The Clutter Must Go~ Day 10 Results

So, how did you do with today's challenge?

Me, not too good.  With a sick dog and Kevin hitting a Geometry rough spot~ we didn't get as much done in the kitchen as we had hoped to.

I guess some progress is better than no progress.  I do have a nice clean, clear table.  I do have a clean stove and a shiny clean sink.  I have organized pantry cabinets and know what is in there and in the freezer:)  We will work on the rest of the kitchen later:)

As far as our dog goes, we took him to the vet and she noticed that he had some inflammation but he is getting up there in years.  She gave him a steroid shot to stimulate his appetite and has put him on a doggie multivitamin to help straighten his immune system.  I hope this works.

So, how did you do with your kitchen project?  How does your kitchen look now compared to when you started?  I hope you are enjoying this room by room home decluttering project- I know I am.  I know that when all is said and done, my home will be clutter free and looking good.

Have a great and safe weekend.  Don't forget to tune in on Monday morning to see what room we are going to tackle next:)

CVS deals for the week of 09/30/2012

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

Dawn- $0.96- Part of the buy $30 and get $10 ECB deal

Pantene- $8/2- Part of the buy $30 and get $10 ECB deal
$1/2 Pantene cpn- 09/30 P&G
Buy Pantene Shampoo and get FREE Conditioner or Styler cpn- 09/16 SS

Hershey, Nestle or Mars fun size 6pk- $5/5
$1/2 Hershey milk chocolate with almonds or dark chocolate 6pk cpn- 08/19 SS

Crest 3D White, w/Scope, ProHealth, ProHealth Rinse, Clinical or Glide Floss- $3.99- Part of the buy $30 and get $10 ECB deal
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 09/30 P&G
$1.50 Crest rinse cpn- 09/30 P&G
$0.50 Oral B Glide floss cpn- 09/30 P&G

Tide- $5.94
$1 Tide cpn- 09/30 P&G
$0.50 Tide cpn- 09/09 SS

Puffs- $0.99
$0.25 Puffs single or 3pk cpn- 09/30 P&G

Bumble bee light tuna- $0.89

Muscle milk or Lipton Tea- $6/2 and get $1 ECB
$1/2 Lipton 64 oz cpn- 09/30 Pepsi insert

Buy $10 Physicians Formula cosmetics and get $7 ECB

Almay eye makeup remover- $5.49 and get $2 ECB- Limit 6
$2 Almay eye makeup remover cpn- 09/23 SS

Dove hair care- $6/2- Buy $15 and get $5 ECB deal
Buy Dove shampoo or conditioner and get FREE Styler cpn- 09/30 RP
$0.25 Dove Hair care cpn- 09/30 RP

Select Dove, Degree or Dove Men Care deodorant- $7/2- Buy $15 and get $5 ECB deal
$1 Dove Men Care deodorant cpn- 09/30 RP
$0.75 Dove Sleeveless, CleanTone, Go Fresh or Clinical deodorant cpn- 09/30 RP

Dove Men care bodywash- $5- Buy $15 and get $5 ECB deal
$2 Dove Men Care bodywash or shower tool cpn- 09/30 RP

Olay facial cloths or cleansers- $4.99
$2 Olay Complete moisturizer, daily facials or cleansers cpn- 09/30 P&G

Olay bodywash, bar or Ultra Moisture lotion- $5.50 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$2 Olay bar, bodywash or in shower lotion when you buy facial cleanser cpn- 09/30 P&G
$3/2 Olay bodywash or bars cpn- 09/16 SS

Vaseline lotion- $5.99 and get $1 ECB
$2 Vaseline lotion cpn- 09/30 RP

Softsoap bodywash or hand soap- $7/2 and get $4 ECB
$0.50 Softsoap bodywash or bar soap cpn- 09/30 SS
$0.35 Softsoap hand soap, pump or refill cpn- 09/30 SS

Fructis- $2.99

Suave Professional, kids or stylers- $4/2
Buy Shampoo AND Conditioner and get FREE Suave Professional Styler cpn- 09/30 RP



Head & Shoulders- $4.99
$2 Head & Shoulder cpn- 09/30 P&G

Clairol Natural Instincts or Nice & Easy non permanent- $6.99
$2 Clairol Natural Instincts or Nice & Easy color cpn- 09/30 P&G
$2 Nice & Easy or Natural Instincts cpn- 09/16 SS

Speed Stick- $5/2

Fixodent- $3.99
$1 Fixodent cpn- 09/30 P&G

Colgate Optic White, Sensitive, Total, Total Whitening or Advanced- $3.49 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$0.75 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 09/30 SS

Listerine Zero, Cool Mint, Fresh Burst, Original, Advanced, Total Care, Reach toothbrush or floss- $3.99 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Listerine gel cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Whitening rinse cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine, Zero, Total Care or Fluoride cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine UltraClean cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Total Care or Fluoride cpn- 07/29 RP
$0.50 Listerine or Zero cpn- 07/29 RP
$1 Reach Total Care Floss cpn- 07/29 RP
$1 Reach toothbrush cpn- 07/29 RP

Colgate Optic White toothpaste or rinse- $4.99
$0.75 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 09/30 SS
$1 Colgate Optic White mouthwash cpn- 09/30 SS

Crest ProHealth rinse or whitening- $4.49 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$1.50 Crest rinse cpn- 09/30 P&G

Arm & Hammer spin brush or refills- $5.99 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$2 Arm & Hammer Spin Brush cpn- 08/19 SS

Zantac- $8.99 and get $2 ECB

Robitussin- $4.99- Buy 2 and get $3 ECB - Limit 5
$3 Robitussin cpn- 09/30 RP
$1 Dimetapp, Robitussin, Advil congestion cpn- 08/26 RP

All detergent- $7/2
$2/2 All cpn- 09/30 RP

Tresemme- $7/2- Limit 4
Buy 2 Tresemme shampoo AND conditioner and get FREE Styler cpn- 09/30 RP

**This is not the entire CVS ECB sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming CVS ad.**

The Clutter Must Go~ Day 10

Today is Friday:)  This morning has been an eventful one- we have a very sick dog and have a vet appointment today.  So, we will see what we can get done today.

If you have been participating and have done all your declutter challenges and only have 3 walls in your kitchen- HOORAY- you did a great job. Today, use your day to clean your kitchen windows, clean your sink and stove, wipe down the cabinets, sweep and mop your kitchen floor.  Then go and do something fun to celebrate a job well done:)

If your kitchen has 4 walls in it, then your challenge today is to declutter along wall #4. 

If you are like me and haven't had a chance to do all the challenges, then today is your make up day.  Start with wall #1 and just go around your kitchen walls decluttering and see what you can get done today.  Do a quick declutter~ walk around each wall in your kitchen and pick out what doesn't fit or what you want to get rid of.  Don't worry about getting into your cabinets.  Let's focus on what you can see in your kitchen~ counters, table, etc.

Remember to get rid of at least 1 thing today.  If you find much more than 1 thing that you want to get rid of, sell or give away-then go for it:)  Your kitchen will thank you.

Have fun with this challenge.  Just do what you can get done today.  If you can't do it all- that is fine.  Take pride in all you have accomplished this week.  You have done way more than if you had done nothing at all:)

Come back this evening and see how much we got done today and I will let you know what the vet says about our dog.  Plus come back and let me know how you are doing with your challenges.

My Shopping Day~ 09/24/2012

Through all the busyness, I just realized I never got a chance to post my shopping day totals.

Here are my shopping trip details from when I went shopping on Monday:

Walmart
$11.56- (4) gallons skim milk
$3.94- Frozen veggies
$3.98- Cat food
$2.98- Safety pins for the consignment sale
$1.78- Cream Cheese
$1.00- Black thread
$2.32- Lunchmeat
$3.28- Planters Cinnamon Raisin Granola PB
$2.00- Light bulbs
$2.00- Juice boxes
$1.58- Bananas
-3.28- Planters Cinn Raisin PB cpn
$31.02 Total after tax and cpns

Dollar Tree
$1.03- Raisins

Martins
$2.16- (4) loaves of bread

Hobby Lobby
$0.55- Pipe cleaners with 40% off cpn

This will be the last shopping trip for us this month.  How did we do??  Head on over here and see how close we came to our budget.  Did we make it with in our budget or did we go over??

The Clutter Must Go project Results Day 8 & 9

How have you  done with your decluttering projects the past 2 days?

These past 2 days for me have been so crazy busy- I have done everything but declutter. 

Yesterday, I had to help Kevin with a homeschool assignment, then away we went to the library for a homeschool research class that lasted longer than I expected, but that is OK.  I got a chance to talk to the librarian about some of Kevin's weaknesses with his homeschool work and she was able to point us in the right direction for help- thanks Dora!!  We have an awesome librarian.  By the time we got home, it was time to eat lunch and get little Michael down for his nap and more school work for Kevin.

When Nathan and Chris got home from school, I had them help me sort some clothes and a few other things for the consignment sale this weekend.  They were a great big help sorting and helping me organize.  I then put all the info in the database and printed off my tags for the items I was bringing to sell.  I stayed up waaaaay too late last night making sure everything was tagged and ready for today's drop off.

Today, we had Parent Teacher conferences that lasted until 2pm.  Came home got everything loaded in the van and off we went to drop off everything we had for the consignment sale.  I did pretty well last year- I was very surprised.  Even though we waited until the last minute to get some things together, I was shocked to learn I was bringing 80 items to the consignment sale this time around.  Not too bad for last minute.  The money that I make from this sale will be used to buy Nathan and little Michael's Halloween costumes this year and whatever is left over goes towards paying back the money we spent on Kevin's school books.

So, as you can see, we had a busy last 2 days and were unable to get any of our decluttering done.  But that is OK- tomorrow is a new day and the boys have off from school.  We are going to have a nice kitchen declutter tomorrow.

Hope you all did better in your decluttering journeys than I did for the last 2 days.

Tomorrow is Friday- YEA!!!!  Rest up and come back tomorrow morning to see what we hope to tackle tomorrow with our kitchen declutter project and join us- we would love to have you:)

Don't forget to comment and let me know how you did with your declutter project and how you are doing with it so far:)

The Clutter Must Go project ~ Day 9

Yesterday, we left off in our kitchen with decluttering along wall #2. 

Today. we are still in the kitchen and are going to work along wall #3.  Pull everything out of your cabinets and see what you have in there.  Is there anything in there you aren't going to use or anything you have needed in a long time?  Get rid of them by either selling them or giving them away. Unless it is broken, then just get rid of it.  It does you no good to have something that is broken sitting and not being used- trash it.  Unless, you know of someone who could fix it- give it to them and let them either use it or give it a new home.

Pull everything off your counters and put everything on your kitchen table.  Pick every item up and think about the last time you used it.  If it has been a while and you aren't going to use it again- sell it or bless someone else with it.  If it is something that you use regularly or know you will need it soon- put in back on your counter.

Remember to get rid of at least 1 thing today.

Come back this evening to see how we did from yesterday and today.  And come back to let me know how this declutter project/challenge is working out for you.

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 8

Ready for some more kitchen decluttering fun?

Today's challenge is to declutter along wall #2 in your kitchen.

Go through your cabinets, clear off your counters and go through drawers.  Anything that you are not currently using- ask yourself if you really NEED that item or if it is just sitting there taking up space.  Don't be afraid to let something go- don't think of it as getting rid of something, think of it as finding it a new home where it will get more use.

Remember to get rid of at least 1 thing today.  If you need a refresher on the so called "rules" or advice, read them here.

Don't forget to come back this evening to see how we did and to let me know how you did with this project.

The Clutter Must Go project~ Results for Day 6 & 7

How did everything go for you today?  I hope everyone had an awesome day:)

Monday's declutter challenge was to clean off your kitchen/dining room table.  I did get our kitchen table cleared off.  So glad I did~ it made today's challenge a lot easier.  Plus my kitchen table looks a lot better clutter free.

Today's challenge was to declutter along wall # 1 in your kitchen.  For us, wall #1 consists of a 3 cabinet pantry, a short counter with cabinet underneath, the refrigerator and a longer counter with 2 cabinets underneath and 4 drawers to the side.

I took everything out of our 3 cabinet pantry and put everything back neat and organized.  I can now see what I have and how much I have.  That will make next month's menu planning a lot easier.  After that, I moved to the short counter- not much to do there.  From there, I decided to tackle the top of the refrigerator- my oh my- what I found up there- yikes.  I found candy corn and candy canes- guessing those are from last year- yuck.  Also found a few screwdrivers- not sure how they ended up on top of the fridge.  I also found some sidewalk chalk and magnetic letters, which would have been useful to know since we bought chalk and magnetic letters and numbers for little Michael's easel.

That is all we had time to do today.

How did your declutter challenge do today?

Tomorrow is a new day and a new challenge:)

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 7

How did you guys do with yesterday's project?  It was an easy one:)  Thankfully, it was an easy one because we had so much to do yesterday- will explain later:)

Ready for today's declutter project??  I hope so~ I am:)

Today's declutter project is to declutter along wall #1 in your kitchen.  Stand in the entry way to your kitchen and look to your left- there you go~ wall #1.  Go through all the cabinets and see what you have in there.  Anything that has been in there for months or you forgot you even had, maybe a good sign to get rid of.  Clear off any counters along that wall and put everything on the counters onto your kitchen table- see that is why I had you clean off your kitchen table yesterday.  Pick up each item and ask yourself~ do I really NEED this item??  If the answer is yes, then put it back on your counter.  If the answer is no, you could live without it- put it either the sell box or the give away box.  If your answer is maybe I will need it someday~ put it away for a few months and if you don't even think about it or can't find anything to use it for~ then it may be time to let go of it.

Just go along wall #1 today:)  If you have a big kitchen, just do what you can get done.  Don't stress if you can't get the whole wall done today.  We will have plenty of make up days to get done what we don't get a chance to do now.

Ready, set, go declutter in your kitchen:)

Come back this evening for the results from yesterday and today.  Plus, let me know how you are doing with your own decluttering project.

Until then, have fun and  have a great day:)

Menu Plan for the week of 09/24/2012

Happy fall:)  It certainly doesn't feel much like fall here.  We hope you had a great weekend- we did~ will tell all about our adventures complete with pictures.

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Peach Coffee Cake X2
Baked Oatmeal X2
Banana Bread X2
Pancakes with homemade syrup

Lunch
Sandwich, popcorn, carrot sticks and banana

Dinner
Chicken Potpie
Chicken & rice stirfry
Taco beans & rice with green beans
Sausage gravy over homemade biscuits, scrambled eggs and fruit
Chili
Spaghetti with homemade rolls and corn
Shred BBQ chicken on buns with peas

Snacks
Almonds
Carrot sticks
Apple slices
Parm Zuchinni slices

What yummy and delicious food are you planning to fix this week?

The Clutter Must Go~ Day 6

New week~ new room:)  Excited??

This week we are moving into the kitchen.

Which is great for me.  I have a ton of stuff sitting in my kitchen that needs to find another home.  I have come to the realization that we don't need or even use half the gadgets we own.

Because today is Monday and our normal shopping day, plus we have to take care of something at our local Sheriff's office- will explain later- such a busy weekend:)  Today, your challenge is to clear and clean off your kitchen table.  That's it- easy right?

Let's go and get busy clearing that kitchen or dining room table- we are going to use it all this week for our kitchen decluttering project:)

Come back this evening and see how we did and let me know how you did:)  Don't forget to get rid of at least one thing today.

Walgreens deals for the week of 09/23/2012

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufactur's coupons
2) Register Receipts (RR) are considered manufactur's coupons
3) You are allowed 1 Manufactur's coupon and 1 store coupon per item
4) Cannot use RR printed from item to pay for same item and get RR's again~
For example- If you were to purchase Colgate for $3 and get $3 RR, if you purchase the Colgate again and use the RR's earned from the 1st Colgate purchase you will not earn the RR's again

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

Big roll bathroom tissue or Tuf paper towels- $0.59 and get 100 points

Hershey candy- $0.59 and get 100 points

Palmolive- $2/2 and get 250 points

Tide Pods or Gain detergent- $4.99- Buy 2 and get 1000 points
$1/2 Tide Pods cpn- 09/16 RP

Nice tomato sauce- $0.29

Barilla pasta- $0.99

Butterball chicken broth- $1/2 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Hunts tomato sauce- $1/3 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Jiff PB or Smuckers Strawberry Fruit Spread- $5/2 and get 250 points

Daisy sour cream- $0.99

Wrigleys 5 or Orbit gum- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 6 and get 100 points

Novelty Halloween candy- $0.99

Halloween candy pumpkin or nest- $0.39

Plastic tumber- $1/8 with in ad cpn- Limit 16

Fantastik, Scrubbing Bubbles, Windex or Shout- $6/2
Use $1 Store cpn
$0.75 Scrubbing Bubbles All Purpose Cleaner with Fantastik cpn- 08/26 SS
$1/2 Windex cpn- 09/23 SS
$1/2 Shout cpn- 09/23 SS

Ziploc- $5/2
$1/2 Ziploc cpn- 09/23 SS

Glade Scented oil candle refills, candle or Plug In refill- $6/2 and get $1 RR
$1.50/2 Glade jar candles or scented oil candles cpn- 09/23 SS

Walgreens facial tissue- $0.99

Renuzit- $0.79

ZZZquil- $4.99 and get $1 RR

3M Air Allergy Advanced Nasal Filter- $9 and get $9 RR

FRS energy shots- $3.99 and get $3.99 RR

Tums- $3.99 and get 2502 points
$1/2 Tums cpn- 08/26 RP

TRUEresult blood glucose monitor- $14.99 and get $14.99 Mail in Rebate

Oral B Complete toothbrush, Scope Outlast dual mouthwash, Crest toothpaste or Glide floss- $6/2 and get $3 RR
$1.50 Scope mouthwash cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 08/26 P&G
$.50 Oral B Glide or Glide picks cpn- 08/26 P&G

Colgate 360 Surround, ProRelief or Optic White toothbrush, Optic White toothpaste or rinse- $2.99 and get $1 RR
$1 Colgate 360 manual toothbrush cpn- 09/09 SS
$1 Crest Optic White rinse cpn- 09/09 SS

Listerine mouthwash, rinse or Pocketpaks- $3.99
$1 Listerine Whitening rinse cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine, Zero, Total Care or Fluoride cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine UltraClean cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Total Care or Fluoride cpn- 07/29 RP
$0.50 Listerine or Zero cpn- 07/29 RP
$1 Reach Total Care Floss cpn- 07/29 RP
$1 Reach toothbrush cpn- 07/29 RP

Playtex tampons or sport body wipes- $3.99 and get 1000 points

Garnier Nutrisse or HerbaShine color- $4.99
$2 Garnier Nutrisse cpn- 09/09 RP
$2 Garnier Nutrisse cpn- 08/19 RP

Gillette Fusin ProGlide razor- $9.99 and get $4 RR
$4 Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor cpn- 08/12 RP

Gold Bond foot cream or lotion- $6.99
$1 Gold Bond Ultimate lotion 13oz+ cpn- 09/23 SS
$1 Gold Bond Ultimate Intensive hand cream cpn- 09/23 SS
$1 Gold Bond Ultimate foot cream cpn- 09/23 SS
$1 Gold Bond Ultimate cream 6.5oz or smaller cpn- 09/23 SS

Kellogg's cereal, Fiber Plus, Special K or Nutri-Grain bars- $5/2
$1/2 Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats cpn- 08/26 RP
$1/3 Kellogg's Krave, Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Honey Smacks or Frosted Mini Wheats cpn- 08/26 RP

Crest 3D White Vivid Glamourous or Vivid Enamel, Artic Fresh or Vivid Radiant toothpaste, Fresh mint mouthwash, Oral B Advantage toothbrush or Glide Floss picks- $3.49 and get $2.50 RR
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 08/26 P&G
$1 Crest rinse cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Glide floss or floss picks cpn- 08/26 P&G

**This is not the entire Walgreens Register Rewards (RR) or Balance Reward Points sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming Walgreens ad.**

CVS deals for the week of 09/23/2012

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

Kleenex- $0.99

Poland Springs bottle water 24pk- $3.88 and get $1 ECB

Kellogg's Raisin Bran, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks or Keebler granola fudge bars- $1.99
$1/3 Kellogg's Krave, Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Frosted mini wheats cpn- 08/26 RP

Xtra detergent- $1.99

Organix bodywash, lotion, shampoo or conditioner- $4.99 and get $1 ECB

VO5- $0.79

Revlon Colorsilk- $6/2

Caress bodywash- $5/2

Tresemme- $7/2

Arrid XX or Arm & Hammer Ultra Max deodorant- $0.99

Tom's of Maine deodorant or toothpaste- $3.99 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Tom's of Maine deodorant cpn- 09/23 SS
$1 Tom's of Maine toothpaste, mouthwash or floss cpn- 09/23 SS

Colgate Optic White, rinse, Sensitive ProRelief or Optic White toothbrush- $4.99 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Colgate Optic White mouthwash cpn- 09/09 SS

Tampax Radiant or Always Radiant- $3.99 and get $1 ECB
$2.50/2 Tampax or Always Radiant cpn- 08/26 P&G

Spend $10 on Oral B manual toothbrush, Oral B Floss or Crest ProHealth rinse and get $5 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Oral B Floss or picks cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Crest rinse cpn- 08/26 P&G

Spend $10 on Listerine, Reach or Rembrandt and get $5 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Listerine gel cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Whitening rinse cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine, Zero, Total Care or Fluoride cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine UltraClean cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Total Care or Fluoride cpn- 07/29 RP
$0.50 Listerine or Zero cpn- 07/29 RP
$1 Reach Total Care Floss cpn- 07/29 RP
$1 Reach toothbrush cpn- 07/29 RP

Alteril sleep aid shot- $5.79 and get $5.79 ECB

Thermacare lower back & hip heat wrap- $3.79 and get $3.79 ECB
$1 Advil, Advil PM, Childrens Advil, Infants Advil or Thermacare cpn- 08/26 RP

Depend Silhoutte or Real Fit- $3.99 and get $1 ECB

Pepto Bismol- $5.99 and get $1 ECB- Limit 3

Buy 2 Childrens Dimetapp, Advil Congestion Relief or Cold & Sinus- $4.99 and get $3 ECB- Limit 5
$1 Dimetapp, Robitussin, Advil Congestion or Allergy cpn- 08/26 RP

CVS daytime, nighttime, liquid, CVS tussin or All cold/cough/flu max strenght- $11/2 and get $3 ECB- Limit 5

Pepsi 2L- $0.99

General Mills cereal- $5/2
$0.50 General Mills Cheerios cpn- 09/23 SS
$1/3 General Mills cpn- 09/09 SS
$0.50 General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Lucky Charms, Golden Grahams, Chex Mix treats or Milk 'n Cereal bars cpn- 09/09 SS

Palmolive- $0.99

**This is not the entire CVS ECB sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming CVS ad.**

Lowes Build & Grow Clinic~ 09/22/2012

Lowes will be hosting a Build & Grow Clinic on September 22, 2012 at 10am.

If you are looking for a great free activity that you can do with your kids- you should check out the Lowes Build & Grow Clinics. Little Michael and Nathan love them. They love being able to do hands on projects with our help.

This Saturday and Sunday, Lowes Build and Grow Clinic will be building a Fire truck.

To sign up for this Build & Grow Clinic simply go to the Lowes Build & Grow Clinic website, which they have redone to make it more user friendly. I am loving this new website. You register all your information. Then when you visit the website to sign up for an upcoming clinic, all you have to do is sign in and check which kids you are signing up. Don't forget to print and sign the waiver. And you and your child(ren) are ready for a really cool FREE hands on project.

Once you and your child(ren) complete the project they will receive a neat patch to put on their Lowes Build & Grow apron. If this is your first clinic, your child(ren) will receive a free Lowes Build & Grow apron and goggles:) The more clinics you do, the more patches you get to put on your kids apron and they can show them off with pride:)

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 5

YA!!!!  It's Friday:)

This is the last day to work on decluttering our living room. 

For today's declutter challenge, it depends on where you are to determine what to do today:

If you have followed from the beginning, your living room is decluttered and you love the way it looks, then today's challenge for you is to make sure everything has a home and is neat and the way you want it.  Use today to vacuum the floor, vacuum behind the couch, dust your entertainment center, pictures and ceiling fan, Windex your living room windows and Windex your glass front door.  Then your living room transformation will be complete.  The rest of the day is yours.  Sit, relax and have a moment (or if you have kids a tiny second) and give yourself a big pat on the back for a job well done.  Smile- you stuck with it and it has paid off:)

For the rest of us who have a busy schedule and just couldn't get it all done.  Today is a make up day for us.  Start with wall #1 and do the things you may have missed.  The same with wall #2, #3 & #4.  Do what you can with the time you have.  Don't stress if you don't have enough time to do it all.  It is OK.

For those of us with small children, we can pick up and clean up until we turn blue in the face and then the tornado blows through and toys all over the floor.  No biggie- I have learned to accept the fact that my living room may not always look presentable.  But I do believe that by decluttering, we will have less stuff all over the floor and will make it easier to pick up when someone unexpectedly shows up.

Well there you have it, your assignments for today:)  Have fun and lets get our houses and lives in the order we want them to be in.

Come back this evening to see how we did and to let me know how you did.

Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe

We absolutely LOVE this Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe.  We think it tastes much better than the boxed version.

The boys get super excited when they look at the menu on the fridge and see Cheeseburger Macaroni listed.

Here is the way we make it:

Cheeseburger Macaroni
1 lb Ground beef
Hot water
2 C Milk
Pasta noodles- any shape will work
1 TBSP Cornstarch
2 tsp Paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Brown and drain ground beef.  Put pasta, corn starch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar and milk in tall sauce pan.  Add enough hot water to just cover the noodles.  Add ground beef.  Bring to boil and turn down to simmer.  Cover pan and simmer 15 minutes.  Don't peek.  After 15 minutes, add cheese and stir. Enjoy this super yummy Cheeseburger Macaroni with a veggie your family loves.

 It is super easy to make and more healthier than the boxed version.  Let me know what your family thought of it:)

I didn't get a picture, as soon as I realized I forgot to take a picture, it was gone.  The boys love it so much, it is rare to have any left over:)  The next time I make it, I will try my best to remember to take a picture of this recipe before my boys dig in.

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 4 Results

How did you do today?  Did you get everything you wanted to get done?

Me, nooooo~ I never get everything on my list done.  I did get most of day 4 decluttering done.  Kevin had some issues with his school work and needed my help.   Object of Prepositions, linking verbs, noun clauses, appositives~ oh my:)  I needed a refresher myself.  It has been a while since I needed to dissect a sentence.  But all in all, my the end of the day- he got it:)

Today's decluttering project was in the living room along wall #4~ well that is my computer desk- ugggggg.  I have put off so many times to get my computer desk organized.  And when I do get it organized and looking good~ the clutter seems to grow and grow and grow and makes it look like I haven't touched my desk in months.  I guess I need a good system to organize all the things that come across my desk.  I will work on that one.

I got rid of lots of graded school papers, newspapers, old magazines and cards that we just don't need any more.  My desk is looking better but it is still crying for my attention.

Never fear, tomorrow is another day and another project:)

See you tomorrow morning:)  Have a fabulous evening.

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 4

This is a lot later than I wanted to post it.  Kevin wanted to jump on his school work early this morning and who am I to stop a child from learning:) 

Today's challenge is still in your living room.  If you have followed me from the beginning, you would be decluttering along wall #4 in your living room today.  If you are new and want to join in- go for it.  Yesterday, we left off with wall #3 and today we will continue our living room decluttering transformation by working along wall #4.

Grab your boxes and your trash bag and lets go:)

This is the last wall in our living room and will complete our living room- yea!!  Can't wait for hubby to come home tomorrow and see this.

Remember, we are decluttering:  Pick up everything, look at it and make a decision- does it go in the sell box, giveaway/donate box or does it go back where it belongs?  The choice is yours.  Remember to get rid of at least 1 item per day of this challenge.  I can't wait to make this nice big drop off at Goodwill this weekend:)

Ready to declutter your living room?  Well, lets hop to it.

Come back this evening and see how I did and let me know how you did.

Have a great day:)

Hello World:)

That is how I think Nathan is feeling.  I had no clue that my poor baby couldn't see that well.  He had adapted so well with his vision the way it was.  He had nothing to compare it to, so to him, his vision was normal.

We have taken him to have his eyes checked before due to his squinting habit.  And it was determined his eyes were fine and that his squinting was just that~ a habit.  At the time that was probably true.

We had no clue his eyes would be so bad.  The optometrist told us that she knew Nathan was very bright because he made honor roll all last year even with his eyes working so hard against him.  His eyes were so bad that she couldn't even prescribe him glasses, we had to referred to a specialist.

He was diagnosed with Intermittent Exotropia- referred to as an eye turn~ opposite of crossed eyes, instead of moving toward the nose like you would if you were cross eyed, his eyes move in the other direction. I have it also but mine is more controlled and we hope that Nathan will be able to control his over time with his glasses.  He also have severe Astigmatism and severe Hyperopia (farsightedness).  My baby couldn't see.

The phone call that took 2 long weeks finally came~ Nathan's glasses are ready to be picked up.  I am not sure what Nathan was more excited over, getting out of school early or going to pick up his glasses.  I think both equally excited him.

We went to pick up his glasses.  He put them on~ the look on his face was priceless.  He became so happy and was smiling ear to ear.  He looked at me super excited and said, "MOM, I CAN SEE!!!!!"

Those words alone meant so much~ I was almost in tears.  Nathan has been through so much in his 8 years of life.  He had a hearing impairment when he was younger and now his vision.  The pediatric optometrist told us that in about 2-3 weeks we should see a brand new Nathan.  Given his reaction today when he put his glasses on for the first time, he suddenly figured out he can now see and everything is so clear.  Hello world:)  I look forward to getting to know this brand new boy who is about to discover the world around him.

He spent the entire 45 minute ride home reading everything in sight:)

Here is my cute Nathan with his brand new eyes~

He looks so happy.  Those who know him, know how hard it is to get to smile while taking a picture.  He wants to be done with this picture and go back to whatever he was doing.  Today, no problem~ big grin ear to ear. 

I am so happy that he is so happy:)  He can't wait to show off his new look at school tomorrow:)

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 3 Results

Today was a busy one.  We got ready for our homeschool research class at the library, only to find out that is was the wrong grade level.  Oops, high school homeschool research class is next week.  Boy, did I get my week messed up.  But we did get Nathan's glasses- that one I got right:)

Today's Challenge was to declutter along the 3rd wall of the living room.  I was able to get the entertainment center but not the toy box.

Somehow, a crib piano got in a section of our entertainment center- that will explain why I couldn't find it:)

Here is what we decided to put in the sell pile today:

The crib piano, 3 movies and 5 vsmile games~ I also found a vsmile controller that didn't make it into the picture.

How did you do with your declutter challenge today?

Ready for tomorrow's challenge~ the 4th and final wall of the living room- ya:)

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 3

Ready for day #3?  Grab your boxes and your trash bag and head on over to wall #3 in your living room for today's declutter challenge.

Today is going to be just that~ a challenge~ we have a homeschool class to attend this morning and I am picking up Nathan early from school to go and get his glasses.  So, we are going to see what we can get done today.

We left off yesterday at wall #2 and today we are going to declutter along wall #3 in your living room.  Remember we are decluttering to get rid of things in our houses that we just don't need.  If you are on the fence about an item, put it in a box and put the box in your closet or garage~ if in 2-3 months you haven't used the item(s) in the box, then you don't need them and you can sell them or give them away and let someone else give them a new life.

If you are just joining us for our Clutter Must Go project- jump on in:)  Read all the fun "rules" here. 

Remember to have fun- put on some music- set a timer if that will help and just go at it.  I wonder how many things we can get rid of today:)

Come back this evening and see how we did and let me know how you did?

My Shopping Day~ 09/17/2012

Here are our shopping trip details for this shopping trip:

Walmart
$5.38- (2) gallons skim milk
$1.00- Hard Taco Shells
$2.32- Lunchmeat
$3.92- Frozen veggies
$4.00- Shred Cheddar Cheese
$1.98- Strawberry Cream Cheese
$1.00- Chili powder
$2.00- Juice boxes for Nathan's lunches
$0.98- Bananas
$1.50- Nose strips on clearance
$2.28- Peanut Butter
$1.88- Corn Beef Hash
$1.38- Mashed Potatoes
$1.18- Crackers
$31.58 Total after tax

Chesterfield Berry Farm
$0.00- Dozen ears corn
$0.76- Zuchinni
$0.78- Total after tax

Martins
$0.84- Reduced Honey Wheat Bread
$0.54- Reduced bread
$0.99- Reduced Wheat Italian bread
$2.37- Total

Dollar Tree
$1.00- Kettle Corn
$1.00- Colander
$2.00- Tissues
$2.00- Toilet Paper
$6.28- Total after tax

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

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 2 results

So, how did your day go?  Were you able to get your decluttering project complete?

After Kevin did his school work, we turned on Pandora and turned it up:)  Off we went, we had a great time dancing and decluttering.  Got a workout, had fun with 2 of my boys and decluttered wall #2 in my living room- can't beat that- LOL:)

Wall # 2 for us consisted of the table behind the couch, the couch and because the wall is a little one we included the coffee table in today.  Every thing out of place is in it's correct home.  I must say, I am really liking the way my living room is looking.

For our 1 item, we decided to get rid of a wicker basket that has been destroyed thanks to a certain furry 4 legged pet. 

Kevin's cat decided that it made a better bed for him than storage for us.  OK- no problem~ that is until he decided to chew on and eat the basket.  Eating the basket~ not a good idea- that leads to finding cat puke else where in the house~ not a nice surprise I like walking in to:)

How did you do with your declutter project today? 

Get some rest and get ready for day #3 coming tomorrow:)

The Clutter Must Go project~ Day 2

Today is a new day:)

Time to get your boxes or baskets and your trash bag ready for Day 2.

Yesterday, we left off in the living room. Today we will pick up where we left off, with wall #2.  Set your timer if you are using one or put on some music and lets declutter:)  Remember to first pick up what doesn't belong in your living room, throw that in a box.  Next, start decluttering~ your goal is to get rid of at least 1 item today.

When your timer goes off or you reach the end of wall #2, go through your doesn't belong box and put the things in the box where they actually go.  You may find somethings in your box that you want to get rid of also:)

Let's have fun with this challenge and let's get our houses looking good:)  Remember your "rules" and lets go.

Come back this evening to see how I did and let me know how you did today.

Menu Plan for the week of 09/17/2012

How did your weekend go?  Our weekend was good.  We headed down south to visit with the in laws for a couple of days for a birthday celebration.  Pop (my hubby's step mom's father~ not sure what that makes him, we call him Pop) was turning 86.  That is so awesome and we were able to share his special day with him.

That is until my mother in law and Kevin took the dogs out.  She had 2 dogs and Kevin had our dog.  Everything was normal until she stepped on one of those hard prickly gum balls~ she did have shoes on, thankfully.  That would hurt if you stepped on one with your bare feet.  She had sandals on and when she stepped on it, her foot decided to go in a different direction.  She said she heard a pop and was in a lot of pain.  Off to the Emergency room she went~ several hours and xrays later~ she did indeed break her foot.  Luckily, she will heal and no surgery is needed.  Thank the Lord:)  And you thought there was never a dull moment in my house- hahaha.  You have no clue about all the sides of my family:)

Anyhow, that is how my weekend went.  We hope your weekend was nice and not as eventful as ours.

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Peach Coffee Cake X2
Cinnamon rolls
Giant Breakfast Cookies X2
Cinnamon Sugar Scones
Pancakes with sausage

Lunch
Sandwich, popcorn and banana

Dinner
Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni with green beans
Chicken Alfredo with peas
Three Cheese Garlic chicken with corn
Pancakes with homemade syrup
Taco beans and rice with corn
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken & Rice with green beans

What yummy things do you have planned on your menu?  I would love to hear:)

The Clutter must go project~ Day 1 results

Well, how did you do?  Were you able to declutter the first wall in your living room?

Did I get the first wall of my living room decluttered?  I had my boxes and trash bags ready to go:

Wellllll, not exactly.  Due to my hubby's work schedule, I got to the store a lot later than I wanted to.  By the time I got back home, put the groceries away, ate lunch and got little Michael down for a nap, 2 of my boys would be home from school in 45 minutes.  I was so tired~ I've been up since 5am.  I decided to take the 45 minutes and lay down myself- I'm glad I did.

Instead of doing the whole first wall in my living room, I was able to go through some of the boys clothes and filter through what to give away and what to sell.

Here is what I came up with:

I was so excited to have 28 things to giveaway and 56 things to sell:)  WOOHOO~ it hasn't even been 30 days and I already have over 30 items- YEA!!!!

How did you do? 

Rest up~ tomorrow is a new decluttering day.

The Clutter must go project~ Day 1

I am pumped up, fired up and ready to go on this gloomy, cloudy Monday.  I can't wait to get this house uncluttered and pretty:)

To view the "rules" for this challenge, click here:)

Today's declutter challenge is:

Grab 3 boxes or laundry baskets and a trash bag.  Assign each box or basket a job~ one is for collecting things that don't belong and need to be put in a different room and put away.  One is for selling items you wish to sell.  And the last basket or box is for donating.  Once an item lands in a box- leave it there.  Don't stare at it- you will be more likely to reevaluate and not get rid of that item.  And of course, the trash bag is for trash you may find.

Walk in your front door, if your living room is just inside your front door.  If you have an entry way, just stand in the entrance of your living room.

Look to your left and declutter along that wall.  Start at the entrance and just keeping working until you hear your timer or until you get to the corner of your first wall.  If you are working with a timer, when the timer goes off, grab the put away box and put things away where they belong.

Ready??  Set!!  Declutter:)

Come back this evening to see how I did and to let me know how you did:)

Have a great fun filled decluttering day:)

The Clutter must go project

Who is ready for a decluttering challenge/project?  I know I am.

I was doing so well with the last decluttering challenge but I got busy, lost focus, lost momentum and lost my way.  So, once again, a project got started but not finished.  Well, that stops here.

I am determined to get this house in shape.  To get this house decluttered and out of CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome- I love that acronym)  Plus, we have been looking at bigger houses and the less stuff we have the less junk, umm I mean stuff we have to pack and move.

I am pumped and ready to go~ how about you?  Ready to take this decluttering journey with me?

There are some "rules" with this declutter project:

1)  Start this project with a ruthless attitude.  If you see something that has been sitting, collecting dust and never gets used- get rid of it.  Just do it~ don't look back.  If it is broken, trash it.  If is it in good shape, Goodwill it, sell it or find it a new home where someone else may be able to give it a new life and enjoy it. 

2)  If you find something you just can't bring yourself to let go of~ someone gave me so great advice:  Put it in a box and if you find that you don't use it in 3 months, you don't need it, get rid of it.  If it is too painful to think of as letting go of something~ don't think of it as letting go~ think of it as giving it a new life with someone else.  Take a picture of it and you can still enjoy looking at it but it won't be in the way:)

3)  You must have fun with this project- it is becomes too much like work, you are more prone to throwing in the towel and quit.  Try doing this project during commercials while you are watching TV or turning on the radio and jamming out while you declutter.  Get the whole family in on it- you will things done sooner than if you just did it yourself.

4)  Try decluttering for at least 15 minutes a day- you can do more if you really get into it and don't want to quit~ keep on trucking.

5)  Make a goal of getting rid of at least 1 item you don't love, don't use or don't want each day.  You can get rid of more than 1 item a day, don't be scared.  My goal is to get rid of at least 30 items in 30 days.  Now, I want to pass that goal and get rid of more than 30 items in 30 days.  Trash it, Goodwill it, sell it or find it a good home.  The goal is getting it out of your house and making your house more company ready and uncluttered. 

Let's see what we can do:)

Ready, Set, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The first challenge is coming soon:)  Ready?

Staples Back to School deals for the week of 09/16/2012

Staples 10 ream case paper- $48.99 and get $35 Rewards- Limit 2

Scotch gem magic tape- $0.50- Limit 2

Staples poly cpver 1 subject ntoebook- $1- Limit2

Staples pencil box- $1- Limit 2

Paper Expanding envelope- $1 - Limit 2

Staples pull & seal envelopes- $1 -Limit 2

Staples assorted binder clips- $1 - Limit 2

Rose Art color pencils- $1- Limit 2

Walgreens deals for the week of 09/16/2012

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufactur's coupons
2) Register Receipts (RR) are considered manufactur's coupons
3) You are allowed 1 Manufactur's coupon and 1 store coupon per item
4) Cannot use RR printed from item to pay for same item and get RR's again~
For example- If you were to purchase Colgate for $3 and get $3 RR, if you purchase the Colgate again and use the RR's earned from the 1st Colgate purchase you will not earn the RR's again

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

Nice 24pk water- $1.99

Tide Pods or Gain detergent- $4.99- Buy 2 and get 1000 points
$1/2 Tide Pods cpn- 09/16 RP

Royal Dansk, 8pk Nice, Keebler or Cheez-It cookies or crackers- $0.99

Powerade or Gatorade- $3/3

Nice Gelatin- $1/4 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Nice Salt or Baking soda- $0.59 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Nice cream chicken or mushroom- $0.99

Chobani greek yogurt- $0.99
$0.30 Chobani cpn at www.chobani.com/coupons

Nice Seasoning- $0.79

Brachs autumn candy- $0.99

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

Nice candy- $0.49 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Stride ID gum- $2/2 and get 1000 points
B1G1Free Stride ID gum cpn- 09/16 SS

Get 1000 points when you buy 3 Hallmark cards

Old Spice, Secret or Gillette deodorant, body spray or splash- $3.99
$1/2 Old Spice cpn- 08/26 RP
$1 Secret Clinical cpn- 08/26 P&G
$1/2 Gillette deodorant or bodywash cpn- 08/26 P&G
$1 Gillette Clinical Strength cpn- 08/26 P&G

Mitchum- $1.99 and get 1000 points
$0.75 Mitchum cpn- 09/16 SS
$0.75 Mitchum cpn- 08/19 SS

Listerine Ultra Clean or Total Care mouthwash- $4.99 and get 1000 points
$1 Listerine, Zero, Total care or Fluoride cpn- 09/09 RP
$1/1 Listerine UltraClean cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Total Care or Fluoride Defense cpn- 07/29 RP
$0.50 Listerine  or Zero cpn- 07/29 RP

Act mouthwash or rinse- $3.99
$2 Act Sensitive cpn- 08/19 SS
$1 Act cpn- 08/19 SS

Softsoap- $7/2 and get 500 points

Oral B toothbrush, ProHealth Clinical Crest mouthwash, toothpaste, 3D White Vivid toothpaste or Glide floss- $3.49- Buy 2 and get 1500 points
$1 Crest rinse cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Glide picks cpn- 08/26 P&G

Aussie- $6/2 and get $2 RR
$1/2 Aussie cpn- 09/16 SS
$3/2 Aussie or Herbal Essence cpn- 08/05 RP

Dentak floss picks- $1.99 and get $1 RR

Colgate Total or Total Advanced, MaxWhite, Fresh or Clean toothpaste or MaxWhite or Fresh toothbrush- 6/2 and get $3 RR
$1 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 08/26 SS
$1 Colgate 360 manual toothbrush cpn- 08/26 SS

Pantene- B1G50% off
Buy Pantene shampoo and get FREE Pantene conditioner or styler cpn- 09/16 SS
$1/21 Pantene cpn- 08/26 P&G

Revlon Colorsilk or Colorsilk Luminista- $6/2 with in ad cpn

Blistex mouisture melt- $2 and get $2 RR

Halls Defense- $3/2 and get 1000 Bonus points

ZZZquil- $4.99 and get $1 RR

Kleenex- $0.99 with in ad cpn
$0.50/3 Kleenex cpn- 08/12 SS

Gain or Joy dish liquid- $0.99 with in ad cpn

Comet- Buy 1 at $1.19 and get 1 FREE with in ad cpn

Nice or Walgreens zip bags- $2/2 with in ad cpn

Glade Plug Ins, Solid or Spray- $4/3 and get 1000 points
$0.55 Glade Premium room spray cpn- 08/26 SS
$1 Glade Plug In cpn- 08/26 SS

Glade Expressions starter- $2.99 and get $1 RR
Buy Glade jar candle and get Glade Expression Starter FREE cpn- 09/16 SS

General Mills Select cereal, Fiber One bars or brownies, Nature Valley bars or Thins- $5/2 and get 1000 points
$1/3 General Mills cereal cpn- 09/09 SS
$0.50 General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Lucky Charms, Golden Grahams, Chex Mix treats or Milk & Cereal bars cpn- 09/09 SS
$1/2 Fiber One brownies cpn- 09/16 SS
$1/2 Fiber One brownies cpn- 08/26 SS
$0.50 Fiber One chewy bars cpn- 08/05 GM
$1/2 Nature Valley Protein bars cpn- 09/16 SS
$0.50 Nature Valley bars or thins cpn- 09/09 SS
$0.50 Nature Valley Protein bars cpn- 08/05 GM

**This is not the entire Walgreens Register Rewards (RR) or Balance Reward Points sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming Walgreens ad.**

CVS deals for the week of 09/16/2012

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

Tide Pods- $4.44 and get $1 ECB
$1/2 Tide Pods cpn- 09/16 RP

Colgate Total, MaxFresh or Clean, 2in1 toothpaste or single manual toothpaste- $2.99 and get $2  ECB- Limit 2
$1 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 08/26 SS
$1 Colgate 360 manual toothbrush cpn- 09/09 SS

Dawn- $0.99
$0.50 Dawn cpn- 08/26 P&G

Cafe Bustelo, Truvia, Gold Emblem raisins or prunes- $6/2
$2 Truvia Baking Blend or Natural Sweetner cpn- 09/16 RP

Ocean Spray juice- $6/2 and get $1 ECB

Nasbisco Oreo or Lorna Doone- $6/2 and get $1 ECB
$0.75/2 Nabisco cookies or crackers cpn- 08/05 SS

Hershey Simple Pleasure- $6/2
$2/2 Hershey Simple Pleasure CVS cpn- 09/16 SS
$2 Hershey Simple Pleasure cpn- 08/19 SS

Gold Emblem bag candy, Stride ID or Sparkle gum- $0.99
B1G1Free Stride ID gum cpn- 09/16 SS

CVS facial tissues- $0.88

Cover Girl Outlast, Flipstick, Smooth wear or Lip Perfection- $15/2
$5/2 Cover Girl lip cpn- 09/16 RP
$2.50 Cover Girl Outlast cpn- 09/16 RP
$3/2 Cover Girl cpn- 08/26 P&G
$1 Cover Girl face product cpn- 08/12 RP

Spend $10 and get $7 ECB Physicians Formula cosmetics
$1 Physicians Formula cpn- 06/03 SS

Irish Spring, Softsoap bodywash or Irish Spring bar- $7/2 and get $3 ECB- Limit 2

Mitchum- $1.99
$0.75 Mitchum cpn- 09/16 SS
$0.75 Mitchum cpn- 08/19 SS

Spend $10 Crest 3D White paste, rinse or brush and get $5 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Crest rinse cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 08/26 P&G

Act dental rinse- $3.99 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$2 Act Sensitive cpn- 08/19 SS
$1 Act cpn- 08/19 SS

Crest baking soda & peroxide, cavity, tarter protection, kids or Oral B toothbrush- $1.99
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 08/26 P&G

CVS pantiliners- $1/2

U by Kotex- $3.49
$1 U by Kotex cpn- 08/12 SS

Always- $3.99
$0.50 Always liners cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Always pad or cloth cpn- 08/26 P&G

Childrens Benadryl- $10/2 and get $2 ECB
$1 Childrens Benadryl cpn- 08/19 RP

Nyquil, Dayquil, Sinex spray or Nature Fusion- $14/2 and get $3 ECB- Limit 5

Halls- $3/2
$1/2 Halls cpn- 09/16 SS

Bayer- $5.99
$1 Bayer cpn- 09/16 SS

Aussie or Herbal Essence- $7/2
$1/2 Aussie cpn- 09/16 SS
Buy Herbal Essence shampoo and get Herbal Essence conditioner or styler FREE cpn- 09/16 SS
$3/2 Aussie or Herbal Essence cpn- 08/05 RP

Pantene- $3.99- Limit 4
Buy Pantene shampoo and get Pantene conditioner or styler FREE cpn- 09/16 SS
$1/2 Pantene cpn- 08/26 P&G

Kellogg's Special K bars, cereal, multigrain crackers or cracker crisps- $9/3 and get $3 ECB-Limit 7
$1/2 Kellogg's mini wheats cpn- 08/26 RP
$1/3 Kellogg Krave, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Honey Smacks or Frosted mini wheats cpn- 08/26 RP

Hershey assorted- $6/2 and get $2 ECB
$1/2 Hershey chocolate cpn- 09/09 SS

Clairol Natural Instincts, Nice & Easy, root touch up or non permanent color- $5.99~ Spend $15 and get $5 ECB
$2 Clairol Nice & Easy or Natural Instincts cpn- 09/16 SS
$2 Clairol hair color cpn- 08/26 P&G
$3 Clairol Nice & Easy or Natural Instints cpn- 08/12 SS

**This is not the entire CVS ECB sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming CVS ad.**

Free 8 week art class

One of Kevin's homeschool classes is art.  I am not an artist at all.  Michael's drawings are amazing but due to his traveling work schedule, he is not available to teach Kevin art.  Kevin has tried to learn to draw from books from the library and it didn't go so well. 

When Kevin and I sat down to make his homeschool schedule for this year, he told me that he really, really wanted to take art as 1 of his electives.  I researched and researched and found See the Light art class which is taught by DVD.  The whole set contains 9 dvd's that consist of 36 step by step art lessons by Master Artist Pat Knepley.  We decided to give it a shot and see what happened.

Kevin surprised himself by drawing a perfect apple by the second lesson.  We knew See the Light art class was the right decision for us.  I love the fact that you don't need a whole bunch of art supplies, most the items you need, you already have at home.  We have been able to pick up 1 item each week on sale using a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby and we now have all his supplies needed for all the lessons. 

If you can't afford the whole 9 dvd set, you can just purchase each dvd by itself for $15 with free shipping:)  I was so very blessed to be able to get the whole dvd set for $23 through Amazon by cashing out my Swagbucks for Amazon gift cards and using them to pay for the set.

If you want to try See the Light art class, simply go here and sign up for a free 8 week class.  That way you get a way to try it out and see if this is the class for you and your kid(s).

Let me know what you think:)

Our very first Homeschool Field trip

We drove 2 hours to Hampton, VA to attend a Homeschool Appreciation event at the Air & Space museum yesterday.  This was our very first homeschool field trip.

We had so much fun and learned interesting facts.  Did you know that there is only 1/16th gravity on the moon?  Neat.  You know it is a good field trip when parents end of learning as much as the kids do:)

Both little Michael and Kevin had a blast.  They were able to fly a plane and a spaceship thanks to a simulator.  We were able to actually go in and sit down on an airplane and see all the flight controls.  It was a great field trip and tired everyone out.

Little Michael woke up the next day and informed me that he wanted to go on more field trips.  When I asked him where he would like the next field trip to be, he replied~ Space.  He is planning all the details- LOL:)

I took pictures and planned on sharing them but my camera cord has seemed to disappear.  As soon, as it resurfaces, I will post all the pictures of our very first homeschool field trip.

Ya~ Chris found my card reader- so here you go, pictures from our homeschool trip:

View from the observation deck

Flight simulator

Kevin learning about planets

Space shuttle simulator

My Shopping Day~ 09/10/2012

It was a busy day yesterday.  Little Michael had a doctor's appointment and Michael remembered he had a webinar the same day.  Boy, that doctor's appointment was fun- not really.  Little Michael is perfectly healthy.  He is low on the charts- the pediatrician called him petite:)  We figured Nathan got Michael's height and my little Michael got my height.  With his weight and height- he is perfect.  And no shots this time- thankfully.  He already was unhappy being at the doctor's office and then at the end, I accidentally picked the wrong color lollipop- he cried and threw a huge fit all the way back to the van.  That is what happens when a certain little someone doesn't get his nap.  I don't know what in the world happened to schedule his appointment at nap time, we normally have morning appointments- it must have been a super busy day.

Anyways, I dropped little Michael off with daddy at home and picked up Kevin and off to the store we went.  Here is what we got:

Dollar Tree
$1.00- Gallon zip bags
$1.00- Eyeglass wipes
$1.00- Big Bag
$2.00- (2) loaves Sunbeam bread
$5.20- Total after tax

Kroger
$4.72- Whole chicken
$4.61- Whole chicken
$0.99- Markdown Cars toy
$0.99- Markdown Cars toy
$11.64- Total after tax

Sam's Club
$1.39- (3) lbs bananas
$3.22- Crushed tomatoes
$3.22- Crushed tomatoes
$8.03- Total after tax

CVS
$2.49- Clear Therapy Shampoo
$3.00- Right Guard deodorant
$3.00- Right Guard deodorant
$8.49
-2.49 Clear Therapy shampoo cpn from CVS email
-2/2 Right Guard deodorant
-4.00 ECB
$0.42 and got back $1 ECB

Walmart
$1.18- Reduced Parm Garlic bread
$1.00- Hamburger buns
$2.00- Juice boxes for Nathan's school lunches
$2.28- Turkey sausage
$1.98- Mild pork sausage
$1.40- Potatoes
$1.00- Batteries
$10.76- (4) gallons skim milk
$2.00- Shred Cheddar Cheese
$4.64- Lunchmeat
$1.00- Cinnamon
$1.58- Grape Jam
$34.33- Total after tax

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

Menu Plan for the week of 09/10/2012

Did you have a great weekend?  We did.  We went to Maryland for our annual family reunion.  Had a blast catching up with family that we only get to see a couple of times each year.  Had lots of great food~ ate way more than I should- oops.  I have all week to work it off- that chocolate cheesecake was worth it:)  Mmmmm- Chocolate:)

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Pancakes with homemade syrup
Pancakes rolled around a turkey sausage link
Blueberry Coffee cake X2
Strawberry & Cream Muffins
Baked Oatmeal with apples

Lunch
Sandwich, carrot sticks or apple slices and popcorn

Dinner
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken & Rice stir fry
Bean & Rice tacos with corn on the cob
Sausage gravy with homemade biscuits and scrambled eggs
Pasta bake with green beans
Chili
Shreddedd BBQ Chicken on bun with corn

What do you have planned for your family this week?

Office Max Back to School deals for the week of 09/09/2012

Get 5 FREE Notebooks when you make a $5 minimum purchase

Binder ruler- $0.05- Limit 3

Office Max glue- $0.25- Limit 2

Schoolio 3 ring poly binder- $0.25- Limit 3

Westcott scissors- $0.50- Limit 2

Paper Mate pink erasers 3pk- $0.75- Limit 2

Paper Mate retractable ballpoint pens- $1- Limit 2

Kingston 8GB USB flash drive- $5.99

Boise 10 ream case paper- $43.99 and get $43.98 MaxPerks- Limit 2

Avery 5160 labels 3000ct- $26.99 amd get $26.98 MaxPerks- Limit 2

Office Depot Back to School deals for the week of 09/09/2012

Office Depot poly folders- $0.25- Limit 10

Elmers glue- $0.50- Limit 3

Office Depot protractor- $0.50- Limit 3

Post It Super Sticky Die-Cut notes- $1- Limit 3

Office Depot copy paper- $1- Limit 2

Staples Back to School deals for the week of 09/09/20152

Staples 1 subject wireless notebook- $0.50

Slide pencil case- $0.50

Staples stickies- $0.50

Staples glue- $0.50

Staples paper clips- $0.50

Really Useful box- $1

Staples 1 subject notebook- $0.25- Limit 6

Staples mini staple- $1

Staples 3 hole binder punch- $1

Staples compostion notebook- $1

Hammermill Copy Plus paper- $6.99 and get $4.99 Easy Rebate- Limit 4 Rebates

Staples 10 ream case paper- $48.99 and get $39 Rewards

Staples Postscript mechanical pencils- $2

Bic Brite liner- $2

Walgreens deals for the week of 09/09/2012

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufactur's coupons
2) Register Receipts (RR) are considered manufactur's coupons
3) You are allowed 1 Manufactur's coupon and 1 store coupon per item
4) Cannot use RR printed from item to pay for same item and get RR's again~
For example- If you were to purchase Colgate for $3 and get $3 RR, if you purchase the Colgate again and use the RR's earned from the 1st Colgate purchase you will not earn the RR's again

Chicken of the sea chunk light tuna- $0.69 with in ad cpn- Limit 6

Fantastik, Windex, Shout or Scrubbing Bubbles- $6/2
Use $1 Store cpn
$0.75 Scrubbing Bubbles All Purpose Cleaner with Fantastik cpn- 08/26 SS

Kleenex 4pk- $4
Use $1 Store cpn
$0.50 Kleenex bundle cpn- 08/12 SS

Glade Sense & Spray, Plug In refill, 4pk oil candle refills, Spray or Carpet & Room Odor Eliminator- $5/2 and get $1 RR
$1 Glade Plug In refill twin pack or 2 single packs cpn- 08/26 SS
$0.55 Glade Premium room spray cpn- 08/26 SS
$1 Glade Scented oil candle holder or 2 refills cpn- 08/26 SS

Wexford filler paper, pencils or crayons- $0.99

Wet & Wild megalast or Fast dry nail color- $1.49
$1 Fergie or Wet & Wild cpn- 09/09 RP

Infusium or Pert Plus- $4.99 and get $3 RR
$1 Infusium cpn- 09/09 SS
$1.50/2 Pert Plus 2in1 cpn- 09/09 SS

Dark & Lovely or Soft Sheen Optinum Care- $6.79 and get $3 RR

ZZZQuil- $4.99 and get $1 RR

Crest Pro Health Clinical or 3D White mouthwash, rinse or toothpaste- $7.98/2 and get $3 RR
$1 Crest rinse cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 08/26 P&G

Select Crest toothpaste or Oral B Indicator toothbrush- $3/2 and get $1 RR
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 08/26 P&G

Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor- $9.99 and get $4 RR
$5 ProGlide razor when you buy Gillette razor or disposable cpn- 08/26 P&G
$4 Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor cpn- 08/12 RP

Optic White toothpaste, mouthwash or 360 surround, Pro Relief or Optic White toothbrush- 3.99 and get $1 RR
$1 Optic White total advanced or Sensitive Pro Relief cpn- 09/09 SS
$1 Optic White mouthwash cpn- 09/09 SS
$1 Colgate 360 manual toothbrush cpn- 09/09 SS

Aquafresh Advanced or Extreme Clean toothpaste- $2.99
Use $1 Store cpn

Colgate 360 Clean toothbrush- $1.99
$1 Colgate 360 manaul toothbrush cpn- 09/09 SS

Listerine Ultra Clean, Total Care, Total Care Plus Whitening or Whitening plus restoring- $5.49
$1 Listerine Whitening rinse cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Antiseptic, Zero, Total Care Anticavity, Listerine Fluoride Defense cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Ultra Clean cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Listerine Total Care or Fluoride Defense cpn- 07/29 RP
$0.50 Listerine or Zero cpn- 0729 RP

Tampax or Always- $6.99 and get $2 RR
$2 Tampax cpn- 08/26 P&G
$2.50/2 Tampax Pearl or Radiant cpn- 08/26 P&G

Carmex lip care- $3/2 and get $2 RR

Revlon Age Defying makeup- $9.99
$5 Revlon foundation, powder, primer, blush or concealer cpn- 09/09 SS

Kellogg's cereal or Poptarts- $1.99
$1/3 Kellogg's Poptarts or PopTart mini crisps cpn- 08/26 RP
$1/2 Kellogg's Mini Wheats cpn- 08/26 RP
$1/3 Kellogg's Krave, Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Honey Smacks and Frosted mini wheats cpn- 08/26 RP
$1/3 Kellogg's cereal cpn- 08/05 RP

Angel Soft- $4

Dawn- $0.99
$0.50 Dawn cpn- 08/26 P&G

Progresso- $5/4
$1/4 Progresso cpn- 09/09 SS

Arizona tea or drink- $1/2

**This is not the entire Walgreens Register Rewards (RR) sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming Walgreens ad.**

CVS deals for the week of 09/09/2012

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

Aquafina- $6/2 and get $1 ECB

Kellogg's Rice Krispies treats, Corn Flakes, Cocoa or Rice Krispies cereal- $1.99
$1/3 Kellogg's Cereal cpn- 08/05 RP

Mentos gum- $0.99
$1/3 Mentos cpn- 08/05 SS

Hershey snack size 6ct- $3/3 and get $1 ECB
$1/2 Hershey milk, almonds or special dark 6pk cpn- 08/19 SS

Hershey Simple Pleasure- $0.67 and get $0.67 ECB

Revlon Grow Lucious mascara, Super Lustrious or ColorBurst lip- $6.49 and get $2 ECB- Limit 6
$1 Revlon color cosmetic cpn- 08/05 SS

Wet & Wild Megalast, Fast Dry or Fergie nail color- $1.99
$1 Fergie or Wet & Wild cpn- 09/09 RP

Right Guard or Dry Idea- $6/2 and get $1 ECB- Limit 4
$1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 cpn- 08/19 RP
$2/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 deodorant, bodywash or bar cpn- 09/09 RP

Right Guard Total Defense 5 bodywash or bar soap- $6/2 and get $2 ECB
$2/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 deodorant, bodywash or bar cpn- 09/09 RP
$1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 bodywash or bar soap cpn- 08/19 RP

Axe shower gel, body spray or deodorant- $9/2 and get $3 ECB

Spend $10 Select Crest 3D White paste, rinse or brush and get $5 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Crest rinse cpn- 08/26 P&G
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 08/26 P&G

Colgate Cavity protection, baking soda/peroxide Whitening or kids - $4/2 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 08/26 SS

Zantac- $8.99 and get $2 ECB- Limit 3
$5 Zantac cpn- 07/08 SS

Kotex or U by Kotex- $10/2 and get $2 ECB
$1/2 Kotex Natural Balance tampons cpn- 08/12 SS
$1/2 Kotex Natural Balance liners cpn- 08/12 SS
$1.50/2 Kotex Natural Balance pads cpn- 08/12 SS
$1 U by Kotex cpn- 08/12 SS

Revitalens multipurpose solution, Blink tears or Gel tears- $8.99 and get $4 ECB
$2 Revalitalens cpn- 09/09 SS

Cheerios- $8/3
$1/2 Cheerios cpn- 08/05 GM

Progresso- $5/4
$1/41 Progresso cpn- 09/09 SS

Colgate Optic White rinse, Sensitive Pro Relief or Optic White toothbrush- $4.99 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Colgate Optic White Total Advanced or Sensitive Pro Relief cpn- 09/09 SS
$1 Colgate Optic White mouthwash cpn- 09/09 SS
$1 Colgate toothpaste cpn-08/26 SS

**This is not the entire CVS ECB sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming CVS ad.**

Did you hear??

I am excited to hear that Dollar Tree stores are now accepting manufacturer's coupons.  I shop at Dollar Tree almost every week.  It will be exciting to see what kind of deals I am able to get using coupons at the Dollar Tree.

Michael and I went to the Dollar Tree on Monday on our normal shopping trip day and sure enough as soon as we walked in, we saw a nice big sign that read~ Dollar Tree now accepts manufacturer coupons.

Here is their coupon policy:
http://www.dollartree.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=TermsConditions

Scroll all the way down to read Dollar Tree's coupon policy.

Have you had a chance to coupon at the Dollar Tree yet?  What did you get and what was your experience?

Lowes Build & Grow Clinic- 09/08/2012

Lowes will be hosting a Build & Grow Clinic on September 8, 2012 at 10am.

If you are looking for a great free activity that you can do with your kids- you should check out the Lowes Build & Grow Clinics. Little Michael and Nathan love them. They love being able to do hands on projects with our help.

This Saturday and Sunday, Lowes Build and Grow Clinic will be building a Chuck E. Roller.

 

To sign up for this Build & Grow Clinic simply go to the Lowes Build & Grow Clinic website, which they have redone to make it more user friendly. I am loving this new website. You register all your information. Then when you visit the website to sign up for an upcoming clinic, all you have to do is sign in and check which kids you are signing up. Don't forget to print and sign the waiver. And you and your child(ren) are ready for a really cool FREE hands on project.

Once you and your child(ren) complete the project they will receive a neat patch to put on their Lowes Build & Grow apron. If this is your first clinic, your child(ren) will receive a free Lowes Build & Grow apron and goggles:) The more clinics you do, the more patches you get to put on your kids apron and they can show them off with pride:)