Weekly Spending Report: 07/10-16/2016

This week I was able to stock up on some AWESOME deals, including Benefiber, frozen TV dinners, and fresh produce!  We didn't really need a whole lot this week, just some breakfast, lunch, and snack items, so I decided to take advantage of a few sales while I was out.  I spent a little more than I like to, but I am VERY pleased with what I was able to walk out of the stores with.  Here's how the week went...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $17.30 oop, Earned $12 ECB's ($10 Benefiber, $2 Powerade)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $24.53 oop

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $32.66 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate* (Luna Bar)

Total OOP: $74.49
Total Earned: $12.25
Total Remaining for July: $228.95
*Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

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

Menu Plan Monday: 07/11/2016

This weekend marked our 4th week in the RV.  The renovations should be completed this coming weekend, so I am hoping that by next week we are moved back in.  However, I am growing accustomed to our trailer and living there full-time.  It is so nice to spend the afternoons outside in the quiet while Howard naps - it is very rejuvenating for me!  We are staying busy with outings and time at the playground, plus my work schedule.  I am still keeping our menu on the simple side since I don't have a ton of space to cook in.  Here's what's cooking 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, PB and J Waffle Sandwiches, and/or Egg Salad or BLT Sandwiches
•  Dinners:
• Sunday - Crock-pot Pork Chops and Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Broccoli

• Monday - Chick-fil-a at the playground
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Salad

• Thursday - Pizza

• Friday - Take-out after a day working at Pap's house
• Saturday - Crock-pot Taco Salads

  For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 07/03-09/2016

My shopping was a little all over the place this week.  I was running late on Sunday so I didn't get to go shopping until evening, and by then ALDI was closed.  I also hadn't planned to go to CVS this week, until I looked at the amount of diapers I had left in my stock-pile.  We are waiting until the renovations are done in the apartment and we are out of the RV before we start potty training Howard.  So after dinner, throughout the week, the three of us made short outings to stores.  It worked out pretty well actually.  Here's how my spending broke-down over this past week...

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $29.51 oop

• Tuesday's ALDI Trip: $28.76 oop (included, but not pictured are 7 gallons of H2O)

• Wednesday's BJ's Trip: $33.64 oop (sorry no picture, but it included 2-4 packs of apple juice, 3 packages of Crystal Light sticks, and a large bag of potato chips)
• Saturday's CVS Trip: $17.48 oop, Earned $10 ECB's

Total OOP: $109.39

Total Earned: $10

Total Remaining for July: $303.44

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

A Toddler Diaper Bag - Deconstructed

Our diaper bag is a Vera Bradley computer tote that was given to us when we found out that we were expecting.  I loved the beautiful bright colors, the shoulder strap, and all of the pockets that were inside and out.  Plus it was free!  This bag has served us well over the past two year, and is still going strong.  I thought it might be fun to show what I keep in the diaper bag for our now two-year old.  I know there are many moms who look forward to ditching the diaper bag, but I LOVE knowing that I have everything that I need, for any kind of mishap, within arms reach.  Knowing that I have the supplies I might need gives me confidence when I am out and about with my little one; I know that I am as prepared as I can be.  I have found that preparedness is one of the keys to having a smooth outing with a toddler. 

On the outside of our diaper bag we have a zip pocket on one side and a snap pocket on the other.  Here's the snap side...

Because this side snaps, and can easily be opened, I tuck the items below in the little slots and pockets on the inside of the pocket so I don't accidentally lose them.  In this pocket I keep some crayons, a slinky, and some baby nail clippers.

Here's the outside zip pocket...

In this pocket I keep a spare outfit - pants, tee shirt, and socks, as well as a Ziploc bag with some baby Motrin, baby Tylenol, gas drops, the dispensers for each medicine, and some sunscreen.  It is very important to use a zip-top bag for your medicines.  Do not ask me how I know this.  But I will share that baby Tylenol is super sticky, and incredibly hard to clean out of a pocket.

The inside of the diaper bag is super roomy.  There are two pockets on the one side, a middle section, and a pocket on the other side with a Velcro closure.  Then the whole thing zips shut, so you can cram that bad-boy full of stuff and it all stays inside.

Inside the Velcro side we keep diapers, some stacking cups, sunglasses, and a light up toy that Howard just loves.  Yes, we keep a LOT of diapers in our diaper bag.  Joe, Howard, and I have the tendency to go away for 10 or 12 hours at a time, so Howard will sometimes use all 10 diapers that I keep packed . 

On the opposite side there are two pockets, one pocket holds some Clorox wipes for dirty tables and high chairs, baby wipes, and baby powder.

The second pocket holds a bib, toddler fork and spoon, and of course, snacks.  I always carry two different kinds - something salty and something sweet.  Today it was pretzels and apple puffs (which are from the Dollar Tree and Howard LOVES them).  Snacks are another important item to have on hand to avoid toddler meltdowns in the middle of the store. 

In that open middle section I keep the changing mat - which is the best $11 I think I have ever spent (this one is similar*).  The changing mat has a holder for bags.  I buy the doggie bags at the Dollar Tree and they work just as well for stinky diapers as the more expensive diaper-specific ones they sell at Target and Walmart.  I also keep the coloring pack there as well.  I found this at the Dollar Tree, and it has been a wonderful addition!  There are 8 large crayons - perfect for toddler hands - and 72 pages to color, for a buck, and everything is contained!  

 

Here's a peek at the inside when it is all nicely packed and ready to roll.

 I hope that there is something beneficial that all you diaper bag-toting parents can glean from this post. 

Let me know what item you find most beneficial to keep packed in your diaper bag in the comments below...

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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!