We made it..........

Wow that was one long drive.  8 hours in the car but we made it.  We checked into our hotel and made our way to attempt to find the place that was holding our tickets.  I guess I never realized how busy the Orlando Florida area would be. We managed to find a Walmart so we could buy our groceries for the week. We are very blessed that our hotel has a full kitchen:)  That is one of the reasons we picked this hotel plus we are staying here for free- Yea!!

I am not sure if it is pure excitement or not sleeping in my own bed but I have not been able to sleep past 6 am.  Yesterday, I got up before 5 am and this morning I was up and showered ready to start my day before 6 am.

Today's plans I do believe are to eat breakfast- the hotel we are staying at has a free hot breakfast every morning:)  Then we have to locate the Lowes down here to do the Build and Grow event.  I think we are going to try to go to Sea World today- what fun:)  I hope to take lots of pictures, that I will of course share with you all.


Have a blessed and safe day where ever your travels take you:)

Our family winter trip

I know you all have been patiently awaiting to hear where we will be going on our family winter trip.  Normally, we go and spend winter break with my inlaws in NC.  But this year, we were very blessed to be able to go a little further.

I wanted to post this earlier but by the time we found out we were going, we had to get everything ready as soon as possible.  And with our family luck, we cannot seem to get away for a wonderful trip without a visit to the boys doctor (will explain that one later).

We have been saving for 4 years for this family trip and still had a few years to go.  We were very blessed with an early Christmas present that allowed us to take this trip now:)

We surprised the boys with a 24 clue scavenger hunt- it was great- they were running inside and outside trying to find and decipher the clues that would tell them where we were going.  It was so hard keeping this secret.  I wanted to shout out we were going- I am so excited.

The beginning of the scavenger hunt

Found a clue

The last clue before the reveal

YEA!!!!!!!  Everyone so excited:)

These are just a few pictures of our scavenger hunt.  Everyone is super excited to go to Disney.  We left yesterday and drove 6 hours down.  My goal is so get everyone up and ready, go down to breakfast and make our drive the rest of the 7 hours down.  We will see how that works out:)  I will try to update on how everything is going throughout the week.

We hope your family has a blessed week:)

Menu plan for the week of 12/12/2011

This is a short week for us.  We are leaving Thursday afternoon for our winter break trip.  Here is our menu plan for this short week:

Breakfast
Homemade Yogurt with oats and raisins mixed in X2
Baked Oatmeal with Apples X2

Lunch
Sandwich- turkey, ham, chicken, grilled cheese, tuna, egg salad or PB&J
Popcorn
Banana

Dinner
Unbaked Sausage Ziti and green beans
Tuna casserole
Leftovers if there are any- if not waffles and fruit

Snacks
Popcorn
Apples
Oranges
Pears
PB Crackers

Big Huge Thanks:)

I would love to thank everyone for your warm get well wishes and prayers.  I am so blessed that I felt so much better the next day.  I was hoping that I would be the only one that ended up sick.  I was hoping:)  Unfortunately, my little Michael ended up with some icky virus that lasted from Tuesday until Friday.  My poor baby didn't want to do anything but cuddle with mommy:)

I am so happy to say that what ever nasty icky virus we ended up with, only went through myself and my little one.  Everyone else is healthy and happy.

I have so much catching up to do.  I will do my best to blog as much as I can before we end up leaving Thursday afternoon:) 

Hope your family is healthy and happy:)

Hey:)

You are probably wondering where in the world I dissapeared to.  The router at my house gave up.  We called our Internet Provider, which is sending us a new router.  Unfortunately, it won't be here for a couple of more days :(

Plus, I have ended up catching a very nasty virus.  I am at the library trying to not to breathe on anyone,  on my son's laptop, so I could update you guys real quick.  Sorry.  Hope you and your families are all well:)

When I get better and get my new router- I will return.  Keep your fingers crossed the router will be here soon and please keep me in your prayers that I may return to my normal healthy self:)

Have a blessed day~ Theresa

Starbucks- Day 2 of 12 Days of Gifting

Today is day 2 of Starbucks 12 Days of Giving:

Todays Specials are:
Starbucks Christmas Blend 1 LB- regular price- $14.95- on sale today for $9.95

Starbucks Via Ready Brew Christmas Blend 12pk- regular price- $11.95- on sale today for $7.95

These sale prices are for today 12/02/2011 only.  New Specials tomorrow:)

Starbucks- Day 1 of 12 Days of Gifting

Today is Day 1 of Starbucks 12 days of Holiday Gifting.

Todays special is:

Holday Starbucks Petite 4pk- regular price- 5.00- on sale today for $3.95

Or (2) 4pk Petites- regular price- $10- on sale today for $6/2

These sale prices are for today 12/01/2011 only.

Starbucks 12 days of Holiday Gifting:)

For all the Starbucks fanatics, myself included:)

Starting tomorrow, December 1st, Starbucks will feature a new deal each day through December 12th.  You can text MERRY to 697289 to get these deals sent to your phone so you won't forget.  Or you can come back here and I will remind you of these awesome daily deals.

Starbucks deals are as follows:

December 1st- Holiday Petites 4pk on sale $3.95 or $6/2
December 2nd- Christmas Blend 1 lb- $9.95 or Via ready brew 12pk Christmas Blend- $7.95
December 3rd- 16 oz Holiday themed cold cup- $9.95
December 4th- Holiday Mugs- $4.95
December 5th- Coffee Sampler gift pack- $9.95
December 6th- Let's Merry or Red cup tumbler- $7.95
December 7th- 6pk Cranberry Bliss bars- $6.95
December 8th- 12pk Via ready brew- $7.95
December 9th- FREE Via ready brew 3pk when you buy 1 lb Starbucks Christmas Blend- $14.95
December 10th- Tazo tea sampler Via ready brew gift pack sampler- $12.95
December 11th- Holiday gift mugs- $6.95
December 12th- FREE brewed coffee for the month of January when you buy and use 16 oz Tumbler- $19.95

My Shopping Day- 11/28/2011

We made a few quick stops today.  We had to get home before the boys did so we could plant the clues to reveal our secret winter trip.

Here is what we got:

Ross
$3.99- 6pk Sunbeam scrubbie dish cloths
$3.99- big bag Organic lollipops
$8.28- Total with tax

Dollar Tree
$2.00- 2 Balloons
$1.00- Fruit roll ups
$1.00- thin mints- my weakness
$4.15- Total with tax

Walgreens
$9.99- Antlers for my van- these are so stinkin cute
$0.00- out of pocket- paid with gift card:)

CVS
$4.99- Oral B Complete Action toothbrush
$4.99- Oral B Complete Action toothbrush
$9.98- Subtotal
-3.00 Oral B Battery toothbrush- 11/27 P&G
-3.00 Oral B Battery toothbrush- 11/27 P&G
$4.48- Total with tax

Walmart
$8.07- 3 gallons skim milk
$3.38- cat litter
$2.56- 2 cans frozen OJ with calcium
$1.00- Chicken hot dogs
$3.47- Fixodent Cleanser
$1.68- brown sugar
$0.88- crackers
$3.18- decaf coffee
$2.68- Berry Crunch cereal
$2.50- 2 pks hot dog buns
$3.24- Quick Oats
$2.35- Bananas
$3.68- cat food
$38.67
-3.00 Fixodent Cleanser cpn- 11/27 P&G
$31.12- Total with tax

This shopping trip has been added to our Monthly Spending for November post:)

Menu plan for the week of 11/28/2011

Breakfast
Baked Oatmeal X2- without the apple- I forgot to write it down and forgot to buy an apple
Homemade hashbrowns with sausage and egg
Homemade yogurt with cinnamon sugar toast
Pancakes X2


Lunch
Sandwich- turkey, ham, chicken, grilled cheese, tuna, egg salad or PB&J
Popcorn
Banana

Dinner
Chili
Chili potatoes with green beans
Tuna casserole with corn
Breakfast
Chili dogs, French Fries and Fruit
Chili Mac & Cheese with topping and corn
Leftovers

Walgreeens deals for the week of 11/27/2011

** We live in a test market, so we have a Walgreens Rewards card that tracks points to use to get rewards- so we don't get alot of RR's- as some areas do- instead we get Bonus Points**

Quaker Oatmeal, cereal or bars- $5/2- Buy 2 and get 500 Bonus points

Hershey minis, kisses or holiday- $9/2- Buy 2 and get 650 Bonus points
$1/3 Kisses cpn- 11/13 SS

Mars or Dove holiday minis- $6/2- Buy 2 and get 250 Bonus points
$1/2 Mars  or Dove holiday cpn- 11/13 RP

Keebler, Cheez-Its or Kelloggs Rice Krispies Treats- $5/2- Buy 2 and get 250 Bonus points

Hershey pieces, mini, drops or Skinny Cow- $3.49 with in ad cpn and get 250 Bonus Points

Lindt Chocolate- $5/2- Spend $15 and get 1000 Bonus Points

Jacquct truffles, Reese's trees 6pk, Palmers or Russel Stover- Buy 2 and get 250 Bonus Points

Novelty Holiday candy- $0.99- Buy 3 and get 3X points

Lime-a-way, Lysol all purpose, bathroom, Antibacterial kitchen, mildew remover- $6/2- Buy 2 and get 100 Bonus points
$0.75 Lime-away cpn- 11/13 SS
$1/2 Lysol Toilet, bathroom or all purpose cpn- 11/06 SS

Lysol Neutra Air Freshmatic or Air Wick iMotion or Freshmatic- $7.99 and get 500 Bonus points

Glade 2pk plug in or Lasting Impressions refill, automatic spray refill, scented oil candle holder with 3 refills or Press & Spray kit- $4.49 and get 100 Bonus Points
$1 Glade twin pack refill cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Glade Automatic spray refill cpn- 11/06 SS
$1/2 Scented oil candle products cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Press & Spray kit cpn- 11/06 SS

All 2X- $9.99 and get 100 Bonus points
$0.50 All cpn- 11/06 RP

Purex- $4.99 and get 100 Bonus points

Pur or Brita- 20% off and get 250 Bonus points

Nuwave mini oven- $79.99 and get 2000 Bonus points

Fireplace logs- $12.99 and get 250 Bonus points

Personal care gift sets- $9.99- Buy 3 and get 3X pointsy

Neutrogena cosmetics or Mens facial care- Buy 2 and get 500 Bonus points
$1 Neutrogena men cpn- 10/23 SS

Olay Smooth Finish kit- $23.99 and get 100 Bonus points
Buy Olay Pro-X, Regenerist, Total Effects moisturizer or Smooth Finish get free bodywash cpn- 11/27 P&G
Buy Smooth Finish and get free Cover Girl lip perfection cpn- 10/30 P&G

Pantene- $7/2 and get 500 Bonus points
$3/2 Pantene cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1/2 Pantene cpn- 10/30 P&G
$3/2 Pantene cpn- 10/30 P&G

Aussie or Herbal Essence- $6/2 and get 250 Bonus points
$1/2 Aussie or Herbal Essence cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Aussie or Herbal Essence cpn- 10/30 P&G

Olay or Ivory soap, bodywash or lotion- Buy 2 and get 500 Bonus points
$1 Olay bar, bodywash or in shower lotion cpn- 11/27 P&G
$0.50 Olay bar, bodywash or in shower lotion cpn- 10/30 P&G

Clairol Natural Instincts- $6.99 and get $1 RR
$2 Clairol hair color cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Clairol hair color cpn- 11/13 SS
$2 Clairol hair color cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2 Clairol hair color cpn- 10/16 P&G

Head & Shoulders- $4.49 and get 100 Bonus points
$1/2 Head & Shoulders cpn- 10/30 P&G

Gillette disposable razors or Fusion shave gel- Buy 2 and get 500 Bonus points
$2 Gillette Fusion shave prep cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Gillette Fusion shave prep cpn- 10/30 P&G

Spend $20 on select Gillette, Secret, Old Spice and get 500 Bonus points
$1 Gillette Deodorant cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Gillette bodywash cpn- 11/27 P&G
Buy Fusion ProGlide refill and get $5 off razor cpn- 11/27 P&G
$5 ProGlide razor when you buy refill cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2 Fusion skin care cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Gillette deodorant cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Gillette bodywash cpn- 10/30 P&G
Buy Secret and get $1 off Olay bar, bodywash or in shower lotion or hand & body lotion cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1/2 Old Spice cpn- 11/27 P&G
Buy 1 get 1 free Old Spice cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1/2 Old Spice cpn- 10/30 P&G

Gillette Venus Embrace or ProGlide- $10.99 and get 1000 Bonus points
$5 Gillette Venus Embrace, Breeze, ProSkin or Bikini razor cpn- 11/27 P&G
$2 Gillette Venus Embrace, ProSkin, Breeze or Bikini razor cpn- 10/30 P&G
Buy Fusion ProGlide refill and get $5 off razor cpn- 11/27 P&G
$5 ProGlide razor when you buy refill cpn- 10/30 P&G

Noxema disposable razors- $3.99 and get 500 Bonus points

Oral B Complete advanced toothbrush, floss picks, Crest complete deep clean, Whitening Expressions or Glide floss- $6/2- Buy 2 and get 750 Bonus points
$0.50 Oral B floss or floss picks cpn- 11/27 P&G
$0.75 Oral B floss or floss picks cpn- 10/30 P&G
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Crest toothpaste cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Crest toothpaste cpn- 10/16 P&G
$2 Crest complete toothpaste cpn- 09/11 SS

Oral B Action toothbrush- $6.99 and get 250 Bonus points
$3 Oral B battery toothbrush cpn- 11/27 P&G

Listerine or Reach advance toothbrush- $4.29 and get 250 Bonus points
$1 Listerine cpn- 10/09 RP
$1.50/2 Listerine and/or Reach toothbrush and/or Reach floss cpn- 07/31 SS
$3/3 Listerine AND Reach toothbrush AND Reach floss cpn- 07/31 SS
$0.50 Listerine or Reach toothbrush or Reach floss cpn- 07/31 SS

Pedialyte- $10.50/2 and get 250 Bonus points
$1.50 Pedialyte cpn- 10/0 2SS

Metamucil- $24/2 and get 750 Bonus points
$1 Metamucil cpn- 11/27 P&G

Align- $28.99 and get 1500 Bonus points
$3 Align cpn- 10/16 P&G

Miralax- $19.99 and get 750 Bonus points

Mucinex- $20/2 and get $5 RR
$1 Mucinex cpn- 11/13 SS

Robitussin, Dimetapp, or Advil congestion- $7.99- Buy 2 and get 250 Bonus points
$1 Robitussin cpn- 11/13 SS
$1 Dimetapp kids cpn- 11/13 SS
$1 Advil congestion cpn- 11/13 SS

 Zicam- $10.99 and get 250 Bonus points
$2 Zicam cpn- 10/23 SS

Advil- $2 off in ad cpn and get 250 Bonus points
$1 Advil cpn- 10/30 RP

Excedrin- $7.99 with in ad cpn and get 250 Bonus points
$1.50 Excedrin cpn- 11/13 SS
$1.50 Excedrin cpn- 10/16 SS
$1.50 Excedrin cpn- 09/18 SS

Dual Tank Humidifier- $69.99 and get $10 Mail in rebate

Buy 2 and get 5X points from the following:
Walgreens cold, cough, flu, sinus, congestion or allergy
Walgreens pain, PM pain or sleep relief
Walgreens eye care or first aid
Walgreens Digestive relief

Cold Sore Treatment- $7.99 and get 2500 Bonus points

Mission foot Rehab cream- $5.99 and get 1500 Bonus points

Mission MX Muscle Rehad- $5.99 and get $5.99 RR

Softlips- $2 and get 250 Bonus points
$1/2 Softlips cpn- 10/16 SS

Caltrate or Viactiv- $1 off and get 500 Bonus points
$2 Caltrate gummies cpn- 10/16 RP

Bayer Contour or Breeze 2- $19.99 and get 1000 Bonus points

Tena Serenity- $9.99 with in ad cpn- Buy 2 and get 500 Bonus points
$1 Tena underwear cpn- 08/28 SS
$1 Tena pads cpn- 08/28 SS

Heating Pad- $15 and get $3 Mail in rebate

Wahl massager or hair cut kit- $29.99 and get $10 Mail in rebate

Blood Pressure monitor or Pulse Oximeter- $49.99 and get $10 Mail in rebate

Thermometers- $49.99 and get $20 Mail in rebate

Omron blood pressure monitor- $54.99 and get 1000 Bonus points

Vicks Sinex, Nyquil, Dayquil or Nature Fusion- $12/2 and get 750 Bonus points
Buy 2 Vicks products get free Puffs tissues cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Vicks cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1.50 Nature Fusion cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1.50 Nature Fusion cpn- 10/30 P&G

Cover Girl- Buy 2 and get 250 Bonus points
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2.50/2 Cover Girl cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 10/16 P&G

Revlon- Buy 2 and get 250 Bonus points
$1 Revlon beauty tool cpn- 10/30 SS
$1 Revlon color cosmetic cpn- 10/09 SS
$1 Revlon beauty tool cpn- 09/25 SS
$1 Revlon beauty tool cpn- 08/28 SS

Prilosec- $24.99 and get 500 Bonus points
$1 Prilosec cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Prilosec cpn- 10/30 P&G

Hershey candy- $0.59 with in ad cpn- Buy 3 and get 3X points

Bounty- $7.49 and get 100 Bonus points
$0.25 Bounty cpn- 11/27 P&G
$0.50 Bounty cpn- 10/30 P&G
$0.25 Bounty cpn- 10/16 P&G

CVS deals for the week of 11/27/2011

Don't forget to....
1) Go to cvs.com/email and sign up for the ExtraCare email and receive a $4/20 cpn
2) Stop by the Red ExtraCare coupon center and get cpns
3) You can use a manufacturer's cpn along with a CVS cpn
4) You can use a B1G1Free cpn along with a B1G1Free sale to get both products for free:)

This weeks CVS coupon center cpn- Purchase $10 hand or body lotion products and get $3 off

Spend $30 and get a $10 gift card from the following:
Puffs- $0.99
$0.25/3 Puffs cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1/6 Puffs cpn- 10/16 P&G
Cover Girl foundation, powder, blush, concealer or eye- B1G 50% off
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2.50/2 Cover Girl cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 10/16 P&G
Tide or Gain- $5.94
$0.50 Tide cpn- 11/27 P&G
$2 Tide cpn- 10/30 P&G
$0.50 Tide cpn- 10/23 RP
$1 Gain cpn- 10/16 P&G
Bounty- $9.99
$0.25 Bounty cpn- 11/27 P&G
Dawn- $0.99
$0.25 Dawn cpn- 11/27 P&G
$0.50 Dawn cpn- 10/30 P&G
Oral B CrossAction- $4.99
$3 Oral B battery toothbrush cpn- 11/27 P&G
Duracell- $9.99
$0.75 Duracell cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Duracell cpn- 10/16 P&G
Nyquil or Dayquil- $9.99
$1 Vicks cpn- 10/30P&G
Olay Regenerist Facial care- $20.99
$3 Olay Pro-X or Regenerist moisturizer or cleanser cpn- 11/27 P&G
Buy Olay Pro-X, Regenerist, Total Effects moisturizer or Smooth Finish get free bodywash cpn- 11/27 P&G
Pantene- $6.97/2
$3/2 Pantene cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1/2 Pantene cpn- 10/30 P&G
$3/2 Pantene cpn- 10/30 P&G
Hidden Valley Ranch or Kraft Mac & Cheese- $2.49
Nestle Singles- B2G1Free
Nips- $0.99
Nestle Jingles Crunch or Butterfinger- $5/2
Lysol Nuetra Air or Air Wick Fresh Matic kit- $8
Scott- 4pk- $3.49
$1 Scott cpn- 11/13 SS
$1 Scott cpn- 10/23 SS
Cottonelle wipes- $1.99
$0.50/2 Cottonelle wipes cpn- 11/06 SS
Glade air freshener or scented oil warmer- $0.99
Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Fantastik or Windex- $6/2
Glade Plug ins refill 2pk- $4
$1 Glade Plug in twin refill cpn- 11/06 SS
Seasons from Hallmark Ornaments- B1G 50% off
Hallmark box cards or photo holder- B1G 50% off
Peanuts sound storybook- $14.99
Peanuts recordable book- $19.95
Hallmark Merry Okee- $14.99
Peanuts Countdown ornament- $14.95
The night before Christmas recordable book- $19.95
Salon nail color or treatments
Gerber Good Start- $21.99
Pampers Jumbo- $19/2
$1/2 Pampers cpn- 11/27 P&G
$2/2 Pampers cpn- 10/30 P&G
Mars Chocolate or Hershey singles- B2G1 Free

Doritos- $9/3 and get $3 ECB

7UP, Canada Dry, A&W or Sunkist- $11/3 and get $3 ECB

Lipton tea 12pk- $5.99 and get $1 ECB
$1/2 Lipton Naturals bottles cpn- 09/11 SS

Mentos Pure White or Pure Fresh gum- $5/2 and get $2 ECB
$0.55 Mentos gum cpn- 10/09 SS
$1/2 Mentos gum cpn- 10/09 SS

Mars Chocolate minis- $10/3 and get $2 ECB
$1/2 Mars holiday cpn- 11/13 RP

$10 ECB when you buy 3 American Express gift cards

$3 ECB when you buy Green Dot prepaid card

Crayola color studio HD- $29.99 and get $5 ECB

Duracell- $7/2 - Spend $15 and get $5 ECB
$0.75 Duracell cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Duracell cpn- 10/16 P&G

Spend $20 and get $10 ECB Selma Hayek Nuance

Spend $10 and get $4 Almay

Spend $10 and get $5 Physicians Formula

$2 ECB when you buy CVS Facial cleansing

$10 ECB when you buy Derma Silk
$5 Derma Silk cpn- 11/06 RP

Lysol Healthy Touch- $9.99 and get $5 ECB
$3 Lysol Health Touch starter cpn- 11/06 SS

$7 ECB when you buy Olay Pro X
$3 Olay Pro-X or Regenerist moisturizer or cleanser cpn- 11/27 P&G
Buy Olay Pro-X, Regenerist, Total Effects moisturizer or Smooth Finish get free bodywash cpn- 11/27 P&G
$2 Olay Facial cleanser when you buy Olay Pro-X Advanced system cpn- 11/13 RP
$1 Olay Pr-X Advanced cpn- 10/30 P&G

Olay bodywash, bar or Total Effects bodywash- $6 and get $4 ECB
$1 Olay bar, bodywash or in shower lotion cpn- 11/27 P&G
$0.50 Olay bodywash, bar or lotion cpn- 10/30 P&G

$5 ECB  when you buy Gillette ProGlide or Venus razors AND refill
$5 Gillette ProGlide razor when you buy refill cpn- 11/27 P&G
$5 Gillette ProGlide razor when you buy refill cpn- 10/30 P&G
$5 Venus Embrace, Breeze, ProSkin or Bikini razor cpn- 11/27 P&G
$4 Venus refill cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2 Venus Embace, Breeze, ProSkin or Bikini razor cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2 Venus razor cpn- 10/16 P&G

Spend $10 and get $45 Crest ProHealth toothpaste, rinse or Glide floss or flossers- Limit 2
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Crest toothpaste cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2 Crest rinse cpn- 10/30 P&G
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 10/16 P&G
$1 Crest rinse cpn- 10/16 P&G

$2 ECB when you buy Colgate Optic White
$1.50 Optic White cpn- 11/13 SS

Prilosec- $24.99 and get $5 ECB
$1 Prilosec cpn- 11/27 P&G
$1 Prilosec cpn- 10/30 P&G

Omeprazole- $19.99 and get $3 ECB

Align- $28.99 and get $5 ECB
$3 Align cpn- 10/16 P&G

Complete Multi-purpose solution- $8.99 and get $8.99 ECB

Hershey holiday- $5/2 and get $1 ECB

Happy Thanksgiving

We would love to wish everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving.  If you will be traveling, be safe.  Enjoy the comforts of family, friends and food:)

We will be traveling to Maryland this year to spend Thanksgiving with our family up north.  This Thanksgiving will be particularly difficult as it is the first Thanksgiving be will be celebrating since my mother passed away 6 months ago.  Even though my heart is still heavy from my mom's death, I know that the Lord is carrying me and my family.

I am very Thankful that the Lord has given me this day to spend with friends and family.

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving from our family to yours:)  Take care.

Baked Oatmeal with Apples

I have had requests for some of the recipes of the foods that we eat.  So, I am going to try to post 1 recipe each week.  This first recipe is Baked Oatmeal with Apples.  It is the most requested breakfast that I make.  I usually make it up the night before, so all I have to do is throw it in the oven in the morning.  Have one in the fridge right now and will post a picture of this yummy treat after I bake it:)

Baked Oatmeal with Apples
6 Cups Oatmeal
4 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp salt
1 Cup Sugar
4 Eggs
1 Cup Canola Oil
2 Cups Milk
1 Apple- peeled, cored and sliced

Add all the ingredients in the order listed.  Pour in greased 9X13 pan.  Top with cinnamon and brown sugar.  Cover with foil.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  Let cool 10 minutes, which is so hard to do.  Dive in and enjoy:)

My Shopping Day- 11/22/2011

Today was a light shopping day.  Here is what we bought:

CVS
$11.96- 4 Speed Stick deodorants
-10.98 ECB's
$1.53 with tax and got back $8 ECB's

Dollar Tree
$1.00- Bendy staws
$1.00- Cake pan with lid
$1.00- Bathroom Tissue
$1.00- Nature's Own Wheat bread
$1.00- Nature's Own Double Fiber bread
$5.20- Total with tax

Kroger
$10.76- 4 gallons skim milk
$1.00- Bread
$12.05- Total with tax

Walmart
$1.96- Frozen corn
$1.96- Frozen green beans
$2.24- lunchmeat
$1.97- French Fries
$1.00- Chicken hot dogs
$2.00- Shred Cheddar
$1.88- Cottage Cheese
$2.88- Chocolate Caramel coffee creamer
$5.76- 4 pkgs Tortillas
$0.86- 1 apple
$1.98- Hi C for Nathan's lunch
$2.78- eggs- 18ct
$2.00- Apple Crunches cereal
$1.48- Popping Corn
$1.00- Starlite mints
$2.48- Apple Juice
$3.36- 2 cans Fruit
$4.14- jar of Yeast
$2.72- Bananas
$43.59
-0.40 Yeast cpn
$44.28- Total after tax

This shopping trip has been added to our Monthly Spending for November post:)

Menu plan for the week of 11/21/2011

I wanted to post this yesterday but didn't have a chance.   I pulled up to the grocery store parking lot only to be called by the school nurse to tell me that Chris wasn't feeling well and asked if we could pick him up.  By the time we got home, I had to cook dinner and head out to a dear friends house for a wrap party.  It was late when I got home, so I crashed.

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Baked Oatmeal with apples X2
Banana Bread X2
Oatmeal with brown sugar
Homemade Yogurt with PB toast
Egg Sandwiches with cheese and fruit

Lunch
Sandwich- turkey, ham, chicken, grilled cheese, tuna, egg salad or PB&J
Popcorn
Banana

Dinner
Bean & Cheese Quesadillas with fruit
Tomato, onion, garlic over pasta with corn
Tuna dinner of some sort not sure which one I am going to make just yet
Smashed beans, chicken & salsa tortillas with green beans
Whole Wheat pasta with peas and biscuits
Homemade Waffles with fruit

On Thanksgiving, we will be traveling to Maryland to my Aunt & Uncle's house this year.  We are bringing pink surprise and 2 quarts of homemade applesauce.

Snacks
Popcorn
PB crackers
carrot sticks

CVS deals for the week of 11/20/2011

Don't forget to....
1) Go to cvs.com/email and sign up for the ExtraCare email and receive a $4/20 cpn
2) Stop by the Red ExtraCare coupon center and get cpns
3) You can use a manufacturer's cpn along with a CVS cpn
4) You can use a B1G1Free cpn along with a B1G1Free sale to get both products for free:)

This weeks CVS coupon center cpn- Purchase $20 facial care products and get $5 off

Spend $30 and get $10 gift card from the following:
Philips Colon Health, One a day, Flintstones or Citracal- B1G 50% off
$4 Philips Colon Health cpn- 10/23 RP
$1 One a day or Teen cpn- 10/23 RP
$3/2 One a day or Teen cpn -09/25 SS
$1 One a day or Teen cpn- 09/25 SS
$2 Flintstones cpn- 10/23 RP
Loreal lip- B1G 50% off
$2 Loreal face cpn- 11/13 RP
$1 Loreal cosmetic cpn- 10/02 RP
Angel Soft or Sparkle- $4.99
$0.50 Angel Soft cpn- 11/13 RP
$1/2 Sparkle cpn- 10/09 RP
Hershey Pot of Gold- $3.99
Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes or Froot Loops- $7/2
$1/3 General Mills cereal cpn- 10/23 SS
Nestle Pure Life- $3.99
Hershey Holiday- $5/2
Emerson Motion Activated candy dispenser- $19.99
Hasbro toys
Gyro Bowl- $12.99
MyZone headphones- $19.99
Miyashi massaging pillow- $19.99
Side Sleeper Pro- $19.99
Twin draft guard- $9.99
Aluma Wallet- $10.99
Dream look eye lift- $19.99
Genie bra- $19.99
Shake Weight Women- $19.99
Pillow Pet- $19.99
Ez Moves- $19.99
Robert Irvines Samari Pro- $14.99
Perfect meatloaf pan set- $14.99
Chef Basket- $9.99
Snickers fun size- B1G1 Free
Essie Nail color
CVS skin care-B1G 50% off
Loreal Excellence or Excellence to go- $6.99
$2 Excellence or To go cpn- 10/23 RP
Loreal EverPure, Strong, Sleek- $12/2
$1 Loreal Ever cpn- 10/23 RP
Organix or FX styles
Sure or Brut- B1G1 Free
Depend- $11.99
Pediasure- $9.99
Soft Scrub or Renuzit  Renew- $5/2
$0.50 Renuzit pearls cpn- 11/06 RP
Entertainment coupon book
Keebler Fudge Shoppe or Pecan Sandies- $4/2
Spam- $6/2
Gold Emblem potato chips- $4/2
Kudos- $4/2
Nuance Selma Hayek body or face care- B1G 50% off
iCraig Tower Stereo System- $68.88
Craig 13" HD LCD TV- $94.99
Craig 7" TV/DVD player- $78.99

Spend $75 and get $15 ECB iTunes gift card

Charlie Brown recorable storybook- $24.99 and get $5 ECB

$3 ECB when you buy 3 American Greeting cards

Mars chocolate or Hershey giant bar- $9.99 and get $3 ECB

Spend $10 and get $5 ECB Nivea lip care, bodywash, shower gel, gift sets or lotion
$3/2 Nivea body lotion cpn- 10/23 RP
$1 Nivea body lotion cpn- 10/23 RP

Jergens or Curel- $6.99 and get $2 ECB
$1 Jergens cpn- 10/09 SS
$1 Curel cpn- 10/09 SS
Curel Itch or Sensitive skin cpn- 10/09 SS

Spend $10 and get $3 ECB Loreal eye
$2 Loreal face cpn- 11/13 RP
$1 Loreal eye cpn- 10/23 RP
$1 Loreal eyeliner cpn- 10/23 RP

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB Garnier skin care
$1 Garnier moisturizer cpn- 11/06 RP
$1 Garnier cleanser cpn- 11/06 RP
$2 Garnier moisturizer cpn- 10/09 RP

Select fragrance gift sets- $19.99 and get $2 ECB

$3 ECB when you buy Schick cartridges
$2 Schick Quattro refill cpn- 10/30 SS

Philips Norelco- $79.99 and get $10 ECB
$30 Norelco SensoTouch or SensoTouch 3D cpn- 08/14 SS

Schick Intuition razor- $8.99 and get $3 ECB

Speed Stick- $2.99 and get $2 ECB- Limit 4
$1 Speed Stick cpn- 10/30 SS

Spend $10 and get $2 ECB Blade gift sets, deodorant, shave, skin care or accessories

Spend $10 and get $3 ECB Fantasia, Ultra Care, Ultra Sheen, Dr. Miracle's or Gentle treatment

Listerine, Reach toothbrush or floss- $3.69 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Listerine Total Zero care cpn- 10/09 RP
$1 Listerine Total, Zero or Restoring cpn- 07/31 SS
$1 Listerine Smart Rinse or Reach toothbrush cpn- 07/31 SS
$1.50/2 Listerine and/or Reach toothbrush or Reach floss cpn- 07/31 SS
$3/3 Listerine and Reach toothbrush and floss cpn- 07/31 SS
$0.50 Listerine or Reach toothbrush or floss cpn- 07/31 SS

Colgate Optic White- $6/2 and get $3 ECB- Limit 2
$1.50 Colgate Optic White cpn- 11/13 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 10/30 SS

Pampers box- $18.99 and get $4 ECB
$2 Pampers box cpn- 10/30 P&G

Abreva- $18.88 and get $7 ECB
$3 Abreva cpn- 10/16 RP

Excedrin bonus- $0.99 and get $0.99 ECB

Ricola drops- $3/2 and get $1 ECB
$1 Ricola cpn- 10/30 SS
Buy Ricola Dual action and get Ricola drops free cpn- 10/02 SS
$1.50 Ricola cpn- 09/11 SS

Osteo Bi Flex- $9.99 and get $2 ECB
$6 Osteo Bi-Flex cpn- 11/06 RP
$5 Osteo Bi-Flex cpn- 10/09 RP

Prilosec- $24.99 and get $5 ECB
$1 Prilosec cpn- 10/30 P&G

Optive or Refresh- $9.49 and get $2 ECB

Spend $20 and get $5 ECB Duracell
$0.75 Duracell cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Duracell cpn- 10/16 P&G

Lipton tea- $2.49 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2

Spend $30 and get $5 ECB Nature Bounty, Flexamin, Sundown or Ester-C
$3 Nature Bounty CQ-10 cpn- 11/06 RP
$2 Nature Bounty vitamin cpn- 11/06 RP
$1 Nature Bounty Vitamin or supplement cpn- 11/06 RR
$1 Nature Bounty Letter vitamin cpn- 11/06 RP
$1 Nature Bounty vitamin or supplement cpn- 10/16 RP
$5 Flexamin cpn- 11/06 RP
$2 Sundown naturals fish oil or CQ-10 cpn- 11/06 RP
$1 Sundown naturals vitamins or minerals cpn- 11/06 RP
$2 Ester C cpn- 11/06 RP

Keebler or Nabisco cookies or crackers- $5/4 and get $1 ECB

Craig 4GB MP3- $23.88 and get $5 ECB

"The Money Saving Mom's Budget" pre-order book- Update**

If you read my last post about this great book, then you will know that Amazon has a great pre-order price of $10.98.  I am so excited to let you know that I checked this morning and the pre-order price has dropped to $8.40.  Now that is a buy me now price:) 

If you already pre-ordered this book, Amazon has a great pre-order price guarantee.  If this price lowers before its release, you pay the low price. Plus if you order $25 or more, shipping is free.  I needed to order some books for the boys for our secret winter trip ( I will let you all in on the secret after Thanksgiving).  For this amazing price, I went ahead and added The Money Saving Mom's Budget book to my cart.  I cannot wait to read this book.

Starbucks Buy 1 Get 1 Free drinks:)

I am so excited.  Most of you know my love for Starbucks:) 

I got an email that from November 17th through November 20th from 2-5 pm, when you buy a Starbucks holiday beverage you get one of equal or lesser value free- YEA!!!! 

I haven't tried any of their holiday drinks.  What would you suggest?  What is your favorite holiday drink from Starbucks?

"The Money Saving Mom's Budget" Preorder book

One of my favorite bloggers, Crystal Paine has written a book, "The Money Saving Mom's budget".

 I cannot wait for it to hit the shelves on January 10, 2012.  I am actually going to be using my Swagbucks to get a gift card to purchase this book as soon as it is released.  I haven't been this excited about a book release in some time now.

Crytal Paine is an amazing mother to 3 super cute kids and has an amazing supportive husband.  She is also the woman behind MoneySavingMom.com.  I love her website and have been following her for some time now.  She is very inspirational, has great information and actually inspired me to start this blog.

Even though I have never met her in real life, I feel I know her from her blog.

The Money Saving Mom's budget book is available for preorder right now on Amazon for only $10.98- awesome price.  The books list price is listed at $14.00.

If this book is anything like her website, you will not be dissapointed.  I am so excited and am counting down the days until I get my copy:)

Thank you Swagbucks:)

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Swagbucks.  I redeem the points I earn on gift cards.  They have other things other than giftcards, like DVD's, magazines, video games the list goes on and on.  I am sure you will find something that you would love to redeem your points on.

I love to redeem my points on gift cards- something fun just for me:) 

I just cashed out some of my points and got a $50 Starbucks gift card- Merry Christmas to me. 

I am so excited.  The only time I go to Starbucks is when I have a gift card.  I am only a few points away from redeeming for a $25 Barnes & Nobles gift card for a book that I really really want.

If you want to earn some fun stuff, please join me and register here for your very own Swagbucks account and start earning.  Plus if you register through this link, you will get 30 free Swagbucks to get you started.  Awesome:)

My Shopping Day- 11/14/2011

This is what we bought on our shopping trip:

Kroger

$6.80- Whole Chicken- not pictured- we ate it for dinner tonight:)
$6.82- Whole chicken- not pictured
$10.76- 4 gallons skim milk- only 3 gallons are shown- 1 gallon already drank
$1.99- Half gallon of whole milk to make yogurt- Mmmmm
$1.00- 4 Halloween Reese's pumpkins:)- these delicious pumpkins didn't last long
$2.79- White Wheat Flour
$31.02- Total with tax

Martins

$4.00- 2 bags potatoes- only 1 bag pictured- we used the other bag for baked potatoes for tonights dinner
$2.00- 2 pkgs turkey sausages
$0.73- Reduced bread
$1.13- Reduced Honey Wheat bread
$1.15- Hot dog buns
$9.19- Total with tax

Dollar Tree
$1.00- Cheese Doodles
$1.00- Hairspray
$1.00- Trash bags
$1.00- Aluminum Foil
$1.00- Sandwich bags
$5.22- Total with tax

Walmart
$3.28- 2 cans Welchs grape juice
$1.84- 2 pkgs butter
$2.88- 2 bottles coffee creamer
$2.98- Kraft white cheese slices
$2.24- lunchmeat
$1.81- 1/4 lb Havarti cheese
$1.98- Stir Fry veggies
$1.98- Brocolli
$1.88- 2 Spaghetti sauce
$3.24- Quick Oats
$0.97- AAA batteries
$0.93- Bananas
$0.79- Apple
$2.68- Honey Crunch cereal
$30.29- Total with tax

CVS

$2.00- Blistex
$3.49- Colgate Optic White
$1.99- Ajax
$7.49
-0.50 Ajax cpn
-0.25 Blistex cpn
-1.00 Colgate Optic cpn
-4.00 ECB
$2.00 Total after cpns and tax and got $3.50 ECBs back:)

This shopping trip has been added to our Monthly Spending for November post:)

Menu plan for the week of 11/14/2011

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Oatmeal with brown sugar X2
Homemade Yogurt with Peanut butter toast
Strawberry Smoothies with Cinnamon sugar toast
Baked Oatmeal X2
Banana bread

Lunch
Sandwich- turkey, ham, chicken, grilled cheese, tuna, egg salad or PB&J
Popcorn
Apple, banana or orange

Dinner
Spaghetti, Lima beans and homemade garlic rolls
Baked Chicken, baked potatoes and corn
Creamy Mac & Cheese with tuna and brocolli
Chocolate chip pancakes & Fruit
Chicken fried rice
Tomato, beans and sausage over rice with peas
Leftovers

Snacks
Apple slices with peanut butter
Bananas
Orange slices
Peanut butter crackers
Popcorn

Walgreens deals for the week of 11/13/2011

** We live in a test market, so we have a Walgreens Rewards card that tracks points to use to get rewards- so we don't get alot of RR's- as some areas do- instead we get Bonus Points**

Revlon cosmetics- Buy 2 and get 1000 Bonus points
$1 Revlon beauty tool cpn- 10/30 SS
$1 Revlon beauty tool cpn- 09/25 SS
$1 Revlon beauty tool cpn- 08/28 SS

Nature Made heart health supplements- B1G1Free- Buy 2 and get 10X points
$3 Nature Made CQ10 cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Nature Made Vitamin D cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Nature Made Vitamin B cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Nature Made cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Nature Made fish oil cpn- 11/06 SS

Estroven- $9.99 and get 30X points

Tide- $6.99 and get 5X points
$2 Tide cpn- 10/30 P&G
$0.50 Tide cpn- 10/23 RP

Simply Orange or Tropicana- $2.99- Buy 2 and get 3X points

Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip- $2.99- Buy 2 and get 3X points

Nice dried fruit- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Buy 3 and get 3X points

Royal Gelatin- $2/5- Buy 5 and get 5X points

Princella Sweet Potatoes or Green Giant vegetable- $0.69 with in ad cpn- Buy 3 and get 3X points
$0.50/2 Green Giant can veg cpn- 11/13 GM

Starbucks coffee- $7.99- Buy 2 and get 2X points

3pk Gala apples- $3/2 and get 2X points

Jimmy Dean bowl, biscuit sandwiches, Cafe W 2 pk breakfast burritos or waffles- $1.99- Buy 2 and get 5X points

Stove top or Betty Crocker Au Gratin potatoes- $4/2 with in ad cpn- Buy 2 and get 5X points

Austin crackers, rice krispies treats, Cheez-Its or Keebler- $1 and get 3X points
$1/2 Cheez-Its cpn- 09/18 RP

Poppycock or Crunch N Munch- $1.99 and get 2X points

Nestle, Hershey or Cadbury bar- $4/2 with in ad cpn- Buy 2 and get 4X points

W or Nice foil- $1with in ad cpn and get 5X points

W or Nice cups or plates- $1.19 with in ad cpn- Buy 3 and get 3X points

Buy $20 and get 6X points on the following:
Febeze air effects or Set & Refresh- 20% off
$3/3 Frebreze cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Frebreze Set & Refresh cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Frebreze Air Effects cpn- 10/30 P&G
Puffs- $5/5
$0.25/3 Puffs cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1/6 Puffs cpn- 10/16 P&G
Charmin- $3.99
$0.25 Charmin cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1/2 Charmin cpn- 10/16 P&G
Bounty- $5.49
$0.50 Bounty cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Bounty cpn- 10/16 P&G
Cascade- $3.99
$0.25 Cascade cpn- 10/30 P&G
Cheer or Gain- $4.99
$1/2 Cheer cpn- 10/16 P&G
$1/2 Cheer cpn- 08/14 RP
$1 Gain cpn- 10/16 P&G
Bounce or Downy- $5.99
$1 Bounce dryer bar cpn- 10/30 P&G
$0.50 Bounce dryer sheets cpn- 10/30 P&G
$0.50 Downy cpn- 10/30 P&G

Scrubbing Bubbles one step cleaner- $3.99 and get 2X points
$3 Scrubbing Bubbles one step cleaner starter cpn- 10/23 SS

Duracell- $9.99- Buy 2 and get 10X points
$0.75 Duracell cpn- 10/30 P&G
$0.50 Duracell cpn- 10/16 P&G

Toys- $9.99- Buy 2 and get 250 Bonus points

Hershey Jumbo bag- $4.99 or $9/2- Buy 2 and get 3X points

Worlds Finest or Queen Anne cheeries- $10/4 and get 10X points

Lindt chocolate- $7.99- Spend $15 and get 10X points

Clairol Nice & Easy foam- $7.99 and get 2X points
$3 Clairol Nice & Easy foam or Perfect 10 cpn- 11/13 SS
$1 Clairol color cpn- 11/13 SS
$2 Clairol color cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2 Clairol color cpn- 10/16 P&G

Clairol Perfect 10- $8.99 and get $1 RR
$3 Clairol Nice & Easy foam or Perfect 10 cpn- 11/13 SS
$1 Clairol color cpn- 11/13 SS
$2 Clairol color cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2 Clairol color cpn- 10/16 P&G

Loreal Feria or Preference- $8.99 and get 3X points
$2 Loreal Preference cpn- 11/06 RP
$2 Loreal Preference cpn- 10/02 RP

Fruit of the Loom or Jerzees sweats- $10/2 and get 250 Bonus points

Olay moisturizer, lotion or bodywash- $6.99- Spend $15 and get 10X points
$2 Olay Total Effects or age defying moisturizer or cleanser cpn- 11/13 RP
$0.50 Olay bar, bodywash or lotion cpn- 10/30 P&G
Cover Girl blast, clean or Prefection cosmetics- $13.98/2 and get 10X points
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 10/30 P&G
$2.50/2 Cover Girl cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 10/16 P&G

Conair hair appliances- $17.99 and get 5X points

Scunci hair- $2.99 and get 20X points

Ponds skin care- B1G 25% off- Buy 2 and get 5X points

Select Dove, Caress, Lever 2000 hair or personal care- Buy 2 and get 5X points
$0.25 Dove men care bodywash, bar or tool cpn- 11/13 RP
$0.25 Dove men care deo cpn- 11/13 RP
$0.25 Caress bodywash cpn- 11/13 RP

Colgate Optic white- $2.99 and get $1 RR
$1.50 Colgate Optic cpn- 11/13 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 10/30 SS

Vaseline or Dove lotion- B1G 25% off- Buy 2 and get 5X points
$1 Vaseline cpn- 11/13 RP

Speed Stick- $5/2- Buy 2 and get 5X points
$1 Speed stick cpn- 10/30 SS

Colgate toothpaste- $2.99 and get 5X points
$0.50 Colgate cpn- 10/30 SS

Gillette disposable razors- $6.99 and get 3X points

Azo- $4.99 and get 1500 Bonus points

Walgreens stop smoking- B1G 25% off- Buy 2 and get 2X points

Zicam- $10.99 and get 5X points
$2 Zicam cpn- 10/23 SS

Zantac- $18.99 and get 1000 Bonus points
$1 Zantac cpn- 11/13 SS
$1 Zantac cpn- 10/23 SS
$1 Zantac cpn- 09/25 SS

Bayer Contour, Contour USB or Breeze 2 monitor- $19.99 and get $5 RR

Sharp disposable needle container- $4.99 and get $4.99 Mail in rebate

Neotene diabetic shampoo- $5.99 and get $5.99 Mail in rebate

24pk Dasani water- $4.99 with in ad cpn and get 5X points

French's French Fried onions- $3/2 with in ad cpn- Buy 2 and get 5X points
$0.50 French's french fried cpn- 11/06 SS

Folgers- $5.99 and get 5X points
$1 Folgers cpn- 11/06 RP

CVS deals for the week of 11/13/2011

Don't forget to....
1) Go to cvs.com/email and sign up for the ExtraCare email and receive a $4/20 cpn
2) Stop by the Red ExtraCare coupon center and get cpns
3) You can use a manufacturer's cpn along with a CVS cpn
4) You can use a B1G1Free cpn along with a B1G1Free sale to get both products for free:)

Spend $30 and get a $10 gift card from the following:
Sally Hansen cosmetics or hair removers- B1G 50% off
Centrum or Caltrate- B1G 50% off
$5 Centrum ProNutrients cpn- 11/13 RP
$3 Centrum Specialist cpn- 11/13 RP
$3 Centrum ProNutrients cpn- 10/16 RP
$3 Centrum Specialist cpn- 10/16 RP
$2 Centrum Silver cpn- 10/09 RP
$2 Centrum adult cpn- 10/09 RP
$2 Caltrate gummies cpn= 10/16 RP
Vitamin Water or Smartwater- $5/5
Allegra, Claritin or Zyrtec- $18.99
$3 Allegra cpn- 09/11 SS
$2 Allegra kids cpn- 09/11 SS
$3 Zyrtec 24ct+ cpn- 10/02 SS
$1.50 Zyrtec cpn- 10/02 SS
M&Ms- $5/2
$1/2 Mars Holiday cpn- 11/13 RP
Russell Stover- $5.99
General Mills, Fiber One and Nature Valley bars- $5/2
$0.40 Fiber One Chewy bars cpn- 10/02 GM
$0.75 Nature Valley thins cpn- 11/13 GM
$0.50 Nature Valley Sweet & Salty cpn- 10/23 SS
$0.75 Nature Valley thins cpn- 10/09 SS
$0.75/2 Nature Valley cpn- 10/02 GM
Gold Emblem nuts- B1G1Free
Absolutely Divine cookies- $6/2
Scooby Doo fruit gushers- $5/2
CoffeeMate- $6/2
$0.50 CoffeeMate powder cpn- 10/30 RP
Hellmans Mayo- $7/2
Lipton tea bags- $6/2
$0.25 Lipton tea bags cpn- 11/13 RP
Skippy PB- $5/3
Dove Chocolate bar- $4/2
Ice Breakers or Mars Chocolate minis- $6/2
$1/2 Mars Holiday cpn- 11/13 RP
Hershey or Mars giant size- $2.99
Finish Jet Dry- $2.99
$0.75 Finish Gelpacs or Powerball cpn- 10/23 SS
Cottenelle- $2.99
$0.50/2 Cottonelle cpn- 11/06 SS
Air Wick refills- $4.99
Hexagon pet bed or cat scratching post- $7.99
Hallmark countdown ornament- $14.95
Peanuts sound book- $9.95
Charlie Brown Christmas recordable book- $19.99
Hallmark Merry-Okee- $14.99
Emerson air hockey game- $9.99
Emerson ping pong game- $9.99
Sarah Peyton LED candle water fountain- $9.99
Emerson professional clippers- $9.99
Animated Discovery lamp- $9.99
Slate fountain, Memory foam slippers, Digital coin bank, Emerson lantern or binoculars- $9.99
Shift hardware caddy- $9.99
Sarah Peyton Jewerly Tree- $9.99
Designer Fragrances- $14.99 and up
Rapidlash- $39.99
Dial bar, Nutriskin lotion, Tone bodywash or Right Guard Total Defense 5 bodywash- $3.99
Naunce Selma Hayek haircare- B1G 50% off
CVS Supplements- B1G1Free
Emerson Motion Activated candy dispenser- $19.99
Animated Musical carousel- $19.99
2 in 1 blender & chopper- $19.99
Garnier Nutrisse- $4.99
$1 Garneri Nutrisse cpn- 11/13 RP

Ajax dish liquid- $1.99 and get $1 ECB
$1/2 Ajax cpn- 08/14 SS
$0.50 Oct All You magazine cpn

$2 ECB when you buy Gillette cartridges, shave gel or cream
$5 Gillette ProGlide razor when you buy cartridges cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Gillette Shave Prep cpn- 10/30 P&G

$2 ECB when you buy CVS facial cleansing

Spend $10 and get $4 ECB when you buy Almay cosmetics

Spend $10 and get $3 ECB on the following:
Caress bodywash- $3
$0.25 Caress bodywash cpn- 11/13 RP
Suave bodywash- $2
Buy 2 get 1 Free Suave bodywash cpn- 10/16 RP
Dove hair care- $7/2
Suave deodorant- $1
$0.25 Suave deodorant cpn- 10/16 RP
Suave hair care- $5/3
$0.50/2 Suave Professionals hair cpn- 10/16 RP
$0.50/2 Suave men hair cpn- 10/16 RP
$0.50/2 Suave kid hair cpn- 10/16 RP

Caress, Dove or Lever bar or bodywash- $12/2 and get $4 ECB
$0.25 Caress bar 6pk cpn- 11/13 RP
$0.25 Dove Men care bodywash cpn- 11/13 RP

Dove or Degree mist or deodorant- $7/2 and get $2 ECB
$0.25 Dove Men care deo cpn- 11/13 RP
$0.25 Degree cpn- 11/13 RP

Vaseline lotion, oil or gel- $5.99 and get $1 ECB
$1 Vaseline cpn- 11/13 RP

Olay ProX kit- $62 and get $5 ECB
$2 Olay Cleanser when you buy Olay ProX cpn- 11/13 RP
Buy Olay ProX get free CoverGirl lip perfection cpn- 10/30 P&G
$1 Olay ProX cpn- 10/30 P&G

$10 ECB when you buy La Roche-Posay Effaciar

Spend $10 and get $5 ECB when you buy St Ives or Noxema skin care

Spend $20 and get $5 ECB when you buy Burt Bees

Oral B Vitality toothbrush- $24.99 and get $10 ECB- Limit 2
$10 Oral B Vitality toothbrush cpn- 10/16 P&G

Oral B Power toothbrush refill- $19.99 and get $5 ECB- Limit 2
$5 Oral B replacement heads cpn- 11/13 RP

$5 ECB when you buy 2 Loreal Preference, Root Rescue, Excellence or Excellence to go
$2 Loreal Preference cpn- 11/06 RP
$2 Loreal Preference cpn- 10/02 RP
$2 Loreal root rescue cpn- 11/06 RP
$2 Loreal root rescue cpn- 10/02 RP
$2 Loreal excellence cpn- 10/23 RP
$2 Loreal excellence cpn- 09/18 RP

Spend $10 and get $5 ECB when you buy Tresseme

$2 ECB when you buy Colgate multipack
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 10/30 SS

Spend $8 and get $2 ECB when you buy Scunci travel bags or hair accessories

Clear Blue pregnancy test- $12.99 and get $5 ECB

Zantac- $19.99 and get $5 ECB
$1 Zantac cpn- 11/13 SS
$1 Zantac cpn- 10/23 SS
$1 Zantac cpn- 09/25 SS

Pampers Jumbo- $19/2 and get $2 ECB
$2/2 Pampers cpn- 10/30 P&G

$4 ECB when you buy 2 Thermacare
$1 Thermacare 12ct+ cpn- 10/30 RP

Slimfast- $10/2 and get $2 ECB

Spend $15 and get $2 ECB when you buy GenTeal, Clear Care or Aquify
$1.50 GenTeal cpn- 10/16 SS
$1.50 GenTeal cpn- 07/07 SS
$1 Clear Care cpn- 10/16 SS

$3 ECB when you buy 2 Triminic or Theraflu
$3/2 Triaminic cpn- 10/16 SS
$1 Triaminic cpn- 10/16 SS
$3/2 Theraflu cpn- 09/25 SS
$2 Theraflu multi sympton cpn- 09/25 SS
Blistex- $2 and get $1 ECB
$0.25 Blistex cpn- 11/13 SS

Spend $20 and get $5 ECB when you buy Nature Made vitamins or supplements- B1G 50% off
$3 Nature Made CQ10 cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Nature Made Vitamin D cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Nature Made Vitamin B cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Nature Made cpn- 11/06 SS
$1 Nature Made fish oil cpn- 11/06 SS

Colgate Optic White- $3.49 and get $1.50 ECB- Limit 2
$1.50 Colgate Optic White cpn- 11/13 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 10/30 SS

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB when you buy Loreal cosmetics
$2 Loreal face cpn- 11/13 RP
$1 Loreal eye cpn- 10/23 RP
$1 Loreal eyeliner cpn- 10/23 RP
$1 Loreal cosmetic cpn- 10/02 RP
$2 Loreal powder, blush, concealer or primer cpn- 09/18 RP
$2 Loreal face cpn- 09/18 RP

Homemade Yogurt- Try New Adventures Thursday

I have been wanting to do this for some time now but just couldn't find the time.  I am so happy that I finally took the jump and made my very own homemade yogurt.  It is so creamy and yummy.  I can't keep the boys out of it:)  Plus I don't have to worry about what is in it- like preservatives, artificial stuff and loads of sugar.  I know whats in it- I made it:)

I found a great tutorial and got to work:

I was lucky to find a half gallon of whole milk at Kroger marked down to 1.89 and used 1 Kroger brand vanilla yogurt cup.

First, I poured the half gallon of milk into the crockpot.

I cooked it on low for 2 and a half hours.  I then unplugged it and let it sit for 3 hours.

After letting it sit for 3 hours, I took out 2 cups of the warm milk and added my cup of vanilla yogurt and whisked it real good.

And added it back into the crockpot with the rest of the warm milk.

I put the top back on and wrapped a nice big warm towel around it and tucked it under real good and let it sit for 8 hours.  I think the sitting of the mixture was the hardest part:) 

I went on with my day and tried to patiently wait for the 8 long hours to pass so I could see my glorious creation.  Finally, 8 hours was up.  I unwrapped the towel with delight- you would have thought it was Christmas, I was so excited.  I opened the lip and scooped out the nice and creamy yogurt into a container to once again wait.  It was a little on the runny side. So, I put the yogurt into a container and put it in the fridge to thicken up.

We have yogurt- YEA!!!  I was surprised when the boys ate it plain.  I also use it to make smoothies- Mmmmm:) 

It was so easy to make.  Waiting was the hardest part.  And the votes are in- the boys give it 2 thumbs up.  No more buying yogurt at the store for us:)

Well, that is our new adventure for this beautiful rainy Thursday.  What new adventure did you do today?

This post is linked up to Alicia's Homemaking Try New Adventures Thursday

Swagbucks....

Swag what???? 

That is the response I get most often.  If you have never heard of Swagbucks, grab a drink, sit down and I will let you in on this awesome program.

If you are like me and do alot of searches on the Internet, why not get rewarded??  Why not get points for doing searches that you can turn into gift cards to places like Target, Walmart, Starbucks (my favorite), Amazon and so much more.

I have earned several Starbucks gift cards already and am so ready to cash out again- YEA!!!!  Last year, I was able to cash out my Swagbucks for Amazon gift cards that really helped out with Christmas (especially since the items I was buying my boys for Christmas I was able to get free shipping:)) 

You can even earn points for shopping online, answering polls, watching videos, etc.

It takes me a couple of minutes in the morning to:
Answer an simple daily poll = 1 Swagbuck
Skip through all the NOSO (no obligation special offers)= 2 Swagbucks
Watching short videos and inputting the numbers that scroll across the screen= 2+ Swagbucks (this morning I got 5)
I also get messages to watch the advertisement before a video and answer 1 question= 3 Swagbucks
Swagbuck TV= 3 Swagbucks for every 10 videos you watch

It may not seem like a lot of Swagbucks but believe me they do add up.  Plus add your searches on top and it adds up fast.  Like I said- why do your Internet searches for free- join me and get rewarded and turn your Swagbucks into something fun just for you:)  And it is FREE to sign up. 

To sign up- register here and start earning- it is so simple, easy and fun:)

Shopping Trip- 11/07/2011

Here is my shopping trip from yesterday:

Kroger
$10.76- 4 gallons skim milk
$2.00- 2 pkgs of 8ct M&M's for my little helper plus they make good potty training treats:)
$13.08- Total with tax

Martins
$3.27- 3 loaves of bread
$3.00- 2 bottles Bailey's coffee creamer- Mmmmm
$6.43 Total with tax

CVS
$2.50- Jif creamy peanut butter
$2.50- Jif extra crunch peanut butter
$5.00
-3.00 ECB
$2.12- Total and got $3 ECB back:)

Dollar Tree
$1.00- 3pk Kettle Corn
$1.00- Zip sandwich bags
$1.00- Toilet paper
$3.13- Total with tax

Walmart
$2.24- lunchmeat
$1.22- Flour tortillas
$2.26- GV Toasted rice cereal for a recipe
$2.37- GV Toasted Oats cereal for Nathan
$2.37- Bananas
$2.48- Apple Juice
$2.44- Ketchup
$21.98- Dog food
$0.97- Batteries
$1.97- dish liquid
$8.00- 8 boxes of assorted whole wheat pastas
$2.78- 18ct eggs
$53.66 Total with tax

This shopping trip has been added to our Monthly Spending for November post:)

Menu plan for the week of 11/07/2011

Breakfast
Oatmeal with brown sugar X2
Baked Oatmeal with apples X2
Banana Bread
Pumpkin muffins
Egg Sandwich with fruit

Lunch
Sandwich- turkey, ham, chicken, grilled cheese, tuna or PB&J
Popcorn
Apple, banana or orange

Dinner
Ziti with sausage and green beans
Bean & rice tacos with corn
Tuna casserole with peas
Sausage and egg hashbrowns with fruit
Homemade pizza or Stromboli- haven't decided which one to make yet
Whole Wheat pasta with cheese sauce and green beans
Leftovers

Snacks
Apple slices with peanut butter
Bananas
Oranges
Peanut butter crackers
Popcorn

Fall weather

I love the fall- the warm, inviting, comforting, beautiful colors of fall.

I also love the cooler weather.  Time for soups and stews in the crockpot:) My mom also loved the colors of fall.  I can remember my mom telling me about her and dad driving to the Blue Ridge parkway and driving to see the awesome colors of fall.

When the weather started turning cooler here, I started getting excited.  Finally a break from the hot summer weather.  That is until one day it is 70+ degrees and the next it is in the 50's.  My poor head cannot take the temperature change.  My sinuses are going haywire.  I felt so bad and nauseous last week.  I could feel the icky sinus drainage down my throat- YUCK (sorry that is kind of gross). 

And now the time change.  Everything was going fine that is until my phone, which is set on auto update decided not to update and woke me up at 5am instead of 6.  My poor body is having such a hard time adjusting to the time change.  I keep waking up an hour before my alarm.  Which leaves me so tired around afternoon.  I'm not sure which one I would prefer over the other- feeling nauseous and bad or being so dog dead tired by mid day.

 I hope you all are adjusting to the time change better than I am.

I hope that the fall weather is beautiful for you:)  Hope you and your family have a blessed week.

My Shopping Trip- 10/31/2011

CVS
$2.75- Speed Stick
$2.75- Speed Stick
$5.50
-4.00 ECB
$1.77 Total with tax and got $4 ECB and $1 ECB from my Green bag tag

Martins
$1.13- Markdown 12ct hot dog buns
$2.18- 2 loaves of bread
$3.36 Total with tax

Dollar Tree
$1.00- Finger polish remover
$1.00- Shoe shine kit- for JROTC
$1.00- Tissues
$1.00- Qtips
$2.00- 2 boxes Kettle Corn
$1.00- Candy for Nathan's teacher's candy jar for class
$1.00- Zip gallon bags
$1.00- Zip quart bags
$9.38 Total with tax

Kroger
$10.76- 4 gallons skim milk
$1.99- Flour
$1.00- Butterfinger 8pk
$1.00- M&Ms 8 pk
$15.12 Total with tax

Walmart
$1.97- French Fries
$3.96- 2 big bags frozen corn
$4.37- Chicken Nuggets
$2.28- 2 boxes Turkey sausage
$10.98- 5 lbs ground beef
$2.96- 2 bags frozen lima beans
$2.24- lunchmeat
$2.00- Pepperonis
$2.56- 2 cans frozen OJ w/ calcium
$2.28- Sausage
$1.83- French Fried onions
$2.00- Mild Salsa
$18.60- 15 cans diced tomatoes
$6.72- 4 big cans Fruit
$4.87- Gummy Vitamins
$1.50- 2 cans mushrooms
$3.84- 6 cans tuna fish
$1.88- 2 cans spaghetti sauce
$3.56- 2 large cans cream mushroom soup
$6.67- nose strips
$1.00- Toothpaste for Nathan
$1.00- Garden Rotini
$3.24- tub of oatmeal
$2.00- 2 boxes whole wheat spaghetti
$1.68- Brown sugar
$2.00- 2 bags whole wheat egg noodles
$5.28- 3 bags kidney beans
$2.56- 2 bags long grain rice
$3.44- Pinto beans
$1.88- Elbow macoroni
$1.44- French Vanilla creamer
$1.00- Chicken dogs
$1.38- Unsalted crackers
$8.00- 4 bags shred cheese
$2.44- 2 soft tortillas
$2.23- Bananas
$1.36- 2 chili mix packets
$1.68- Cheese sauce
$2.88- Mouthwash
$3.68- cat food
$1.78- Juice boxes for Nathan's school lunches
$3.98- Mens vitamins
$2.68- GV Frosted Flakes
$149.75 Total with tax
**This may seem like a lot of food for this week.  We are actually budgeting for 6 weeks.  We are taking the boys on a surprise trip in December for their winter break.  Can't tell you guys where just yet- the boys have no clue yet as to where we are taking them:)

This shopping trip has been added to our Monthly Spending for November post:)

Monthly Spending for November

Here is where I will keep a list of our spending for the month of November.  This month our totals are going to seem high but we are budgeting  for 6 weeks- so lets see how we do:)  We did awesome in October, I am so happy.  Remember our monthly budget is $400 for everything including animal food for our family of 6 and 2 pets, not too mention our 2 bird feeders outside.  Lets see how we do.

10/31/2011
$1.77- CVS and got back $5.00 ECB
$3.36- Martins
$9.38- Dollar Tree
$15.12- Kroger
$149.75- Walmart

11/07/2011
$13.08- Kroger
$53.66- Walmart
$6.43- Martins
$2.12- CVS and got $3 ECB back:)
$3.13- Dollar Tree

11/14/2011
$31.02- Kroger
$30.29- Walmart
$9.19- Martins
$5.25- Dollar Tree
$2.00- CVS and got back $3.50 ECB

11/22/2011
$44.28- Walmart
$12.05- Kroger
$5.20- Dollar Tree
$1.53- CVS and got back $8 ECB

11/28/2011
$8.28- Ross
$4.15- Dollar Tree
$0.00- Walgreens
$4.48- CVS
$31.12- Walmart

$446.64- Running Total

**This total may seem really high compared to past spending, but we are combining November and December together since we leaving in the middle of December for our Winter Break trip:)**

Menu plan for the week of 10/31/2011

Breakfast
Baked Oatmeal X2
Chocolate chip pancakes
Egg Sandwich & Fruit
Giant Breakfast Cookies X2
Monkey bread with fruit

Lunch
Sandwich- turkey, ham, grilled cheese, tuna or PB&J
Popcorn
Apple, banana or orange

Dinner
Chicken Nuggets, Tator Tots & Fruit
Chili
Chili over baked potatoes with green beans
Tuna Slop & peas
Homemade waffles
Thick chili served over cornbread
Leftovers

Snacks
Apple slices with PB
Bananas
Oranges
Popcorn

Prayers needed..... **Updated**

Update- 10/28/2011- YEA!!!  Little Robbie Woods was found alive and was reunited with his family after being lost for 6 days.  I am so glad that he has been found and that he is safe:)  Thank the Lord for listening to our prayers and keeping this sweet angel safe until someone found him.  Thank you for all your prayers:)

There is a sweet 9 yr old autistic boy who needs our prayers right now.  He wandered away from his family on Sunday, Oct 23rd at North Anna Battlefield Park near Doswell, VA.

 

Robert Woods, Jr has been lost in the woods since Sunday.  It breaks my heart to think of this little boy lost and not being able to find his way to the warmth of his own house and bed.  Volunteers have searched for the last 2 days and have not been able to locate him.  And not being able to talk much makes the search much more difficult.

I know in my heart that my mom is with this sweet child.  I believe that she is wrapping her arms around him keeping him safe and warm through these very chilly nights.   That is what I am praying for.  I also pray that is he found and reunited with his family.  My heart aches and I would love to make the drive to search for this little one, but without a sitter and my hubby traveling- prayer is all I have right now.  Please pray for this child and keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.  You can read more about the updates or learn how to volunteer here.

I also have 1 more prayer request....

My cousin, who is more like a sister than a cousin, lost her mother in law this morning.  The family was about told about 3 weeks ago that her mother in law was losing her battle with pancreatic cancer.  She was told that the treatment was no longer working and her doctors gave her 6-8 weeks.  Hospice was called and in and Ashley and her husband went over and spent time with her- talking with her and letting her know that it was ok to go to heaven.  Linda passed away in the early morning hours this morning.  No more treatments, no more pain- the Lord will restore her physical well being.  And she would not be alone.  My mom will be there to greet her.  Please keep Ashley and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.  I know all too well the pain in their hearts but like I told Ashley, the one thing that is keeping me going is knowing that when it is your time to go and be with our heavenly father it is not goodbye- it is until we meet again:)

Peace be with you and your families:)

My Shopping Day- 10/24/2011 :)

Here is what we bought yesterday.  I haven't had a chance to take pictures yet.  I hope to have a chance to take the pictures and post them tomorrow.

Martins
$0.73- Reduced bread
$0.73- Reduced bread
$1.13- Reduced hamburger buns
$3.99- Apple Cider
$2.91- Skim milk
$9.49
-4.50 Free milk catalina from last weeks cereal deal
$5.23 Total with tax

Kroger
$8.07- 3 gallons skim milk
$4.99- 8 lb bag oranges
$13.39 Total after tax

Dollar Tree
$2.00- 2 pkgs toilet paper
$1.00- Tootsie Pops for Nathans party for school
$1.00- Trash bags
$2.00- 2 boxes Toaster Pastries
$6.23 Total with tax

Walgreens
$2.99- M&M's fun size
$2.99- Reeses Fun size
$0.59- Halloween coloring book
$6.57
-1.00 Walgreens in ad cpn
-3.00 RR
$2.72 Total after tax

CVS
$0.50- Skittles
$0.50- Skittles
$0.50- Starburst
$0.50- Starburst
$2.99- Right Guard
$2.99- Right Guard
$2.99- Right Guard
$2.99- Right Guard
$6.99- CVS diapers
$0.99- Candy Corn
$2.49- 4 in 1 carving tool
$24.43
-14.00 ECB's
$11.10 Total after tax and got back $10.48 in ECB's:)

Walmart
It wasn't until I got home and realized the cashier had given me someone else's receipt- not sure how that happened.  The register did eat the receipt tape.  I normally check the receipt before going out of the store but this time I was able to watch the prices of everything scanned.  So, I will list what I bought- I can't remember the individual prices but I know what I paid with and what I got back, so I can approximate what I spent at Walmart.
Apple Juice
Lunchmeat
Bananas
Soft Tortilla shells X2
pkg of BLSL chicken breasts
BBQ sauce
Frozen corn X2
Frozen peas X2
Whole Wheat Rotini X2
Salsa
Alfredo sauce
Canola spray
Peanut Butter
Total was a little less than $30- so I am going to round up to $30

These totals have been updated on my October Monthly spending post, where I keep track of what I spend for the entire month:)