Household Project List 2016 - November Edition

This is my last update for my household project list.  In December I am planning to show the before and after pictures with all of you, so be on the look out for that post!  But as far as getting anything else crossed off this list before the end of the year, I have to be real with myself, and it's just not going to happen.   I work most of December, as in 21 days, almost straight though.  The days I'm not working I need to be doing my cookie baking, for us and for some orders I have from friends.  I also want to try and spend some time enjoying the season with Joe and Howard - Howard will only be 2 once.  He LOVES Christmas trees and lights, so I am looking forward to riding around looking at some with him at least one evening.  🎄  We have some other fun planned for the month as well - midnight madness at our local antique mall, various family get-togethers, and my niece is graduating from college!  Overall, it's just going to be way too busy to work on painting or steaming or gluing anything.  I do plan to pick the list back up in January when I have more time on my hands, and I will keep you posted as I finish different projects that are still on the list.

Here's how the list is looking so far...

• Bedroom: 
• Declutter 2 Dressers, 1 Chest of Drawers, 2 Nightstands, 1 Closet, and Under the Bed -- Finished in February
• Steam off the crappy boarder - Not completed.
• Re-glue the wallpaper seams - Completed in September
• Change the wall art - Not completed.

• 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 - Not completed.

• 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 - Crossed off in September, we are going to build a new one next year.
• 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 - Finished in 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 - We've decided to go with closet doors instead of a curtain.  Not completed.
• Buy new Lamp/Shade for the Dresser -- Finished in April
• Re-glue wallpaper - Not completed.
• Bring in new chest of drawers (#2) - Finished in September.
• Build new shelf (or two) above the desk; Add books to shelves -- Finished in October.
• 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 -Not completed.
• Hang art -- Crossed off in May. 
• Wash box of new-to-us toys - Finished in July.
• Buy an IKEA cube system, assemble, and organize -- Not completed.

 Are any of you working on some household projects this year?

What are you getting accomplished? 

November Budget Update

November was a busting-at-the-seams kinda month.  Things were crazy at work - tea, decorating, and the holiday open house.  Things were super busy at home - cleaning, decorating, baking, meal prep, our annual Thanksgiving family lunch, and Black Friday shopping.  Makes me tired just thinking about it all.  Since there was so much going on in November, I fell behind on keeping my coupons clipped and organized.  I spent more than I'd like to, but I did get a LOT of great deals, some Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, and we hosted 14 for Thanksgiving.  I'm just glad that the money was there in the grocery envelope for me to use.  Overall I'm please with what I got, and I am hoping for a lower price-point for my spending in December!  😂

So, below is how my spending broke-down over the month of November...

• Week #1: $66.47 oop, Earned $4 ECB's, and $0.10 Mobisave Rebate

• Week #2: $89.45 oop, Earned $18 ECB's, and $0.30 Mobisave Rebate

• Week #3: $76.82 oop, Earned $20 ECB's

• Week #4: $121.05 oop, Earned $36.12 ECB's, $76 cash for Baking (added to grocery money), and $0.75 Checkout 51 Rebate

• Week #5: $102.11 oop

Total OOP: $455.90
Total Earned: $155.27
Total Remaining from November: $10 (includes money added in from baking)
*Use this link to sign up for Checkout51, upload a receipt, and get a $5 Bonus!
**Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

Weekly Spending Report: 11/27-30/2016

I decided to go ahead and post my spending report for this week since November ends tomorrow and I doubt I will get out to do any shopping before next week anyway.  I made a quick trip out Sunday morning to pick up some produce, snack and breakfasts items, and a few things to round out our meals this week.  See below for how my spending worked out...

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $59.59 oop (included, but not pictured, are 8 gallons of H2O)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $42.52 oop

Total OOP: $102.11
Total Earned: Zero
Total Remaining from November: $10
 

Weekly Spending Report: 11/20-26/2016

This week was a little crazy with gearing up for Thanksgiving and Black Friday deals, but we made it through.  I did most of my shopping on Monday, but I did end up going back out on Thanksgiving to grab the few freebies they had at CVS.  Which, by the way, I am noticing get to be fewer and fewer each year.  I was still able to get some great deals though.  I also picked up everything that we needed for our family Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday.  We hosted 14 people.  It was a lot of work, and my gravy never thickened, but we all had such a wonderful time with each other!
Anyway, without further ado, here's how my spending broke down this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $16.07 oop, Earned $12.99 ECB's, and $0.75 Checkout 51 Rebate* (Tissues)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $90.28 oop (included, but not pictured, are 8 gallons of H2O)

• Earned $76 from Baking Pies - Added to the Grocery Money for this month
• Thursday's CVS Trip: $14.70 oop, Earned $23.13 ECB's

Total OOP: $121.05
Total Earned: $112.87
Total Remaining for November: $36.11 + $76 made from baking = $112.11
*Use this link to sign up for Checkout51, upload a receipt, and get a $5 Bonus!

Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more!  

Tot School Activity of the Month: Fall Sensory Bin

I wanted to hop on and share a quick little activity that Howard has been LOVING this Fall - a sensory bin.  There are a variety of these all over Pinterest, but I thought that I would share our version with you all as well.  You can pretty much buy everything that you need from the Dollar Tree, or you might be able to use what you already have on hand.  

First off, you need a container that seals.  I used an old Tupperware-style container; you want it to be wide and shallow so it will be easier to work with.  You also need popcorn kernels.  I used some old red ones that I had on hand that were too dry to pop.  I know they sell these in bags at the Dollar Tree as well.  Lastly, you need things to go 'searching' for.  Some have used leaves, I used mini ornaments, but any small item will work.  I hid the ornaments amongst the kernels, and then let Howard 'find' them, and he LOVED it!  So much so that he would want me to re-hide the ornaments so he could 'find' them again.  He played happily for probably 30 minutes the first day, and he still loves it.  

*A note though, PLEASE SUPERVISE your child when they are doing this activity.*  

Howard is only 2 1/2, but I explained that they are not to eat, and that we had to be careful not to spill the kernels out.  He was like 'okay mom, I get it, now let me find my ornaments.'

As you can see, he had a blast!
 

What fun activites are you doing with your toddler this Fall?

Menu Plan Monday 11/20-26/2016: Thanksgiving Edition

It's going to be a V-E-R-Y busy week around here -- I have baking orders being picked up on Tuesday, Wednesday I need to prep for our family Thanksgiving dinner and tidy up the house, Thursday we will host lunch for about 13 people, Friday we will be gone all day shopping the deals, and Saturday we'll be decorating our home for Christmas.  You can bet your bottom dollar that come Sunday I will be relaxing in a bubble bath come Howard's nap time.  😉  Since we have such a large meal planned for Thursday, and the inevitable leftovers for Friday and Saturday, I kept things simple for the beginning of the week.  Here's what's cookin' at the Rogers' house...

• Breakfasts - Pop-Tarts, Mini Muffins, Fruit and Grain Bars, Fruit, and/or Bagels + Cinnamon Rolls on Thanksgiving
• Lunches - Leftovers, Misc. Frozen Meals, Sandwiches, Salad, and/or Canned Soup
• Dinners - 
• Sunday - Snacky dinner (no one was really hungry after our big lunch at Texas Road House)
• Monday - Taco Salads

• Tuesday - Taco Salad Leftovers or Pizza

• Wednesday - Crock-pot Pork Loin, and Baked Potatoes
• Thursday - Thanksgiving Meal: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Dressing, Gravy, Corn Pudding, Green Beans, Sauerkraut, Rolls, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Pudding Pie, and of course some Cool Whip for on top of dessert.  
• Friday - Thanksgiving Leftovers
• Saturday - Thanksgiving Leftovers

For AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

What's on your menu this week? 

Weekly Spending Report: 11/13-19/2016

This week I made a super-quick shopping trip in Monday night.  I wouldn't have gone out, but there were some good deals at CVS this week on things that we use everyday, and we needed a few things at ALDI and Giant to make it through the week.  Nothing major, just stuff like produce and bread, but since I already had to go, I picked up a couple of deals while I was already out.  Joe sat in the car with Howard since he fell asleep on the way there, so I was able to pop in and out speedy-quick!  

Here's how my spending broke-down this week...

• Monday's CVS Trip: $15.63 oop, Earned $20 ECB's

• Monday's ALDI Trip: $27.97 oop

• Monday's Giant Trip: $29 oop

• Friday's Kohl's Trip: $4.22 oop (Saved $26!) (no picture, just a candle and a tiny wreath)

Total OOP: $76.82
Total Earned: $20
Total Remaining: $157.16

Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more! 

Weekly Spending Report: 11/06-12/2016

Last week there were quite a few great deals to stock up, including Ziploc bags, hand soap, diapers, snack food, and salsa.  I also stopped into the Dollar Tree and got some great work books for Howard and I to work on together.  Howard still isn't talking much even though he's 2 1/2 years old, but he is really getting good at letter sounds and letter recognition, so these will be right up his alley.  Things have been super busy around these parts, so I had to wait and do my shopping on Monday this week, so I was glad that the sale items on my list were still in-stock.
Here's how my spending broke-down this week...

• Monday's CVS Trip: $19.12 oop, Earned $18 ECB's, $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Hand Soap)

• Monday's ALDI Trip: $44.52 oop (included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Tortilla Chips)

• Monday's Giant Trip: $20.72 oop, Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Canned Soup)

• Wednesday's Dollar Tree Trip: $6.36 oop

Total OOP: $90.72
Total Earned: $18.30
Total Remaining for November: $ 233.98

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

Frugal Finds: November 2016 Edition

This month I f-i-n-a-l-l-y found a shelf for above the desk in Howard's room.  I have been on the search for months.  It's not perfect, but it will work for what I need it for, and the price was definitely right.  I found it behind some serving trays at the thrift store.  I also found some nice short-sleeved shirts for myself.  Since I'm inside most of the time, I've been able to layer them under some sweaters and get some wear out of them before they go away for the winter.  I also picked up some nice shirts and books for Howard, plus some decor pieces - it was a great trip!

1 Country Bears DVD $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
4 Books for Howard (he is loving the signing one) $0.99 each - 50% off Sale = $0.49 each or 4/$1.96
 1 5T Gray and Black Striped Zip Hooded Sweater for Howard $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.991 small Teal Plate for Decoration $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 5T Baby Gap Long-sleeved Gray Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 4T Long-sleeved Gray Rocket Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 5T Long-sleeved Green Striped Old Navy Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 Depression Glass Bowl $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
5T Short-sleeve Fish Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 4T Short-sleeved Shark Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 Navy V-neck Short-sleeved Shirt for Me $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
1 Robin's Egg Blue V-neck Short Sleeve Shirt for Me $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
1 Dark Blue V-neck Short Sleeve Shirt for Me $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
1 Wooden Shelf for about the Desk in Howard's Room $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99

+ $0.48 Tax
Total OOP: $23.31
Saved $23 or 50%!!!

We also stopped at a random yard sale this month as well.  The only thing I picked up were some books for Howard.  He was, of course, very happy about it though. 
Rough and Tough Book $0.50
Happy Halloween Book $0.50
Bedtime Battle Book $0.25
Mr. Brown Can Moo Book $0.25
I know my Colors Book $0.25
Dinosaur Book $0.25
Total OOP: $2

Menu Plan Monday: 11/14/2016

I know that this a little late going up, and that it's been a few weeks since I've posted a weekly menu plan, but I decided that I really need to get back on the band wagon before all the holiday craziness.  Not having a plan for our meals has been killer; we've been just flying by the seat of our pants, which sometimes works out, and sometimes doesn't.  So, anyway, I have been busy decorated for our holiday tours here at the museum for the past few weeks, and this past weekend I had a tea as well.  Needless to say, our schedules have been filling up quickly, and I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving will be here next week!  So, here's what I'm planning for this week's meals...

• Breakfasts: Bagels, Waffles, Pancakes, Mini Muffins, Fruit, Pop-Tarts, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars
• Lunches: Leftovers, Caesar Salad, Canned Soup, Tomato Sandwiches, and/or Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Birthday dinner for my neice at my sister's house
• Monday - Wendy's while out running errands
• Tuesday - Leftovers from Sunday (Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Corn)
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Pork Roast and Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and Cheese
• Thursday - Crock-pot Meatloaf, Baked Onion Rings, Salad
• Friday - Pizza Night!
• Saturday - Leftovers, aka clean out the fridge 😉

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 10/30-11/05/2016

This week was a little crazy - Sunday I served the last of the Halloween teas at the museum, and then we started decorating for Christmas basically the very next day.  So, I have been knee-deep in pine, berries, and wrapping paper for the past few days.  I have tea again next weekend, and the entire museum needs to be decorated by then; luckily I have a few ladies helping me.  But anyway, I kept my shopping to a minimum this week, but I did manage to pick up a few things.  Howard needed diapers, so I stopped at CVS for a good deal on those, and then I just picked up what we needed food-wise from the ALDI next door. 
Below is how my spending broke-down this week...

• Monday's CVS Trip: $9.58 oop (included, but not pictured is a cup of mini Chip Ahoy cookies - Howard ate them while we shopped), Earned $4 ECB's ($3 Pampers, and $1 Kotex)

• Monday's ALDI Trip: $45.47 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O)

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $11.42 oop, $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Toothpaste) (sorry no picture, but I got a toothpaste for Joe, 3 boxes of 'Zyrtec' for me, a small peppermint jar candle, 1-20 count box of ache/pain patches, 1 package of Christmas stampers for Howard, a word workbook for Howard, a book of Christmas gift tags, a mason jar soap dish to use as a spoon rest in our RV, and a set of birthday magnets for Howard)

Total OOP: $66.47
Total Earned: $4.10
Total Remaining for November: $324.70

Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more!