Adventures in Container Gardening

Container Garden Update.....My last update, I lost half of my lettuce plants. Well guess what?? If you guessed that I killed off the rest of my lettuce plants you would be correct- boooo. Lettuce does not like me. I'm not sure what I am doing wrong. I couldn't get lettuce to grow in Virginia and now cannot get it to grow in Florida. But I did notice this when I was out watering:

Little lettuce babies.  Not sure where they came from but I am eager to see if they grow or end up like the rest of my unlucky lettuce plants :(

Let's keep going with the bad news:)  My poor zucchini plants have moved on.  They shriveled up and just died.  I had a little luck with them in Virginia but here no luck at all :(

Ok enough of the bad news.  Onto the good news of actual plants thriving and doing well:)  Not sure what I am doing with these veggies versus the other ones.

Cherry tomato plants going wild:)  I have never had luck with tomato plants of any kind in Virginia.  Here in Florida, there are a lot of baby maters and more coming in.  Nathan is so excited- cherry tomatoes are his favorite.

Regular normal tomatoes.  Can't remember the actual names of this kind of tomato.  But they are changing color- YIPEE!!!!  Even though there are only 2, I will take 2 over 0 any day:)  I am happy that they are doing well and growing. 

Green Pepper.  I only have 1 currently growing and a flowering bud.  I had another baby pepper growing but accidentally hit it with a powerful spray of water and knocked it right off the plant- ooops.

Last but not least, my spinach plant.  I never attempted spinach in Virginia.  So, this is really awesome that my little spinach plant is taking off so well.  The leaves look so tasty.  I am going to be picking some off soon and adding it to my Fruity Spinach Smoothie- yummy :)

Well, that concludes my tiny container garden update for this week.  Join me next time and see what happens :)

One of those days.....

Have you had one of those days?  That day when you are zooming around feeling like a chicken with it's head cut off.  That day when you are sleep deprived and so much needs to get done.  That day when you fix one thing for breakfast only for your kids to want something else.  That day when you realize that you forgot to make bread the night before.

I could go on and on.

I had one of those days over the weekend.  2 of our younger boys were sick.  Poor Nathan had a temp of 104.  But still had an appetite.  Little Michael was sick also and had decided not to go to bed until 12:30 pm, so I finally crawled into my own bed at 1am only to get woken up by Nathan bright and early in the morning- yay!!

I was fixing much needed coffee- even though I only drink decaf so it really doesn't help much with the waking up part:)  I looked in the fridge and found pancakes.  Hooray for pancakes.  Only Nathan didn't want pancakes, he wanted Laura's Pumpkin Muffins.  I didn't have any more pumpkin left.  So, he decided that banana bread muffins would work just fine.  Muffins it is.  I get everything out to make muffins and then realize that I forgot to bread the night before- ahhhhhhhhh.  What were we going to do about lunch?  Oh wait, I still have to make breakfast for Nathan.

I get everything out to make banana bread muffins, whipped them up and put them in the oven to bake.  Now to tackle the bread while the muffins are baking.  Oh wait, Nathan is super hungry and just cannot wait for the muffins to be done baking.  He asks for a pancake:)  I just smile.  Pancake coming right up.

Ok, now back to the bread making.  I put everything in the bowl and go to town mixing.  My hands are all gooey and little Michael is now awake asking for a pancake for breakfast.  Rinse hands off and fix pancake.  Now time for bread to rise for 1 hour.  Muffins are baking so putting the bread in the oven to rise is out of the question.  Put a tea towel over it and let it sit for 1 hour.

I look at the timer to see how much time is left on the muffins.  One problem, timer isn't on- oh my.  Sprint to the oven to rescue the muffins.  A little on the dark side not to bad.  Nathan said his muffin was hard.  I replied that it was crispy.  If it had been fried chicken all would be well:)

Set timer for bread:)

1 hour up- bread hasn't risen.  Oh well, time to roll and put in 2 loaf pans.  Done.  Now time for it to sit for 30 minutes to rise.  Oven still too hot.  Keep on counter with tea towel over it.

30 minutes later- go to check.  It looks like it had risen a little- good enough for me:)  I set the oven for 350 degrees.  I blame the slow rise on the cooler than normal kitchen.

Bread in oven for 20 minutes.  BEEP- Bread is done.  These loaves look horrible.  They didn't rise at all.  I guess we are having little sandwiches for lunch.  Let them set 10 minutes then put the bread on cookie sheets to rest.

Lunch time- bread cooled and ready to be cut.  I pick up the bread only to realize that it is hard as a brick.  It could have been used as a brick.  I killed my bread- oh no.  I cannot for the life of figure out what went wrong.

This picture doesn't do my poor bread justice.  They looked awful :(

I sent hubby up the street to Dollar General to pick up a loaf of bread.  And then it hit me, I know where I went wrong.  With everything going on, I forgot to add the yeast- oops :)

My Shopping Day~ 01/26/2014

With the 2 younger ones being sick, we decided not to go to church.  Luckily, our church live streams all 3 of their services so I didn't miss anything:)

Kevin and I left the little ones in daddy's care and went on our own shopping adventure:)

Here is what we got:

Dollar General
$1.25- Bread

Save A Lot
$1.98- 2 boxes Crackers

Dollar Tree
$3- 3 packages Frozen Strawberries

BJ's
$3.29- Baking Powder
$4.49- Yeast
$1.49- Bananas
$2.58- 2 heads lettuce
$11.85- Total

Walgreens
$11.96- 4 gallons skim milk

Walmart
$2.96- White Whole Wheat flour
$1.57- Dijon Mustard
$2.52- Sugar
$2.38- Vinegar
$3.88- Avocados
$1.98- Cottage Cheese
$2.38- Creamer
$2.18- Shred  Cheese
$2.38- Fresh Spinach
$2.98- Ground Beef
$1.50- Chicken Noodle Soup
$2.76- Tortillas
$3.96- Peanuts in shell
$1.96- Frozen veggies
$35.39- Total

This shopping trip has been added to our January Monthly Spending post, where I keep track of what we spend for the month of January.

Menu Plan for the week of 01/27/2014

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend.  We had a nice icky weekend.  The weather was a bit on the chilly side but not too bad.  And 2 of our younger children ended up with a nasty virus.  Little Micheal didn't have it as bad as poor Nathan.  Thankfully, they are doing much better.  No fever just a little runny nose is about all that is left of this icky virus:)

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Banana Bread muffins X2
Pancakes X2
Oatmeal with raisins and honey X2
Fruity Spinach Smoothie

Lunch- our usual
Salad with homemade ranch dressing and a banana for me and hubby
Sandwich with homemade bread, celery and peanuts for everyone else

Dinner- still cooking from the freezer
Balsamic Glazed Drumsticks with green beans
Ranch Chicken Tacos with peas
Honey Garlic Chicken with rice and zuchinni
Beef Tips with rice and corn
Teriyaki Chicken with rice and green beans
Chili- the boys super bowl request :)
Leftovers

Snacks
Apple slices
Ants on a log- Celery with raisins and PB
Carrots
Gingerbread cookies- hopefully :)
Popcorn
Peanuts

What yummy dishes you have planned for your family this week?  I would love to hear all about it:)

Walgreens deals for the week of 01/26/2014

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufacture's coupons
2) Register Rewards (RR) are considered manufacture's coupons
3) You are allowed 1 manufacture's coupon and 1 store coupon per item
4) When redeeming a Register Rewards against the same offer may not receive another RR
5) 2 coupons can be used with Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Sales :)

Check out Walgreens Coupon Policy here:)

Walgreens has rolled out a program called Balance Rewards. You earn points you can later redeem. Click here to read more about this program.

Russell Stover Valentine chocolate- $1/3- Limit 6

2L Pepsi or Dr Pepper- $0.99- Limit 3

24pk Nice water- $2.99

Cover Girl cosmetics- Buy 1 Get 50% off
$1.50 Cover Girl TruBlend cpn- 01/26 P&G
$3/2 Cover Girl cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 01/26 P&G
$3 Cover Girl Bomb Shell mascara cpn- 12/29 P&G
Scott Naturals paper towels or Cottonelle 12 roll bathroom tissue- $4.99
Use $1 Walgreens in store cpn
$1 Scott paper towels cpn- 01/12 SS
$0.50 Cottonelle (2) 4pks or (1) 9+ roll cpn- 01/12 SS 

Nature Valley snack bars or thins, Fiber One snack bars or brownies- $5/2 and get 1000 points
$0.50 Nature Valley granola bars, thins, Soft Baked Oatmeal Squares or Breakfast Biscuits cpn- 01/26 SS
$0.50 Nature Valley granola bars, thins, Soft Baked Oatmeal Squares or Breakfast Biscuits cpn- 01/05 SS
$0.50 Fiber one Chewy, 90 calorie, Protein Chewy or Meal bar cpn- 01/05 SS 

Progresso- $5/4 and get 1000 points
$0.50/2 Progresso cpn- 01/05 SS
$0.50/2 Progresso cpn- 12/08 SS 

Kraft dinners- $4/2 and get 1000 points

Hunt tomato sauce or Butterball chicken broth- $1/2 with in ad cpn- Limit 6

Jello Gelatin or Pudding- $0.75 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Nice cups, cutlery, straws, tooth picks, plates or napkins- $0.99

Nice cookies or crackers- $1.99 and get 250 points

Nice snack bars- $1.99 and get 500 points

Dawn- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3
$0.50 Dawn Hand Renewal, Power Clean, Bleach Alternative or Oxi cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.25 Dawn cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Kleenex or Puffs- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3
$0.50/3 Kleenex cpn- 01/12 SS
$0.25/3 Puffs cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Renuzit adjustables- $0.89 with in ad cpn- Limit 3
$0.55/3 Renuzit adjustables cpn- 01/26 RP

Air Wick candle, scented oil refill 2pk, Reed Diffuser, Freshmatic Compact Starter or refills- $9/2 and get 1000 points
$2/2 Air Wick candle cpn- 01/05 SS
$1/2 Air Wick scented oil twin refill or 2 single pack cpn- 01/05 SS
$1 Air Wick Freshmatic starter cpn- 01/05 SS

Purex- $2.99
$1 Purex cpn- 01/26 RP

Nice trash bags- $2.99

Mars minis or M&M's- $5/2
Use $1 Walgreens store cpn
$1/2  Mars, Dove, Snickers fun size or minis, Fun Size Exchange bags or Valentine cpn- 01/26 RP

Mini sticker book or heart shaped container- $1/2 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Valentine plastic tumbler- $1/3 with in ad cpn- Limit 6

Speed Stick Gear deodorant or Irish Spring Gear bodywash- $3.99

$1.50 Speed Stick Gear cpn- 01/26 SS
 Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Speed Stick cpn- 01/19 SS
$1.50 Irish Spring Gear bodywash cpn- 01/26 SS
$1 Irish Spring bodywash cpn- 01/19 SS

Wet & Wild cosmetics- $1.49
$1 Wet & Wild cpn- 01/26 RP

Revlon ColorBurst crayons or Super Lustrous lipstick or gloss- $7.99 and get $3 RR
$1 Revlon lip cpn- 01/12 SS

Yardley bars- $4/3
$1/4 Yardley bars cpn- 01/26 SS

Suave or Tresemme- 25% off and get 2000 points when you buy 2
$1.50 Suave Professional Styler cpn- 01/26 RP
$1 Suave Professional hair care cpn- 01/26 RP
$3/2 Suave Moroccan dry oil spray when you buy Suave Moroccan lotion cpn- 01/26 RP
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Suave Naturals or kids bodywash cpn- 01/26 RP
$0.50 Suave Men bodywash cpn- 01/26 RP
$0.50 Suave deodorant cpn- 01/26 RP 
$2 Tresemme cpn- 01/26 RP
$3 Tresemme Keratin 7 day treatment cpn- 01/26 RP

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy- $4.99 and get 1000 points
$2.50 Clear hair cpn- 01/26 RP

Colgate Optic White toothbrush with whitening pen- $15 and get 5000 points
$1 Colgate Total, Optic White, Max Fresh or Sensitive toothpaste cpn- 01/19 SS

Colgate MaxFresh or Clean toothpaste, MaxFresh or White toothpaste- $5/2 and get 2000 points
$1 Colgate Total, Optic White, Max Fresh or Sensitive toothpaste cpn- 01/19 SS

Spend $10 on 3D White Oral B toothbrush, Crest toothpaste or mouth rinse and get 5000 points
$0.75 Oral B Pulsar, 3D White, ProHealth, Complete or 2 Indicator or Cavity Defense toothbrush cpn- 01/26 P&G
$0.75 Oral B Pulsar, 3D White, ProHealth, Complete or 2 Indicator or Cavity Defense toothbrush cpn-12/29 P&G
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 01/26 P&G
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 12/29 P&G 
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 01/26P&G
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 12/29 P&G

Spend $15 on Colgate Optic White toothpaste, mouthwash or 2pk toothbrush and get 5000 points
$1 Colgate Total, Optic White, Max Fresh or Sensitive toothpaste cpn- 01/19 SS
$1 Colgate mouthwash cpn- 01/19 SS
$1 Colgate 360 or Slim soft manual toothbrush cpn- 01/19 SS

Old Spice or Herbal Essence shampoo or conditioner- $3.99
$2 Old Spice hair cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1/2 Old Spice cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1 Old Spice hair cpn- 12/29 P&G
$1/2 Herbal Essence cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1/2 Herbal Essence cpn- 01/05 RP
$2/2 Herbal Essence cpn- 12/15 SS

Vidal Sassoon- $12/3
$0.50 Vidal Sassoon cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1.50/2 Vidal Sassoon cpn- 01/26 P&G
$3/3 Vidal Sassoon cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1 Vidal Sassoon cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3/2 Vidal Sassoon cpn- 12/08 RP 

Loreal Excellence color- $7.99
$2 Loreal Excellence color cpn- 01/26 RP

Tampax or Always- $8/2
$3/2 Tampax Pearl, Radiant or liners cpn- 01/26 P&G
$0.50 Tampax cpn- 12/29 P&G
$1 Tampax Pearl, Radiant or liner cpn- 12/29 P&G
$1 Always Radiant, Infinity or liners cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.50 Alway liner cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.50 Always pad or cleansing cpn- 12/29 P&G

Pur-Aborb Iron- $10 and get 10,000 points

Culturelle Health & Wellness Probiotic- $10 and get $10 RR

Caltrate or Centrum- $6.99
$1 Centrum or Caltrate cpn- 01/26 RP
$3 Centrum, Silver or Flavor Burst cpn- 01/05 RP
$2 Caltrate cpn- 01/05 RP 

Thermacare or Advil, PM, kids or Infants- $5.99
$1 Thermacare or Advil cpn- 01/26 RP
$1 Thermacare cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Advil cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Advil kids cpn- 12/08 RP

Alka Seltzer- $2.99
$1 Alka Seltzer cpn- 01/26 SS
$3/2 Alka Seltzer cpn- 01/26 SS
$1 Alka Seltzer cpn- 12/15 RP

Bayer low dose- $1.99
$1 Bayer cpn- 01/26 SS
$1 Bayer cpn- 01/05 SS 

Advil congestion or Allergy & congestion, Robitussin or Dimetapp- $4.99
$1 Robitussin, Dimetapp, Advil Congestion or Allergy & Congestion cpn- 01/26 RP
$1 Robitussin cpn- 01/05 RP

Chapstick MixStix or Hydration Lock- $5/2 and get 1000 points
$0.50/2 Chapstick cpn- 01/26 RP

Chapstick- $2/2
$0.50/2 Chapstick cpn- 01/26 RP

Zarbee cough- $5.99 and get 1000 points
$1 Zarbee cpn- 12/08 SS

Milk gallon- $2.99- Limit 2

Mars candy- $0.59 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Blue Diamond Almonds- $4.99/2
$1/2 Blue Diamond Almonds cpn- 01/26 SS

Maxwell House Instant- $3.99
$1 Maxwell House Instant cpn- 01/26 SS

KY Ultra Gel- $5.99 and get $5.99 RR
$2 KY cpn- 12/08 RP

CVS deals for the week of 01/26/2014

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 CVS 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

To view CVS Coupon Policy- click here:)

Dawn- $0.99
$0.50 Dawn Hand Renewal, Power Clean, Bleach Alternative or Oxi cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.25 Dawn cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Cover Girl cosmetics- Buy 1 Get 50% off
$1.50 Cover Girl TruBlend cpn- 01/26 P&G
$3/2 Cover Girl cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 01/26 P&G
$3 Cover Girl Bomb Shell mascara cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Pantene- $7/2
Buy Pantene shampoo and get FREE Pantene conditioner cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1 Pantene styler or treatment cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3/2 Pantene cpn- 12/29 P&G

Coke 2L- $0.99- Limit 5

Spend $10 on the following and get $3 ECB:
Hellman's Mayo- $6/2
$0.50 Hellman cpn- 01/26 RP
$0.50 Hellman cpn- 01/05 RP 
Bertolli or Ragu pasta sauce- $5/3
$0.75/2 Ragu cpn- 01/26 RP
$0.75/2 Ragu cpn- 01/0 RP 
Lipton tea bags- $6/2
$0.60/2 Lipton cpn- 01/26 RP

Spend $10 on the following and get $3 ECB:
Maxwell House master, original, wake up or french roast- $6.99
Maxwell House instant- $3.99 or decaf- $4.99
$1 Maxwell House Instant cpn- 01/26 SS
Kraft Mac & Cheese, Velveeta skillets, Hidden Valley or Kraft dressing- $5/2
Lipton tea or Maxwell House coffee single serve cups
$0.60/2 Lipton cpn- 01/26 RP

Hershey Valentine kisses or minis- $8/3 and get $1 ECB
$1/2 Hershey minis, kisses, Reese's minis or York Peppermint Patties cpn- 01/19 SS

Spend $10 on American Greetings and get $3 ECB

Renuzit adjustables or Just the Basic dish liquid- $0.88
$0.55/3 Renuzit adjustables cpn- 01/26 RP

Wisk- $9/2
$3/2 Wisk cpn- 01/26 RP
$1 Wisk cpn- 01/26 RP 

Purex- $2.99
$1 Purex cpn- 01/26 RP

Herbal Essence or Aussie- $6/2
$1/2 Herbal Essence cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1/2 Herbal Essence cpn- 01/05 RP
$2/2 Herbal Essence cpn- 12/15 SS
$1/2 Aussie cpn- 01/26 P&G
$1/2 Aussie cpn- 01/05 SS

Clairol Nice & Easy, Root Touch up or Natural Instincts- $12/2
$2 Clairol box hair color cpn- 01/26 P&G
$5/2 Clairol box hair color cpn- 01/26 P&G 

Spend $15 on Loreal cosmetics and get $5 ECB
$3 Loreal face cpn- 01/26 RP
$1 Loreal eye shadow or liner cpn- 01/12 RP
$1 Loreal eye cpn- 01/12 RP
$1 Loreal lip cpn- 01/12 RP
$2 Loreal cosmetic face cpn- 01/05 RP
$1 Loreal eye shadow or liner cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Loreal eye cpn- 12/08 RP 

Spend $15 on Physicians Formula cosmetics and get $5 ECB

Spend $15 on Maybelline cosmetics and get $5 ECB
$1 Maybelline New York face cpn- 01/12 RP
$2 Maybelline New York mascara cpn- 01/05 RP
$2 Maybelline lip cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Maybelline Color Show nail cpn- 12/08 RP

Spend $15 on the following and get $5 ECB:
Dove Advanced Care deodorant
$2 Dove Advanced Care deodorant cpn- 01/26 RP
Mennon Speed Stick gear deodorant, Irish Spring gear bodywash or bar- $3.99
$1.50 Speed Stick Gear cpn- 01/26 SS
 Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Speed Stick cpn- 01/19 SS
$1.50 Irish Spring Gear bodywash cpn- 01/26 SS
$1.50 Irish Spring Gear bar cpn- 01/26 SS
$0.50 Irish Spring bar cpn- 01/19 SS
$1 Irish Spring bodywash cpn- 01/19 SS

Spend $15 on Dove bodywash, cream oil lotion, shampoo, conditioner, styler, Dove, Caress, Lever bar 6-8ct, Caress bodywash and get $5 ECB
$2 Dove bodywash cpn- 01/26 SS
$1 Dove hair care cpn- 01/26 SS
$1 Dove beauty bar cpn- 01/26 SS
$1.25 Caress bar or bodywash cpn- 01/26 SS
$1 Lever bar cpn- 01/26 SS 

Right Guard bodywash or deodorant- $6/2 and get $1 ECB
$2/2 Right Guard deodorant cpn- 01/26 RP
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Right Guard bodywash or bar cpn- 01/26 RP 

Spend $10 on Nivea and get $3 ECB

Dial, Tone bodywash or Dial 8pk bar- $8/2 and get $2 ECB
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Tone bar, Tone bodywash, Dial bar, Dial bodywash or Dial lotion cpn- 01/26 RP
$1/2 Tone bar 2pk+, Dial foaming hand wash, deep cleansing hand wash, liquid soap refill or Dial bar cpn- 01/26 RP

Spend $12 on Suave and get $4 ECB
$1.50 Suave Professional Styler cpn- 01/26 RP
$1 Suave Professional hair care cpn- 01/26 RP
$3/2 Suave Moroccan dry oil spray when you buy Suave Moroccan lotion cpn- 01/26 RP
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Suave Naturals or kids bodywash cpn- 01/26 RP
$0.50 Suave Men bodywash cpn- 01/26 RP
$0.50 Suave deodorant cpn- 01/26 RP

Spend $10 on CVS shaving items and get $4 ECB

Buy 3 Axe shower gel, body spray, deodorant, shampoo or conditioner- $13/3 and get $4 ECB
$1 Axe Shower gel or detailer cpn- 01/26 RP
$1 Axe hair care cpn- 01/26 RP
$2 Axe deodorant or body spray cpn- 01/26 RP 

Spend $15 on the following and get $5 ECB:
Tresemme Premium, treatments or Dove Advanced Care deodorant- $10/2
$2 Tresemme cpn- 01/26 RP
$3 Tresemme Keratin 7 day treatment cpn- 01/26 RP
$2 Dove Advanced Care deodorant cpn- 01/26 RP 
Tresemme- $4
$2 Tresemme cpn- 01/26 RP

Clear hair care- $5
$2.50 Clear hair cpn- 01/26 RP

Loreal Excellence color- $7.99
$2 Loreal Excellence color cpn- 01/26 RP

Spend $10 on Listerine, Reach or Rembrandt and get $5 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Listerine cpn- 01/05 SS
$1 Reach Total Care floss, gentle gum floss, dentotape or Reach access flosser cpn- 01/05 SS 

Colgate Total toothpaste or 360 toothbrush- $2.99 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Colgate Total, Optic White, Max Fresh or Sensitive toothpaste cpn- 01/19 SS
$1 Colgate 360 or Slim Soft manual toothbrush cpn- 01/19 SS 

Crest Tarter protection, ProHealth or Clinical rinse- $3.99 and get $2.25 ECB- Limit 2
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 01/26P&G
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Crest 3D White Brillance, Sensi Relief or Crest Be toothpaste- $3.99 and get $2.50 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 01/26 P&G
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Oral B Cross Action toothbrush or refill- $5.99

Estroven- $10 and get $10 ECB

Buy 2 of the following and get $3 ECB:
Dimetapp, Robitussin, Advil Congestion, Allergy & Congestion or Cold & Sinus- $4.99
$1 Robitussin, Dimetapp, Advil Congestion or Allergy & Congestion cpn- 01/26 RP
$1 Robitussin cpn- 01/05 RP
Advil, PM, kids or infants- $4.99
$1 Thermacare or Advil cpn- 01/26 RP 
$1 Advil cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Advil kids cpn- 12/08 RP

Thermacare- Buy 1 Get 50% off
$1 Thermacare or Advil cpn- 01/26 RP 
$1 Thermacare cpn- 12/08 RP
Centrum adults, kids, Silver or Caltrate- $6.99
$1 Centrum or Caltrate cpn- 01/26 RP
$3 Centrum, Silver or Flavor Burst cpn- 01/05 RP
$2 Caltrate cpn- 01/05 RP 

Nabisco big bag, Coke 1L or Hershey snack size 6pk- $0.99
Use $0.25 CVS Coupon Center cpn

Winners of the After Holidays Giveaways

Thanks to everyone who read the giveaway posts and to those who entered:)

Here are the winners of the 3 giveaways I had going on:

Lilla Rose giveaway- no one entered so no winner was drawn

$10 Starbucks gift card giveaway~ there we 2 entries.  So instead of picking 1 to win.  Congrats to katychick and CatOLuck, you both win.  Yea!!

$10 You Choose gift card giveaway~ once again, only 2 entries, so congrats to both katychick and CatOLuck.  Yea!!

If you could both do me a huge favor and email me your mailing address to momstips2save@gmail.com .  I plan on getting the gift cards Saturday and if all goes well, will put them in the mail for both of you on Monday.  Congrats and enjoy :)

Our 2014 Monthly Projects

Here are the monthly projects we hope to accomplish in 2014.  Let's see what we can do this year:

January- Freezer cooking- Make a list and try freezer cooking for the month

February- Crock pot Bread

March- Homemade Pudding

April- Make homemade Hamburger buns

May- Make Homemade Whipped Cream

June- Make Homemade Marshmallows

July- Make Homemade Bodywash

August- Make Cake Balls

September- Make Cake in a Jar

October- Make Pudding Pops

November- Make Laundry detergent

December- Make Pita Bread

Let's see how many of these we can get done this year:)  What kind of projects do you hope to accomplish this year?

Our 2014 Goals

Oh boy~ January is almost over and I just realized we never posted our 2014 goals- oops.

Even though our 2014 goals are almost identical to our 2013 goals, we want to keep ourselves accountable by posting them.  Come along and see how much we accomplish this year.

So here goes, our 2014 goals in no particular order:

1) To not eat out or at least to not pay out of pocket, with the exception of tips. If we want to treat the family to a meal out, we will make sure we have a gift card to cover all of us.

2) Pay off 2 credit cards

3) Not to use any of our credit cards for 2014. To pay cash for everything.

4) To maintain our grocery budget. Our current grocery budget is $400 month for our family of 6. Our goal is to use up to that amount to feed our family healthy nourishing meals.  If we are lucky enough to come under our monthly budget, we will save that amount.

5) To create a monthly meal plan for our family, to use leftovers more efficiently and to make use of everything in our pantry and freezer.  Try our hand at freezer cooking.

6) Lose weight- I need to get motivated to lose this baby weight- my goal is to lose 10 lbs this year.

7) Morning devotions, prayer time and more bible reading

8) Monthly date night with hubby- whether we go out or stay at home, pop popcorn and rent a movie

9) To spend quality family time together. With everyones schedule and us running all over creation, I would love to spend more quality time together- no tv- us playing games, talking, enjoying each others company.  I think we are going to claim Saturday's as family fun day:)

10) Not to use our dryer to save on electricity and lower our electricity bill


11) To do 1 project a month and blog about it

What goals do you have for 2014? I would love to hear them:)

My Shopping Day~ 01/19/2014

Since we had gone on our super long shopping trip last week and my freezer is still busting at the seams, this week's shopping trip seemed quick and painless.

Here is our shopping trip details:

BJ's
$1.49- Bananas

Dollar Tree
$2.00- 2 packages frozen blueberries
$1.00- Foil
$3.06- Total after tax

Walgreens
$11.96- 4 gallons skim milk

Walmart
$3.96- Peanuts
$2.36- Flaxseed
$3.52- Flour
$3.00- 3 boxes WW Rotini
$1.96- Frozen veggies
$0.98- Bologna- request from Nathan
$2.38- Creamer
$5.56- Allergy meds
$0.88- Lime juice
$2.94- Avocados
$0.80- Bananas
$28.34- Walmart

Save A Lot
$3.05- Split Chicken Breasts
$3.20- Split Chicken Breasts
$0.99- Cherry Tomatoes
$0.99- Cherry Tomatoes
$0.99- Lettuce
$0.99- Lettuce
$11.39- Pork Shoulder
$1.16- Tomatoes
$3.96- 4 bottles BBQ sauce
$0.99- Cucumber
$1.98- 2 Pineapples
$0.99- Little Marshmallows for an experiment
$0.99- Big marshmallows
$31.66- Total

This shopping trip has been added to our January Monthly Spending post, where I keep track of what we spend for the month of January.

Menu Planning for the week of 01/20/2014

How was your weekend?  Our weekend was nice.  My birthday was Saturday, so we celebrated at home.  Hubby and the little boys made me dinner- awwww.  It was so sweet and tasty:)  Instead of a cake, I got birthday cheesecake- mmmmm.  Cheesecake is right up there with Starbucks on my favorites list ;)  I had a really nice day.  Since we are hundreds of miles from family and friends, I had a lot of nice phone calls, text messages and Facebook posts.  My dad and his girlfriend even called to sing Happy Birthday to me- so sweet :)

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Double batch of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins
Oatmeal with honey and raisins X2
Pancakes X2
Fruity Spinach Smoothie
Scrambled eggs and fruit

Lunch- our usual
Salad with homemade ranch dressing and a banana for me and hubby
Sandwich with homemade bread, celery and peanuts for everyone else

Dinners from the freezer:)
Mongolian Beef with brown rice and green beans
Chicken Tacos with corn
Island Chicken with rice and zuchinni
Chicken Cacciatore with peas
Chunky Beef Stew
Chicken Fajitas with zuchinni
Orange Chicken with rice and green beans

Snacks
Popcorn
Carrots
Apples
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins
Peanuts
Ants on a log- celery with PB and raisins

What yummy foods do you have on your menu plan for this week?  I would love to hear all about it:)

Walgreens deals for the week of 01/19/2014

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufacture's coupons
2) Register Rewards (RR) are considered manufacture's coupons
3) You are allowed 1 manufacture's coupon and 1 store coupon per item
4) When redeeming a Register Rewards against the same offer may not receive another RR
5) 2 coupons can be used with Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Sales :)

Check out Walgreens Coupon Policy here:)

Walgreens has rolled out a program called Balance Rewards. You earn points you can later redeem. Click here to read more about this program.

General Mills cereal- $1.99
$0.75 General Mills Total Whole Grain or Total Raisin Bran cpn- 01/12 SS
$0.75 General Mills Multi Grain Cheerios, Peanut Butter or Dark Chocolate Cheerios cpn- 01/12 SS
$1/2 General Mills Big G cereals cpn- 01/05 SS

Maxwell House coffee Original, Master Blend or French Roast- $5.99 and get 1000 points

Capri Sun- $4/2 and get 1000 points

Gold Medal flour or Domino Pure Sugar Cane- $1.99

Nice mandarin oranges or Armour Vienna sausages- $1/2 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Bumble Bee tuna- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Campbells Chicken Noodle or Tomato soup- $0.75 with in ad cpn- Limit 4
$0.50/5 Campbells Chicken Noodle, Tomato or Mushroom soup cpn- 01/12 SS

Kraft Mac & Cheese or Microwave cup- $0.89 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Smart Water or Vitamin Water- $3/3 and get 1000 points

Nice Gelatin- $1/2

Palmolive- $0.94
$0.25 Palmolive cpn- 01/19 SS
$0.50 Palmolive cpn- 01/05 SS 

Glade air fresheners- $6/2 and get 1000 points
$1 Sense & Spray, twin or 2  single refills cpn- 01/12 SS
$1 Glade Plug In oil triple, twin or 2 single refills cpn- 01/12 SS
$1.50/2 Glade Winter collection cpn- 12/08 SS
$0.55 Glade Premium room spray cpn- 12/08 SS
$1 Glade Plug in oil triple, twin or 2 single refill cpn- 12/08 SS

Clorox bathroom, kitchen, Clean Up or wipes, Tilex, Pinesol or 409- $5/2 and get 1000 points

Sparkle 3 roll- $5/2 and get 1000 points

Nice storage, freezer, snack or sandwich bags- $0.99

Nice tissues- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Drano Snake Plus, Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush Toilet Cleaner- $6.49
Use $3 Walgreens in store cpn
$2/3 Windex, Pledge, Shout or Scrubbing Bubble cpn- 01/12 SS
$3/4 Windex, Pledge, Shout or Scrubbing Bubble cpn- 01/12 SS
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Scrubbing Bubbles toilet gel cpn- 01/12 SS 

Nice paper towels or bathroom tissue- $4.99 and get 1000 points

Gillette Venus or Fusion ProGlide razor- $9.99 and get $2 RR
$3 Gillette Venus cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3 Gillette Venus cpn- 12/15 RP
$3 Gillette Fusion ProGlide cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3 Gillette Fusion ProGlide cpn- 12/15 RP 

Suave- $0.89

Nivea or Nivea for Men skin care- Buy 1 Get 50% off and get 2000 points

Irish Spring 6pk bar or Softsoap bodywash- $6/2 and get 2000 points
$1 Irish Spring bodywash cpn- 01/19 SS
$0.50 Irish Spring 6pk bar cpn- 01/19 SS

Oral B ProHealth toothbrush, Crest 3D White or ProHealth toothpaste or ProHealth mouthwash- $8/2 and get 3000 points
$0.75 Oral B Pulsar, 3D White, ProHealth, Complete or 2 Indicator or Cavity Defense toothbrush cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.75 Crest mouthwash cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Dove or Degree Clinical- $6.99 and get 1000 points
$3 Dove Clinical or 2 Go Sleeveless, go fresh or Clear Tone cpn- 01/05 RP
$3 Degree Women Clinical or Women MotionSense cpn- 01/05 RP 

Colgate toothbrush single or 2pk, Total Advanced or Sensitive toothpaste- $3.49 and get $1 RR
$1 Colgate Total, Optic White, Max Fresh or Sensitive cpn- 01/19 SS

$1 Colgate 360 or Slim Soft manual toothbrush cpn- 01/19 SS
$0.50 Colgate manual toothbrush cpn- 01/05 SS

Colgate battery toothbrush- $5.99 and get $2 RR
$2 Colgate battery toothbrush cpn- 01/19 SS

Speed Stick- $1.99
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Speed Stick cpn- 01/19 SS

Toms of Maine deodorant- $7/2 and get 1000 points

Tylenol, Sudafed PE or kids- $12/2 and get 2000 points
$2.50/2 Tylenol Extra Strength, regular, kids, infants, cold or sinus cpn- 01/05 SS
$1 Tylenol Extra Strength or Regular cpn- 01/05 SS 

Robitussin, Dimetapp, Advil Congestion or Allergy & Congestion- $10/2 and get 2000 points
$1 Robitussin cpn- 01/05 RP
$1 Advil cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Advil Congestion, Allergy Congestion, Cold & Sinus or Allergy Sinus cpn- 12/08 RP 

U by Kotex- $8/2 and get 1000 points

Walgreens Fiber Clear, Wal-Mucil, Zantac or Pepcid- $7.99 and get 1000 points
$6 Zegrid cpn- 01/19 SS

Boston or Renu- $5.99
Use $1 Walgreens in store cpn

Rolaids, Alka Seltzer or Tums- $3.99 and get 500 points
$2 Rolaids cpn- 01/05 RP
$1 Alka Seltzer cpn- 12/15 RP 

Rescue Pastilles- $6 and get $6 RR

Ricola- $2.99
Use $1 Walgreens in store cpn
$1/2 Ricola cpn- 01/05 RP

Neilmed SinoFrin spray or gel- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Mucinex kids- $8.99 and get 2000 points

Topricin foot- $10 and get $10 RR

H+Care medicated hemorrhoid wipes- $7 and get $7 RR

I-Cool Hot Flash relief cloths- $7 and get $7 RR

Dial hand soap, refill or bar 3pk- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Arm & Hammer laundry detergent- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Hershey candy- $0.59 with in ad cpn- Limit 6 and get 100 points when you buy 2

Angel Soft or Quilted Northern- $7/2 and get 1000 points
$0.45 Angel Soft cpn- 01/05 RP
$1 Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong cpn- 01/05 RP 

Walgreens batteries- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE and get 1000 points

CVS deals for the week of 01/19/2014

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 CVS cpns
    $5 off $15 Cosmetic Purchase cpn prints this week
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

To view CVS Coupon Policy- click here:)

Puffs- $0.99
$0.25/3 Puffs cpn- 12/29 P&G

Spend $10 on American Greeting and get $3ECB

Xtra detergent- $1.99

Brita Classic Pitcher or filters 3pk- $17.99 and get $5 ECB

Spend $12 on Revlon cosmetics and get $4 ECB
$1 Revlon nail cpn- 01/12 SS
$1 Revlon lip cpn- 01/12 SS
$2 Revlon foundation, powder, concealer, prime, blush, BB or CC cream cpn- 01/12 SS
$1/2 Revlon eye cpn- 01/12 SS 

Buy 2 Neutrogena cosmetics and get $6 ECB
$1.5. Neutrogena cosmetic cpn- 01/05 SS

Spend $12 on Maybelline eye and get $4 ECB
$1 Maybelline New York face cpn- 01/12 RP
$2 Maybelline New York mascara cpn- 01/05 RP
$2 Maybelline lip cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Maybelline Color Show nail cpn- 12/08 RP

Spend $15 on CoverGirl eye or lip and get $5 ECB
$3 CoverGirl Bombshell mascara cpn- 12/29 P&G

Spend $12 on the following and get $6 ECB:
Softsoap, Irish Spring bodywash or Irish Spring 6pk bar- $3
$0.75 Softsoap bodywash cpn- 01/19 SS
$1 Irish Spring bodywash cpn- 01/19 SS
$0.50 Irish Spring 6pk bar cpn- 01/19 SS 
Speed Stick- $1.99
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Speed Stick cpn- 01/19 SS
Softsoap hand soap- $2
$0.35 Softsoap hand soap cpn- 01/19 SS
Colgate battery toothbrush- $6
$2 Colgate battery toothbrush cpn- 01/19 SS
Colgate Optic White toothpaste, Sensitive ProRelief or Optic White toothbrush- $3
$1 Colgate Total, Optic White, Max Fresh or Sensitive cpn- 01/19 SS
$1 Colgate 360 or Slim Soft manual toothbrush cpn- 01/19 SS
$0.50 Colgate manual toothbrush cpn- 01/05 SS 

Buy 3 Nivea lip care and butter and get $5 ECB

CVS diaper or training pants- $6.99 and get $2 ECB

VO5- $0.79

Spend $20 on Nexxus and get $10 ECB

Colgate Total toothpaste, Total mouthwash or 360 floss tip toothbrush- $2.99 and get $1 ECB
$1 Colgate Total, Optic White, Max Fresh or Sensitive cpn- 01/19 SS
$1 Colgate mouthwash cpn- 01/19 SS
$1 Colgate 360 or Slim Soft manual toothbrush cpn- 01/19 SS
$0.50 Colgate manual toothbrush cpn- 01/05 SS 
 
Zegrid- $24.99 and get $8 ECB
$6 Zegrid cpn- 01/19 SS

Buy 2 Boost regular or high protein- $6.99 or Boost plus or bars- $7.99 and get $4 ECB
$4 Boost cpn- 01/05 SS
$3 Boost cpn- 01/05 SS 

Buy 2 CVS Children pain relief liquid, Infants or Junior rapid tabs and get $3 ECB- Limit 5

Buy Bengay or Neosporin Essentials and get $3 ECB

Palmolive- $0.99
Use $0.25 CVS Coupon Center cpn
$0.25 Palmolive cpn- 01/19 SS
$0.50 Palmolive cpn- 01/05 SS 

Spend $12 on Loreal face, eye or lip and get $4 ECB
$2 Loreal Paris face cpn- 01/12 RP
$1 Loreal Paris eye cpn- 01/12 RP
$1 Loreal eye shadow or liner cpn- 01/12 RP
$1 Loreal lip cpn- 01/12 RP

Adventures in Container Gardening

I went out to water my backyard container garden and found this:

Eeeeek!!  My poor lettuce bolted- booo :(  I knew it was bound to happen.  Things were going so well.  I was hoping I traded in my Virginia brown thumb for a Florida green thumb- nope:)  Not all my lettuce bolted but half did.  I removed the bad half and now the good half has a lot of room to grow.

On a happier note~ vegetables I couldn't get to grow in Virginia are flourishing here in Florida.  So I must be doing something right~ right?

Here is the rest of my backyard container garden:

Lots of clusters of cherry tomatoes- WOOHOO

Regular tomatoes growing strong

Green Peppers- peppers are growing great but a little critter has been munching on the leaves

Zucchini- wasn't doing so well but is recuperating and growing:)

So we have a mixed garden- some are doing great, some are recovering and some are just not doing well at all :( 

Have you ever had a container garden?  Anyone have any tips or tricks?

I will share next week how my garden is coming along.  Hopefully it can survive this crazy up and down weather we seem to be having.

Our Adventures with Freezer Cooking

Anyone heard of freezer cooking?  Anyone successful with it?  I have heard of it and have dabbled here and there but nothing stuck.

I was reading Crystal's blog and came across a post about freezer cooking.  She linked to with the website, Who Needs A Cape, where the authors of this website did a major freezer cooking haul.  40 meals in 4 hours- wow.  It had my attention.  I spent Saturday evening after the boys went to bed and wrote my massive grocery list.  And on Sunday, spent 4 hours at several grocery stores.

The massive amount of meats and some of the veggies

Michael and I spent 2 hours Sunday evening cutting, chopping and packaging our many meals.  We don't have all 40 prepped just yet.  Found out that Save A Lot is having a 3 day sale this weekend.  So, I will be purchasing the rest of the ingredients then.

Here is the outcome of our freezer cooking prep evening:

Freezer full of all kinds of delicious packets all ready to just dump in the crockpot, walk away and let it do it thing- LOVE IT :)

My super long Shopping Day~ 01/12/2014

This was the king of all shopping trips.  I haven't bought this much food at one time in a very long time.  Actually, I can't remember a time buying this much at once.  I showed Kevin my long shopping list and he still volunteered to go.  I think he secretly wanted me to make a special trip to McD's for a chocolate milkshake.  He has a McD's gift card that he has been so eager to use:)  Which after this 4 hour grocery trip, I not only took him to McD's, I finally used some of my Starbucks gift card:)

Here are our shopping details:

CVS
$1.00- Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup
$0.79- Butterfinger
$1.79
-1.00 ECB
-0.50 CVS Coupon Center cpn
$0.34- Total after tax and got $0.79 ECB

Publix
$2.00- Zucchini

Walgreens
$11.96- 4 gallons Skim Milk

BJ's
$9.73- Package of Chicken Thighs
$10.31- Packages of Chicken Thighs
$9.44- Package of Chicken Drumsticks
$6.58- 2 cans Crushed tomatoes
$8.99- Cat Litter
$1.49- Bananas
$47.08- Total after tax

Save A Lot
$0.99- BBQ sauce
$8.01- Pork Lion
$1.00- Cucumbers
$53.76- BLSL Chicken Breasts at $1.69 lb
1.98- Lettuce
$0.99- Onions
$3.00- Green Peppers
$1.98- Pumpkin
$1.99- Shred Cheese
$1.86- Green Beans
$1.29- Cherry tomatoes
$76.85- Total

 Walmart
$2.98- Parchment Paper
$2.48- Gallon zip bags
$1.76- Flour
$2.96- White Whole Wheat flour
$2.44- Ketchup
$2.72- Canola Oil
$2.46- Low Sodium Teriyaki sauce
$1.88- Low Sodium Soy Sauce
$0.74- Chopped Onions
$2.77- Bay Leaves
$2.08- Oregano
$2.78- Basil
$1.98- Sriracha
$1.82- Baking Powder
$1.98- Apple Sauce
$1.98- Grape Jam
$0.66- Tomato sauce
$1.97- Lysol toilet cleaner
$2.00- Croutons
$6.98- Cat Food
$10.98- 2pk Whole Chicken
$10.32- Stew Meat
$9.32- Stew Meat
$7.27- Stew Meat
$1.28- Cinnamon
$2.00- Low Sodium Chicken Bouillon
$2.00- Low Sodium Beef Bouillon
$1.35- Coriander
$0.57- Rosemary
$0.57- Cilantro
$1.00- Frozen Orange Juice
$1.98- Frozen corn
$2.38- Creamer
$1.32- Limes
$2.32- Oranges
$1.48- Carrots
$1.48- Carrots
$1.58- Celery
$2.97- Potatoes
$7.84- Honey
$4.98- Butter
$3.92- Pineapples
$1.98- Peanuts
$1.98- Peanuts
$1.98- Herb & Garlic Maranade
$1.98- Herb & Garlic Marinade
$112.95- Total after tax

This shopping trip has been added to our January Monthly Spending post, where I keep track of what we spend for the month of January.

My Menu Plan for the week of 01/13/2014

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  We had a nice weekend that is until Nathan's brand new glasses we just got for him literally fell apart.  We are waiting for them to be replaced.  Aside from that fun, we had a nice Saturday.  We spent Sunday going to church, then grocery shopping and then prepping all the food we just bought.  And we bought a lot:)  More on that later this week.

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Pumpkin Bread muffins with fruit X2
Pancakes X2
Scrambled eggs with fruit
Fruity Spinach Smoothie
Baked Oatmeal with apples

Lunch~ our usual
Salad with  homemade ranch dressing and a banana for me and hubby
Sandwich on homemade bread , carrots and apple slices for everyone else

Dinner
Applesauce BBQ Chicken with rice and green beans
Shredded BBQ Chicken on buns with zuchinni
Pesto Chicken with zuchinni
Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs and rice with green beans
Cilantro Lime Chicken with corn
Pork Stew
Easy Pulled Pork on buns with green beans

Snacks and desserts
Carrots
Apple slices
Homemade Kettle Corn
Chocolate Chip Brownies
Oranges
Peanuts

What super yummy things do you have planned for your family this week?  I would love to read all about it :)

Walgreens deals for the week of 01/12/2014

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufacture's coupons
2) Register Rewards (RR) are considered manufacture's coupons
3) You are allowed 1 manufacture's coupon and 1 store coupon per item
4) When redeeming a Register Rewards against the same offer may not receive another RR
5) 2 coupons can be used with Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Sales :)

Check out Walgreens Coupon Policy here:)

Walgreens has rolled out a program called Balance Rewards. You earn points you can later redeem. Click here to read more about this program.

Mars candy- $0.59- Limit 6

Sunny Smile paper towels or bathroom tissue- $5/10

Jif PB or Smuckers Strawberry fruit spread- $5/2 and get 1000 points

Quaker 1 min oats or Real Medley oatmeal- $3/2 and get 500 points
$0.75/2 Quaker oatmeal, Instant Oatmeal or Cold cereal cpn- 01/12 RP

Lindsay Olives- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Russell Stover chocolate- $0.39 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Nice trash bags- $4.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Ajax cleanser- $1/2 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Sunny Smile paper plates- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Suavitel fabric softener, Fabuloso cleaner or Ajax dish liquid- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Glade Sense & Spray or Lasting Impression kit- $5.99
$3 Glade Sense & Spray kit starter kit cpn- 01/12 SS

Xtra laundry detergent- $1.49

Nice household supplies- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Walgreens batteries- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Revlon ColorStay lip liner, Moon drops, ColorBurst or Super Lustrious lipstick or gloss- $6.99
Use $1 Walgreens in store cpn

Purell- $2.99
Use $1 Walgreens in store cpn

Gillette Venus or Fusion ProGlide razor- $9.99 and get $2 RR
$3 Gillette Venus razor cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3 Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3 Gillette Venus razor cpn- 12/15 RP
$3 Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor cpn- 12/15 RP

Schick disposable- $6.99
$3 Schick disposable razor cpn- 12/08 SS

Spend $15 on Garnier Nutrisse, foam or hair- Buy 1 Get 50% off or Garnier Olia color- $8.99 and get 3000 points
$1 Garnier Nutrisse cpn- 12/08 RP
$2 Garnier Fructis cpn- 01/12 RP
$3 Garnier Olia cpn- 01/12 RP 

Colgate 360 Surround, floss tip, Optic White or ProRelief toothbrush, Total Advanced or Optic White toothpaste or mouthwash- $9/3 and get 3000 points
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 01/05 SS
$0.50 Colgate manual toothbrush cpn- 01/05 SS

Oral B Complete toothbrush, Select Crest toothpaste, Scope Outlast or Dual Blast mouthwash- $9/3 and get $4 RR
$0.75 Oral B Pulsar, 3D White, ProHealth, Complete or 2 Indicator or Cavity Defense toothbrush cpn- 12/29P&G
 $0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 12/29 P&G

Colgate 360 Clean toothbrush, 2in1 or Total Whitening toothpaste- $2.99
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 01/05 SS
$0.50 Colgate manual toothbrush cpn- 01/05 SS

Playtex- $6.99 and get 1000 points

Tampax or Always- $3.99
$0.50 Tampax cpn- 12/29 P&G
$1 Tampax Pearl or Radiant tampons or Pearl liners cpn- 12/29 P&G
$1 Always Radiant or Infinity cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.50 Always liners cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.50 Always pads or cleansing product cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Energy Xcentric 8hrs of Energy- $8 and get $8 RR

Triaminic- $4.99 and get 500 points
$5/2 Triaminic cpn- 01/12 SS

Rescue Natural Stress relief gum- $4.99 and get $4.99 RR

Blistex- $1

Halls- Buy 1 Get 50% off

Clear Eyes- $5.99
Use $2 Walgreens in store cpn

Kellogg PopTarts, select cereal or Rice Krispies treats- $1.99
$1/3 Kellogg Special K cereal cpn- 01/05 RP
$1/2 Kellogg cereal cpn- 12/15 RP 

Milk gallon- $2.99- Limit 2

Folgers Classic or Black Silk- $2.99 or Decaf- $3.99
$0.25 Folgers cpn- 12/08 RP

Dawn- $0.99
$0.50 Dawn hand renewal, Power clean, Bleach alternative or Oxi cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.25 Dawn cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Revlon ColorStay or Luminsta- $5/2
$1/2 Revlon hair color cpn- 12/15 SS

FitSmart Simply Slim supplement- $10 and get $10 RR

Estroven mood or memory- $10 and get $10 RR

Mitchum- $2.99

CVS deals for the week of 01/12/2014

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 CVS 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

To view CVS Coupon Policy- click here:)

Dawn- $0.99- Limit 5
$0.50 Dawn hand renewal, Power clean, Bleach alternative or Oxi cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.25 Dawn cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Fructis- $2.99- Limit 4
$2 Fructis cpn- 01/12 RP

Nestle Singles- $0.79 and get $0.79 ECB

Kleenex- $0.99

Hershey Valentine kisses or minis- $5/2 and get $1 ECB

Valentine M&M, Mars Valentine or Dove chocolate hearts- $6/2 and get $2 ECB
$1.50/2 Mars Snickers, M&Ms, Milky Way, Twix or mini mix cpn- 01/12RP

Spend $15 on Windex, Pledge or Scrubbing Bubbles and get $5 ECB
$0.75 Scrubbing Bubbles All Purpose with Fantastik cpn- 01/12 SS
$1/2 Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cpn- 01/12 SS
$1/2 Pledge furniture cpn- 01/12 SS
$1/2 Windex cpn- 01/12 SS

Spend $15 on Hefty trash or food storage bags and get $5 ECB
$1 Hefty trash bags cpn- 01/05 RP
$1/2 Hefty sliders cpn- 01/05 RP
$1/2 Hefty sliders cpn- 11/10 RP 

Spend $15 on Duracell and get $5 ECB
$0.50 Duracell cpn- 12/29 P&G
$1 Duracell cpn- 12/15 RP 

Renuzit adjustables- $0.99

Spend $15 on Loreal cosmetics and get $5 ECB
$1 Loreal Paris eye cpn- 01/12 RP
$1 Loreal eye liner or shadow cpn- 01/12 RP
$1 Loreal lip cpn- 01/12 RP 
$2 Loreal Paris face cpn- 01/05 RP

Spend $15 on Revlon and get $7 ECB- Limit 6

Spend $10 Nivea body lotion or creme and get $5 ECB

Softsoap- $2.99 and get $1 ECB

Fructis family size- $4.99
$2 Fructis cpn- 01/12 RP

Spend $10 on Colgate Total toothpaste, Total rinse or 360 toothbrush and get $5 ECB
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 01/05 SS
$0.50 Colgate manual toothbrush cpn- 01/05 SS

Spend $10 Crest 3D White paste, rinse or toothbrush and get $5 ECB- Limit 2
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 12/29 P&G
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 12/29 P&G 

Mitchum- $2.99

Triaminic night time or daytime- $10/2 and get $3 ECB
$5/2 Triaminic cpn- 01/12 SS

Campbell Chicken Noodle or Tomato soup- $1
Use $0.50 CVS Coupon Center Cpn

General Mills cereal- $1.99- Limit 5
$1/2 General Mills Big G cereal cpn- 01/05 SS
$1/2 General Mills Total Whole Grain or Raisin Bran cpn- 12/08 SS
$1/3 General Mills Big G cereal cpn- 12/08 SS

Spend $15 on Maybelline cosmetics and get $5 ECB
$1 Maybelline New York face product cpn- 01/12 RP
$2 Maybelline New York mascara cpn- 01/05 RP
$2 Maybelline lip cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Maybelline Color Show nail cpn- 12/08 RP

Purex or Arm & Hammer detergent- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

After Holiday Giveaway #3~ You Choose

This is a fun giveway.  Winner gets to pick where they want their $10 gift card to be from (from a list of stores local to me).

Here is all the local retailers around me:

CVS
Walgreens
Target
Walmart
Sally Beauty
Kohls
Dollar Tree
Michael's Craft store
Publix
Save A Lot
McDonalds
Steak & Shake (eGift Card)
Gamestop

I am sure there are more, I will update this list as I come across places.  If there is anything particular, you are looking for, let me know and I will see if we have it here.

As always entering is super easy, just comment below and let me know what gift card you would like to win.  Also don't forget to include your email addy so I can contact you if you win.  This giveaway will end on 01/22/2014.  On 01/23/2014, I will use random.org to select 1 winner and I will email the winner for a shipping address.

To keep things easier, I will have 3 separate giveaway posts.  Feel free to enter all 3.  Good Luck :)
Lilla Rose Giveaway
$10 Starbucks Gift Card

After Holiday Giveaway #2~ Starbucks

For those who know me, know that I am in love with Starbucks.  Mmmm ~ Yummy~ an Iced Caramel White Chocolate Mocha :)

I am really surprised that I haven't visited our local Starbucks here in Florida.  I have a gift card but have been so busy with moving and then the holidays on top of everything of everything else.

This Giveaway will be for a $10 Starbucks Gift Card.

As always entering is super easy, just comment below and let me know your favorite Starbucks drink:)  Also don't forget to include your email addy so I can contact you if you win.  This giveaway will end on 01/22/2014.  On 01/23/2014, I will use random.org to select 1 winner and I will email the winner for a shipping address.

To keep things easier, I will have 3 separate giveaway posts.  Feel free to enter all 3.  Good Luck :)
Lilla Rose Giveaway
$10 You Pick the Store Gift Card Giveaway

After Holiday Giveaway~ Lilla Rose

Now that Christmas and New Year's has come and gone, it is finally time to relax :)

I will be hosting 3 fun giveaways :)

The first is Lilla Rose.

For those not familiar with Lilla Rose, please read my review here.  I love Lilla Rose products~ they are fantastic.  Look at some of the cute fun things you can do with your hair:

I understand sizing can be tricky, watch this helpful sizing video and this chart is also quite helpful:

One lucky winner will have the opportunity to pick out 1 product (up to $16 value).

As always, entering is super easy, just leave me a comment with your email address and you will be entered.  For some fun, hop on over to my website, browse and let me know your favorite Lilla Rose product~ this step in not a requirement to enter, just for fun:) This giveaway will end on 01/22/2014.  On 01/23/2014, I will use random.org to select 1 winner and I will email the winner for a shipping address.

To keep up with sales and specials, feel free to like my Lilla Rose facebook page.

To keep things easier, I will have 3 separate giveaway posts.  Feel free to enter all 3.  Good Luck :)
$10 Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway
$10 You Pick the Store Gift Card Giveaway

January 2014 Monthly Spending

Here is where I will keep a list of our spending for the month of January. We have a $400 grocery budget for this month. This is for everything for our family of 6 and 2 pets. We did really well last month and ended up staying with in budget.  So, lets see how we do this month:

01/05/2014
$0.99- CVS and got $7 in ECB's
$2.97- Walgreens
$5.92- Publix
$10.60- Dollar Tree
$23.33- Save A Lot
$45.95- Walmart

01/12/2014
$0.34- CVS and got $0.79 ECB
$2.00- Publix
$11.96- Walgreens
$47.08- BJ's
$76.85- Save A Lot
$112.95- Walmart

01/19/2014
$1.49- BJ's
$3.06- Dollar Tree
$11.96- Walgreens
$28.34- Walmart
$31.66- Save A Lot

01/26/2014
$1.25- Dollar General
$1.98- Save A Lot
$3.00- Dollar Tree
$11.85- BJ's
$11.85- Walgreens
$35.39- Walmart

$482.77- Running Total for January

$0.00- Left for the remainder of the month

Shopping Day~ 01/05/2014

First shopping day of the new year:)  This time both Kevin and Chris went out shopping with me.  They both had Christmas money they were anxious to spend:)  I put them to work helping me out first:)

Here is our shopping trip details:

CVS
$6.99- Boost
$7.00- Sundown gummies
$13.99
-4.00 Boost cpn
-2.00 Sundown cpn
-7 ECB
$0.99- Total and got back $5 in ECB's and $2 Fall Spending ECB:)

Walgreens
$2.97- 3 dozen eggs

Publix
$2.94- Zucchini
$1.49- Fresh green beans
$1.49- Fresh green beans
$5.92- Total

Dollar Tree
$4.00- 4 packages of toilet paper
$2.00- 2 bpxes tissues
$1.00- Quart zip bags
$1.00- Sandwich zip bags
$2.00- 2 laundry baskets
$10.60- Total after tax

Save A Lot
$3.99- Cat litter
$1.98- Lettuce
$13.16- 4 gallons skim milk
$0.99- Oyster crackers
$0.99- Crackers
$1.98- Pumpkin
$23.33- Total after tax

Walmart
$2.38- Creamer
$3.08- Parm Cheese
$1.00- Half and Half
$3.28- Sliced cheese
$1.48- Spinach
$3.96- Peanuts
$0.99- Bananas
$2.00- 2 boxes WW Rotini
$12.04- 2 Whole Chickens
$2.44- Ketchup
$2.96- White Wheat flour
$1.76- Flour
$3.98- Italian dressing mix
$1.00- WW Spaghetti
$1.08- Lentils
$2.52- Sugar
$45.95- Total

This shopping trip has been added to our January Monthly Spending post, where I keep track of what we spend for the month of January.

Menu Plan for the week of 01/06/2014

Happy New Year!!  Happy 2014.  It felt like 2013 just flew by.  Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Our weekend was nice and quiet.  We were making sure we had everything ready for Nathan's dental procedures this afternoon.  This is the first time, he has had dental work done where he has been awake for the whole procedure.  He did really well.  It was touchy there for a few minutes.  But all in all, he did so well.  I am so proud of him:)  The dentists down here rocks.  They are great.  They invite the kids to look at and ask questions about the instruments that they are going to use.  Plus they tell them step by step what they are doing while they are doing it.  He has to go back in 2 weeks to finish the work.  They were able to get the big stuff done today:)

Our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Pumpkin bread
Scrambled eggs and fruit
Pancakes X2
Fruity Spinach Smoothie
Oatmeal with raisins and honey X2

Lunch
Salad with homemade ranch dressing and a banana for me and hubby
Sandwich with homemade bread, carrots and pineapples for everyone else

Dinner
Lentil tacos with green beans
Chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans
Spaghetti with rolls and zuchinni
Chicken Noodle Soup and grilled cheese
Chicken Alfredo with corn
Three Cheese Garlic Chicken Pasta with peas
Leftovers

Snacks
Popcorn
Pudding
Jello
Pineapples
Apple slices
Carrots
Graham Crackers
Peanuts

What yummy dishes do you have planned for your family this week?  I would love to hear all about it :)

Walgreens deals for the week of 01/05/2014

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufacture's coupons
2) Register Rewards (RR) are considered manufacture's coupons
3) You are allowed 1 manufacture's coupon and 1 store coupon per item
4) When redeeming a Register Rewards against the same offer may not receive another RR
5) 2 coupons can be used with Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Sales :)

Check out Walgreens Coupon Policy here:)

Walgreens has rolled out a program called Balance Rewards. You earn points you can later redeem. Click here to read more about this program.

Quaker Real Medleys bar- $1/2- Limit 4

Kellogg Special K cereal or bar- $7/3 and get 1000 points
$1/3 Kellogg cereal bars, pastry crisps or granola bars cpn- 01/05 RP 
$1/3 Kellogg Special K cereal cpn- 01/05 RP
$1/2 Kellogg cereal cpn- 12/15 RP 

Trident gum- $2/3
$1/3 Trident cpn- 01/05 SS

Gevalia ground or Gevalia or Maxwell House single serve cups- $5.99 and get 1000 points
$1.50 Gevalia coffee cpn- 12/15 SS


Nestle candy- $0.59 with in ad cpn- Limit 6

Nips or Nice thin mints- $0.79 with in ad cpn- Limit 3 and get 500 points when you buy 3

Palmolive- $1.99
$0.50 Palmolive cpn- 01/05 SS

All detergent- $7/2
$3/2 All detergent cpn- 01/05 RP
$1 All detergent cpn- 01/05 RP 
$2/2 All detergent cpn- 12/08 RP

Angel Soft 9 roll or Quilted Northern 9 roll- $3.49
$0.45 Angel Soft cpn- 01/05 RP
$1 Quilted Northern Ultra Plush 4 double rolls + cpn- 01/05 RP
$1 Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong 4 double rolls + cpn- 01/05 RP 

Hefty One Zip freezer or storage bags- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE
$1/2 Hefty sliders cpn- 01/05 RP
$1/2 Hefty sliders cpn- 11/10 RP 

Scrubbing Bubbles, Pledge, Shout, Drano or Windex- $7/2 and get 1000 points

Windex or wipes, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout or Fantastik- $6/2 and get 1000 points

Lysol- $3.99

Walgreens batteries- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Lysol hand soap or refill- $6/2 and get 1000 points

Cepacol- $3.99
Use $1 Walgreens in store cpn
$1 Cepacol sore throat cpn- 12/15 SS

CarMex- $4/4 and get 1000 points
$1/2 Carmex cpn- 01/05 SS

Alka Seltzer plus cold, cough, flu, sinus or allergy- $11/2 and get 2000 points
Use $5/2 Walgreens in store cpn
$1 Alka Seltzer cpn- 12/15RP
$2 Alka Seltzer Plus Cold cpn- 12/15 RP 

Robitussin- $4.99 and get 2000 points
$1 Robitussin cpn- 01/05 RP
$1 Robitussin cpn- 12/08 RP

Advil congestion, kids or Dimetapp- $10/2 and get 2000 points
$1 Advil Congestion, allergy & congestion, cold & sinus, or allergy sinus cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Advil kids cpn- 12/08 RP
$1 Advil kids cpn- 10/13 RP

Pepcid  or Zantac- $7.99 and get 1000 points
$4 Zantac cpn- 01/05 SS
$5 Zantac cpn- 11/17 SS

Dulcolax laxative or stool softener or Walgreens anti diarrhea- $5.99 and get 1000 points
$3/2 Dulcolax cpn- 11/17 SS
$1 Dulcolax cpn- 11/17 SS 

Pedia Care fever, cold, cough or flu- $6.99 and get 5000 points
$1 Pedia Care cpn- 01/05 SS
$1 Pedia Care cpn- 12/08 SS
$1 Pedia Care cpn- 11/03 SS

Viactiv- $10/2 and get 5000 points

Bayer Contour Next Blood Glucose meter- $10 and get 10000 points

Bausch & Lomb Soothe- $7.99
$4 Basuch & Lomb Soothe cpn- 01/05 SS

Carmex moisture plus hydrating lip balm- $2.74
$0.75 Carmex moisture plus cpn- 01/05 SS

Tylenol cough, cold, flu, sinus or allergy- $5.99 and get 2000 points when you buy 2
$1 Tylenol cold or sinus cpn- 01/05 SS

Aveeno hair, bath or skin care- $4.99
$2/2 Aveeno cpn- 01/05 SS
$1 Aveeno cpn- 01/05 SS 

Clean & Clear- $5.99 and get 1000 points
 $1 Clean & Clean cpn- 01/05 SS

Visine- $3.99
$1.50 Visine cpn- 01/05 SS

Sudafed PE or kids- $12/2 and get 2000 points

Listerine or Whitening pre brush rinse- $3.99 and get 2000 points when you buy 2
$1 Listerine 1L cpn- 01/05 SS
$1 Listerine Whitening Restore rinse, Whitening Vibrant rinse or Whitening refresh rinse cpn- 01/05 SS 

Stayfree Ultra Thin maxi pads- $3.99
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Stayfree cpn- 01/05SS

Azo Cranberry- $6 and get $6 RR

Bic disposable- $5.99
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Bic disposable razor cpn- 01/05 SS

Sensodyne- $4.99
$1 Sensodyne toothpaste cpn- 01/05 RP

Gillette Venus or Fusion ProGlide razor- $9.99 and get $2 RR
$3 Gillette Venus razor cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3 Gillette Venus razor cpn- 12/15 RP
$3 Gillette Fusion ProGlide cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3 Gillette Fusion ProGlide cpn- 12/15 RP 

Speed Stick- $5/2 and get 2000 points

Herbal Essence or Aussie- $6/2
$1/2 Herbal Essence cpn- 01/05 RP
$2/2 Herbal Essence cpn- 12/15 SS
$1/2 Aussie cpn- 01/05 RP 

Scunci no damage hair elastic- $2.99 and get $2 RR

Vidal Sassoon- $8/2 and get 1000 points
$1 Vidal Sassoon cpn- 12/29 P&G
$3/2 Vidal Sassoon cpn- 12/08 RP 

General Mills cereal- $4/2
$0.50/2 General Mills Chex cpn- 12/15 SS
$0.50 General Mills Total Whole Grain or Raisin Bran cpn- 12/08 SS
$1/3 General Mills Big G cereal cpn- 12/08 SS
$0.50/2 General Mills Chex cpn- 11/24 SS 

Progresso- $2.50/2
$0.50/2 Progresso cpn- 12/08 SS 

Colgate MaxWhite or Fresh toothbrush or Total, MaxFresh or Clean toothpaste- $2.99 and get $1.50 RR
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 01/05 SS
$0.50 Colgate manual toothbrush cpn- 01/05 SS 

I-Cool+D Menopause relief- $10 and get $10 RR

Nice eggs or Butterball turkey bacon- $0.99

Kleenex- Buy 1 Get 1 FREE
$0.75/3 Kleenex cpn- 12/08 SS