New year equals big plans.

In November this year my husband and I sat down and made a budget. Bad time of year to do that Christmas had different ideas. This year I am determined to stick to it. Last year a friend of mine introduced me to coupons. I thin I am finally at a point where I am comfortable using them and saving a ton of money. I have begun stockpiling things and am loving it. As a stay at home mom with four children every dime I can save is worth it to me.

The one thing I am not telling my hubby is exactly how much I am saving. I am going to be putting a small amount into a seperate acount. This coming December we will be married 10 years and I would like to save up a little money so we can do something special.

So here is what I bought today so you can see exactly how much I am saving,

Walgrees

chex mix is on sale for 0.099
I bought 5
I used 0.50 off of 2 (2)
which made my total 4.00 plus tax.
I then got 3.50 register rewards.

Which made it 0.50 plus tax for all 5.

My next purchase was pantene pro v shampoo and conditioner.
on sale this week 2 for 7 with a 2.00 RR
I then used a 3.00 off 2 coupon from last sundays paper
I also used my 3.50 RR from the chex mix.

Out of pocket I spent under a dollar and walked out with 2.oo in RR

I know I am not getting better at blogging. I have been making things I promise I somehow lost the battery charger for my camera. I am looking forward to a new year and a new schedule. I am planning on sticking to a schedule and a budget this year. Now that I have this coupon thing situated I think I can really do this. The kids have recently started saving money for a vacation in which we have told them we would match so we will this where this adventure takes us.

Christopher started school this week so I have a few hours to myself everyday which will hopefully get me blogging more. Eric started his therapy at U of M this week. I am glad we are finally getting somewhere on a diagnosis although not looking forward to driving over an hour once a week in the snow.

I finally got around to arranging my coupons.Here is my shopping plan for cvs this thursday/friday. Ontop of this each day you use your reusable cvs bag you get a credit and after 4 uses you earn an extra dollar :)



Transaction 1:

Gillette Odor Shield Deodorant 2.6oz for $4
Use $2 Gillette Deodorant P&G 10/31/2010

Carmex Lip Balm 0.15-0.35oz for $0.99
Use $0.30 Carmex Lip Balm SS 11/7/10

Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste 6oz for $3.99
Use $1 Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste Printable

Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste 6oz for $3.99
Use $1/1 Colgate Total or Colgate Sensitive 4.0 or larger SS 11/14

CASH: $8.67 + tax
EXTRA BUCKS RECEIVED: $4+$0.99 +$7.98
MERCHANDISE VALUE: $12.97 sale priced


Transaction 2:

2 Listerine Pocketpaks 3pk. for $2.99 x 2=5.98
Use 1 -- Listerine Pocketpaks, 24 ct+, … or Listerine Essential Care TP $0.50 SS 8/1/2010
1 -- Listerine Pocketpaks, 24ct+, … or any Listerine Essential Care Toothpaste $0.50 RP 10/10/2010

2 Herbal Essences Hydralicious Shampoo or Conditioner 10.1oz for 2 x $3.99 =7.98
Use $1/2 Herbal Essences or Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner P&G 10/10

Advil PM 4ct for $0.99
Use $4+$0.99 +$7.98 ECB from transaction 1

CASH: $0 + tax
EXTRA BUCKS RECEIVED: $5.98+7.98+$0.99
MERCHANDISE VALUE: $14.95 sale priced


Transaction 3:

L.A. Looks Styling Gel 20oz for $2.99

Eucerin Daily Skin Balance Body lotion for $6.99
use $1 Eucerin Printable
or $1.00 Eucerin hand or body product 2oz - 16.9 oz RP 11/7

Excedrin Migraine, PM, or Extra Strength 8ct for $0.99

Renpure Organics Shampoo, Conditioner, 13.5oz or Amazing Miracle Reconstructor 8oz for $4.99

Use $5.98+7.98+$0.99ECB from transaction 2

CASH: $0.01 + tax
EXTRA BUCKS RECEIVED: $2.99+$6.99+$0.99+$4.99
MERCHANDISE VALUE: $15.96 sale priced


Transaction 4:

Philips In-ear headphones or Universal remote control for $6.99

5 Reese's Singles 1.4-2oz for 5 x $0.79= $3.95

Renpure Organics Shampoo, Conditioner, 13.5oz or Amazing Miracle Reconstructor 8oz for $4.99

Use $2.99+$6.99+$0.99+$4.99 ECB from transaction 3

CASH: $0.00 + tax
EXTRA BUCKS RECEIVED: $6.99+$3.95+$4.99
MERCHANDISE VALUE: $15.93 sale priced


Transaction 5:

5 Mars King Size Assorted 1.94-3.63oz for $1.59 x 5 = $7.95

Buy an item that costs up to $0.99, maybe a 99 cent Hallmark card or print a few family pictures from Thanksgiving to send in cards

Use $3.95+$4.99ECBs from transaction 4

CASH: $0 + tax
EXTRA BUCKS RECEIVED: $ 7.95
MERCHANDISE VALUE: $8.94 sale priced

Transaction 6:

Sarah Peyton Wellness: 4pc personal spa set. Hot or cold applications for $9.88

Xtra 2x Laundry detergent 28 loads For 1.99 (there are reports of $1/1 coupons in blinkie machines at Dollar General for this if you have access to them)

Buy an item that costs up to $3.07, maybe Hallmark cards or select toys that are B1G1.

Use $6.99 ECB from Transaction 4
$7.95 ECB from Transaction 5

CASH: $0 + tax
EXTRA BUCKS RECEIVED: $5 + $1
MERCHANDISE VALUE: $14.94 sale priced


TOTAL CASH: $8.68 tax
EXTRA BUCKS REMAINING: $5 + $1 = $6
MERCHANDISE VALUE: $83.69 sale priced

Pineapple barbeque pulled pork recipe.

I found this recipe on a blog along time ago and saved it. I cannot remember whose blog I found it on but I love the recipe. I know I have not uploaded a picture yet but hey at least I POSTED TWO DAYS IN A ROW :)


2 lbs country style boneless pork ribs, fat trimmed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 c. water
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 c. pineapple, chopped
1 c. BBQ sauce
8 rolls

Throw in all of the ingredients except BBQ sauce into a large crock-pot set on low and cook for at least 8 hours.
In the last hour dump out the fat from the crock-pot, add BBQ sauce and continue to cook for another hour.

I do not know why I cannot stick to this blogging thing.

I never knew being a stay at home mom would turn into a taxi service. Thankfully I have today off from driving. Three of the four kids are home sick. (quiet too thats how I know they are still truly not feeling well)

I have found myself blog surfing,couponing,overbooking myself daily for months now. I have decided to limit my computer time. The kids have to so if they can do it so can I. Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to lately.



Since we do have four children we have been making one sunday a month to either do one on one days or we take two out for an afternoon of fun. We recently took the older two skating and they had a blast. We skated for almost four hours. Boy were my legs sore the next day.


Right now I am in the process of planning a mad hatter tea party foe Eric and Corinas birthday. I will post pics with in the next few weeks. I am pulling out my cricut cake and doing a practice cake this week. Hopefully it turns out great. It was quite the investment for us and if I don't start using it my hubby may try and return me! Just kidding.

School

School is in session. I am hoping now that I only have one at home all day I will able to do a few more things. This summer I decided to have a lot of quality time with my kids. We had a great summer full of camping,dreams and wings progra, fishing,parks,picnics Lake Mi and so on. I will post a few pics now then tomorrow post about our adventures in jam making.

$.50 Or Less Shopping Thru 7/24

I came across this on a blog and saved it not sure which one but thanks for the info.


Get the best deals at Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart and Target with this updated list. A few items slightly over $.50 are included if it's a really great deal. If you're new to couponing and don't understand the abbreviations and lingo, click on the BEGINNERS tab from the navigation bar near the top of the screen.

WALGREENS
School Supplies
$.09
-Wooden Ruler
-2 Pocket Folder
-Highlighter

$.29
-1 subject Penway notebook 60-70 sheet
-2 pack Penway pink erasers
-10 pack Corner Office sheet protectors

$.49
-3 pk Penway glue sticks, 1 jumbo glue stick or 4 oz glue
-Splash Poly portfolio
-School box
-5 pack Bic highlighters (-$1/2 from 8/9 SS = FREE)

Pilot G2 pens $1.19
-$1 from July coupon booklet
-$1 printable HERE - coupon goes to your inbox
Final Price: FREE

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese $.69 (with insert coupon)
-$.55/2 printable HERE - play until you get 500 points then redeem for coupon
Final Price: $.42 each

Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor $9.89
-$5 ECB
-$4 from 6/6 PG
Final Price: $.89

Pampers wipes $2.49
-$2 from 6/6 PG
Final Price: $.49

Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 5.8 oz $3.49
-$3.49 RR
-$1 from 6/27 SS or $.75 printable HERE
Final Price: FREE with $.75-$1 profit

Revlon beauty tools from $1.59, B1G1 50% off = 2/$2.39
-$1 from 7/18 SS, use two
Final Price: 2/$.39

(2) Nutri Grain bars $5
-$2 register reward (received at checkout)
-$.75 from 7/11 RP insert, use two
Final Price: 2/$1.50 or $.75 each

Dentyne gum $1.29
-$.99/3 from July coupon booklet
-$1 from 6/13 SS - extras HERE
Final Price: FREE

Celsius Tea 4-pk $4.99
-$3 RR - month long
-$2 printable HERE or $3 from 4/25 or 5/16 SS
Final Price: FREE with possible overage

CVS
M&M Chocolate Pretzel candy 2/$1
-$1 ECB on two
-$.75/2 from 6/20 SS (valid Sun 7/18 only) or
-B1G1 free from 6/27 RP
Final Price: two for FREE with $.50-$.75 profit

Werther's 2/$3
-$.50-$1 from 5/9 SS (coupon amount varied by region
Final Price:$.50- $1 each

Mentos $1.79, B1G1 free
-$1/2 from 7/18 SS
Final Price: 2/$.79

Paper Mate grip pen 8-pk 3/$1

Ivory bar soap 3-pk $.99
-$1/2 from 6/6 PG
Final Price: $.49

Bioluxe and Renpure Organics hair care B1G1 free
-look for TRY ME FREE hangtags or tearpads
Final Price: two for FREE

Celsius Green Tea 4-pk $7.99
-$7.99 ECB
$2 printable HERE or $3 from 4/25 or 5/16 SS
Final Price: FREE with $2-$3 profit

CVS Pantiliners 22-ct $.50
-$1 ECB on two
Final Price: two for FREE

RITE AID
Duracell Batteries 8-pk AA or AAA $4.99
{Scenario}
(5) Duracell 8-pks $24.95
-$.50-$1 from 7/4 PG (coupon amt varied by region)
-$5/$20 Rite Aid printable
-$1 UP reward - limit is 1 per transaction
-$10 SCR #10 when you spend $20+
Final Price: $3.95-$6.45 for 40 BATTERIES!

Sundown Naturals vitamins & supplements B1G1 free
-$3/2 printable HERE
-$2 UP rewards on two
Final Price: find two products for $5 or less and they are FREE

Soy Joy bars 5/$5
-B1G1 free from 5/23 SS
Final Price: $.50

Colonaide Cleansing Kit $22.99
-$22.99 SCR #17
Final Price: FREE

Dulcolax Balance $9.99
-$9.99 SCR #18
-$4 from 5/16 SS or $5 from May ALL YOU magazine
Final Price: FREE with $4-$5 profit

Cryostat $8.99
-$8.99 SCR #14
-$2 printable HERE
Final Price: FREE with $2 profit

Smooth Move herbal tea $3.69
-$3.69 SCR #23
-$2 printable HERE
Final Price: FREE with $2 profit

Zegerid OTC $10
-$3 in-ad coupon
-$7 UP rewards
-$4 from 6/20 SS
-$3 Video Values coupon
Final Price: FREE with $7 profit*
*if you have the free-after-rebate form from 6/20 SS insert you can make even more profit!
alright already, I'll buy it!

M&Ms single serve 2/$1
-$.75/2 from 7/11 RP or
-B1G1 free free 6/27 RP
Final Price: 2/$.25-$.50

Oral B Crossaction toothbrush $2.99
-$1.50 UP rewards
-$2 from 7/4 PG
Final Price: FREE with $.50 profit

TARGET
Bic Cristal ball point pens $.60
-$1/2 from 8/9 SS or $1/2 Target printable HERE
Final Price: $.10

St Ives body wash travel size $.99
-$.50-$1 from 7/18 SS (coupon amount was regional)
Final Price: $.49-FREE

Softsoap hand soap from $.97
-$.50 printable HERE
Final Price: $.47

Right Guard travel size deodorant $.97
-$2/2 printable HERE
Final Price: FREE

Aquafresh Bubblemint kids toothpaste $1.62
-$1 printable HERE
Final Price: $.62

Tresemme hair spray $1.47
-$1 printable HERE
Final Price: $.47

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese blue box $.69 (price cut thru 8/14)
-$.55/2 printable or B2G1 free printable when you play the game HERE
Final Price: $.42 each
(thanks, Totally Target!)

Stride Gum
-B1G1 free Target printable HERE
-B1G1 free from 5/16 SS
Final Price: two for FREE

Olay beauty bar single size $.99 (travel section)
-$1 from 7/4 PG
Final Price: FREE

WALMART
Yoplait Greek Yogurt $.50
-$.30 printable HERE and HERE
Final Price: $.20

Dole bag salad from $1.47
-$1 printable HERE when you play the game (most zip codes)
Final Price: $.47

Chef's Requested Steak $3.28
-$3 printable HERE
Final Price: $.28

Bordon Singles Sensations $1.88
-$1 printable HERE (PDF)
Final Price: $.88

Kellogg's Cinnabon cereal $2
-$1 printable HERE
Final Price: $1*
*some boxes marked TRY ME FREE will make this a $1 money maker after rebate

Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta $1.27
-$.75 printable HERE
Final Price: $.52

Right Guard travel size deodorant $.97
-$2/2 printable HERE
Final Price: FREE

Pull Ups Flushable Wipes $1.67
-$1 printable HERE
Final Price: $.67

Tucks Take Along Wipes $2.74
-$3 printable HERE (IE) or HERE (FF)
-$5/2 printable HERE (IE) or HERE (FF)
Final Price: FREE



Read more: http://www.momsbyheart.net/2009/12/50-or-less-shopping-thru-12.html#ixzz0u9bIJLuS

summer

I am hoping once the school year starts I will get better at this than I have been. Three of the four kiddos will be in school. We have kept pretty busy this summer so my projects all remain incomplete. I find myself finding so many awesome blogs that I spend the day blog hopping saving a bunch of ideas then starting each of them. Today I am going to make a daily schedule in hopes to keep on track. Its also a day of reaaranging the cabinets in my kitchen. Lucky me right. I am only doing this because i am a sucker for kitchen appliances and just bought a waffle cone maker. I am so excited and cannot wait to make homemade waffle cones. For some reason I am not able to upload a picture I click the box and nothing comes up. I hope to add pictures soon.

well.....

I know it has been far too long since I have posted. We are really enjoying summer so much that my projects have been on hold. That and trying to find a new house. Things have been a mess around here. What can I say having four kids sure keeps me busy. LOL

Our town has a be a tourist in your own town day. I took advantage and took my older two kids. Here is a picture of them at the zoo.



Next up roller sakting at our local rink. Needless to say we have been customers ever since. We LOVED it!

park playdates.

Today we decided it would be fun to take the kids to the park. Well I knew there were a ton of projects I could be working on. I still decided iot was play time. My kids will only being little for so long. Here are some of my favorite pictures.

Blog hopping.

I have to say that I have been in such a slump lately. Not quite sure if it was the winter months here in Michigan. With that said I have been blog hopping for the past few weeks and it has helped. I have decided to make things for my house. I never knew you could do so much with spray paint and glaze. Here is a preview of things I have been painting :)

Homemade fruit snacks

I was blog surfing and came across a blog with a recipe for hommemade fruit snacks using chocolate candy molds which I happen to have a ton of. I thought this is perfect. I will show you a few pictures than post the recipe.

All we needed was 1 -3 oz box of flavored gelatin and 2 - 1/4 oz packages of unflavored gelatin, water and candy molds. (we used two candy molds)
Place 1/3 cup water in a small sauce pan. Sprinkle the Jello and unflavored gelatin over the water. Let sit 5 - 10 minutes. (If you like chewier gummi candy add in another packet of unflavored gelatin.)

Place sauce pan over medium heat and stir until gelatin is dissolved, about 2-5 minutes. When mixture is liquid and all gelatin has dissolved, remove from heat. Let cool a minute and then pour into a container that is easy to pour from. I use a small ceramic creamer pitcher.

Fill molds. If you save the inside of the advent calendar for projects like do, it works perfect! The sheet of star molds worked a bit better than the bears because they are a bit deeper. However, I must say we were just needing an activity so our standards were pretty low--- we thought they all turned out great!
Allow to cool completely, about 20 minutes. They may be placed in a refrigerator for about 10 minutes if the kids are eager.

Once cool, the backs can be lightly dusted with corn starch, if desired.
Notes: My son felt the blue ones weren't flavorful enough. Next time we will try 2 boxes Jello, 3 packages of unflavored gelatin and 1/2 cup water.

sleepover

Last night Adriana had a little friend spend the night I knew I had to have something fun for them to do. I went to the store and bouht chipboard album kits for the girls to make. Then I went ahead and decided we would use the left over paper to make washer necklaces. Needless to say they had a blast. Here are some pictures from last night.

earrings.

So I recently went to a local bead shop with my moms group and have to say that I loved it. I made a bracelet and some earrings. I decided to go back and buy a bunch more beads to make more earrings. so here is the start to a few more pairs of earrings.

Bow holder for my girls room. I was stroling around our local goodwill the other day and saw a shelf with a frame behind it. I knew i could turn it into something. This is what I came up with.

lampwork bead eqarrings.

I recently made some earrings which I have to say that I absolutly love. Here is a picture there are many more to come. Although this is not a very good picture.

On a total different topic. The cricut cake is being realeased tonight on HSN. I have the smaller cricut and am debating on ordering the expression although now with the cake coming out I am not sure what I am planning on ordering. I will post tomorrow what I have decided.

So life happens.

I have been in a slump lately. Joined a moms group to keep me busy. Our daughter Corina has been having some medical issues. Hence me being MIA. I have a ton of craft ideas that I want to make shortly so I will keep posted on my journey. Here is some of what we have been doing this winter.

This week had definatly been a rough week for me. This is our youngest daugter about a year ago she was diagnosed with pdd nos. Which is on the autism spectrum. With a lot of thereapy and proper school she was doing great. They are planning on mainstreaming her next year to a kindergarden classroom at our local Montessori school. I have noticed she has been a little off lately. Well the Dr's think she maybe having seizures. We were seen at uor office yesterday and were told she need an eeg asap. So today I spent the majority of the day at the hospital. Needless to say crafting has not been a priority this week but I will be back sunday with something to share.

Here is a recipe n the mean time. It is a tortilla soup recipe I am making for an upcoming freezer meal swap with a local moms group.
Chicken Tortilla Soup

Shredded or chopped chicken 2-1/2 C
Enchilada sauce mix 1 packet
Canned tomato puree 28 ozs
Water 2 1/2 cups
Canned chopped green chilies 4 ozs
Chopped onion 1 1/2 cups
Minced garlic 1 t.
Chicken broth 1 3/4 c
Chili powder 2 t.
Salt /2 t.
black pepper 1/4 t.
Chopped fresh cilantro 1 T.
Frozen corn 10 oz
Corn tortillas 4

Assembly Directions:

Slow Cooker: Place all the ingredients except corn in a slow cooker. Stir to mix. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Stovetop: Place all ingredients except corn in a large stock pot. Stir to mix. Bring to a rolling boil. Turn down to medium and cook for 20 minutes or until the onions are tender but not mushy.



Freezing Directions:

Cool. Add corn to soup and stir to mix. Pour into freezer container or freezer bag. Seal, label and freeze.



Serving Directions:

Thaw. Reheat; stirring often. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut tortillas into thin strips. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with oil. Arrange tortilla strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until strips are browned, stirring every 5 minutes. Cool and sprinkle on top of soup before serving.

so I am back with a few pictures.

Yesterday my frined Melissa came over so I roped her into helping make smore snowmen for our christmas tree. I am planning on changing the theme of my christmas tree to sweet treats next year. So the kids and I are making 1 new set of ornaments a month between now and then.

After that The kids made valentines cookies out of craft foam for a garland we are making. I think they turned out pretty cute.

I finally got something accomplished!

Today we had a playdate at my house which went well. Considering my kids slept through it. Made a craft with the kids and also finally made the washer necklaces I have been meaning to make. I will post pictures tomorrow I am still waiting on the crystal effects to dry.

So I really am trying.

This is my picture of the day. I love how the two of them fell asleep. Today was a very good day we spent the afternoon at impression 5 science center then had dinner. This evening Adriana and I attended her friends baptism at Trinity church. I can honestly say I have never been to a church like that it was great. I left there feeling very refreshed.Well another busy day toorrow although I do hope to get some stamping done. Oh and a trip to our local caft store have to start early on our christmas ornaments if I want a brand new themed christmas next year.

So I am awful at this.

But seeing as I want to take a picture a day we are going to try this again.

This is a picture of the two older ones at our christmas eve mass. Eric is making his first communion this year so he was able to be a king. I have recently joined a moms group and feel like my life is getting back on track. I have decided to do more homeschool activitires with my children and do once a month cooking. It has worked out well for us. Now that I don't just throw something together quick we are eating heathier and Adriana & I have gotten less headaches.

Now onto a picture of things I have been working on. I should mention I have been slacking in that department as well. This is a page that our disney pictures will sometime make themselves into. I am off to work on some playdate activities and birthday invitations for Christophers third birthday.