Weekly Spending Report: 04/06-12/2014

This week was another heavy spending week, since Baby Rogers is late and hasn't made an apperance yet.  I am so bored, and anxious for the baby to get here.  I look forward to my errand running days to just get out of the house.  Hopefully Baby Rogers will make an appearance this week, and I can take the rest of the month off.  Here's what we ended up with this week...

• Tuesday's CVS Trip: $4.32 oop, Earned $16 ECB's
• Tuesday's ALDI Trip: $16.89 oop

• Tuesday's Target Trip (no picture, 3 baby shower presents, and 3 bottles Suave shampoo, used coupons, and $10 gift card to pay): $3.33 oop, Earned $5 Target Gift Card (for Suave Shampoo)
• Tuesday's Staples Trip (no picture, just a ream of Multi-purpose paper): $4.03 oop, Earned $3.80 Easy Rebate
• Tuesday's Giant Trip: $42.51 oop, Earned Free Land O Lakes Butter Spread Coupon MIR
• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip (no picture, just 4 cards and 2 newspapers): $4.24 oop
• Earned $5 Amazon Gift Card from Swag Bucks
• Earned $14.05 from Amazon

Total OOP: $75.32
Total Earned: $43.85, plus a coupon for free butter spread
Total Remaining for April: $112.22

Linked to Couponaholic! 

40 bags in 40 days Update #3

I decided to join along in the 40 bags in 40 days challenge to help decrapify the house before baby Rogers arrives in April.  Here's how week #3 went...

Day #11: Cleaned the house today, as well as cleaning out the silverware drawer.  Items removed: Misc papers and inserts from around the house - 7

 Day #12: Cleaned the microwave and stove today.  Also worked on the desk.  Items removed: Misc paper clutter - 10

Day #13:  Did a quick clean of the bathroom as well as the top of the fridge, as well as the office desk. - 23

Day #14:  Wiped down the mirrors today and cleaned out the utensil drawers - 7

Day #15:  I cleaned all of our computer screens today, as well as worked hard in the nursery and removed a huge box of trash - 100+

Day #16: Today I worked in the Nursery and managed to find another box of junk that can go - wahoo! - 25

 

Tuesday's Giant Trip

After CVS Tuesday, we also stopped into Giant to pick up some fresh fruit for me, and some other great deals.  I had to do 2 transactions to use all of my Dawn coupons, because Giant only will double up to 4 like coupons in a transaction, but since we self check-out anyway, it was no biggie.  Here's what we ended up with...

1 tub Turkey Hill Ice Cream (not pictured) $3.59 - $1.59 Sale = $2

4 boxes Eggo Waffles (not pictured) $2.79 ea - $0.29 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 = 4/$8

2 boxes Land O Lakes Butter Half Sticks $4.89 ea - $1.89 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = 2/$4 + Earned Free Land O Lakes Spread Coupon from MIR

1 Smart Balance Olive Oil Spread $2.89 - $0.89 Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 = $1

Bananas $1.37

Watermelon from the Salad Bar $6.77

2 Honey Crisp Apples $1.32

Red Grapes $0.95

2-100 ct Boxes Giant Tagless Tea Bags $1.25 ea = 2/$2.50

2 jars Kraft Mayo $4.99 ea - $2 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = $1.99 ea or 2/$3.98

1 jar Newman's Own Salsa $2.79 - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 = $1.79

1 Bull's Eye BBQ Sauce $2.39

8 bottles Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Soap $1.39 ea - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 8 = $0.39 ea or 8/$3.12

2 boxes Lucky Charms Cereal $1.89 on clearance - $0.60/1 MC doubled to $1.20 (should have been 2 of these - ugh!) = 2/$2.58 or $1.29 ea

+ $0.84 Tax

- $0.10 Reusable Bag Credit 

Total OOP: $71.94 - $30.27 Savings/Coupons = $42.51 -- Savings of 42%!!!

Tuesday's CVS Trip

Tuesday, after my Dr's appointment, Joe and I went to CVS to roll my ECB's and do the diaper deal!  We were able to get quite a few items for very little out of pocket, and I still $18.50 in ECB's for next week!  Here's what we ended up with...

2 Jumbo pks Huggies Newborn Diapers $11.99 ea - $2.99 ea Sale - $3/1 MC x 2 +

2 Refill pks Huggies Natural Care Wipes $8.29 ea - $2.29 ea Sale - $1/2 MC - $2/1 diaper + 1 wipe CVS coupon x 2 - $5/$20 Huggies CVS Coupon - $10 ECB's wyb $30 = 2 Diapers + 2 Wipes/$4 - $1 per pkg!!!!

2 Tom's Deodorants $5.99 ea - $1.99 ea Sale - $2/2 MC - $2 ECB wyb 2 = 2/$4

2 Crest Pro-Health Toothpastes $3.79 ea - $0.80 ea Sale - $1/2 MC - $2 ECB x 2 = 2/$0.98

1 CVS Hand Soap $2.37 - $2/1 CVS coupon = $0.37

1 A&W Root beer 2 lt $2.09 - $1.10 Sale - $0.30/1 CVS Coupon = $0.69 

2 boxes Pop Secret Popcorn $3.99 ea - $1.49 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$3

3 canisters Sun-Maid Raisins $4.49 ea - $2.50 ea Sale - $2/1 MC x 3 = 3 FREE + $0.03 Money-maker!

+ $2.76 Tax

- $27.45 ECB's used to Pay

Total OOP: $4.32, Earned $16 ECB's for next time!

Linked to Simply CVS!

ALDI Deals, Starting 04/09/2014

Here are some of the AWESOME deals this week at ALDI...

• Weds. 04/09 ONLY: Tyson Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs $1.49/lb
• Multi-peppers 3 pk $1.99 ea
• Sweet Potatoes 3 lbs $1.19 ea
• Asparagus 16 oz $1.69 ea
• Baby Carrots 16 oz $0.49 ea
• Strawberries 1 lb $1.49 ea
• Pineapple $1.39 ea
• Season's Choice Chopped Spinach 10 oz $0.99 ea
• Season's Choice Steamable Cheesy Broccoli Florets or California Medley with Cheese 12 oz $1.49 ea
• Season's Choice Steamable Asparagus Spears 8 oz $2.29 ea
• Season's Choice Steamable Broccoli Florets or California Medley 12 oz $1.09 ea
• SimplyNature Organic Spring Mix or Baby Spinach 5 oz $2.49 ea
• SimplyNature Organic Dressing Peppercorn Ranch or Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette 8 oz $1.99 ea
• Tuscan Garden Croutons Caesar, Cheese Garlic, or Seasoned 5 oz $0.89 ea
• Happy Harvest Cut Green Beans or Whole Kernel Corn 14.5-15.25 oz $0.49 ea
• L'oven Fresh Brown and Serve Rolls 12 oz $0.99 ea
• L'oven Fresh Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 12 oz $1.99 ea
• L'oven Fresh Cinnamon Crumb Cake 26 oz $3.99 ea
• L'oven Fresh Cheesecake Sampler 40 oz $8.99 ea 
• Baker's Corner Canned Pumpkin 15 oz $0.99 ea
• Baker's Corner Granulated Sugar 4 lb bag $1.69 ea
• Baker's Corner All Purpose Flour 5 lb bag $1.49 ea
• Happy Farms or Fit and Active Cream Cheese 8 oz  $0.99 ea
• Bake House Creations Crescent Rolls 8 oz $0.99 ea
• Bake House Creations Pie Crusts 15 oz $1.49 ea
• Countryside Creamery Butter Quarters Salted or Unsalted 16 oz $2.19 ea
• Gardenline Gazebo with Netting 10x10' $119 ea
• Gardenline 5 piece Patio Set $79.99 ea
• Gardenline String Light Assortment 10 ct $7.99 ea
• Gardenline 9' Wood Market or Aluminum Umbrella $29.99 ea
• Gardenline Umbrella Stand 30 lb Assorted Styles $16.99 ea
• Gardenline Umbrella Light $7.99 ea
• Gardenline Clematis Flowering Vine Assorted Varieties $4.99 ea
• Gardenline Spring Bulbs and Perennials Assorted Varieties $1.69 ea

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

Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday: No Bake Cookies

Cookies are definitely my husband's favorite food, and these are probably the easiest ones that I make.  They are especially nice for when the weather is warmer, since you don't even have to turn on the oven.  I love that they come together quick, and only take simple ingredients that I always have in my pantry, and then there is the fact that they have chocolate and PB in them, which is always a hit!  So, if you'd like to make some for yourself, which you will, here's how...

1/4 c Butter or Margarine

1/2 c Milk

1/2 c Peanut Butter

2 c Sugar (I use raw sugar)

1/2 c Cocoa

3 c Quick Oats

2 tsp Vanilla Extract 

1.) Mix the sugar and cocoa in a heavy saucepan, add the milk and butter.  Bring this to a boil and let boil for about 2 minutes.  

2.) Remove from heat, add the oats to the sauce pan, stir to combine.  Add the peanut butter, and the vanilla and then mix well.

3.) Drop the mixture by the teaspoon onto wax paper, and let cool.  Store the cookies in an airtight container, they also freeze really well.

Linked to Homemade Mondays, Meal Planning Monday Recipe Link-up, One Project at a Time, Thrifty Thursday, Super Saturday Link Party, and the Homestead Barn Hop!

Menu Plan Monday: 04/07/2014

This is the week for Baby Rogers to amek his/her appearance!  Hopefully anyway.  The baby is due Thursday, but very rarely does a baby actually come on time.  My doctor will give me another week before she induces me, so I'm hoping the baby comes sooner as opposed to later.  Since the baby can come any time now, I kept our menu super simple this week.  If the baby comes, probably some of it will go out the window in favor of sandwiches, salads, and take-out.  But, we'll just have to wait and see!  Here's what we're planning on eating this week...

Breakfasts: Apple Pie Bread for Joe (new recipe), Cold Cereal for Me

Lunches: Leftovers or Ham and Cheese Bagel Sandwiches

Dinners:

Sunday - Out :-)

Monday - Crock-pot Pork Chops and Baked Potatoes

Tuesday - Spaghetti, Sausage, Garlic Bread

Wednesday - Orange Chicken, Jasmine Rice

Thursday - Baked Fish Sticks, Baked French Fries

Friday - French Toast, Bacon

Saturday - Homemade Pizza

Extras: Ice Cream, maybe Brownies

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Review: NEUTROGENA® Nourishing Long Wear Makeup

I was given a chance to try out the new Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Make-up through BzzAgent.  I don't usually wear lot of make-up, mostly because it can feel cakey or greasy after a few hours of wear.  However, the Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Make-up not only went on smooth, but was also breathable and did not cake up or get greasy.  I liked that this make-up had the added A, C, and E vitamins to help nourish my skin, as well as brighten my skin tone. I always appreciate it when my make-up can do double or triple duty.  The Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Make-up does just that, it not only functions as a concealer, but a foundation that improves your skin over time, and has a SPF 20 sunscreen as well.  Over the course of my time using Neutrogena's Nourishing Long Wear Make-up (about 1 month), I have noticed my skin to have a more even tone, and is very smooth.  Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Make-up also comes in a variety of shades, making it super simple to match to your skin color, even if you are super pale like me.  :)  Overall I give Neutrogena's Nourishing Long Wear Make-up an A+, and highly recommend that you go try it for yourself!

I am a BzzAgent, and received this item for free to try, however, all opinions expressed are my own.

March Goals Update

Another good month with lots of progress made.  Some of my goals won't get crossed off until December, but that's okay, I really want to work on perfecting those.  Here's how March went down...

Household:

1. Prepare a Nursery! - Almost done.  With only 5 days left until Baby Rogers is due, this is at the top on my to-do list daily.  I'm hoping to be done by the end of the week, so I can finally post some pictures!  We were able to clean out a LOT of junk, purchase a dresser, and get it completely organized.  We also have all the clothes and cloth diapers washed and folded.  It feels so good to have this almost finished!  :-)
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. - Joe and I altered the way we normally do our Spring cleaning.  I followed the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge on Money Saving Mom, and the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge at White House Black Shutters.  I feel good about all that got cleaned, and all the junk that got removed.  I'm continuing the 40 Bags challenge into April, so the result post will be coming next month. 

Family:

1. Give birth to baby Rogers, and be the best mom I can be! - Not there yet.
2. Try every day to be a loving wife.  Some days this is harder than others. :-) - I continued to try and do something to make Joe happy every day.  Some days were easy, others were hard.  Overall, I'm making progress, and it is getting easier. 
3. Take a trip to Maine in June with the hubby, and the baby. - Not there yet.
4. Get together with family at least once a month.  (probably for dinner) - We got together with our families on the 8th for my baby shower.  It was lovely!  My sister and niece also came over for dinner one night to visit, and brought me a wonderful used glider another night from my niece's boyfriend's grandmother, and stayed to visit then too.  It will be so nice for when the baby arrives!

Blogging:

1. Have 2 Freezer/Pantry Challenges (January and July), post updates on the blog, and defrost the chest freezer - One down, one to go!
2. Post my Menu Plan, Aldi Deals, 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, or a frugal find. - I did really good with this one.  I did my regular posts every week, plus I posted a Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday recipe post every week, and posted several shopping trips throughout the month.  I joined Crystal's 4 Weeks to a more Organized Home challenge, and posted the monthly update here.  I also joined in the 40 bags in 40 days challenge, and blogged about it, the results post will be done in April since the challenge doesn't end until then.
3. Plan and execute a 31 days post for October. - Not there yet.

Health:

1. Lose at least 20 lbs (I did accomplish losing 20 lbs in 2013 as well, so it seems doable) - Not even starting this until after the baby is born in April
2. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy, and do exercise of some kind everyday. - I drank plenty of water, ate a LOT of veggies, and fruit, and did my hip physical therapy exercises everyday.

Financial:

1. Do at least 6 Flea Markets throughout the year, and list at least monthly on Amazon. - Joe set up at a tool show with some other guys, and without me on the 15th.  He was able to move some inventory and made enough to cover my contacts for the year.  I did another large listing of books on Amazon. 
2. Earn Swagbucks everyday by completing the daily poll, toolbar log-in, and NOSO offers daily. - did this every day, plus I used the SBTV feature and the offers on the homepage to earn additional Swagbucks.  I earned 4 - $5 Amazon Gift Cards.
3. Set a monthly budget, and coupon and deal shop as needed to stay within our budget. - It was nice to start the month out $49 ahead.  I still ended up going over by $1.23, but that might have been in coins, since I don't keep them separated between the different budgets.  I'm still pleased with all that I was able to purchase, and I feel stocked-up and prepared for the baby's arrival.  I posted the totals for the month here.
4. Pay off my credit card by June, and start putting extra onto Joe's credit card every month.  We won't have his paid off this year, but we'll be on the right track to have it paid off within the next year or two.  :) - Still working on this.

Hobby-Related:

1. Catch up my scrapbook.  I'm only about 8 years behind, but I think once I get rolling on it, I should be able to push through and get it done by the end of the year. ;) I also want to start one for the baby, and work on it monthly. - Haven't started this one yet, and probably won't until we get the nursery finished, first thing's first.
2. Try something new at least twice a month and blog about it.  I have a LOT of new recipes and crafts I want to try, and this is the year! - I tried several new recipes this month, and blogged about them here, here, here, and here.

 Linked to Money Saving Mom!

 

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Monthly Recap

Over the course of March I participated in Money Saving Mom's 4 Weeks to a more Organized Home Challenge.  Each day there was one or two cleaning tasks, as well as the goal of removing at least 7 items of clutter per day.  Being 8 months pregnant I decided to forgo my heavy Spring deep clean in favor of this challenge's simplicity.  I am pleased with the cleaning I was able to accomplish as well as all of the items that got decluttered, and are now out of my life forever - so freeing!  Here's a summary and links to how the month went...

• Day #1: Quick House Pick-up and Purse Clean-out - 7
• Day #2: Quick Kitchen Pick-up and Refrigerator Clean-out - 7
• Day #3: Quick Bedroom Pick-up and Freezer Clean-out - 7
• Day #4: Quick Bathroom Pick-up and Cleaning under the Bed - 7
• Day #5: Cleaning the Couch - 7+
• Day #6: Quick House Pick-up and Car Clean-out - 14
• Day #7: Baseboards and a Dresser Drawer - 8
• Day #8: Door Handles and Dresser Drawer #2 - 22
• Day #9: Quick Bathroom Pick-up and Light Switch Plates - 7
• Day #10: Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures and Burnt-out Bulbs - 7
• Day #11: Quick House Pick-up and the Silverware Drawer - 7+
• Day #12: Microwave and Stove Top - 10
• Day #13: Quick Bedroom Pick-up and the top of the fridge - 23
• Day #14: Mirrors and Utensil Drawers - 7
• Day #15: Computer Screens - 100+
• Day #16: Quick House Pick-up and Vacuuming the Air Vents - 50
• Day #17: Quick Bathroom Pick-up and Cleaning the Kitchen Cupboards - 9
• Day #18: Vacuuming and Cleaning the Closets - 7
• Day #19: Cleaning the Windows, curtains, and Sills -50+
• Day #20: Cleaning out the Medicine and First Aid Drawers - 38

Total Items Decluttered: Over 394 items -- Wow!