Thursday, February 28, 2013

Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh Review & Giveaway

I had the opportunity to test out Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh deodorant.  Please keep in mind that this is my honest review of this product.  Your experience could be totally different from my experience with this product.

I am always skeptical of roll on deodorants.  I haven't had much luck with roll ons.  I am a more solid kind of girl.  With 4 boys, I need to shower and go- I don't have time to wait for my underarms to dry to get dressed so I don't end up with white streaks on my shirt.  You know what I am talking about?

Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh deodorant assures that it offers odor protection for 72 hours and is Pulse Activated keeping you dry all day long.

So, how did it go, you may ask?

Well, I have mixed feelings over Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh roll on deodorant.  It first started with the beginning, putting the deodorant on- the liquid deodorant seems to be very thin and watery- meaning it went on and ran down.  So not cool.  I am also not sure what it means by AdvancedDry- it took longer than I had expected to dry so I could get dressed and start my busy day.

But on a more positive note- Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh deodorant kept me dry all day long.  It worked great even on my busiest days.  I just wish it was less messier.

What to see if Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh is right for you?  I was graciously given 5 coupons good for a FREE Dry Idea product.  It can be roll on, gel or aerosol.

To enter this giveaway, just comment below and let me know that you would love a chance to win:)  Super easy.  This coupon giveaway will end on 03/17/2013 and winners will be contacted on 03/18/2013.

Go here to enter the Never Let Them See You Sweat Sweepstakes.  One lucky grand prize winner will receive $500, while (10) 2nd place winners will receive a $50 prize.

Good luck:)

**Dry Idea brand provided a free sample of their Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh brand antiperspirant and deodorant so I could review it.  As always, all the opinions expressed here are my very own**

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Living Room, Laundry Room and Kitchen Declutter pics:)

Sorry for such a long wait for the before and after pics of our Living Room and Kitchen.  I am very pleased with the way my house is coming along.  I can't get over how much room we have now that we got so much stuff out of here:)  I don't have a before picture of our Laundry Room as hubby sneakily decluttered and cleaned it- not that I am complaining:)

I want a more simpler life- more life on purpose as I like to call it.  We have found that we don't NEED a lot of possessions we thought we did.  Plus not having a lot of money, we are more intentional with the things we do buy.

Here are our before and after pics of just the decluttering parts.  We still have painting, counter and other little things to get done.
My poor unloved living room

My neat and clean living room complete with little munchkin:)
My poor poor cluttered kitchen

My beautiful spacious new kitchen:)
My now neat laundry room- thanks honey:)

Oh look, the hook I only asked him to install oh about 10 years ago- better late than never right- LOL:)
This week we are in the Master bedroom and it is coming along beautifully.  There is a room underneath all that stuff:)

What kind of cool projects did you do this week?  Are you decluttering with me?  What did you get done this week~ I would love to hear all about it:)

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Purex Crystals for Baby Giveaway Winners

Sorry this post is late.  I have been feeling very yucky for a couple of days.  My allergies are running wild.  My poor nose can't decide whether it wants to run or keep me from breathing through it.  I just feel so blah. 

I took all the names of everyone who commented and wrote them on an index card.  I cut out the names, folded the pieces up really well and put them in a cup.  Little Michael picked out 3 pieces.

And the winners of a coupon good for a FREE bottle of Purex Crystals for Baby are.........

Katychick
Nicki Joseph
Kenny Hall

An email will be sent shortly to the winners.  Congrats:)

Thanks to everyone who commented.

Stay tuned~ more coupon giveaways are coming soon.

Monday, February 25, 2013

My Decluttering Goals for the week of 02/25/2013

While I did get a lot done working on decluttering my bedroom, there is still more to be done:)  I didn't get a chance to work on it over the weekend.  So, we will attack it this week:)

Here is our plan of attack for the master bedroom this week:
~ Go through book shelf
~ Go through tubs of clothes
~ Clean off dresser and get it ready for big huge yard sale
~ Go through and clean out night stand and get it ready for yard sale
~ Clean under bed
~ Go through shelving
~ Clean out closet

If you are in need of a declutter challenge in your home- feel free to hop on in and join me in my journey to get our house uncluttered, cleaned and company ready. If you have a room in your house you want to get under control~make a plan to get it done this week. Make a list of what you need to accomplish for that 1 room. Use what available times and days you have to get the list of your projects done.

Let's see how much we can get done this week:)

Menu Plan for the week of 02/25/2013

We hope everyone had a nice, relaxing, peaceful weekend.  My plans for this weekend were to go to Lowe's to do the Build & Grow Clinic and then to work on clearing out my bedroom.  How much do you think I got done Saturday?  Welllll, none got done. 

We did go to the Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic, the boys have fun building their cool monster trucks.  Then I got to talking with a friend and well, you know when I get to talking, time just flies and I lose all track of time.  Opps:)  We got home just in time for lunch.  Then Michael and I headed out to spend my Christmas and Birthday money and to do our grocery shopping, since we have a doctor's appointment crazy early to get the staple out of little Michael's head.  It is easier to go shopping with out the little one running around.  He refuses to sit in the shopping cart- so normally he stays home with daddy:)

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Oatmeal with raisins
Cream of Wheat with apple slices
Pancakes
Egg Sandwiches
Applesauce Oatmeal muffins
Baked Oatmeal with apples X2

Lunch
Sandwich, popcorn and banana

Dinner
Chicken Pot Pie
Beef Stew- it was a hit the last time we had it
Shredded BBQ Chicken on bun with fruit
Scrambled eggs, sausage and fruit
Taco bean rice with green beans
Pasta Alfredo  with peas
Spaghetti with corn and homemade rolls

Snacks and desserts
Apple Slices with PB
Sliced carrots
Popcorn
Angel food cake

What yummy dishes you have planned for your family this week?

Saturday, February 23, 2013

My Shopping Day~ 02/23/2013 & 02/24/2013

Another reason we went grocery shopping on Saturday was because my grocery list was crazy short:)  I did go to Martins, Rite Aid and CVS on Sunday after church.  I ran by CVS (2nd visit) on Monday after little Michael's doctor's appointment.

Here are the details of our shopping trip:

Walmart
$10.40- (4) gallons skim milk
$2.32- Lunchmeat
$1.00- Half and Half
$1.11- Bananas
$3.97- Potatoes
$19.27

Rite Aid
$2.00- (2) pkgs Jelly Beans
$2.00- (2) pkgs Chocolate eggs
$4.00
-2.00 UP Reward
$2.10- Total and got $2 in UP Rewards

Martins
$1.24- (2) loaves markdown bread

CVS
1st visist
$3.49- Thermacare
$2.00- Richmond Newspaper
$5.49
-3.00 ECB
$2.71- Total after tax and got $3.49 ECB

2nd visit
$4.99- Colgate Sensitive
-1.00 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/24 SS
-3.49 ECB
$0.75 and got $4 ECB

This shopping trip has been added to our February Monthly Spending post, where I keep track of what we spend for the month of February. Did we make it this month? Were we able to stay under $300 for this month? Hop on over and find out here:)

Friday, February 22, 2013

Rite Aid deals for the week of 02/24/2013

**Please remember that Rite Aid allows you to use 1 manufacturer cpn and 1 Rite Aid cpn and 1 Rite Aid Valuable cpn together on 1 item:) **

Click here to view Rite Aid's coupon policy.

Poise body cooling towelette, Panty freshener or Feminine Wash- $2.99 and get $2.99 UP Reward- Limit 2
$3 Poise Feminine Wellness cpn- 02/10 SS

Blistex or Nivea lip balm or Halls- $3/2
$3/2 Nivea lip care cpn- 02/10 RP
$1/2 Halls cpn- 02/03 SS

Schiff MegaRed, Mega D3, Glucosamine or Move Free- Buy 1 Get 1 Free- Buy 2 and get $10 UP Reward- Limit 2

One a Day, Citracal, Flintstones, TruBiotics or Phillips Colon Health- Buy 1 Get 50% off- Buy 2 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2
$2 One a Day cpn- 01/06 SS
$2 Citracal cpn- 01/06 SS
$2 Flintstones cpn- 01/06 SS
$3 TruBiotics cpn- 01/06 SS
$2 Phillips cpn- 01/06 SS

Buy $10 of the following and get $3 UP Reward~ Limit 2
Neosporin- $4.99
$2 Neosporin Essentials cpn- 02/24 SS
$1 Neosporin first aid or lip cpn- 02/24 SS
Band Aid- $5/2
$0.50 Band Aid with Quiltvent cpn- 02/24 SS
Johnson & Johnson wound care- Buy 1 get 50% off

Buy $12 of SoftSoap- $0.99 and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 4

Dove and Caress bodywash, Dove hair care or bar soap- $7/2 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2

Banana Boat or Hawaiin Tropic sun care and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 2

Buy $12 of Tresemme, Clear, Axe or Suave hair care and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 2

Buy $15 Garnier Nutrisse Creme or Foam- $6.99 and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 3
$2 Garnier Nutrisse creme cpn- 02/03 RP
$2 Garnier Nutrisse creme cpn- 01/13 RP

Almay eye- Buy 2 Get 1 Free and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2

Cover Girl lip and nail- Buy 1 Get 50% off- Buy 3 and get $2 UP Rewared- Limit 2
$2 Cover Girl lip cpn- 02/17 RP
$3/2 Cover Girl cpn- 01/27 P&G

$1 Cover Girl cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Cover Girl lip perfection jumbo gloss balm cpn- 01/27 P&G

Infusium or Fructis hair care- $4.99
$1 Fructis hair care cpn- 02/03 RP

VO5 or Loreal stylers- $2.99
$0.75 Loreal styler cpn- 02/17 RP
$2 Loreal EveryStyle cpn- 02/03 RP
$2 Loreal EveryStyle cpn- 01/13 RP
$1 Loreal styler cpn- 01/06 RP

Revlon Color Silk- $6/2
$1 Revlon hair color cpn- 01/27 SS

Old Spice high endurance or Secret- $5/2 and get $2 UP Rewared- Limit 2
$2 Secret Clinical cpn- 01/27 P&G
$2 Old Spice body spray when you buy Old Spice deodorant cpn- 02/17 RP
$1/2 Old Spice cpn- 01/27 P&G

Brach's jelly eggs or Melster milk chocolate egg crate- $2/2 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2

Always Infinity or Tampax Pearl- $6.99 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2

Friskies cat food- $5/10 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2

**This is not the entire Rite Aid UP Rewards or sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming Rite Aid ad.**

Walgreens deals for the week of 02/24/2013

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufactur's coupons
2) Register Rewards (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.

Nature Made vitamins or supplements- Buy 1 Get 50% off- Buy 3 and get 3000 points
$2/2 Nature Made cpn- 01/06 SS
$2 Nature Made Vitamelts cpn- 01/06 SS
$2 Nature Made Full Strength minis cpn- 01/06 SS
$2 Nature Made Adult gummies cpn- 01/06 SS
$1 Nature Made Magnesium cpn- 01/06 SS

Finest Nutrition- Buy 1 Get 50% off- Buy 3 and get 3000 points

Osteo Bi-Flex- Buy 1 and get 50% off- Buy 3 and get 5000 points
$5 Osteo Bi-Flex 70ct+ cpn- 02/10 RP
$3 Osteo Bi-Flex 30-60ct cpn- 02/10 RP

Nature's Bounty health supplements- Buy 1 and get 50% off- Buy 2 and get 2000 points
$3 Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions vitamin or supplement cpn- 02/03 SS
$2.50 Nature's Bounty Fish Oil or CoQ10 cpn- 02/03 SS
$1 Nature's Bounty vitamin or supplement cpn- 02/03 SS
$1.50 Nature's Bounty vitamin or supplement cpn- 01/13 RP


One a Day Vitacraves or VitaFusion- Buy 1 and get 50% off- Buy 2 and get 2000 points
$2 One a Day cpn- 01/06 SS

Caltrate or Centrum- Buy 1 and get 50% off- Buy 2 and get 2000 points
$1 Centrum 100ct + or Caltrate cpn- 01/27 RP
$2 Caltrate cpn- 01/06 RP
$8/2 Centrum multivitamin and ProNutrients cpn- 02/03 RP
$3 Centrum cpn- 02/03 RP

Natrol Melatonin- $4 and get $4 RR

Energize energy tabs- $8 and get $8 RR

Artic Naturals Daily Omega 3- $10 and get $10 RR

Curacaine Rapid Acting Topical- $7 and get $7 RR

Colgate 2in1 or MaxFresh, White or Clean toothpaste- $3.49 and get $2.99 RR
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/24 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS

Mucinex- $10.99- Buy 2 and get 3000 points
$1 Mucinex cpn- 01/06 SS

Huggies Jumbo, PullUps or Natural Care wipes- $8.99- Buy 2 and get 2000 points
$2 Huggies little movers slip on diapers cpn- 02/24 SS
$1.50 Huggies diapers cpn- 02/24 SS
$0.50 Huggies wipes cpn- 02/24 SS


Nice distilled or purified water - $0.79 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Select Post cereal or Nabisco Belvita- $5/2- Buy 4 and get 1000 points
$1/2 Belvita cpn- 01/20 SS

Easter M&M's- $6/2- Buy 2 and get 500 points
$1/2 Mars Easter cpn- 02/17 RP

Jelly beans- $4/2- Buy 2 and get 250 points

Wrigleys gum- $0.69 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Nice Olives- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 6- Buy 5 and get 250 points

Nice trashbags- $2.99

Spend $15 on the following and get 3000 points
Windex, Fantastic, Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom or toilet brush kit- $5/2
Glade candles- $3
$1/2 Glade candles cpn- 02/24 SS
$1.50/2 Glade candles cpn- 02/10 SS
Cottonelle Fresh wipes- $2

Spend $5 on the following and get 500 points
Palmolive- $0.99
Scotch Brite, O-Cell-O sponges or Suavitel fabric softener
$1/2 Scotch Brite sponges, scour pads, dishwands and refills cpn- 01/13 SS

Tilex, SOS pad, Clorox toilet cleaner or PineSol- $5/2- Buy 2 and get 1000 points

Nice food storage bags- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Revlon ColorSilk or Luminista- $6/2 with in ad cpn- Limit 4
$1 Revlon hair color cpn- 01/27 SS

Buy $5 Purell 1oz - $5/4 and get 1000 points
$1/3 Purell cpn- 02/24 SS

Head & Shoulders- Buy 1 and get 50% off- Buy 2 and get 1000 points
$1/2 Head & Shoulders cpn- 02/17 RP
$1 Head & Shoulders cpn- 01/27 P&G

Dove or Degree- $6.99 and get 1000 points
$0.75 Degree Women Expert cpn- 01/27 RP
$0.75 Degree Men Adrenaline cpn- 01/27 RP

Nexxus- Buy 1 and get 50% off- Buy 2 and get 2000 points

Speed Stick- $5/2- Buy 2 and get 2000 points

Buy $10 of Jergens Natural Glow- $8.99 and get 2000 points
$1 Jergens moisturizer cpn- 02/10 SS

Listerine Pocketpacs, Reach toothbrush or Total Care Whitening Floss- $2.99- Buy 3 and get 3000 points

Listerine mouthwash- $5.49- Buy 3 and get 3000 points
$1 Listerine cpn- 02/24 SS

Buy $10 of 3D White Crest toothpaste, rinse, Oral B Advatange or Pulsar toothbnrush or Glide floss picks and get 4000 points
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 01/27 P&G
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Oral B Pulsar, 3D White, ProHealth, Complete or 2 Indicator or Cavity Defense toothbrush cpn- 01/27 P&G
$0.75 Glide floss or picks cpn- 01/27 P&G

Buy $5 of Colgate toothbrush- Optic White, Select 360, Total or MaxFresh or White and get 3000 points
$0.50 Colgate toothbrush cpn- 02/24 SS

Robitussin, Dimetapp, Advil Congestion or Allergy & Congestion- $4.99- Buy 2 and get 3000 points
$1 Robitussin cpn- 02/10 RP
$1 Dimetapp, Robitussin, Advil Congestion or Allergy cpn- 01/27 RP
$1 Dimetapp childrens cpn- 01/06 RP
$1 Robitussin cpn- 01/06 RP

Energizer- $5.99- Buy 2 and get 1500 points

Scotch mailers or Wexford tape- $0.39

Russell Stover Easter candy- $0.39 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Progresso- $5/4 with in ad cpn- Limit 4~ Buy 4 and get 1000 points
$0.50/2 Progresso cpn- 01/20 SS
$0.50/2 Progresso cpn- 01/06 SS

Sunny Smile paper products- $5/10 with in ad cpn- Limit 10

Kleenex- Buy 1 and get 1 Free
$0.50/3 Kleenex cpn- 02/10 SS

**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 02/24/2013

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 or Gain- $11.99 and get $3 ECB
$0.40 Tide or Downy cpn- 01/27 P&G
$0.40 Gain or Era cpn- 02/17 RP

Cheerios- $6/2 and get $2 ECB- Limit 5
$0.50 Cheerios cpn- 01/27 SS

Colgate Sensitive ProRelief toothbrush or toothpaste- $4.99 and get $4 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Colgate toothbrush cpn- 02/24 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/24 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS

Maxwell House or International Cafe- $9/3~ Maxwell Decaf- $12/3 and get $2 ECB

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Krave, Raisin Bran Crunch or Nutty Delight bars- $9/3 and get $2 ECB

Spend $12 on the following and get $3 ECB:
Mars single eggs, bunny, LifeSavers or Starburst jelly beans- $1/2
$1/2 Mars Easter cpn- 02/17 RP
Hershey big bag assorted- $5.99
$2/3 Hershey kisses, Reese's, minis, Hershey eggs, Cadbury, Jolly Rancher or Whopper cpn- 02/24SS
$1/2 Hershey assorted minis, kisses milk chocolate, kisses cookies & creme, Reese's minis or Peppermint patties cpn- 01/20 SS
Mars Easter M&M's, minis, Dove chocolate eggs or solid bunny- $6/2
$1/2 Mars Easter cpn- 02/17 RP
$1/2 Hershey assorted minis, kisses milk chocolate, kisses cookies & creme, Reese's minis or Peppermint patties cpn- 01/20 SS
Starburst, Skittle fun size, LifeSavers, Starburst jelly beans or Crazy beans- $4.98/2

Buy 2 Mentos 15ct gum and get $1 ECB

Spend $15 on Duracell and get $5 ECB
$0.50 Duracell cpn- 01/27 P&G

Spend $10 on Maybelline eye or lip and get $3 ECB
$1 Maybelline mascara cpn- 02/03 RP
$1 Maybelline lip cpn- 02/03 RP
$1 Maybelline eye shadow or liner cpn- 02/03 RP

Spend $10 on Physicians Formula and get $7 ECB

Spen $6 on Carmex lip balm, healing cream or lotion and get $3 ECB
$0.75 Carmex moisturizer Plus cpn- 12/02 SS
$0.55 Carmex lip cpn- 12/02 SS

Neutrogena Healthy Skin or Healthy Defense- $11.99 and get $2 ECB

Axe shower gel, body spray, deodorant, shampoo or conditioner- $13/3 and get $4 ECB

Irish Spring bodywash or bar- $9/3 and get $3 ECB

$10 ECB when you buy 3 Aveeno skin, hair, facial or sun care
$2/2 Aveeno cpn- 02/24 SS
$1 Aveeno cpn- 02/24 SS

Spend $20 on Nexxus and get $10 ECB

Select Secret or Old Spice deodorant- $5/2 and get $1 ECB
$2 Secret Clinical cpn- 01/27 P&G
$2 Old Spice body spray when you buy Old Spice deodorant cpn- 02/17 RP
$1/2 Old Spice cpn- 01/27 P&G

Multi pack Crest, Fixodent, Glide or Oral B and get $3 ECB- Limit 2
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 01/27 P&G
$0.75 Glide floss or picks cpn- 01/27 P&G

Spend $10 on Colgate 360 toothbrush, Total Advanced, Optic White, Total Whitening or Sensitive and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Colgate toothbrush cpn- 02/24 SS

Listerine, Whitening rinse, Advanced Total or Ultra Clean- $5.99
$1 Listerine cpn- 02/24 SS

Crest ProHealth, 3D White, plus Scope, ProHealth rinse- $7.98/2 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 01/27 P&G
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 01/27 P&G

Band Aid- $3.99
$0.50 Band Aid with Quiltvent cpn- 02/24 SS

Spend $10 on Neosporin and get $3 ECB
$2 Neosporin Essentials cpn- 02/24 SS
$1 Neosporin first aid or lip cpn- 02/24 SS
Free Neo Esentials Wash at CVS.com/neoessentialsrebate

Thermacare lower back and hip- $3.49 and get $3.49 ECB

Maxwell House Instant, Gevalia Kaffe or Nescafe Clasico- $12/2 and get $3 ECB

Hershey Easter assorted- $9/3 and get $1 ECB
$2/3 Hershey kisses, Reese's, minis, Hershey eggs, Cadbury, Jolly Rancher or Whopper cpn- 02/24SS
$1/2 Hershey assorted minis, kisses milk chocolate, kisses cookies & creme, Reese's minis or Peppermint patties cpn- 01/20 SS

Wisk- $4.99
Use $1 ExtraCare cpn
$1 Wisk cpn- 02/24 SS

Spend $10 on Sally Hansen cosmetics and get $5 ECB

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

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Family Fun and Fudge- oh my:)

Well, since our counters got pushed back once again ~ I really wished we knew how to replace kitchen counter tops, we could just do it ourselves, but since we don't, we wait:).  It was too cold to have a family outing, so we decided to stay indoors and have a Family Fun morning:)

We played Monopoly- oh boy, I am so tired of Monopoly, it seems that that is the only board game we have with all the pieces. 
We also played Checkers a few times and Nathan tried his hand at Chess.  I am surprised that while he may not know the names of all the chess pieces, he knows how they all move:)

The boys have wanted to make fudge for some time now.  So, we decided what the heck, let's do it:)  Everything is better with chocolate:)   We found the recipe we wanted to use based on the ingredients we had on hand and....
Chocolate Chips, Condensed milk and butter

3 minutes in the microwave~ lovely swirl

Melted, poured in foil lined pan and placed in refrigerator to chill

Several hours later- sliced and ready to devour


I was surprised the little one's didn't care for the taste so much.  I thought it was very chocolatey and yummy.  I have a LOVE for chocolate:)  All the big people thought the fudge was super delicious.

We finally got a chance to make our baked carrot experiment.  I was told to peel and slice carrots and place them on an oiled pan.  Bake them at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.  The smaller carrot slices took 20 minutes to bake.  The larger pieces took 30 minutes total to bake.
Carrots sliced and ready to bake
Baked carrots~ well what is left when I realized I needed to take a picture

I don't like to eat carrots.  I don't like the way they taste.  Everyone else with the exception of little Michael all love carrots- cooked and raw.  Not me.  I was told to try baking carrots, that they tasted like sweet potato fries- which I love.  So, we tried them and I must say- I love them.  They are so tasty.  I am surprised I didn't turn orange with the amount of carrots I ate.  But I couldn't help it- they were so yummy.  And of course, after lunch with the tasty baked carrots we ate fudge.  What a day:)

After lunch, I was getting little Michael down for a nap when Michael decided to reorganize our laundry room, which was in desperate need of some attention.  And we tag teamed the kitchen together.  Pictures coming next week, since I found the card reader under my computer desk- thanks to our lovely cat:)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Lowes Build & Grow Clinic~ 02/23/2013

Lowes will be hosting a Build & Grow Clinic on February 23, 2013 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, Lowes Build and Grow Clinic will be building Grave Digger.   Now, this is something that they definitely want to build:)
 
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:)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

My Shopping Day~ 02/18/2013

Here are all the details of our shopping day:

Rite Aid
$2.99- Vaseline Cocoa Butter lotion
$3.49- Softsoap bodywash
$6.48
-2.00 Softsoap bodywash in ad cpn
-4.00 UP Rewards
$0.80- Total after tax and got $2 UP Reward

Walgreens
$2.99- Softsoap Heavenly Vanilla bodywash
$0.79- Spongebob Krabby Patties for someone who was really well behaved at the ER
$3.78
-0.50 Softsoap bodywash cpn
-2.00 RR
$1.45 Total after tax and got 1000 points

CVS
$5.00- Angel Soft toilet paper
$5.00- Sparkle paper towels
$0.67- Chocolate Goji trial
$10.67
-9 ECB
$2.19 Total after tax and got back $3.67 ECBs

Dollar Tree
$2.00- (2) puzzles
$1.00- Qt freezer bags
$1.00- Sandwich bags
$1.00- Foil
$1.00- 12pk sponges
$6.30- Total after tax

Walmart
$10.40- (4) gallons skim milk
$7.84- Frozen veggies
$2.32- Lunchmeat
$1.72- Brown sugar
$3.98- Cat food
$0.98- Beech Nut Stage 5 Pouch
$0.98- Beech Nut Stage 5 Pouch
$1.01- Bananas
$1.98- Grape Jam
$31.21
-1.00 Beech Nut Stage 5 cpn
-1.00 Beech Nut Stage 5 cpn
$30.09- Total after tax

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

My Decluttering Goals for the week of 02/18/2013

Wellll, the counters got pushed back yet again :(  We were sad but we understand.  The guy coming out to replace our counters called to let me know that they were predicting 3 inches of snow in his area.  We were not sure what they were calling for in our area.  He was afraid of getting out here and the roads getting bad.  So, no new counters but one day we will have them installed. 

We were able to take our newly free Saturday and tag team our kitchen and laundry room.  Well, actually hubby surprised me by tackling the laundry room by himself and installing a hook in the laundry room that I only asked him to hang up oh about 10 years ago:)  I will share pictures of our nice clean living room, kitchen and laundry room as soon as my card reader shows back up.  It seems to have grown legs and walked off- I think I may know where it is.  Our cat has decided that he wants to sleep on top of my computer desk, which means everything on top of my computer desk gets pushed or knocked behind my computer desk.  Which means I have to crawl under my desk and see what is hiding under there:) 

I must say I am loving the way my house is coming along.  It is surprising what a little bit of motivation can do for you.  Details coming soon~ I promise:)

This week, as long as little Michael is doing well after our boo boo and trip to the Emergency Room Sunday night/Monday morning, we plan to attack the Master bedroom.  I can't wait to have a clutter free bedroom:)  Well, let me rephrase that- there is not a lot of clutter in my room but since we don't have a lot of storage areas in our home, my room becomes the storing grounds for a lot of things that we don't have homes for.  Well, for the next couple of weeks we are going to change that:)

Here is our plan of attack for the master bedroom this week:
~ Clean off changing table and get it ready for the consignment sale
~ Go through book shelf
~ Go through tubs of clothes
~ Go through stuff between bed and dresser
~ Clean off dresser and get it ready for big huge yard sale
~ Go through and clean out night stand and get it ready for yard sale
~ Clean area between bed and window
~ Clean under bed
~ Go through shelving
~ Clean out closet

If you are in need of a declutter challenge in your home- feel free to hop on in and join me in my journey to get our house uncluttered, cleaned and company ready. If you have a room in your house you want to get under control~make a plan to get it done this week. Make a list of what you need to accomplish for that 1 room. Use what available times and days you have to get the list of your projects done. 

Let's see how much we can get done this week:)

Monday, February 18, 2013

Menu Plan for the week of 02/18/2013

After an eventful evening/morning, today just seemed to drag along.  We hope that your Monday was better.  Tomorrow will be a better day- at least I am hoping that it will be- fingers crossed:)

We are very thankful that Lynn, my dad's girlfriend, cleaned out her pantry last week and blessed us with 3 boxes of food that she would not be able to use.  We can definately put it to good use:)

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Organic Poptarts X2
Baked Oatmeal with Apples X2
Cream of Wheat
Scrambled eggs with grits and fruit
Oatmeal

Lunch
Sandwich, popcorn and banana

Dinner
Spaghetti with peas and rolls
Chili
Chili potatoes with corn
Chocolate Chip pancakes with fruit
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Tuna Casserole with green beans
Spanish Rice with corn

Snacks and desserts
Super yummy homemade PB fudge
Apple Slices
Baked Carrot sticks
Stretch Island Fruit Apple Rolls
Annie's Organic bunny fruit snacks

What yummy dishes do you have planned for your family this week?

Never a dull moment :)

Hope everyone had a pleasant and wonderful weekend.  We started out with a nice weekend and then ended it in the Emergency Room last night- oh the fun and joy:)  Little munchkin went to reach back to get his cars from daddy and ended up falling backwards right into our coffee table.  He screamed and I immediately scooped him up.  I asked him where it hurt and he pointed to his head.  I put my head on the back of his head and smooched his forehead trying to comfort my little one.  When I removed my hand, I noticed it was covered in blood- ok this is not good.  We got him cleaned up and noticed a nice size gash in his head.  Off the the Emergency room we rushed.  We arrived at 10pm and didn't even get seen until 12am.  So, not fun :(  The nurses and doctors were really sweet, we were thankful for that.  The doctor looked at his head and stated that little Michael would only need 1 staple.  Ummm what?  A staple?  That sounds painful.

The doctor reassured me that by the time little Michael knew what was going on, they would be done.  Ok- do what you need to do to fix my son.  A nice attending physician came in and cleaned the wound and attempted to put the staple in- well, lets just say that it didn't go in as it was supposed to.  I was afraid little Michael would be upset- but he didn't even move.  He was so good and laid there and let them do what they needed to do- I was so proud.  The attending told me that she needed help and went to get another doctor.  30 minutes later- she returned and had to remove the staple and tried again.  By the time she returned little Michael had fallen asleep.  It was well after midnight by then.  But this time, the staple went in no problem- yay:)

It was 1am by the time we were discharged.  Let's just say today was a very slow moving day.  Thankfully, no school today so I could sleep in- if only my body got the memo~ LOL:)

Little Michael is doing well.  He knows that there is something in the back of his head- he is just not sure what.  If you would keep my little munchkin in your prayers that he heals nicely.  This is a first for our family.  Little Micheal is the first to get a staple.  He hope to not have to go to the Emergency Room any time soon for anybody else:)

We hope that you all had a less eventful evening/morning:)

Friday, February 15, 2013

Rite Aid deals for the week of 02/17/2013

**Please remember that Rite Aid allows you to use 1 manufacturer cpn and 1 Rite Aid cpn and 1 Rite Aid Valuable cpn together on 1 item:) **

Click here to view Rite Aid's coupon policy.

Mitchum deodorant- $6/2 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2

Halls- $0.99
$1/2 Halls cpn- 02/03 SS

Excedrin Migrane- $8.99 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1 Excedrin cpn- 01/20 SS

Chloraspetic Sore Throat Lozenges- $3.99 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1 Chloraseptic cpn- 01/06 SS

Kotex or Poise- $11/2 and get $1 UP Reward Limit 2
$1 U by Kotex tampons cpn- 01/13 SS
$1 U by Kotex pads cpn- 01/13 SS
$1 U by Kotex liners cpn- 01/13 SS
$1.50/2 Kotex Natural Balance cpn- 01/13 SS
$3 Poise Feminine Wellness cpn- 02/10 SS
$1 Poise cpn- 01/13 SS
$3 Poise Feminine Wellness cpn- 01/13 SS


Colgate Optic White toothpaste, mouthwash or manual toothbrush- $2.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 4
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS
$0.75 Colgate Optic White mouthwash cpn- 02/03 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/03 SS

Listerine pocket pacs, mouthwash, toothpaste, Reach floss or toothbrushes by Design- $3.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2

Spinbrush Pro Series or kids power toothbrush or Pro Clean Sonic toothbrush- Buy 1 Get 1 Free and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1 Arm & Hammer Spinbrush cpn- 01/27 SS
$1 Arm & Hammer Spinbrush kids or Tooth Tunes cpn- 01/27 SS
$1 Arm & Hammer Spinbrush kids cpn- 12/09 SS
$1 Arm & Hammer Spinbrush cpn- 12/09 SS

Buy $10 Cover Girl cosmetics- Buy 1 Get 50% off and get $3 UP Reward- Limit 2
$2 Cover Girl lip cpn- 02/17 RP
$3/2 Cover Girl cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Cover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss cpn- 01/27 P&G

Revlon ColorStay cosmetics- Buy 1 Get 50% off- Buy 2 and get $4 UP Reward- Limit 2
$2 Revlon bb cream, foundation, powder, concealer, primer or blush cpn- 01/27 SS

Buy $15 Rimmel cosmetics- Buy 1 Get 50% off and get $5 UP Rewards- Limit 2

Jergens skin care and Natural Glow- Buy 1 Get 50% off- Buy 2 and get $3 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1 Jergens moisturizer cpn- 02/10 SS
$1.50 Jergens Creme Collection cpn- 02/10 SS

Buy $10 Artificial nails or eye lashes and get $3 UP Rewards- Limit 2

Buy $12 Assorted jewelry and get $6 UP Reward- Limit 2

Buy $10 John Frieda Frizz Ease, Full Repair, Root Awakening, Brilliant Blonde, Sheer Blonde, Radiant Red, Luxurious Volume hair care or Precision Foam color and get $3 UP Reward- Limit 3
$3/2 John Frieda cpn- 02/10 SS

Buy $15 Fructis and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 3
$1 Fructis hair cpn- 02/03 RP
$1 Fructis styler cpn- 02/03 RP
$1 Fructis hair cpn- 01/13 RP
$1 Fructis styler cpn- 01/13 RP

Clairol Nice & Easy or Natural Instincts color- $7.99 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1 Clairol/Herbal Essence color cpn- 02/03 SS
$5/2 Clairol Natural Instincts cpn- 01/27 P&G
$2 Clairol or Herbal color cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Clairol or Herbal color cpn- 01/06 RP

Buy $20 American Crew, Chi, Rusk or Sebastian professional hair care and get $10 UP Reward- Limit 2

VO5- $0.89

Irish Spring or Softsoap bodywash- $3.49
Use $2 in ad cpn

Dial bar, hand soap, hand sanitizer or Tone bar- $1.99

Buy $15 Garnier skin care and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 2
$2 Garnier moisturizer cpn- 02/03 RP
$2 Garnier moisturizer cpn- 01/13 RP
$2 Garnier moisturizer cpn- 12/02 RP

Biotene mouthwash or toothpaste, Polident or Oral Balance- $5.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2
$2.50/2 Biotene cpn- 01/06 RP
$1 Biotene cpn- 01/06 RP

Aleve, Bayer aspirin or Bayer Advanced- $5.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 4
$1 Aleve cpn- 01/06 SS
$3/2 Bayer 120ct cpn- 01/27 SS
$1 Bayer cpn- 01/27 SS
$1 Bayer 20ct, 81mg or 325 mg cpn- 01/06 SS
$1.50 Bayer 20ct, 325mg or 500mg cpn- 01/06 SS

Buy $12 Colgate Total Advanced, Total, kids toothpaste, manual toothbrush Total, Wave or kids, Wisp or Softsoap hand soap- Buy 1 Get 1 Free and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 4
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/03 SS

9 Lives cat food- $1.99- Buy 2 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2

Barilla pasta, Betty Crocker Bowl Appetit or Ragu pasta sauce- $3/2 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 3
$1/2 Barilla pasta AND Sauce cpn- 02/03 SS
$0.20 Ragu cpn- 01/27 RP

Hershey, Reese's, Cadbury Easter bags, Reese's pieces pastel eggs, M&M's Easter, Nestle nesteggs or Dairygood eggs- $2.99 and get $1 UP Reward-Limit 4
$1/2 Hershey assorted minis, kisses milk chocolate, kisses cookies & creme, Reese's minis or Peppermint patties cpn- 01/20 SS

Tresemme- $7/2 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 3
Buy Tresemme shampoo or conditioner and get 1 FREE cpn- 01/27 RP

Vaseline Intensive care lotion- $2.99 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2


**This is not the entire Rite Aid UP Rewards or sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming Rite Aid ad.**

Walgreens deals for the week of 02/17/2013

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufactur's coupons
2) Register Rewards (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 cups or Sunny Smile plates- $0.99

Walgreens jumbo sleep pants, premium diapers, training pants or wipes- $10/2

Russell Stover- $2.99 and get 250 points

Nice thin mints, brittle or Nips- $0.79- Buy 3 and get 250 points

Campbells chicken noodle or tomato soup- $0.79 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Sun Maid raisins or prunes- $4/2 with in ad cpn- Limit 4

Nice dish liquid- $1.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Nice or Kleenex tissue- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3
$0.50/3 Kleenex cpn- 02/17 RP

Windex Touch Up kitchen or bathroom cleaner- $3.49- Buy 2 and get 1500 points
$1 Windex Touch UP cpn- 02/17 RP

Duracell- $6.49- Buy 2 and get 2000 points
$0.50 Duracell cpn- 01/27 P&G

Energizer- $10.99- Buy 2 and get 2000 points

Walgreens batteries- Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Colgate Optic toothpaste, mouthwash, 360 surround, Pro Relief, Optic White toothbrush- $2.99- Buy 3 and get 2500 points
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS
$0.75 Colgate Optic White mouthwash cpn- 02/03 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/03 SS

Walgreens sun care- Buy 1 and get 50% off- Buy 3 and get 2000 points

Bubble knee highs- $0.29 with in ad cpn- Limit 8

Softsoap or Irish Spring bodywash- $2.99 and get 1000 points

Loreal Healthy Look Creme or Root Rescue color- $5.99- Buy 2 and get 2000 points
$5/2 Loreal hair color cpn- 02/17 RP
$2 Loreal hair color cpn- 02/17 RP
$2 Loreal hair color cpn- 01/06 RP

Clean & Clear- $4.99
Use $2 Walgreens store cpn

Gillette Venus & Olay or ProGlide razor- $9.99- Spend $20 and get 3000 points
$2 Venus Family System Razor cpn- 1/27 P&G
$3/2 Venus razor AND Refill cpn- 01/06 RP
$3 Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor cpn- 02/17 RP

Arrid or Arm & Hammer deodorant- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Axe deodorant or body spray- $3.99
$1 Axe deodorant or body spray cpn- 01/27 RP

Carmex or Blistex- $0.99
$0.75 Carmex moisturizer plus cpn- 12/02 SS
$0.55 Carmex lip cpn- 12/02 SS

Allegra- $5.99
$3 Allegra cpn- 02/17 RP

Scott Naturals paper towels 6 rolls or Cottonelle 12 large rolls- $5
Use $1 Walgreens store cpn
$1.25/2 Scott paper towels cpn- 01/13 SS

Schick Hydro disposable razor or razor system- $9.99 and get $4 RR
$5/2 Schick Hydro 5 or Silk razor or refill cpn- 02/10 SS
$4 Schick Hydro 5 or Silk disposables cpn- 02/10 SS

Purex- $1.99
$1 Purex Crystals cpn- 01/27 RP

**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 02/17/2013

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

Coke 12pk can- $15/4 and get $5 ECB

Bumblee Bee tuna or sardines- $1

Gain dish liquid or Renuzit adjustables- $1
$0.50 Renuzit Tempting Indulgence air freshener cpn- 02/17 RP

Purex or All laundry detergent- Buy 1 Get 1 Free
$1 Purex Crystals cpn- 1/27 RP

Aussie or Herbal Essence- $10/3
$1/2 Aussie or Herbal Essence cpn- 2/03 SS

7UP, Canada Dry, A&W or Sunkist- $10/3 and get $4 ECB

Brookside dark chocolate trail size- $0.67 and get $0.67 ECB

Duracell- $3.99 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Duracell cpn- 01/27 P&G

Buy 2 Nicole nail color and get $5 ECB

Buy $15 Loreal cosmetics and get $5 ECB
$2 Loreal face cosmetic cpn- 02/17 RP
$2 Loreal Paris face cosmetic cpn- 01/27 RP
$1 Loreal True Match cpn- 01/27 RP
$1 Loreal Paris lip cpn- 01/27 RP
$1 Loreal Paris eye liner or shadow cpn- 01/27 RP

Buy 3 Clean & Clear facial and get $10 ECB

Nivea bodywash or scrub- $3.88
$2 Nivea for Men bodywash, shower gel or scrub cpn- 02/10 RP

Softsoap hand liquid- $1

Buy $20 Aquaphor or Eucerin and get $10 ECB
$1 Aquaphor cpn- 02/10 RP
$2 Eucerin cpn- 02/10 RP
$1 Eucerin hand or body lotion cpn- 01/27 RP

Spend $15 Clearisil Ultra or pads and get $5 ECB
$2/2 Clearasil cpn- 02/03 SS

Buy 2 Loreal hair color and get $4 ECB
$5/2 Loreal hair color cpn- 02/17 RP
$2 Loreal hair color cpn- 02/17 RP
$2 Loreal Preference cpn- 02/10 RP
$2 Loreal Excellence cpn- 01/27 RP
$3 Loreal Preference cpn- 1/13 RP
$2 Loreal hair color cpn- 01/06 RP

Clear hair care- $10/2

Revlon ColorSilk- $6/2
$1 Revlon hair color cpn- 01/27 SS
$1/2 Revlon hair color cpn- 01/20 SS

VO5- $0.82

Fructis- $10/3
$1 Fructis hair cpn- 02/03 RP
$1 Fructis styler cpn- 02/03 RP
$1 Fructis hair cpn- 01/13 RP
$1 Fructis styler cpn- 01/13 RP

Dove or Degree deodorant- $5/2
$1 Dove Men Care deodorant cpn- 01/27 RP
$0.75 Dove go sleevless, clear tone, go fresh or clinical cpn- 01/27 RP
$0.75 Degree Women Expert cpn- 01/27 RP
$0.75 Degree Men Adrenaline cpn- 01/27 RP

Spend $30 Pantene Expert hair care and get $10 ECB
$3/2 Pantene cpn- 01/27 P&G

Colgate manual toothbrush 2-4pk or toothpaste twin pack and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/03 SS

Buy $10 Oral B manual toothbrush, Oral B floss, Crest ProHealth rinse or Scope and get $5 ECB- Limit 2
$1/2 Oral B Indicator or Cavity Defense cpn- 01/27 P&G
$0.75 Oral B Glide floss cpn- 01/27 P&G
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Scope cpn- 02/10 RP

Crest with Scope, 3D White, ProHealth or Glide floss- $6.98/3 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$0.75 Crest toothpaste cpn- 01/27 P&G
$0.75 Oral B Glide floss cpn- 01/27 P&G

Colgate Total- $6/3 and get $3 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/03 SS


Always or Tampax- $6/2 and get $2 ECB

Spend $17 Excedrin Migrane and get $5 ECB
$1 Excedrin cpn- 01/20 SS

Buy Allegra anti itch cream and get $2 ECB

Nyquil, Dayquil, Sinex spray or Nature Fusion- $7.49 and get $1 ECB
$1.50 Vicks Nature Fusion cpn- 01/27 P&G

Folgers Coffee- $7.99
Use $1 ExtraCare cpn

Select snack and grocery items- $10/10
Use $1/10 ExtraCare cpn

Kleenex- $4/3
$0.50/3 Kleenex cpn- 02/17 RP

Buy 2 Mucinex or Sinus Max and get $3 ECB- Limit 5
$1 Mucinex cpn- 01/06 SS

Sparkle paper towels or Angel Soft bathroom tissue- $10/2 and get $2 ECB
$0.45 Angel Soft 4pk double pack or larger cpn- 01/06 RP

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

Thursday, February 14, 2013

**Giveaway Reminder**

I want to remind everyone that there are 2 coupon giveaways going on here.

One is for 20 Mule Team Borax- this giveaway for a coupon good for a free box of 20 Mule Team Borax.  Giveaway ends on 02/17/2013.  Read the review and enter by simply commenting on this post.  Super easy:)
 My second giveaway is for Purex Crystals for Baby.  This giveaway is for a coupon good for a free bottle of Purex Crystals for Baby.  Giveway ends on 02/24/2013.   Read the review and enter by simply commenting on this post.

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope everyone had a fabulous Valentine's Day:) 

We didn't do anything special around here.  Since Michael was home today, he was a great help keeping the little one occupied while I attacked part of the living room and kitchen.  I am so excited with the progress I made today:)  Pictures coming soon.

While I was making dinner, I quickly mixed up a lemon cake and popped it in the oven.  I made one square cake and one round cake.  I wish I would have taken pictures of the cakes before.  Once the cakes were cooked and fully cooled, I removed them from their pans.  I placed the square cake on a piece of wax paper and turned it in the shape of a diamond.  I then cut the round cake in half and carefully placed them on each side of the diamond- making a heart shape- awww.  I then frosted the cake and it looked something like this:
I then let the boys dig in and I must say it was quite tasty:)

Did you do anything special for Valentine's Day?

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

January 2013 Goals Update

Wow- is it really the middle of February already?  Yikes- where is this month going?

I realized I never updated our 2013 goals for the month of January.  So, here you go:

Here are our 2013 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.~ Did awesome with this:)

2) Pay off 2 credit cards~ Making incredible progress with this goal and should have 2 credit cards paid off by March- yay!!

3) Not to use any of our credit cards for 2013. To pay cash for everything.~ Still doing great with this goal

4) To lower our grocery budget. Our current grocery budget is $300 month for our family of 6. Our goal is to lower that amount and to save the remainder. ~ We did great with this goal and spent $256 in January.

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.~ Doing great with this goal

6) Unclutter the house and become more organized:)~ So proud- we are making great progress in our living room and kitchen

7) Lose weight- I need to get motivated to lose this baby weight- my goal is to lose 20 lbs this year.~ Still going to the gym and walking on the treadmill.  I haven't lost any pounds yet but have lost 2 inches from my waist- I will take it:)

8) Morning devotions, prayer time and more bible reading~ Doing great with this goal

9) Monthly date night with hubby- whether we go out or stay at home, pop popcorn and rent a movie~ Didn't do any type of date night with hubby in January

10) 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:)~ We had a great family outing- you can read all about it here.

11) Not to use our dryer to save on electricity and lower our electricity bill~ Doing great with this- electric bill lowered by $5 from cycle.

12) To make a better effort to blog more regularly and to make a blogging schedule~Need to get better organized and actually make a blogging schedule and keep up with it.

13) To make much needed house repairs~ Counter installation coming soon:)

14) To get rid of the car just sitting in our driveway (hopefully we can sell it and make a little something) and being used as storage.~ Still working of this

15) To do 1 project a month and blog about it~ We made homemade taco seasoning and dry onion soup mix

How did you do with your goals for January?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

My Decluttering Goal for the week of 02/11/2013

I feel so much better this morning after an OK night's rest.  A certain 3 yr old came and woke me up to tell me he had to go potty at 4am.  Then he climbed in my bed and went right back to sleep.  He is a toss and turn as well as kicking and stretching out kind of sleeper.  So, between daddy and little Michael, mommy gets pushed out of the bed sometimes.

But I do have some great news:)  The guy coming out to replace our counter, has an opening- yea!!!!  This Saturday.  OK, kind of short notice but we will take it.  I cannot wait to see my kitchen with my fabulous shiny new counters:)

The last 2 weeks, we have been working on the Living Room and the Kitchen.  Due to the counter installation, instead of jumping into a new room, we are going to stay right here and do a few things that need to get done before we can install the new counter.  If you don't have any major projects to accomplish and want to dive right on into decluttering a new room this week- go ahead and start swimming:)

Here are our decluttering goals for this week:

1)  Clean my computer desk- not sure why I keep ignoring this space- oops:)

2)  Rip out floor in cabinet under sink

3)  Paint wall in cabinet

4)  Clean kitchen counters

5)  Go through medicine cabinet

6)  Go through lower cabinets

7)  Pull out stove and clean behind stove

8)  Sweep and mop kitchen floor

If you are in need of a declutter challenge in your home- feel free to hop on in and join me in my journey to get our house uncluttered, cleaned and company ready. If you have a room in your house you want to get under control~make a plan to get it done this week. Make a list of what you need to accomplish for that 1 room. Use what available times and days you have to get the list of your projects done. I will update later this week and show you the progress we have made in our kitchen and hopefully our brand new counters:)

My Shopping Day~ 02/11/2013

After a fun filled morning full of completing s homework assignment, missing the bus, getting our taxes done and a not so fun headache, we finally made it to the store to do our grocery shopping.  Luckily, this week was a light shopping week.

Here are the details from our shopping trip:

Rite Aid
$2.99- Starburst Valentine Classroom candy kit
$3.50- Purex laundry detergent
$3.50- Purex laundry detergent
$9.99
-3.50- Free Purex laundry detergent cpn
-2.00 UP Reward
$4.92- After tax and got back $4 UP Rewards

Dollar Tree
$2.00- (2) pkgs Toilet paper
$1.00- Brown paper to wrap Nathan's Valentine box for school
$3.15- Total after tax

Walmart
$10.40- (4) gallons skim milk
$1.96- Frozen peas
$2.32- Lunchmeat
$1.88- Spaghetti sauce
$0.94- WW Spaghetti
$0.50- Onion
$0.50- Chili powder
$3.70- Tuna fish
$1.76- Hamburger buns
$1.21- Bananas
$25.80- Total after tax

Sam's Club
$23.94- Dog Food
$4.49- Sugar
$6.04- Apples
$11.98- Decaf coffee
$48.21- Total after tax

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

Monday, February 11, 2013

Menu Plan for the week of 02/11/2013

Whew~ today was a very busy day.  This is how my day went:

Had to get up early and get going~ we were getting our taxes done.  The lady who does our taxes is 1 & 1/2 hours away.  I got up and got ready, got Nathan up, dressed, fed, lunch packed and ready for school only to realize that his moon tracker experiment was due today and wasn't finished all the way.  We only missed 3 days.  So, I had to look them up real quickly.  Thanks to the clouds, we have not been able to see the moon at all this past week and have had to use the weather channel to see what moon phase we are in.  In doing all this, Nathan misses his bus.  We take him to school making us leaving later than we had hoped.  We arrive at Linda's to have our taxes done.  Done:)  We normally don't get our taxes done this early but we have some plans for our refund and it involves a possible house:)  Will explain later.  We then leave and go grocery shopping.  We get home, put our groceries away and eat a light lunch.  Little one doesn't want to take a nap and finally passes out right about the time Nathan and Chris get home from school.  So, no hope for me to lay down.  Wow- look at the time- time to make dinner.  Now, I cannot figure out where in the world this headache has come from.  Time to blog our menu plan, try to get little one to bed and hopefully get a nice peaceful full night's rest:)

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Breakfast
Baked Oatmeal with apples X2
Oatmeal with raisins X2
Homemade Cinnamon Buns for Valentine's Day
Cereal- thanks to Lynn
Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Lunch
Sandwich, popcorn and banana

Dinner
Beef Stew
Shredded BBQ Chicken with potato wedges and fruit
Taco bean rice with green beans
Chocolate Chip pancakes with fruit
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Tuna Casserole with peas
Spaghetti with homemade rolls and peas

Snacks and desserts
Homemade hot chocolate
Homemade PB Fudge
Apple slices with PB
Carrots

What kind of yummy treats do you have planned this week for you and your family?  Off to bed- see you tomorrow.  Have a blessed night:)

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Rite Aid deals for the week of 02/10/2013

**Please remember that Rite Aid allows you to use 1 manufacturer cpn and 1 Rite Aid cpn and 1 Rite Aid Valuable cpn together on 1 item:) ** 

Click here to view Rite Aid's coupon policy.

Ricola, Chap Stick, Luden's, Sucrets, Carmex. LypSyl or Ocean Nasal Spray- $3/2 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 4
$1/2 Ricola cpn- 01/06 SS
$1/2 Chap Stick cpn- 01/27 RP
$1/2 Ludens cpn- 01/13 SS
$1 Sucrets cpn- 11/18 SS
$0.75 Carmex moisturizer plus cpn- 12/02 SS
$0.55 Carmex lip cpn- 12/02 SS
$0.50 LypSyl cpn- 01/27 SS

Colgate Max toothpaste- $3.50 and get $3 UP Reward- Limit 4
$0.35 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/03 SS

General Mills ceral or Nature's Valley bars 6pk- $2.88 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1/3 General Mills cereal cpn- 02/03 SS
$1/2 General Mills Chex, Fiber One, Total, Wheaties, Oatmeal Crisp, Honey Nut Clusters, Raisin Nut Bran or Basic 4 cpn- 01/27 SS
$0.50 General Mills Cheerios cpn- 01/27 SS
$1/3 General Mills Big G cereal cpn- 01/06 SS
$0.50/2 Nature Valley granola bars, granola thins, Fiber One bars or brownies cpn- 01/27 SS
$0.50/2 Nature Valley Granola bars or thins cpn- 01/06 SS

Clorox Bleach, Xtra Laundry or Nice 'n Fluffy fabric softener- $1.97

Buy $10 of Cover Girl cosmetics and get $3 UP Reward- Limit 2
$3/2 Cover Girl cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Cover Girl lip perfection jumbo gloss cpn- 01/27 P&G

Tresemme or Dove hair care- $7/2 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2
Buy 1 Tresemme shampoo or conditioner and get 1 Free cpn- 01/27 RP

Got 2B hair care- $3.99
$2 Got 2B cpn- 02/10 RP

Buy $15 of Olia, Nutrisse or Fructis and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 3
$2 Garnier Nutrisse color cpn- 2/03 RP
$2 Garnier Nutrisse color foam cpn- 01/13 RP
$1 Garnier Fructis hair cpn- 02/03 RP
$1 Garnier Fructis hair cpn- 01/13 RP

Triaminic cough- $5.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2
$3/2 Triaminic cpn- 02/10 SS
$1 Triaminic cpn- 02/10 SS
$3/2 Triaminic cpn- 12/09 SS
$1 Triaminic cpn- 12/09 SS

Zyrtec 5ct- $5.99 and get $5 UP Reward- Limit 1

Slim Fast shakes or Multi pack 200 Calorie meal bars- $10/2 and get $3 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1 Slim Fast shakes cpn- 01/27 RP
$1 Slim Fast bar cpn- 01/27 RP

Buy Playtex fresh & sexy wipes and get $4 Up Reward- Limit 2
$1 Playtex fresh & sexy wipes cpn- 02/10 SS

Right Guard or Dry Idea- $2.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2

Speed Stick- $2.49 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 4
$1 Speed Stick Power cpn- 02/03 SS
$0.50 Speed Stick cpn- 02/03 SS

Select Gum flossers and Interdental products, Star Wars or Crayola Manual toothbrushes- $5/2 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2

Zantac- $16.99 and get $3 UP Reward- Limit 2
$5 Zantac 50ct+ cpn- 02/10 SS
$2 Zantac 24ct+ cpn- 02/10 SS

Aleve or Bayer- $8.99 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 4
$2 Aleve D cpn- 01/06 SS
$1 Aleve cpn-01/06 SS
$3/2 Bayer 120ct+ cpn- 01/27 SS
$1 Bayer 20ct+ cpn- 01/27 SS
$1 Bayer 81mg or 325mg 20ct+ cpn- 01/06 SS
$1 Bayer 325mg or 500mjg cpn- 01/06 SS

Playtex gentle glide ot sport tampons- $3.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1 Playtex gentle glide or sport tampons cpn- 01/06 SS

Hershey's, Reese's, Nestle Valentine bags or M&M's Valentine's bags- $2.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 4

Skittles, Starburst, Airheads, Nestle Crunch or Wonka Classroom kits- $2.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 4
.
Hershey's Pot of Gold- $4.99 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 4

Whitmans Sampler- $5.99 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 4

Spongebob, Hello Kitty, Phineas & Ferb, Princess, Scooby Doo or Spiderman classroom kits- $5/2 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 4

Purex detergent or fabric softener- $7/2 and get $3 UP Reward- Limit 2

Nestle Pure Life bottle water- $3.99 and get $1 UP Reward-Limit 2

Nabisco cookies, Pepperidge farm cookies or Welch's grape juice- $6/2 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 3
$1/3 Nabisco cookies cpn- 01/27 RP
$0.75/2 Nabisco cookies cpn- 01/06 RP
$0.75/2 Pepperidge Farms cpn- 02/10 SS
$0.75 Welch's 100% juice cpn- 01/27 RP

Kotex- $6/2 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1.50/2 Kotex Natural Balance cpn- 01/13 SS

Colgate 360 Manual toothbrush- $2.99 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 4

Scope or Fixodent- $4.19 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1 Scope cpn- 02/10 RP

GE CFL light bulbs- $3.99
$3 in ad cpn

Monster energy drink- $4.98/3 and get $1 UP Reward- Limit 2

Crunch 'N Munch, Orville Redenbacher popcorn 3pk, Poppycock or Riceworks- $5/2 and get $1 UP Reward-Limit 3
$0.75 Orville Redenbacher popcorn 3pk+ cpn- 01/20 SS

Old Spice fresh, Red Zone or body spray, Gillette deodorant or body wash, Old Spice body wash, Secret deodorant or body spray- $8/2 and get $2 UP Reward- Limit 2
$1/2 Old Spice cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1/2 Gillette deodorant or body wash cpn- 01/27 P&G
$1 Secret Outlast, Scent Expressions or body spray cpn- 01/27 P&G

**This is not the entire Rite Aid UP Rewards or sale items- these are some of the great deals I spotted in the upcoming Rite Aid ad.**

Friday, February 8, 2013

Walgreens deals for the week of 02/10/2013

Things to keep in mind when shopping at Walgreens:
1) You must have as many items as manufactur's coupons
2) Register Rewards (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.

Sunny Smile paper products- $5/10 with in ad cpn- Limit 10

Progresso- $5/4 with in ad cpn- Limit 4 and get 1000 points
$0.50/2 Progresso cpn- 01/20 SS
$0.25 Progresso light cpn- 01/20 SS
$
0.50/2 Progresso cpn- 01/06 SS
$0.25 Progresso light cpn- 01/06 SS

Russell Stover Valetine heart- $0.39 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Nice Sugar or Flour- $2.19 with in ad cpn- Limit 3

Nice Syrup or Quaker Oats minute oats- $3/2- Buy 2 and get 500 points

Glade candle or scented refill- $2.99- Buy 3 and get 2000 points
$1 Glade scented oil candle or 2 refills cpn- 02/10 SS
$1.50/2 Glade jar candle cpn- 02/10 SS

Finish dishwasher products- $7/2- Buy 2 and get 1000 points
$1.25 Finish Quantum Powerball cpn- 02/10 SS
$1 Finish dishwasher cleaner cpn- 01/06 SS
$0.75 Finish Jet Dry or Turbo dry cpn- 01/06 SS

Got 2B Stylers- $3.99
$2 Got 2B cpn- 02/10 RP

Right Guard or Dry Idea- Buy 1 get 1 Free

Revlon ColorSilk or Luminista- $6/2 with in ad cpn- Limit 4
$1 Revlon hair color cpn- 01/27 SS
$1/2 Revlon hair color cpn- 01/20 SS

Mitchum- $6/2

Schick Hyrdo Silk Womens disposable razors- $9.99 and get 4000 points
$4 Schick Hydro 5 or Silk disposable razor cpn- 02/10 SS

Softsoap bodywash- $2.99 and get 500 points

Tresemme- $10/3- Buy 2 and get 1000 points
Buy 1 Tresemme shampoo or conditioner and get 1 Free cpn- 01/27 RP

Almay Intense i-Color eye cosmetics- $6.99 and get $4 RR
$1 Almay cosmetic cpn- 02/03 SS
$2 Almay cosmetic cpn- 01/20 SS

Right Guard or Tone bodywash or Jergens bar- $2.99

Scope mouthwash- $2.99
$1 Scope cpn- 02/10 RP

Colgate 2in1, Total or Sensitive- $2.99
$0.35 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/10 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 02/03 SS

Spend $5 on Colgate Total, 360, Clean, Max, Fresh or White toothbrush and get 3000 points

Zantac- $17.99
$3 Walgreens store cpn
$5 Zantac 50ct+ cpn- 02/10 SS
$2 Zantac 24ct+ cpn- 02/10 SS

Robitussin or Dimetapp Cold, Cough, Allergy or Congestion- $5- Spend $10 and get 2000 points
$1 Dimetapp, Robitussin, Advil Congestion or Allergy cpn- 01/27 RP
$1 Dimetapp childrens cpn- 01/06 RP
$1 Dimetapp childrens cpn- 12/09 RP
$1 Robitussin cpn- 02/10 RP
$1 Robitussin cpn- 01/06 RP

Triaminic cold & cough- $10/2- Buy 2 and get 1000 points
$3/2 Triaminic cpn- 02/10 SS
$1 Triaminic cpn- 02/10 SS
$3/2 Triaminic cpn- 12/09 SS
$1 Triaminic cpn- 12/09 SS

Chloraseptic warming spray- $3.99 and get $3 RR
$1 Chloraseptic cpn- 01/06 SS

Advil congestion or Allergy & Congestion- $5
$3 Advil cpn- 02/10 RP
$1 Dimetapp, Robitussin, Advil Congestion or Allergy cpn- 01/27 RP
$1 Advil congestion, allergy, cold & sinus cpn- 12/09 RP

Halls- $0.99
$1/2 Halls cpn- 02/03 SS

Dawn- $0.99 with in ad cpn- Limit 3
$0.50 Dawn Hand Renewal, Power Clean, Bleach Alternative, or Oxi cpn- 01/27 P&G

Wrigleys, Extra or Trident- $2/3 with in ad cpn- Limit 6- Buy 2 and get 250 points

**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.**