Out while running errands
    • Wednesday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajita Salads, Mexican Rice
    • Thursday - Crock-pot Meatloaf, Baked French Fries, Salad
    • Friday - We have an event here at the museum, so I am hoping for a pit beef sandwich
    • Saturday - House warming picnic at my sister's new house
For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!