Menu Plan Monday: 07/04/2016

This past weekend marked our third week in the RV.  We are hoping that the renovations will be complete this week, then we can move back into our apartment and stop eating 'RV-friendly' foods, but only time will tell.  I had to work today, but with all the rain, the museum decided to close early.  Not only do I get the evening off, but I still got to enjoy some of the fun food they had here at the event - that's what I call a win-win!  It's been warming up here in Maryland, and the humidity has finally decided to stay I think, so I kept my menu fairly 'light' for this week.  When it's sticky and hot out, I really don't feel like eating or cooking heavy foods.  Here's what cooking in the Rogers' RV this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, PB Toast, and/or Luna Bars for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, Fruit and Grain Bars, and/or Peanut Butter Fiber Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Leftovers, Canned Soup, Salad, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, and/or PB and J Waffle Sandwiches
•  Dinners:
• Sunday - Buffalo Wild Wings while running errands
• Monday - Joe and I shared a free Pit Beef Sandwich and French Fries; Howard would only eat French Fries because he was being grumpy.  I also got a vanilla custard when I got off work :-)
• Tuesday -Take-out while running errands - part 2
• Wednesday - Crock-pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Baked French Fries
• Thursday - Leftovers or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Veggie Dippers
• Friday - Subs from a Steam Show we are going to for the day.  Or Country Ham sandwiches.  The place we buy them from does both, we eat some for lunch and take the rest home for dinner. 
• Saturday - Pizza Night!

For more AWESOME menu plans, visit Org Junkie!

Goals Update: June 2016

 

June started off with so much promise - a lighter work load, less pre-scheduled tours, no teas - but then our apartment became a war-zone of renovations and we were sequester to the trailer until further notice.  Ah-yah-yah.  It's been rough for our little guy to get adjusted.  He is loving all the outside playtime, but is very confused about bedtime since he has only ever slept in a swing and the crib.  A bunk bed is a lot to get use to apparently.  We are making it work for now.  Cleaning is a breeze since our living area is so small, but our living area is SO SMALL!  Hence why we spend a LOT of time outdoors, thank God the weather is cooperating.  I didn't get a whole lot done in June for obvious reasons, but some goals are chugging along nicely regardless, so there is that.  Without further ado, here is how things progressed in June...

Personal:

• Lose 20 lbs (about 1.5 lbs a month) -  I have lost 11 1/2 pounds!  I started using the 'My Fitness Pal' app last month, and it is amazing how many calories some foods have in them.  I'm not really watching my calories per-say because I am not 'dieting,' but instead trying to make this weight-loss journey life-long and sustainable.  That being said, I do find it helpful to track my exercise each day, what I ate and how much, as well as my water intake.  I think that seeing everything in black-and-white helps me make better food choices throughout the day.  
• Exercise 292 days - In May I exercised 26 out of 31 days.  For a total of 149 for the year.  I'm right on track with this goal!  I feel great, and actually look forward to exercising everyday - probably because I binge watch YouTube videos while I bike and do my stretches.  Whatever works, right?  Motivation is half the battle.  
• Drink at least 70 oz of water everyday - I did great with this goal in June.  The weather has started heating up, and I drink a LOT when I'm hot.  Basically as long as I keep the fridge stocked with water and lemon slices, I'm good to go!

 Financial:

• Coupon and deal shop to stick to my $350/month budget - I shared my budget update for June here.  If you click over, you can see all of the great things I was able to stock-up on while still staying $62.83 under budget!  This included tons of fresh produce, dry shampoo, 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 June because of the renovations, and living arrangements.  I am hoping to list a few things in July, that way if they don't sell I can take them to our next flea market in August.  January - Check (23), February - no check (0), March - Check (43), April - no check (1), May -no check (0), June - 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 July -- 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 completely organize our CD collection, get quite a few things painted, and I was able to make a dent in a few other things on my list.

Blogging:

• Post at least 3 times a week - I posted at least 3 times per week again in June.  All totaled I shared 15 posts in June, which averages to over 3 a week! 
• 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 - I had planned to do this in June, but our internet has been so spotty I just haven't gotten around to it yet.  We are moving back into our apartment next week, so I plan to get this done then.  

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...

June 2016 Budget Update

June was a crazy month.  Slower-paced at work, but our home-life was wild.  We had to move into our RV so that some renovations could be done in our apartment.  The updates will be nice when they are finished, but living in a trailer with a two-year-old has definitely not been fun.  Luckily the weather has cooperated for the most part so we have been able to spend a bunch of time outside, and at different playgrounds in our area - Howard is loving all the outdoor playtime.  I was so glad that we have been under budget for the past few months grocery-wise; we had built up a nice money cushion which we then proceeded to blow through this month.  I think I am finally getting into my full-time-RV-living groove, hopefully anyway.  Meal planning, food prep, and shopping while living the RV life are getting easier.  Below is my wrap-up for my June spending, it's a little all over the place, just like we are...

• Week #1: $105.69 oop, Earned $8.75 ECB's, $0.25 Mobisave Rebate, $0.25 Ibotta* Rebate, and $0.50 Checkout51 Rebate

• Week #2: $90.72 oop, Earned $10 Saving Star Rebate, $1 Ibotta Rebate*, $2.10 Mobisave Rebate, $0.50 Checkout51 Rebate, and $11 ECB's

• Week #3: $83.93 oop, Earned $5 ECB's, $0.20 Mobisave Rebate, and $1.50 Checkout51 Rebate

• Week #4: $80.91 oop, Earned $25 ECB's, $4.50 Checkout51 Rebate, $0.10 Mobisave Rebate, and $1 Saving Star Rebate

• Week #5: $49.81 oop, Earned $6 ECB's, and $1.45 Savingstar Rebate

Total OOP: $411.06
Total Earned: $79.10
Total Remaining from June: $62.83
*Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

Weekly Spending Report: 06/26-07/02/2016

This week ends June's budget - yay!  That means that next week I get a fresh start and a FULL grocery envelope!  We squeeked by under budget this month, which is a wonderful thing, but it was a close one.  I did a good bit of stocking up this month, and with living in the RV while some renovations were completed in our apartment, I also bought a good bit of convenience foods.  Let's just say that I am really looking forward to cooking in my 'real' kitchen again next week!  In July I am planning a pantry challenge of sorts to help us eat through some of our stores and make room to freeze some fresh produce from my dad's garden.  We didn't need much this week, but I definitely wanted to take advantage of the sunscreen deal at CVS, and I needed more Luna bars, so while I was out anyway, I picked up a few other things...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $13.75 oop, Earned $6 ECB's ($2 x 2 Coppertone, and $2 Garnier), and $1 Savingstar Rebate (Garnier)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $13.74 oop (included but not pictured are 2 gallons of H2O)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $22.32 oop, Earned $0.45 Savingstar Rebate (Apples)

Total OOP: $49.81
Total Earned: $7.45
Total Remaining from June: $62.83

Linked to Couponaholic, I heart Publix, and many more! 

Household Project List 2016 - June Update

 

There are some major renovations going on in the apartment so we are living in our trailer for awhile.  Because of this not a whole lot got crossed off my list in June.  On the other hand, this is probably the most organized our trailer has ever been; I'll have to post some pictures for you all.  We temporarily moved out half-way thru the month, so I did get a little work done, but not nearly as much as I would have liked since June was suppose to be a quieter month - I should have known that with our luck that would not be the case.  I am going to be hopefully that July will allow for more productivity, but until then 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 - We are going to have to put this on hold until the renovations are complete.
• Re-glue the wallpaper seams - We are going to have to put this on hold until the renovations are complete.
• 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. 
• 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 - We are going to have to put this on hold until the renovations are complete.
• 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 -- I finally finished the bookcase this month!  I am planning to finish the cedar chest in July.
• Go through the CD 3-drawer organizer and combine into a large CD case - Finished in June.  Below is how the project turned out -- the CD's take up S-O-O-O much less space without their cases.  I put them in alphabetical order for now, but we can change that later if we need to. 

• Install new curtain rods and tie backs; Hang new curtains - We are going to have to put this on hold until the renovations are complete.
• 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 - We are going to have to put this on hold until the renovations are complete.
• Bring in new chest of drawers (#2) - I still need to vacuum the drawers out and put Finish Feeder on the outside, but this will be done in July.
• 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 - We are going to have to put this on hold until the renovations are complete.
• 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 - I need to finish this up in July, but I am so close to being done!
• Buy an IKEA cube system, assemble, and organize -- We are waiting until the renovations are complete to purchase this since I will need space to assemble it; we'll also need to move the desk in the laundry room out before we can move this in.

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

What are you getting accomplished? 

Weekly Spending Report: 06/19-25/2016

This week just seemed to fly by.  I worked a good bit, and when I wasn't working, we were always on the go.  I am hoping that next week will have a slower pace; I could use the rest.  We are still hunkered down in the RV while the renovations are being completed in our apartment.  This has pushed back our potty-training timeline, so diapers were on the grocery list this week - at least I got a great deal on them!  I am pleased with what I was able to purchase for my money this week, even if it is more than I like to spend.  I am also very grateful for all the previous months when we were under budget for groceries, since that is providing us with the cushion we will need to stay within our budget for June.  Below are the deals I scored this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $14.07 oop, Earned $25 ECB's ($10 diapers, $5 lotion, $2 drinks, and $3 Ziploc), and $3 Checkout51 Rebate (Pamper's Cruisers)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $32.12 oop (included, but not pictured in 4 gallons of H2O, and 1 package of organic chicken breasts which were already in the crock-pot)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $34.74 oop, Earned $1.50 Checkout51 Rebate ($0.50 Luna Bar x 3), $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (frozen pizza), and $1 Saving Star Rebate (Mama Celeste Pizza)

Total OOP: $80.91
Total Earned: $30.60
Total Remaining for June: $112.64

Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more! 

Menu Plan Monday - 06/27/2016

We should be able to move back into the apartment this week!!!!  I love staying in the camper, but I'm ready for a very long, very hot, 'real' shower.  Tomorrow is the final inspection of the renovations, and if everything goes as planned, I should be able to clean tomorrow night and get us moved back in on Wednesday!  I'm just a little excited in case you couldn't tell.  I'm still keeping things super simple this week menu-wise - I am so looking forward to having a full kitchen again - RV cooking, while good, is getting a little redundant for me.  Here's what's on the menu this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, and PB Toast for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, Fruit and Grain Bars, and/or Peanut Butter Fiber Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Leftovers, Canned Soup, Salad, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, and/or PB and J Waffle Sandwiches
•  Dinners:
• Sunday - French Bread Pizza
• Monday - Burgers
• Tuesday - Subs (from the Amish Market we are going to that day - yummy!)
• Wednesday - Take-out
• Thursday - Crock-pot Pork Chops and Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Broccoli

 

• Friday - Crock-pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Baked French Fries
• Saturday - Crock-pot Pasta and Meatballs, Foccacia Bread, Green Beans

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Frugal Finds: June 2016 Edition

This month, along with some yard sales, we got to stop into the thrift store - twice!  I didn't find a whole lot, but I was able to pick up quite a few clothing items and a couple of books for Howard, as well as a few pieces of clothing for me.  We also found him a Dino train set, which he LOVES to play with in the trailer.  Howard hasn't quite figured the track part of the train yet, but he lines the cars up like a pro. 
Here's some of the AWESOME deals we found while thrifting....
Trip #1:

 1 Dino Train Set in the bag for Howard (this is basically a complete set!) $4.99
1 pair 3T Gray Sweatpants for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 pair 4T Jeans for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 pair 4T Blue Pants for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 4T TMNT Short Sleeve Tee for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 3T Green Short Sleeve Tee with a Pocket for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 5T Red and Gray Striped Short Sleeve Tee for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
 1 3T Orange and Blue Short Sleeve Tee with a Pocket for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
1 Blue-Gray Ruffled Sweater for  Me $4.99
1 4T TMNT Long Sleeve Tee for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 4T Blue Race Car Long Sleeve Tee for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
+ $0.30 Tax (for train set)
Total OOP: $21.19
(Saved $11 or 34%)

Trip #2:

1 Short Sleeved Purple T-shirt for Me $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49

 1 Denim Skirt for Me (NEW with Tags!) $5.99

1 pair 3T Olive Shorts for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99

1 pair 3T Fleece PJ's for Howard $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99

1 4T Long-Sleeve Gray and White Thermal Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49

1 4T Long-Sleeved Gray and Black Thermal Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49

2 books for Howard $0.99 each = $1.98

1 package of Sun Shades for the Car Windows $1.99

+$0.24 Tax

Total OOP: $17.66

(Saved $7.50 or 30%) 

Summer Decor Peek

 This year I kept my Summer decor super simple - with a rambunctious, two-year-old, little boy running around I figured it was a smart move on my part.  I love decorating, but little touches here and there to freshen things up is rapidly becoming my new style.  Above is my china cabinet; all I did was add some greenery sprigs, and a flag star, but those little touches really make a difference in how 'fresh' things look.  Below are a few more spaces in our home that I 'freshened' up for Summer.  I hope you enjoy these peeks into our decor and can glean some inspiration from them...

Also in the kitchen, I switched the flowers in my little rooster pitcher.

Right outside the kitchen in the hall, I changed my shelf decor a little.  I switched the porcelain flower arrangement that was my grandmother's for a cute little wooden patriotic house.  Oh, and that shelf, handmade by me circa 1997.

Howard's room got a little sign my mom painted added to the shelf above his crib (which, by the way, I have had SO much fun decorating these past two years).  

Lastly, by the front door we have an antique wardrobe that we keep our coats in.  On top, Joe displays some of his lanterns, and I add a little bit of seasonal decor in front of them.  The two Heinz tins were my mom's.  I especially love the one with the condiments on it - cracks me up every time I put it out for some reason.  

Have you put out any Summer decor yet?

What have you done recently to 'freshen' up your decor? 

Menu Plan Monday: 06/20/2016

We are still trailer-bound this week due to renovations in our apartment - whomp, whomp.  But we are making the best of the situation, and Howard is LOVING all of the outside playtime he's getting.  I am trying not to 'cook' too much because it heats the trailer up so bad, so I tried putting the crock-pot outside and it works wonderfully, plus the trailer stays cool.  Full-time RV living has quite the learning curve.  We are use to vacationing in the trailer for about 10 days, where we mostly eat out or have easy things like sandwiches, bagels, and grilled food, so RV meals that require actual cooking but are easy and require few ingredients are a bit foreign to me.  I'm starting to get the knack of things, but if you have any advice or recipes to share, please leave them in the comments below, because I need all the help I can get.  Below is the menu for this week, I kept things simple again, cause that's how I roll...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, and PB Toast for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, Fruit and Grain Bars, and/or Peanut Butter Fiber Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Leftovers, Canned Soup, Salad, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, PB and J Waffle Sandwiches, and/or Ham or Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwiches
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajitas, Fresh Tortilla Chips, Guacamole

• Monday - Chicken Fajita Dip (made from leftovers), Fresh Tortilla Chips
• Tuesday - Leftovers -- clean out the fridge!
• Wednesday - Take-out
• Thursday - Crock-pot Pork Chops and Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Green Beans

• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Pizza Night!

 

 

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!