January Budget Update

This month we did a Freezer/Pantry Challenge, so my goal for our budget, including household and health and beauty items was $160.  We did pretty good I think...

Week #1: $17.85 OOP, Earned $27.80 from Amazon, Earned $5 Amazon Gift Card from Swag Bucks

Week #2: $37.46 OOP, Earned $3.35 from Amazon, and $13 ECB's

Week #3: $48.61 OOP, Earned $10.79 ECB's, Earned $5 Amazon Gift Card from Swag Bucks

Week #4: $46.46 OOP, Earned $20 ECB's, Earned $5 Amazon Gift Card from Swag Bucks

Week #5: $8.96 OOP, Earned $7 ECB's

Grand Total OOP for January: $159.34
Total Earned: $96.94
Net OOP: $62.40

Weekly Spending Report 01/26-02/01/2014

This week there were a LOT of great deals to take advantage of, so I pulled out some of my Christmas money for Giant, and since half my list was out of stock at CVS, I picked up some rain checks as well.  All in all it worked out pretty well, I was able to get the things were were in need of, grabbed a lot if great deals, and stayed under budget for the month!  February is going to be a LOT easier since we are back up to our normal $200 budget, and there are only 4 weeks.  We have managed to clean a lot of misc. items out of the freezers and pantry.  It feels good to know we are using those tid-bits up, and they aren't going to waste.  I'm going to continue cleaning out the freezers and pantry throughout February so we can get the chest freezer defrosted, and continue to save some money.  Here's what we ended up with for the week...

• Tuesday's Wal-mart Trip (no picture, 1 large Vinegar, 1 Hairball Medicine for the Cats, and lots of TP): Zero oop, used gift cards
• Tuesday's Pet Co Trip (no picture, used a coupon for a free can of cat food): $0.06 oop (tax)
• Tuesday's ALDI Trip (no picture, 2 boxes Fruit and Grain Bars, and 1 pouch Yogurt Covered Pretzels, all for Joe): $5.58 oop
• Tuesday's CVS Trip: $3.32 oop, Earned $7 ECB's 
• Tuesday's Giant Trip: Zero oop, used Christmas money

Total OOP: $8.96 - $7 Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $1.96
Total Remaining for January: $0.66!

Tuesday's Giant Trip

With it being the last week of the month, and the budget, I didn't really have the money to go shopping, but there were some great deals to be had, I had coupons expiring which needed to be used, and I needed yogurt.  So, I dipped into my Christmas money and got some great bargains.  Even though this trip didn't come out of the budget, I wanted to post it anyway, as the deals are still good until Thursday.  Here's what I ended up with...

1 bag Cascadian Farms Frozen Organic Broccoli Florets $2.29 - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.50 = $0.79

1 bag Cascadian Farms Frozen Organic Sweet Corn $2.29 - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.50 = $0.79

2 bags Newman's Own Frozen Meals $8.39 ea - $2.40 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$9.98

2 Boxes Mrs. Paul's Fish Fillets/Sticks $5.99 ea - $5.99 BOGO Free Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$3.99

2-4 pks Dannon Light and Fit Yogurt $2.09 ea = 2/$4.18

2 jars Newman's Own Spaghetti Sauce $2.99 ea - $0.70 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = 2/$2.58

2 cans Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes $1.99 ea - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = 2/$1.98

2 boxes Rice Thins Crackers $3.35 ea - $0.35 ea Sale - FREE Item MC x 2 = 2 FREE!

- $0.10 Reusable Bag Credit

Total OOP: $54.18 - $29.99 Sales/Coupons = $24.19, Savings of 55%!!!!

Tuesday's CVS Trip

Tuesday Joe and I stopped into CVS to pick up some prescriptions, while we were there I picked up some deals to roll my ECB's on, and some rain checks, as they were out of a few things I wanted.  Overall it was a pretty good trip.  Here's what we ended up with...

2 Nivea Lotions $8.29 and $8.99 - $2.29 and $2.99 Sale - $2/1 MC x 2 - $1/$10 Lotion CVS C - $3 ECB's wyb $10 = 2/$4

2 Colgate Toothpastes $3.79 ea - $0.80 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 - $2 ECB's x 2 = 2 FREE!

1-6 ct Snack Sized Kit Kat Bars $1.27 - $0.28 Sale - $0.25/1 CVS C = $0.74

1 bag Mini Oreo Cookies $1.19 - $0.20 Sale - $0.25/1 CVS C = $0.74

+ $0.86 Tax

- $10 ECB's used to Pay

Total OOP: $3.32, Earned $7 ECB's for next time!

Linked to Simply CVS!

ALDI Deals, Starting 01/29/2014

Here's some of the AWESOME deals at ALDI this week...

• Weds. 01/29 ONLY: Tyson Fresh St. Louis Spare Ribs $1.99/lb
• Weds. 01/29 ONLY: Fresh 73% Lean All Natural Ground Beef Chub 5 lb $8.99 ea
• Organic Baby Carrots 16 oz $1.39 ea
• Organic Grape Tomatoes 10 oz $2.49 ea 
• Cucumbers $0.29 ea
• Whole White Mushrooms 8 oz $0.69 ea
• Broccoli Crowns 1 lb pkg $0.99 ea
• Mini Sweet Peppers 8 oz $1.39 ea
• Celery $0.69 ea
• Avocados $0.59 ea
• Simply Nature Organic Milk Reduced Fat 2% 64 oz $3.39 ea
• Sundae Shopper Heart Shaped Ice Cream Cake 32 oz $7.99 ea
• Baker's Corner Instant Pudding Regular or Sugar Free Chocolate or Vanilla 1.0-3.9 oz $0.45 ea
• Baker's Corner Red Velvet Cake Mix 16.5 oz $1.19 ea
• Baker's Corner Valentine's Day Frosting 16 oz $1.29 ea
• Aunt Maple's Pink Chocolate Chip or Red Velvet Pancake Mix 8-8.5 oz $1.99 ea
• Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Garlic Bread Sticks 10.5 oz $1.69 ea
• Light and Fit Non Fat Yogurt Red Velvet or Key Lime 6 oz $0.39 ea
• Beaumont Ground Coffee Cinnamon Spice or Caramel Creme 12 oz $3.99 ea
• Specially Selected Cheese Snack Sticks Assorted Varieties 9 oz $3.29 ea
• Specially Selected Dark Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Caramels 10 oz $2.99 ea
• General Mills Valentine's Lucky Charms Treat Bars 13.2 oz $4.79 ea
• Nature's Path Red Berries and Chocolate Love Crunch 11.5 oz $2.99 ea
• Kitchen Living Assorted Baking Pans $3.99 ea 
• Kitchen Living Brownie Maker or Whoppie Pie Maker $14.99 ea

For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their homepage!

Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday: Garlic Foccacia Bread

Garlic Foccacia Bread is my go to when I'm out of make-ahead-and-freeze Garlic Bread.  It is super simple to make, takes just a few ingredients, and goes well with pasta, and potato soup alike.  You can also use the leftover dough to make a mean pizza!  I whip up the dough in my bread machine before baking it in the oven, but you could easily do it by hand or with your kitchen aid.  Without further ado ladies and gentlemen, I give you Garlic Foccacia Bread...

1 1/4 c Water

2 tbsp Olive Oil

3 1/4 c Flour (I use unbleached)

1 1/2 tsp Salt

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp Italian Seasoning

2 1/2 tsp Yeast

1.) Add the ingredients in the order listed, making a well for the yeast (or based on your bread machine's instructions).  Push the dough button, and start (or follow your bread machine's instructions for a dough).

2.) When the dough is done, prep your baking sheet with parchment and a little olive oil.  

3.) Stretch the dough out on the parchment (dough is VERY sticky).  I like to drizzle more olive oil over the top, and then sprinkle coarse kosher salt over the top - very yummy!

4.) Bake in a preheated 450 degree F oven for 15 minutes.  Serve immediately, and try not to eat it all by yourself!  (We bake 1/2 of the dough at a time because I think it tastes best fresh from the oven, and I just save the other half for the next day or so in a oiled container in the fridge.  You can use your leftover dough as a very yummy pizza crust too!)

Linked to One Project at a Time, the Super Saturday Link Party, Homemade Mondays, and Thrifty Thursday!

Menu Plan Monday: 01/27/2014

With snow and cold temperatures here to stay, all I want to do is stay bundled up in a blanket with hot soup, bread, and hot cocoa.  Unfortunately Joe won't appreciate the menu very much, and nothing would get done around the house either.  So, I made a meal plan of other comfort-style foods that actually use up items we have in our pantries and freezers.  This is the last week of the official pantry challenge, but we will be continuing to use things up through February so we can defrost our chest freezer.  We're about half way there, so a few more weeks should mostly do it.  Then I can start stocking it with post-baby meals, YEAH!  Only 11 more weeks to go, and we get to meet baby Rogers; can you tell we are just a little excited?  Here's what's on the menu this week...

Breakfasts: Banana Crumb Bread (*new recipe), Toast with Butter and Jam, Yogurt with Granola, Special K or Fruit and Grain Bars, Waffles/Bagels

Lunches: Leftovers, Turkey Salad/Grilled Cheese/PB and J Sandwiches, Quesadillas

Dinners: All served with Vegetable or Salad

Sunday - Bacon Cheese Burgers with Baked Onion Rings

Monday - Turkey, (Frozen Leftover) Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy

Tuesday - Beef Stew Meat in Mushroom Gravy over Rice

Wednesday - Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas with Mexican Rice

Thursday - Possible working at Joe's Grandfather's - Chili's, if not Fried Pork chops with Buttered Egg Noodles

Friday - Flea Market Set-up day - Leftover Buffet/Homemade Pizza/Hotdogs with Mac and Cheese, or something simple

Saturday - Flea Market Day - Out :)

Extras: Brownies (leftover from last week), Cake Mix Cookies (Yellow with Chocolate Chips)

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Freezer/Pantry Challenge Update #4

This week Joe and I made some major head-way in the nursery, and in the freezers.  We were able to use up quite a few things from the chest freezer, and the pantry cupboards.  I probably won't be able to defrost the freezer after next week, so our freezer/pantry challenge will continue into February.  As for the nursery, I'm going to post a progress update soon, it is looking amazing.  Over the weekend I steam cleaned another section of rug, and Joe helped me move some furniture around.  This week I washed our sweet little baby's clothing and blankets, and tucked them away in the chest of drawers.  Joe also got the crib mattress opened up and put in the crib so it can air out.  Sunday I baked up some lemon pie bars, and some blueberry muffins, both are my favorite!  We worked at Joe's grandfather's house again on Thursday, his basement is coming together, but it is such a slow process, especially when your pregnant.  Here's how the meals went down this week...

Sunday: Today I got caught up on laundry.  Joe Finish-Feedered the baby's chest of drawers, which now looks gorgeous!  I worked on emptying out the crib of gifts from our first shower, so we can get the mattress in.  Joe helped me move some furniture around in the nursery as well, and re-hooked-up our printer.  I also got my baking for the week done, lemon pie bars, and blueberry muffins - yummy!  Overall it was a very productive day, but I was seriously tired when all was said and done, hence the simple menu from today.

Breakfast - Waffles for Me, Zone Perfect Bar for Joe

Lunch - Smothered Pork Chops (*New Recipe), Mashed Potatoes, and a Steamed Vegetable

Dinner - Sandwiches - Easy dinner, I was tuckered out

Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, Lemon Pie Bars, Blueberry Muffins

Monday: Today was cleaning day. I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom, and Joe took care of the litter boxes and the vacuuming.  I finished going through baby gifts and Joe was able to get the mattress in the crib.  I can't wait to post an update of the nursery next week, it is looking so good.  Today's menu was pretty simple as well, being pregnant is starting to catch up with me, and that second trimester energy is starting to diminish into third trimester tiredness.  By 2 o'clock most days, I'm shot.  Joe's been wonderful though, such a huge help.

Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins

Lunch - Leftover Pizza from Saturday Night

Dinner - Pancakes with Chipped Beef Gravy
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, Lemon Pie Bars, Blueberry Muffins, String Cheese

Tuesday: We awoke to some snow this morning, it was light enough that we went out and ran our errands this morning.  We left the house a little after 7 and were back by 9:30.  By that time things were starting to get pretty slick out.  Joe worked on some projects in his work room, and I worked on blogging, and baby laundry.  I can't wait to get everything folded up in the dresser drawers.  We ate pretty simple again today, since I just haven't been feeling right.  I don't know if it's just this stage in my pregnancy, or if I'm coming down with something, but I just don't feel good.  Sleeping is getting harder too, unfortunately.  But I only have about 11 weeks to go, so the bad will soon pass ;)
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins

Lunch - Hotdogs, Annie's Mac and Cheese
Dinner - Baked Fish Sticks and French Fries
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, Lemon Pie Bars, Blueberry Muffins, String Cheese

Wednesday: Today was a little better, I was still feeling pretty rough.  I mostly worked on the computer and earned Swag Bucks while Joe worked on some projects next door.  I did manage to get some laundry done, but other than that I just rested.  I kept the meals simple too, but Joe didn't seem to mind.
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins
Lunch - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Chips

Dinner - Sandwiches
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, Lemon Pie Bars, String Cheese

Thursday: Today I was feeling much more energized.  We worked at Pap's for most of the day, and he treated us to Chili's for dinner - yum-o!  Joe and I shared a 2 for $20, and we were stuffed when we left.  Needless to say, we were both tired, so once we got home we just took showers, checked our email, and went to bed. 
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins for Joe, Special K Bar for Me
Lunch - Pretzels from the Amish Market
Dinner - Chili's - Bacon cheeseburger with french fries, and a chicken bacon quesadilla.
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, String Cheese

Friday: Today one of the cats woke up sick, so we had to take him to the vet.  Luckily it only cost about $60.  Unfortunately they don't actually know what's wrong with him, so he has to go back for some blood tests soon.  For now we are trying a round of antibiotics.  Needless to say, that threw a kink in our morning, and Joe grabbed us a pizza on his way home from the vet.  Then came the fiasco of trying to give a cat medicine.  He was pretty well behaved, but he's also 13, so he's getting a little too old to care about fighting us.  After that our day got pretty much back to normal.  I baked some brownies for Joe, and sorted through some books my Dad brought me to sell on Amazon.  I also did some more laundry; I'm so glad to be caught up on that finally.  My niece came to visit, so we just had a quick snacky dinner after she left.  Overall, the day turned out to be fairly productive, and we were well fed, even if we did have a sick kitty to contend with.
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins for Joe, Cream of Wheat for Me
Lunch - $9 Meal Deal from Little Caesar's
Dinner - Snacks
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, String Cheese

Saturday: Joe had to take the cat back to the vet for some blood work and pain medicine, because he was just meowing in pain.  It wasn't cheap, but hopefully it isn't anything too serious, and he won't need surgery.  We ran out quickly in the morning to get my newspapers from the Dollar Tree, and stopped next door at Joanne's to get the jersey fabric and elastic Joe needs to make my maternity pants.  I can still fit in my regular pants at 29 weeks, but they are starting to get uncomfortable, so I'll be happy for some more forgiving pants to wear.  I stripped the bed and wash the linens, and I got all the Christmas decorations boxed up, including the tree.  Joe worked on finishing up some projects so his table is clear to work on my pants.  Shortly after our delicious dinner, my sister called to tell me my niece was in the ER, and if I could go sit with her until she could get there.  My niece is 19 and had never had an IV before, and she has panic attacks over needles, I was so glad that I was able to be there for her and help to keep her calm.  She was a trooper, and luckily it doesn't seem to be anything major at the moment, but please keep her in your prayers just in case.  We got home at de-germified with showers and laundry, and then it was bed for this prego lady :)
Breakfast - Fruit and Grain Bar for Joe, Yogurt with Granola and a Special K Bar for Me
Lunch - Leftover Pizza for Joe, Cheese Quesadilla for Me
Dinner - Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice

Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, String Cheese

Weekly Spending Report: 01/19-25/2014

This week I went over budget again, but we should be able to just squeak by under budget this month.  We were in need of things like milk, cheese, yogurt, and water, so I had to get those things.  If I wasn't drinking water like it was going out of style, and trying to stockpile diapers, $40 a week would be a LOT easier!  I think over all for the month we are doing pretty good.  There is only one week left in my pantry challenge, although I think we will be continuing it through February to finish cleaning out the chest freezer.  Next week we only need eggs, sour cream, tortillas, and salsa I think, so I should be able to make a one-stop trip to ALDI and call it good for the month.  Here's how this week went down...

• Tuesday's CVS Trip (no picture, 5-12 pks Coke, 5-24 pks H2O, 3 pkgs Huggies Diapers): $24.23 oop, Earned $20 ECB's
• Tuesday's ALDI Trip (no picture, 2 pks Spreadable Cheese Wedges, 1 box Wheat Thins, 1 pk Tortillas): $4.82 oop
• Tuesday's Friendly's Trip (no picture, 2 containers Ice Cream): Zero oop, used gift card
• Tuesday's Target Trip (Annie's was 4/$5 and buy 4 get 1 free, milk was on sale for $3.49, and the tissues were $1.39 ea and I used 4 $0.50/1 Target coupons): Zero oop, used gift card

• Tuesday Giant Trip: $15.29 oop
• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip (no picture, 2 newspapers): $2.12 oop

Total OOP: $46.46 - $20 Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $26.46

Total Remaining for February: $9.62

Linked to Couponaholic!

ALDI Deals, Starting 01/22/2014

Here's some of the AWESOME deals at ALDI this week...

• Weds. 01/22 ONLY: Fresh Pork Sirloin Roast $1.49/lb
• Roseland Baby Back Ribs Original or Garlic 24 oz Frozen $8.99 ea 
• Limes $0.19 ea
• Red Onions 2 lb bag $0.99 ea
• Avocados $0.59 ea
• Roma Tomatoes 16 oz $0.99 ea
• Cucumbers $0.29 ea
• Mini Sweet Peppers 8 oz $1.39 ea
• Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Deep Dish Sausage or Pepperoni Pizza 25 oz OR Meat Trip Foccacia 30.67 oz $3.99 ea
• Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Game Day Combo 34.75 oz $6.49 ea
• Appetitos Frozen Dips 8 oz $2.49 ea
• Appetitos Soft Pretzels 21 oz $1.69 ea
• Little Salad Bar Fiesta Layer Dip 18.5 oz $2.99 ea
• Little Salad Bar Refrigerated Salad Dressings Creamy Ranch or Bleu Cheese 12 oz $1.99 ea
• Tuscan Garden Peppercorn Ranch or Honey Mustard Dressing 16 oz $1.39 ea
• Season's Choice Whole Onion Rings 16 oz $1.99 ea
• Happy Harvest Chili Style Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz $0.59 ea
• Brookdale Hot Habanero or 2-bean Chili 15 oz$1.19 ea
• Clancy's Cheddar and Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips 9 oz OR Popcorn Buttery or White Cheddar 8 oz $1.49 ea
• Clancy's Krinkle Cut Kettle Chips Sea Salt or Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper 8.5 oz $1.79 ea 
• CLancy's Tortilla Chips White Rounds or Restaurant Style 13 oz $0.99 ea
• General Mills Bugles Original or Nacho 7.5 oz $0.99 ea
• Casa Mamita Salsa Medium or Mild 24 oz $1.49 ea
• Casa Mamita Salsa con Queso 15 oz or Clancy's Cheese Dip 15 oz $1.99 ea
• Kitchen Living 16" Pizza Pan $3.49 ea
• Huntington Home Luxury Queen or King 3 piece Comforter Set $49.99 ea
• Huntington Home Luxury Queen or King 400 Thread Count Sheet Set $39.99 ea
• Boulder Football Tableware $0.99 ea
• 4" Primrose Assorted Colors $0.99 ea

For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their Homepage!