so, what IS my Style?

Nearly 2 weeks ago I inspired some of you, and scared the rest.  And I left everyone asking, was her outfit an April Fool's joke or her coming out post of sorts? I have gotten a great deal of questions, and while I have been away from the blog, I have been mulling them over and would like to answer a lot of them today. 

1) Was my post on April 1st a joke? This one has a yes and no answer. Yes, I did dress up, to pull a prank on my preteen when he was coming home from school- I told him it was my new everyday look, and offered to take him to the mall.  It worked, and he was nervous that I was really going to make him be seen with me. 

And no, I wasn't completely kidding.  I am a free spirit, but I often put that aside in order to 'blend in'.  As a clothing designer, both by profession and heart, I am artistic, and my medium of choice is clothing.  I did go out with my family that day I dressed up, now, I did take off the lace top (per my preteen's request) and changed from the stripper shoes to flats (they are soo not comfortable).  And I didn't feel silly or like it was Halloween.  I liked the make-up, yarn dreads and everything.  I was comfortable, happy, I enjoyed myself.  

2) Will I be dressing that way all the time?  No.  Even though, I enjoyed myself and had fun, I am less like Thomas Kinkade and more like Picasso. In trying to figure out my 'style' - I have some to realize, I have many styles, and I am happiest when I shake it up from day to day.  In fact, like many painters, I am only unhappy with myself, when i don't make the effort to put paint on the canvass, when I simply toss clothes on with no thought.  Sure, every painting isn't a masterpiece, and some will never leave the studio floor...  but the joy is in the journey right? Right.   

An example of what I mean, here are pictures of my outfits from April 1st, 2nd and 3rd- all different, and I felt good in all of them.

Teal sweater above is from Lane Bryant
Purple scarf is simply yarn from my stash

Periwinkle dress at left is from Old Navy
Necklace is a bracelet I attached to a chain


-and the last question I will answer today (because this is getting long)
3)Do I dress up for my Friday Fashion posts?  Not really.  I do make more of an effort on Fridays, because it tends to be the day I purposely try to look nice, both for me, and for my hubby.  We normally go out for dinner, or do something fun as a family to celebrate the end of the week- so I do try harder (normally) that day.  Although, I have noticed since I started the Friday Fashion posts, I try to get dressed sooner in the day that I used to, and generally try harder most days to look nice and not just throw on whatever I see in the closet.   Being a stay at home mom, and working from home, there are many days I don't leave the house- so it would be easy to wear my pjs or sweats all day- and honestly, I have.  However, I am more productive, happy and inspired when I get ready in the morning, as if I were going somewhere. 

I hope that answers some questions, and I would love to answer any more that you all might have- fire away:)

Kimberly

ps- yes, my hubby really did like my outfit on the 1st, and he liked my outfits on the 2nd and 3rd just as well- I married the perfect guy in that regard, he loves how I enjoy creating so many very different looks- more on that in another post...

Love me Some Cheap Kelloggs and Free milk!

Just a quick post to show off the great deal I scored tonight.  I had a catalina for free milk from Friday, and we  ran out of milk so I headed out, and used another set of Twice the Value coupons (aka doublers) 
I also got a catalina for a free bag of Albertsons cheese from my last trip to the store, not sure what triggered it, but yeah for cheese!

the short version of this trip- I paid $16.36 out of pocket for all this, saved $46.53, got another catalina for free milk, and now have enough UPCs to send in for a $10 prepaid master card for gas purchases...

to get all the details on the awesome cereal + free milk + gas card deal. go check out my favorite coupon blogger Coupon Connections NW    

Also, breyers ice cream is buy 1 get 2 free, they only had vanilla left, but we love to add chocolate chips for a tasty treat.

You can still use your doublers today (Tuesday) so swing by Albertsons and stock up.

Kimberly

PS- I will be back later today to explain last Friday's post ;)

Fashion Friday- My new look!

I decided to be my true self- not worry what others think, and shed the suburban housewife look I have been drowning my creative soul in.  So I will not be wordy today, and let the pictures do the talking.  I feel so alive and free again.

So, have you ever dressed a certain way because you thought you 'should'?  to avoid making waves?  I think now I will see who my true friends are, and if my suburban hood will accept me for the creative free spirit that I am.

 Have a great weekend everyone!  I know I will!

Kimberly

edit to add:
I have gotten a few questions as to where my pieces came from
both the purple and black skirts are from Target
Leggings- Target
White v-neck with fairies top - Old Navy
Lace top- Victoria's Secret
Black and white arm warmer (yes I am only wearing 1, I am a trend starter baby)  - Baby Legs
Yarn dreads - Etsy
Shoes- acquired, not sure where exactly
Make-up  - Bare Essentials

And yes, this is all from my current closet :)

Fashion Friday - Refashion edition

Mixing things up a bit this week (alright and being lazy) so there is no voting widget thinking- but you still get to check out what I am wearing today, and feel free to comment, good bad or otherwise.  Lord knows I need the guidance.  I do feel like I am doing better though, and am being more purposeful in what I put on, and taking a few more seconds on my make-up too.

I re-fashioned the back top I am wearing, it was a dress/ tunic like top with flappy sides and a high crew neck.  I think I wore it 2 times as it was, so today I took a pair of scissors and made it into a vest.  I cut the bottom band off, cut out the neckline and made it more v-shaped.  I also cut open the front and cut the armholes bigger.

t-shirt and cami - Lane Bryant

Jeans - Lane Bryant

Vest - refashioned from a Target top

 















And yes, that is one of my little monkeys in the tub behind me.  Wanna see? There is actually 2 little monkeys in there, getting clean for their cousins birthday party tonight.

 Have great weekend and don't forget to 'vote' on the outfit in the comments below

Kimberly

53% saved at Safeway today

I love saving, I really do.  I needed to swing by Safeway today to pick up my rain checked tortillas, so I decided to make the trip even more worth my while.  I got most of my deal ideas from one of my favorite deal bloggers, Coupon Connections NW.  Head over to her blog to get all the details and save big like I did, or better!

 

I spent $62.88 and saved $69.79

I few items were on my 'need' list and thus were maybe not the best deal, but I still saved.  

Like Children's Sudefed Cough and Cold (for my little sick kiddos)  was marked 50% off

- the Tortillas were on sale earlier this week but they were out so I got a rain check- so I got 10 packs of 10 for 99 cents each.  

- We were out of sugar, so though it was not on sale, I did have a $1/2 coupon from a peelie from back in November

another great blogger Happy Money Saver reminded me of the great frozen food coupon in this weeks ad- All frozen foods are on this sale, spend $15 and save $5 instantly...  see Happy Money Saver for more details- but I will tell you, I used the Safeway $42 Frozen food coupon book, and scored the hash browns for 87 cents each!  

  Happy shopping!

Kimberly

Fab or Fail Friday- Wardrobe edition - the Everyday Blue Hoodie

I call it the everyday Blue Hoodie, not because I actually wear it everyday, but that it is a go to item for me for regular mom days- either just at home or going to the store- nothing special.  But does it look good?  I think it needs an accessory, but I don't know what....  so here it is-

Blue Hoodie - Target

Purple and white Striped Tank - Old Navy

Jeans (same as lat week)- Lane Bryant

Shoes- brown and ivory hounds tooth  Mary jane Keds - Fred Meyer

 

 

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Loving my little man in these pics! he is so hip :) He Loves his hair done.

Kimberly

Dreaming of a makeover

Who hasn't dreamed of being on a makeover show?  I dream of it all the time! (can you hear me Oprah?)


As you all know by now, I am trying to makeover my wardrobe. Two kids ago I was pretty stylish (I have 3 kids, but I managed to keep it together thru the 1st one). But I have truly lost my fashionista mojo. I used to work in corporate/ retail/ design heaven.. I would see a cute item and buy it. I am far away from that world now- out here in Suburbia, striving to pinch pennies, be super mom, and run a little business. My pocket book is happier, I am healthier (thank you little pills), and a bit more plump. So I feel I have a bigger hill to climb to find my sassy/ fashionable self. But I can do it. (see, this is more of a pep talk to myself than a pot to ya'll) I will study magazines, surf fashion blogs, get opinions from you, the public... and maybe even pay someone else to cut and color my hair (I always do both myself). And if I fail... you you all get sick of me looking frumpy or complaining about it- you can chip in and send me to this gal over at Make you Over. I found her blog today, and I really wish she were my sister/ best friend, so she could work her fashion make over magic and I could move on to another topic.

Fab or Fail Friday- Wardrobe edition x2

Last week's Fab or Fail was a great success, I got great feedback and 69% said it was fab.  So the Grey Sweater Tunic is a keeper, but maybe with some tweaks.  So in effort to speed up my wardrobe spiff up, I am bringing you 2 outfits to rate today.  Please be kind to the photographers, the wrap outfit was taken by my 10 yr old and the green dress by my 5 year old.  So bring it ladies and gents- and help me purge my less than flattering frocks!

Wrap up Sweater- Target

Jeans - Lane Bryant

Boots- Sears

T-shirt - Target

Brooch- sister in law's wedding gift

Green Dress- Target
Black leggings - Target
Black l/s Shirt - Target
Black flats- Nordstrom

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Thanks!!!

Albertsons Doubler run- Free Fries and Lunchables!

We went to Albertsons today, to use up 2 more septs of "Twice the value" coupons.

Transaction #1

Oscar Mayer Creations $1
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations (coupons.com)
Final Price : 2 FREE after coupon and double 

Oscar Mayer Creations $1
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations (coupons.com)
Final Price : 2 FREE after coupon and double

Ore-Ida Potatoes $2, limit 2
w/ in ad coupon
$1.00/1 any Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries from Safeways $42 in Savings Coupon Book
Final Price:  Free after coupon and double

Total = $0, saved $18.45

Transaction #2

 Ore-Ida Potatoes $2, limit 2
w/ in ad coupon
$1.00/1 any Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries from Safeways $42 in Savings Coupon Book
Final Price:  Free after coupon and double

Kraft Shredded Cheese w/ a touch of Philly on sale $2.99
$1/1 peelie from previous purchase + double
Final Price:  $.99 coupon and double

Best life Buttery Spread on sale for $2.48
$1/1 from coupon insert in Sunday paper + double
Final Price:  $.48 coupon and double

Total = $1.48, saved $9.09

that'a a total of $27.54 worth of groceries for $1.48 :)  Check out my receipts below

What did you use your doublers on? And don't fret if you didn't use them this week, rumor is we will be getting them again this coming Sunday :)

Happy Shopping!

Kimberly

Fab or Fail Friday- Wardrobe edition

I have clothes on the brain.  Ok, I always have clothes on the brain.  I am a clothing designer by profession, but truly am not the best at dressing myself.  In my defense, I have been designing children's wear for the last 10 years, so I know how to dress my kids, just not myself.  My other issue?  I am not as tiny as I once was.  And while I am trying to correct that, I have come to terms with the fact that I take 2 medications that are known to pack on the pounds, so while I battle that, i want to Rock what I Got.  No more waiting until I loose to look fab.  Plus I have too many clothes that just aren't right.  My goal is to rid my closet of anything that doesn't help me Rock it- Here's is where you come in, I will post pics of me (taken by my 5 year old) and you let me have it.  Vote fab or fail, and feel free to add your bits of wardrobe wisdom to the comments. 

Here goes nothing-

Gray Sweater Tunic Top- Target

Charcoal Leggings- Target

Black Heels with Stitching - Target

Belt - Lane Bryant

 

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Safeway Cereal Stock Up

First of all, a big THANK YOU to Coupon Connections for the heads up on this deal.  (she got an even better deal than I did, so go to her blog to see how she did it) After February's spending freeze, the pantry has some thin spots, and as I enter my 6th month of couponing, I am gaining the courage to 'buy big'.  I am learning how much my family uses certain items, and about how long it will be until the next sale.  So today I headed out to stock up on cereal. 

 Here is what I did

(Safeway deal, buy 4 of select cereals and save $4 instantly)

2 Plain Cheerios  @ $1.49 

- $1/2 coupon from coupons.com

2 Golden Grams @ $1.49

-2 $.55/1 coupons from coupons.com

4 Cinnamon Toast Crunch @ $1.49

-4  $.55/1 coupons from coupons.com

3 Cinnamon Cheerios @ $1.49 

- 3 $.75/1  coupons from coupons.com, or from GM insert

1 Quaker Oat Squares  @ $1.49 

- $1/1 Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal 1/30/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/30/2011)

total for Cereal- 12 boxes for  $10.33 or $0.86 per box

I also got a great deal on Better Crocker Fruit Snacks (buy 4 or more and they are $0.99)

bought 4 boxes - 2 $.55/2 coupons from coupon.com

total-  $2.86 or $0.76 per box

Plus I got $1 catalina for buying 4 boxes of BC fruit snacks 

I also picked up some entrees for Hubby's lunch @ $1 each

Fuji Apples @ $.99 per lbs

Safeway select Pizza @ $2.99 each (using the coupon from the Safeway Big Freeze coupon book, found in the freezer section)

and 2 loaves of bread @ $.99 each when you buy 2 or more

All told, I spent $43.40 and saved $56.43, and I have $1 catalina to spend on my next trip

If I feel really crazy, I may swing by Top Foods later tonight and do this deal (big thanks to Queen Bee for this one (check her out for more details)

Transaction #1

Purchase three Honey Nut Cheerios and two Lucky Charms = $5, after $5 instant off at checkout
Used five* $0.55/1 printable coupons from coupons.com
Paid $2.25 out of pocket and I received a coupon at checkout (in the form of a catalina) for $2 off 5 boxes of General Mills cereal!

Transaction #2

 three Honey Nut Cheerios and two Trix = $5, after $5 instant off at checkout
Used  the $2/5 coupon (that printed as a catalina) from first transaction
Final price = $3! PLUS I got another $2/5 General Mills coupon, if I wanted to buy five more.

So that’s 10 boxes of cereal for only $5.25!

Who wants cereal for Dinner?

Kimberly

Spending Freeze Wrap Up

As we close the book on February, we also close the book on our 1st spending freeze. We set a very ambitious goal to only spend $100 on anything that was not a monthly bill. So that meant, gas, shopping, groceries- all were to come out of our $100.  Did we make our goal? No way.  Did we fail?  I don't think so.  Sure, we could have done better, not gone out to dinner, or indulged in pizza last night.  But we did learn alot, and certainly spent less than a usual month. 


 Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!)
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)
Day 11 = $0
Day 12 = $0
Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries (see why this is still awesome in my next post)
Day 14 = $0 (we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and  chocolate cake for desert)
Day 15 = $0
Day 16 = $0
Day 17 = $11 (gas)
Day 18 = $0
Day 19 = $1.19 (eggs)
Day 20 = $65.00 (gas, to go see my beautiful new niece, she is still at the Army Hospital 1 hour away, and dinner out)
Day 21 = $0.00
Day 22 = $0.00
Day 23 = $48.24 (groceries)
Day 24 = $0
Day 25 = $0
Day 26 = $0
Day 27 = $0
Day 28 = $14.50 (Papa Murphy's Pizza)

So we  spent $257.16 for Feburary
  $93.40 went to gas
$104.26 went to groceries - not bad for a family of 5!
$59.50  eating out

All in all, I am proud of how we did, and loved seeing exactly where every dollar went.

We bought 0 impulse buys, switched to using homemade cloth napkins when we ran out of paper ones, potty trained our 3 year old when we ran out of wipes, and I learned to make the pricey granola/ nut bars my family loves.  

How did you do for the month?  


Kimberly

How I got Free diapers today

Can I just say I love Walgreens!  The are the Bees knees I swear.  And I super love the cashier at the one in South Auburn on Auburn Way.  I am going to get her name next time and sing her praises.  She always makes triple sure all my coupons come off and if she notices that the ad had a coupon I have forgotten, she gives me one from her stash.  Good customer service seems to hard to come by, and great service is a rare gem.  I could go on, but I am sure you want me to tell you about the free diapers already. 

I did 3 transactions
#1
Colgate Total Advanced or Total Gum Defense toothpaste (4 oz) $2.99, get $3 RR
- $.75/1  (2/27 SS)
= $2.24 out of pocket
Get $3 RR
($.76 profit after coupon & RR)

Colgate tooth brushes (buy one get one free) on sale for $2.49
- $.75/1  (2/27 SS)
= 2 for  $1.74 out of pocket

Aquaphor Lip Repair (.35 oz) $4.99, get $4 RR
- $1/1 printable
= $3.99 out of pocket
Get $4 RR
( Free after coupon & RR )

Motrin PM pain relief (20 ct) $3, get $3 RR
- $6/2 MQ (1/9 SS) OR
= $0 out of pocket
Get $3 RR
(= up to $3 profit after coupon & RR)

tax was $1.57

Total Paid out of Pocket = $9.64
got $10 in RR


#2 
Huggies Jumbo pack diapers $8.99, get $2 RR
- $2/1  (2/27 SS)
= $6.99 out of pocket
Get $2 RR
(= $4.99 after coupon & RR)

tax =  $.66
Paid with $8 in RR
got back $2RR

#3
Listerine mouthwash (500 ml, select varieties) $2.99, get $1 RR
- $1/1 (2/27 SS)
= $1.99 OOP
Get $1 RR
(= $.99 after coupon & RR)


Paid with $1 RR 

Still have $4 in RR to use later

(RR= register rewards, they print out after you pay for your items, and are good on your next transaction)

Do you play the Drug Store game?  what have you got for free or better lately?

Kimberly

Snow Stock up - Spending Freeze Days 23-24

Burr...  it is really cold outside.  Now don't laugh, but here in the pacific Northwest, tiny snow flurries cause major havoc.  If we get any number of inches, we are pretty much stuck at home.  We live on a hill, and during the last snow storm, it took us over 3 hours to go 4 miles.  No joke.  So needless to say, this Mama wasn't messing around this time.  As the snow clouds rolled in, I rolled out to Albertsons to stock up on essentials we had run out of.  You know, like eggs, bread, milk, produce...  it was not my thriftiest trip to the store.  I spent $48.24, and saved $30.35.  Sometimes, even the craziest of us coupon gals, just have to skip the money saving prep work and get our butts in gear.  Now we are all set, let it snow all it wants, I can cook for days.


 Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!)
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)
Day 11 = $0
Day 12 = $0
Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries (see why this is still awesome in my next post)
Day 14 = $0 (we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and  chocolate cake for desert)
Day 15 = $0
Day 16 = $0
Day 17 = $11 (gas)
Day 18 = $0
Day 19 = $1.19 (eggs)
Day 20 = $65.00 (gas, to go see my beautiful new niece, she is still at the Army Hospital 1 hour away, and dinner out)
Day 21 = $0.00
Day 22 = $0.00
Day 23 = $48.24 (groceries)
Day 24 = $0


So we have spent $242.66 this month

Kimberly 

Spending Freeze days 19-22 - OUCH!

Well, this week we slipped.  We went out to dinner.  I actually felt guilty about it, and was considering omitting it from our spending freeze tally.  But I want to be honest, and share what we learned.  Before the spending freeze, and before the job loss, we would routinely go out to eat as a family.  Even when we cut back, we still went out 2 times a month.  At the time, $45-60 didn't seem too bad.  When the bill came on this last dinner out though, Hubs and I were both a little stunned.  After really counting every penny, $45 for dinner stung.  Sure it was nice to go out, it had been a long day, taking the family down to see my new niece (who was still in NICU an hour away) and we wanted to celebrate Hubs getting a new job.  I think next time we want to celebrate something as a family, I may just splurge on some steaks or make a fancy desert at home, that way we can have a special treat, and not feel the sting afterward. 

 Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!)
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)
Day 11 = $0
Day 12 = $0
Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries (see why this is still awesome in my next post)
Day 14 = $0 (we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and  chocolate cake for desert)
Day 15 = $0
Day 16 = $0
Day 17 = $11 (gas)
Day 18 = $0
Day 19 = $1.19 (eggs)
Day 20 = $65.00 (gas, to go see my beautiful new niece, she is still at the Army Hospital 1 hour away, and dinner out)
Day 21 = $0.00
Day 22 = $0.00

So we have spent $194.42 this month

Kimberly

Oh no! We ran out of napkins!

We ran out of paper napkins!  Now that we are counting every penny, what are we to do?  (ok, we ran out about 2 weeks ago, but I wanted to make sure we were successful before I told you about it.) 

Let me emphasize how big of a deal this is by reminding you that I have 3 sons, and my youngest is one of the messiest eaters I have ever seen.  Now when we used the last paper napkin, Hubs suggested we just use the paper towels.. "WHAT?  OMG, do you know what paper towels cost?" may have been my reaction, I will neither confirm nor deny that fact.  Once I stopped hyper ventilating, I calmly suggested we take this opportunity to try using cloth napkins.  However, dinner was on the table, and we don't actually own any cloth napkins.  (I am all for saving the environment and all, but my experience with cloth napkins has been less than stellar, they tend to not be absorbent, and generally not the most effective at cleaning up a toddler).  So what is a gal to do?  Enter in the light bulb moment...  cloth wipes!  About 3 years ago, I bought a huge stack of cloth diaper wipes because I thought I was going to rock at cloth diapering my kid- that was a major FAIL, so I have had the large stack of flannel squares that we have never used.  Perfect!  Absorbent? Check, Soft? check, gets food off our face and hands? check. and as an added bonus- they fit in our napkin holder. 

So our house full of boys has been paper napkin free for 2 weeks.  We use the rule, if your napkin is still clean, leave it folded at your spot at the table, if it is dirty, put it in the basket in the laundry room.  So far so good.

Kimberly

Gas! Spending Freeze days 16-18

With Hubby being unemployed, and feeling like we have been staying home more, I am amazed at how much money we pour into our gas tanks.  I think we would have made our goal had it not been for adding gas into the budget.  Next time we do a spending freeze, I think I will keep it to being for food and shopping. 

We have been staying home more.  Not going to Target, just for something to do has helped.  And when when just one of us is running an errand, we have been taking Hubs' little car that gets about 40mpg.

So with that being said, I bet you can guess what we have has to spend more money on since my last post.  Gas.  On Thursday Hubs has another job interview, hence more gas needed.  But it was worth every penny for 2 reasons, 1- HE got the JOB!  we are so thrilled.  and 2 (and just as awesome) I used some of that gas today to go see my brand new niece!  She is needing a few prayers (having some breathing trouble) but she is a doll! So sweet, it was so hard not to scoop her up and cover her in kisses. 

If you are inclined, please send up a good thought or prayers for her.

Kimberly

Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!)
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)
Day 11 = $0
Day 12 = $0
Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries (see why this is still awesome in my next post)
Day 14 = $0 (we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and  chocolate cake for desert)
Day 15 = $0
Day 16 = $0
Day 17 = $11 (gas)
Day 18 = $0

So we have spent $128.23 this month

Crazy great shopping at Albertsons

So this past weekend, Albertsons was having a sale on certain ConAgra products.  The deal was, spend $25 of participating products and get $10 off your next transaction.  Now the ad said that the $25 total was based on your total after manufacture coupons, however at a few stores (like the one in Woodinville) the $25 gets calculated from the shelf price rather than the sale price.  Well, normally this is how it works, I went thru the store and was able to do my deals as planned the 1st time, but the second time a different cashier woul'd give me the $10 catalina that printed.  So I spent more than I planned but I still came out with GREAT deals.

All in all, I did 5 transactions, used 7 coupons and paid just $37.12 out of pocket for $127.55 worth of groceries. Some of items we got, 18 boxes of sausage (my middle son's favorite), 8 boxes of hot chocolate (for my poor man mochas) 14 cans of diced tomatoes, fuji apples, cheese, 8 jars of peanut butter, honey...etc.  Not bad, if I do say so myself.

So I am not really beating myself up for going over our $100 grocery/ gas/ shopping budget for the month- especially when I know most of it has gone to gas for some great job interviews.

Now to go make dinenr- I wonder if anyone wants peanut butter sausage for dinner?  (kidding, I swear)

Kimberly

Spending Freeze days 11-15, over budget but still going strong.

It appears I took a long weekend away from blogging.  A girl has to just tend to life sometimes. 

This weekend we went over our budget.  I was sad, and my tight fist on our cash was pried open.  But it had to be done.  The reason?  We had to go pick up our oldest son  (who was visiting bio dad for the weekend, an hour away).  I like the pretty partial to my little man, so I think it was worth it :).  Also, since we were making the drive aways, and we have some holes in the pantry stockpile, we used the opportunity to take advantage of a sale at Albertsons that only works in select stores (more on that in my next post).  


Hubs and I talked about it, and we are still going to try and stay as close to our $100 goal as we can.  We are learning quite a bit about where our money goes (we haven't been the spending type for years), and finding even more wasy to cut back (because compared to the Jones', we have already cut, or didn't spend in the 1st place the many areas financial gurus tell you to cut back on).  I will share more about those little cut backs as the month goes on. 

So here is where we are now on our spending for the month of February (our goal was only $100 for gas, groceries and shopping).

Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!)
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)
Day 11 = $0
Day 12 = $0
Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries (see why this is still awesome in my next post)
Day 14 = $0 (we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and  chocolate cake for desert)
Day 15 = $0


So we have spent $117.23 this month

Kimberly

Pantry Surprise Snack Bars + Spending Freeze day 10

I was going to call these, Leftover Crap in the Pantry Bars, but Pantry Surprise sounded friendlier.  I made up this little recipe myself today, and as you can see from the picture, they have been taste tested (actually there is more missing from the pan already).  Everyone ages 3- 40 that has tasted them loves them.  So here it is-

My Motivation- 3 constantly hungry boys that need a snack between every meal
My inspiration - use only what I had in the pantry
 

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 cups miniature marshmallows or 20 regular marshmallows
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup total of what ever else you have on hand (I used cheerios) ideas, raisins, chocolate chips, dried berries, nuts...

Directions

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until peanut butter melts.

2. Add Rice Krispies cereal , oats, and the other cup of whatnots. Stir until well coated.

3. Firmly press cereal mixture down into 8x8 pan. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm.Cut and enjoy!

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As for our Spending Freeze for February- Hubs and I challenged ourselves to only spend $100 for out of pocket expenses like gas, groceries and shopping.  I will admit that I am getting a bit nervous about whether or not we are going to make it.  It's the gas that is killing it. But thankfully it is with good reason, as Hubby has had 2 interviews with the same place this week, and it is about 1 hour away- so it has been nessasary to fill up the car.  that said- here are the numbers:


Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!)
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)

So we have  $34.89 left for the month   Yikes!

Kimberly 
 

Where's the (cheap) Beef? + Day 8 and 9 of the Spending Freeze.

Do you have the Joy of Football coupon book from Safeway?  If you do, you'll find a coupon in it good for $2.00 off any Rancher's Reserve meat.  The only fine print on this coupon is that you must purchase 1 item per coupon.  This means you can do like I did and take that little coupon and buy some meat priced for $2.04 and pay only 4 cents!  Now, I did attempt to purchase a package that was priced at $1.97, thinking they would just price adjust the coupon, but that was a no go.  Also, for some reason only 1 coupon went thru at checkout so I had to go tot customer service to get it corrected.  (normally the clerk would have fixed it, but my gal was in a hurry and not willing to fix it).  I ended up using 3 coupons and got 3 packages of beef cube steak. 

 Also on my shopping list was cat food.  Not that exciting I know, but I took a chance and bought a different, non- pet store only- mega expensive food.  You see, my 3.5 year old cat is silly, and thinks she can only have kitten food, when we tried to switch when she was 1 and 2, she yaked, and yaked.  So we have continued to pay upwards of $17 for a small bag of food you can only get at a pet store.  I was dreading buying it this month, because it was going to take a huge chunk out of our tiny budget, and if we aren't eating expensive food, the cat shouldn't be either- I love you kitty, but it's only fair.  So I took the leap and bought a bag of kitten food at Safeway- on sale for $4.49.  So far so good, Miss Gabby has not yaked! PTL.

Tonight I will be making meatballs to have with dinner.  We have had a few more meatless nights that normal lately, so we are all craving some good ol' red meat.  I like making meatballs, because you can stretch the meat by adding filler like bread crumbs or crackers.   Speaking of dinner- I better go get crackn'.

And in other news- Hubs had an interview today!  And they called to come back tomorrow to meet with more of the team.  We are crossing our fingers.

Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!)

So we have  $51.34 left for the month 


Question of the day-
What is your favorite way to make a little meat go further?


Kimberly

For the Love of... Kim!

I found this blog awhile back, not sure which blog hole I fell into that lead me there, but it was love at 1st sight.  You see, she is funny, clever and crafty, and her name is Kim, in fact, she goes by Kimbo, a nickname I have had since 6th grade when our youth pastor dubed me Kimbo, Rambo's assistant.  To this day my little sister calls me Bo.  And I LOVE it :).  So thanks Kim, for this cool little award- and I raise my Glue gun to you!

Kimberly
aka Kimmie, Kimbo and Bo

Great Chewy Granola Bar Recipe + Day 6 and 7 of the Spending Freeze

How is everyone today?  Recovering well from Superbowl parties I hope.  We had a nice time at my sister's house.  She has 3, almost 4 kiddos- so when our families get together it is a bit like a preschool with the addition of 1 junior helper (my 10 yr old).  Hubs and I are not big sports fans, but we do like to watch the Superbowl, and have fun with family and eat snacks.  Ah snacks, junk food, greasy bits of yuminess...   our taste buds love you, but alas, our bodies reject you.  This was not always the case, a day of chips and whatnots didn't use to torture us so, but as I have scaled back the cooking from a box, and buying less pre-fab food, we are no longer used to processing all the yuck.  So while Hubs felt terrible all day today, I felt bad for him, but I am also happy, because it means I have been feeding my family better.

One of my inspirations in feeding my family better is Blogger Laura over at Heavenly Homemakers. 
Like me, she used to be a coupon maven, but if you are not careful, that can mean feeding your family lots of processed foods (as they go on sale alot).  in recent years she has really focused on feeding her family whole, quality foods and she makes nearly everything from scratch.  While that amazes me, I have a more middle of the road approach for my family.  So I will learn from her, and so many others, and tweak things to fit my family.  Which brings me to today's recipe.  We were out of granola bars, and they are a staple snack in our house, so instead of running to the store, I tried one of Laura's recipes.
 Homemade Chewy Granola Bars (without corn syrup!)
1/2 cup peanut butter or sunbutter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil (or another oil of your choice) I used vegetable oil
1 cup oats
1 cup total of any combination of:  sesame seeds, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, mini chocolate chips  - I used 1/2 chocolate chips, 1/2 rice krispies in the 1st batch and 1/2 Special K granola cereal and 1/2 Rice Krispies in the other


melt the 1st 3 ingredients together, remove from heat and stir in the rest, spread out in a baking dish and chill until firm.


Very tasty!  and I estimate, these cost me about 1/2 of what it would cost to buy a box at the store.


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As for the spending freeze, yesterday we put $10 of gas in the van to get to my sister's house, and picked up a gallon of milk on the way home for $2.29.  We stayed home and spent nothing today.


Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0


So we have  $67.24 left for the month 

Have any great snack recipes you feed your kids?  I would love to read them, we always are in need of good snacks around here.

Kimberly

Day 4 and 5 of the spending Freeze, and some cheap groceries

Friday I spent a lot of the day out of the house so I didn't make it to posting, but I did score some deals and have some free fun.  I started the morning by going out to coffee with my MIL, her treat, and she drove- thanks Mom!  In the afternoon, I went to the post office to mail some international orders for my little business, and stopped by the store on my way home.  (more on that in a sec).  I took Hubby's little car since it had gas.  Then in the evening my friend picked me up for a fun ladies craft night.  It was a fun day, and I got to miss my Hubs for the 1st time in awhile.  I love having him around, but absence does make the heart grow fonder.

As for the trip to the store. I went to Albertsons to use some more 'twice the value' coupons, since they are good all week.   I had planned out 2 deals, but they didn't have want I wanted for 1, so thankfully, I brought my trusty coupon binder and was able to come up with a back-up deal on the fly.

I did this in 2 transactions.
Transaction #1
Buy 1 Orville popcorn, get 1 free + 2 7-up, A&w or Sunkist 2 liters - $2.50
used $1/2 Orville popcorn coupon from Safeway's Joy of Football coupon book and 1 doubler
Final Price:  $1.50 for all

Ronzoni Garden pasta $2.19
use $1.00/1 Ronzoni Garden Delight, any one from 1/23 SS insert and 1 doubler
Final Price: $0.19

Tyson Chicken Nuggets $4.99
use $1/1 coupon from 1/23 SS insert and 1 doubler
Final Price: $3.99


Total Out of pocked = $4.52
Saved = $13.97

Transaction #2

Buy 1 Orville popcorn, get 1 free + 2 7-up, A&w or Sunkist 2 liters - $2.50
used $1/2 Orville popcorn coupon from Safeway's Joy of Football coupon book and 1 doubler
Final Price:  $1.50 for all

Ronzoni Garden pasta $2.19
use $1.00/1 Ronzoni Garden Delight, any one from 1/23 SS insert and 1 doubler
Final Price: $0.19

special K cereal $2.99
use $1/2 coupon (not sure from where) and 1 doubler
+ there was a sign in front of the Special K that said "buy 3 boxes and get free produce up to $3.00
so I bought 3

1.99 lbs of golden delicious Apples @.99 per lbs = free (would have been $1.97)

Total Out of pocked = $5.50
Saved = $24.04


total spent for Day 4 = $10.02
(and saved $38.01)

__________
 
Today we have stayed home, worked on potty training (no accidents so far!) and spent $0


Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0


So we have  $79.53 left for the month 


Kimberly

Day 3 of the Spending Freeze - noticing the little things

A few weeks ago when I first declared that Hubs and I were going to attempt a spending freeze for the month of February, my dear friend Erika teased me that she couldn't wait for my riveting post on day 3 "still nothing".  Well my dear, this is for you...  it's day 3, and today we spent nothing.  We stayed home, listed items to sell on ebay, job searched and sewed.

I have noticed something though, I have become more aware of things we waste.  It's little things like the heels of a loaf of  bread.  I used to always throw them out, because I don't like them.  Today I used one on my son's sandwich, and he didn't even notice.  Yesterday it was laundry soap, normally, I pour it into my pretty glass pitcher and toss the bottle.  This time, after I poured it into the pitcher, I left it upside down (lid on of course), and when I came back to flip the laundry, there was enough soap in the lid for another load.  Sure it is just 2 more pieces of bread, and 1 more load of laundry, but it adds up.

I would really love to hear about other common wastes, that if penny pinching, would start to add up?

Kimberly

Free run at Albertsons today! and Day 2 of the Spending Freeze

I am really excited and a tiny bit jealous about today's run to the store.  Excited because the total out of pocket was $0.00!!!  Jealous because since Hubs was running errands today, I had him stop at the store, so he got to walk out without paying a single penny, something I have yet to do.  He did 2 transactions, both the same, I sent him to the store with the coupons and instructions.  Bonus points for Hubs, because he also brought home 2 copies of the new coupon book from Albertsons (and I didn't even ask him to).  So here is what he got:

Transaction #1

Chex Mix 2/$4 (thru 2/4)

use $1/1 coupon from Safeways Joy of Football Coupon Book

Double

Final Price: Free 

Athenos Hummus $1.99 
use $1/1 Athenos hummus-coupons.com
Double
Final Price: Free

Transaction #2  repeat transaction #1

Thanks to Coupon Connections NW for putting together these deals, be sure to check out her post for more great FREE and cheap deals for this week.

Total saved today= $19.94 

Update on Spending Freeze, Day 2

Hubs had to run some errands today, which required gas in his car, so he spent $10.45.  The trip to Albertsons was FREE.  So we have $89.55 left for the month.   (read here to learn more)

What will you be picking up at Albertsons this week?

Kimberly

Spending Freeze Day 1: State of our stockpile

I mentioned before that people have asked if we stocked up in preparation for this spending freeze, in short no, we didn't, but we do have a stock pile of sorts.  It was only 2 weeks ago that Hubs and I decided to challenge ourselves for the month of February to spend $100 or less on anything that is not a monthly bill.  We did not run out and buy everything we thought we might need for the month, or go on a shopping spree to hold us over, in our minds, that would defeat the purpose. 

I have began couponing 5 months ago, and in that time I have learned that when a price is really low on something your family uses regularly, you should buy enough to last you until the next sale. So with that in mind, we do have a modest stock in our pantry.  What to see? 

We have a bunch of hot cereal, pasta, peanut butter, tomato soup, and certainly enough brownie and cake mix to last us awhile.  We have about 10 boxes of cold cereal (1/2 which are the ones the kids pass over) so we will be seeing how to make those more appealing to the this month.  We are also pretty set on oatmeal, flour, sugar and bisquick, so I am sure i will be baking a bit as well. 


Now the fridge and freezer are looking a bit light these days, we have eggs, jelly, butter, mayo....  but we will need to pick up some more produce for sure.  As for meat, we are all but out, so I will hunting for good deals on chicken and  beef.  (This just might be the month that I finally try cooking a whole chicken).  What to see inside my fridge?  It's a bit of a mess, but here goes...

Hum, we do have some frozen veggies, a pizza and a couple of burritos in there too I see, besides the pizza, these are mostly items my kids groan at, so we will have to get creative and sneaky to get these past my picky eaters. 

Other than food, gas is the other large part of our day to day expenses.  We have 2 cars, the family mini van and Hub's little car, both of which have about 1/8 tank of gas.  We will really be needing to plan our trips out carefully.  I mentioned before that Hub's is currently looking for work, so we don't have his commute to worry about, but trips to the post office and the store can still add up quick and it costs a bit over $50 to fill our van.  I will be wanting to take advantage of sales this month to stretch our budget, but I will have to weigh the sale against the cost of gas, something I have not really done in the past.

So there you have it.  This is what we are starting with, a modest stockpile, very little gas and creativity.

Today we spent $0, we drove nowhere, but instead got out on our bikes and enjoyed the very cold sunshine.

Kimberly

Safeway deals this week

I have not had a chance to go thru all my coupons from yesterday's Sunday paper yet, but since I needed to go to the post office and Safeway is on my way, I decided to head in to score some of these great deals.

 Nature Valley Granola Bars $1.77, limit 6
w/ in ad store coupon
use $0.75/2 coupon from 1/2 GM insert OR
use $1/2 printable coupon-pillsbury.com
Final Price: $1.27

Betty Crocker Fuit Snacks $0.99, limit 6
w/ in ad store coupon
use $0.50/2 coupon from 1/2 GM insert or printable
Final Price: $0.74 each

Skippy Peanut Butter $1.49, limit 4
w/ in ad store coupon
use $1/1 coupon from Safeway's Joy of Savings Coupon Book
Final Price: $0.49
(stock up price)

Activa or Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt  $1.88
use $1/1 coupon from 1/9 or 1/30 SS insert
Final Price: $0.88 each

Refresh 2 liter Soda $.79 each when you buy 4
use $1/4 coupon from Safeway's Joy of Savings Coupon Book
Final Price:   $.54 each

Lucerne String Cheese (12 pack)  $2.99 with in ad coupon limit 4


I also picked up some other things, like eggs and potatoes...  I ended up spending $38.89 and saving $40.58 (51%) I love LOVE love it when I save more than I spend.

In other News, tomorrow marks the 1st day of our spending freeze and people have been asking if I stocked up in order to prepare- the short answer is no, but I will cover that and give you a peak into my pantry in a bit.

stay tuned...

Kimberly

Save Big on Soap.com, + Discount code!

There are some great Free and cheap deals at Soap.com right now, and orders over $25 ship next day for Free too!

Old Spice
Body Wash, After Hours-1.7oz - buy 2, click box for coupon and they will be $0.69  each!

All  Revlon Beauty tool at Buy one get one free!

Neutrogena
Face Cleansing Bar-3.5 oz  $1.89 when you click the coupon box and save $1.50

K-Y products are buy one get one 50% off

Clean & Clear
Daily Pore Oil Free Cleanser-5.5 oz $2.99 when you click the coupon box and save $2.00

Oral B Anti-Microbial, Battery Powered tooth brushes, buy one get one free- so $3.67 each when you buy 2

 

 Buy $25 worth of Product (this is $25 BEFORE coupons!) and get FREE next day shipping - AND to make it even sweeter- use coupon code KIMB1269 and get 15% off your whole order!

 

Kimberly

 

 

February spending freeze is a go.

I am excited (and maybe a bit nuts) to declare that next month will be a spending freeze for the Middle Mama household.  What does this mean?  Glad you asked...  It means aside from our regular monthly bills, we are limiting our spending to $100.  That's right, 1 Big Ben and that is it, when it is gone, it's gone.  That means the combined total of gas, groceries, entertainment, eating out, diapers, shopping etc, cannot be more than $100. 

This is a 1st for us, but we are excited for the challenge (and the savings).   How did I come up with $100, not $150 or $200...  I really just picked it, no rhyme or reason.  My goal in this challenge is to see how little we can spend over the course of a month.  It will take some changes, and alot of creativity, something hubby and I are ready to take on. 

About us- ours is a family of 5, Hubs and I and 3 sons, ages 10, 5 and 3.  The littlest is still in diapers, our 5 year old is not is school yet, and our 10 year old is not in sports but will be trying out for the school musical in Feb.  Hubs is currently unemployed, and I run a small business from home.

Why February?  Because hubs is unemployed, we are needing to tighten our belts even tighter.  Also, we are thinking this may become an annual challenge, and Feb is the shortest month. :)  And finally, because Feb is also the month with the least amount of birthday's and family gatherings so we can try and drive less. (it take about $55 to fill our minivan).

To make it easier to track less tempting to spend, on Feb 1st we will be putting the debit cards away and  taking out $100 cash.

Want to join me?  There is strength in numbers, why not challenge your family to a spending freeze.  Think about how much you think you could trim your spending to, and set a goal a little lower (it is supposed to be a challenge after all).  Blog, or journal about it, or just follow along here and share your progress in the comments. 

Not ready to take the plunge?  I encourage you to follow along anyways, maybe share a few tips, and learn a few at the same time.  Lord knows nearly everyone needs to save money these days.  

So I want to know, have you ever had a spending freeze before?  Will you be joining us next month?  Comments are welcome :)