tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221239310193753312024-03-13T00:49:41.021-07:00Middle MamaKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-6563114651878498542012-02-01T14:15:00.001-08:002012-02-01T14:15:45.174-08:00looking for the 2nd Annual Spending Freeze?find it here! http://themamamonkey.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-time-for-2nd-annual-february.htmlKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-10743806247418409742012-02-01T13:37:00.000-08:002012-02-01T13:37:47.842-08:00Come follow meI am going to try to merge my blogs, so I will now be sharing my money saving tips, and other randomness over at http://themamamonkey.blogspot.com/<br />
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I would love it if you would come visit me!<br />
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KimberlyKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-50300902459830429842011-04-13T13:55:00.000-07:002011-04-13T13:55:59.541-07:00so, 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. <br />
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1) Was my post on <a href="http://middlemama.blogspot.com/2011/04/fashion-friday-my-new-look.html">April 1st </a>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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-lfEoH0FyTKW0h1UNr4ZQZGWrN5BQTl89Md7grfh03gc2EGg8xRyqIoMDk15olhtmG7cMYl0hw_k8Is1cqx0iq08TPF0oYdfmI-wd9LviMnUVihsQ3oZFROaptObjtw88PoQbIFkkBm_/s1600/100_7006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-lfEoH0FyTKW0h1UNr4ZQZGWrN5BQTl89Md7grfh03gc2EGg8xRyqIoMDk15olhtmG7cMYl0hw_k8Is1cqx0iq08TPF0oYdfmI-wd9LviMnUVihsQ3oZFROaptObjtw88PoQbIFkkBm_/s320/100_7006.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe7WVHGE2acxVWQDIxme6mQ9cqk8_hOe32gcArvFL4vMD7Fel3SFHkAlYTjRDzchlwHjEPsWZXworSuiScVjMG0yPHB3mFjZcikRfnGvlfmDGmux8bVtj5dMK4RpW622RDqhBQ8IqamQP/s1600/tealsweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe7WVHGE2acxVWQDIxme6mQ9cqk8_hOe32gcArvFL4vMD7Fel3SFHkAlYTjRDzchlwHjEPsWZXworSuiScVjMG0yPHB3mFjZcikRfnGvlfmDGmux8bVtj5dMK4RpW622RDqhBQ8IqamQP/s320/tealsweater.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcc5chbOiohAHNDa0AgS9_WrZ4DoBla7wETT4fmy409I7f50rCMEJbV1YFwct2Oc8oLoi7tSnOqdN5xIRKfgBUtLqvCqBLEOKotBYS4-wWJwHLpEiayzUYYNgtONM5mubJwytD0p-8jeGN/s1600/peridress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcc5chbOiohAHNDa0AgS9_WrZ4DoBla7wETT4fmy409I7f50rCMEJbV1YFwct2Oc8oLoi7tSnOqdN5xIRKfgBUtLqvCqBLEOKotBYS4-wWJwHLpEiayzUYYNgtONM5mubJwytD0p-8jeGN/s320/peridress.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br />
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Teal sweater above is from Lane Bryant<br />
Purple scarf is simply yarn from my stash <br />
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Periwinkle dress at left is from Old Navy<br />
Necklace is a bracelet I attached to a chain<br />
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-and the last question I will answer today (because this is getting long)<br />
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. <br />
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I hope that answers some questions, and I would love to answer any more that you all might have- fire away:)<br />
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<i>Kimberly </i><br />
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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...Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-49129737078998576892011-04-05T00:57:00.000-07:002011-04-05T00:57:05.438-07:00Love me Some Cheap Kelloggs and Free milk!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5WyWxQI-dpG7EKRREpcI-Em9yQrlGgTUy4VJ29rHz8Q8Z1ld78O11qN-CdJpBfSYR_S-VfmefsXHQTmIPbnpV5NJQXFAMStoAdVV48RHEg2Bvxy0tR5uHklcixb2QGgXAcUCtqGJu3GW/s1600/IMG_0006%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5WyWxQI-dpG7EKRREpcI-Em9yQrlGgTUy4VJ29rHz8Q8Z1ld78O11qN-CdJpBfSYR_S-VfmefsXHQTmIPbnpV5NJQXFAMStoAdVV48RHEg2Bvxy0tR5uHklcixb2QGgXAcUCtqGJu3GW/s320/IMG_0006%255B1%255D.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>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) <br />
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! <br />
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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...<br />
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to get all the details on the awesome cereal + free milk + gas card deal. go check out my favorite coupon blogger <a href="http://couponconnectionsnw.com/2011/03/kelloggs-rebate-and-money-making-cereal-deals/">Coupon Connections NW </a> <br />
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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.<br />
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You can still use your doublers today (Tuesday) so swing by Albertsons and stock up.<br />
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<i>Kimberly</i><br />
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PS- I will be back later today to explain last Friday's post ;)Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-59022099978789570342011-04-01T15:38:00.000-07:002011-04-01T21:43:30.785-07:00Fashion 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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk-u0bcUSDXFT-Q-zk-mkCHUzWgPVESOtb8JQUqTRhex_FeN3c64n60kgExRQgOVCeSC8g-JSgRt2kHniUZqSfnEZHYZnYu-2HNALaFJopXbrFTAovfP7dPp5BIncjscvQw6uAba01oev/s1600/100_7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk-u0bcUSDXFT-Q-zk-mkCHUzWgPVESOtb8JQUqTRhex_FeN3c64n60kgExRQgOVCeSC8g-JSgRt2kHniUZqSfnEZHYZnYu-2HNALaFJopXbrFTAovfP7dPp5BIncjscvQw6uAba01oev/s320/100_7003.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs38ilAqJlRT1weWET0idQhZvy8Tr5uvzh0TFKwdsIaeuMcPdAQq-pbF7sF5iLpFgem7p2PyYgKwEAfpHs0uYZQhcXNGzhpcUGlvoZuMYJ62Z-azCeS0OnONcWNX6OJoTh8DT4gyB1ITb/s1600/100_6996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs38ilAqJlRT1weWET0idQhZvy8Tr5uvzh0TFKwdsIaeuMcPdAQq-pbF7sF5iLpFgem7p2PyYgKwEAfpHs0uYZQhcXNGzhpcUGlvoZuMYJ62Z-azCeS0OnONcWNX6OJoTh8DT4gyB1ITb/s320/100_6996.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwWVjtZasyDAKfsBDfP3_o1hSgN3DUYReXuH_LBZG-1pBRo5cLZqtNSlgB5f5GXIOyvSGJkL3vZouIFGp_BR3fF1K5JyeiajytMRknJXabsVfxZI1Ha2dElOlvTM-EmLf1eNoJNnqkK4k/s1600/100_6998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwWVjtZasyDAKfsBDfP3_o1hSgN3DUYReXuH_LBZG-1pBRo5cLZqtNSlgB5f5GXIOyvSGJkL3vZouIFGp_BR3fF1K5JyeiajytMRknJXabsVfxZI1Ha2dElOlvTM-EmLf1eNoJNnqkK4k/s320/100_6998.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-lfEoH0FyTKW0h1UNr4ZQZGWrN5BQTl89Md7grfh03gc2EGg8xRyqIoMDk15olhtmG7cMYl0hw_k8Is1cqx0iq08TPF0oYdfmI-wd9LviMnUVihsQ3oZFROaptObjtw88PoQbIFkkBm_/s1600/100_7006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-lfEoH0FyTKW0h1UNr4ZQZGWrN5BQTl89Md7grfh03gc2EGg8xRyqIoMDk15olhtmG7cMYl0hw_k8Is1cqx0iq08TPF0oYdfmI-wd9LviMnUVihsQ3oZFROaptObjtw88PoQbIFkkBm_/s320/100_7006.JPG" width="239" /></a>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.<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone! I know I will!<br />
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<i>Kimberly</i><br />
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<i>edit to add:</i><br />
I have gotten a few questions as to where my pieces came from<br />
both the purple and black skirts are from Target<br />
Leggings- Target<br />
White v-neck with fairies top - Old Navy<br />
Lace top- Victoria's Secret<br />
Black and white arm warmer (yes I am only wearing 1, I am a trend starter baby) - Baby Legs<br />
Yarn dreads - Etsy<br />
Shoes- acquired, not sure where exactly <br />
Make-up - Bare Essentials<br />
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And yes, this is all from my current closet :)Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-17622624305531930872011-03-25T17:02:00.000-07:002011-03-25T17:06:29.841-07:00Fashion Friday - Refashion editionMixing 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.<br />
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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. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">t-shirt and cami - Lane Bryant</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jeans - Lane Bryant</div><div style="text-align: center;">Vest - refashioned from a Target top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCszIo6LgsM31V828FpqTHpqdMWpsT2TqqrLHQdgez6pfjGXUVIAfATOAnqBq-BVeR_FoPpAFoqr5jQoTfafmXMuFaWIOCItoVZVtr8RiV7Ss4cptadou5uzT8y8p6nD8IY6qExelHC8zB/s1600/100_6951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCszIo6LgsM31V828FpqTHpqdMWpsT2TqqrLHQdgez6pfjGXUVIAfATOAnqBq-BVeR_FoPpAFoqr5jQoTfafmXMuFaWIOCItoVZVtr8RiV7Ss4cptadou5uzT8y8p6nD8IY6qExelHC8zB/s320/100_6951.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M9v3b96GuTDIMGrcCRCDPDhkP2Ws8mwkp5ur_9wxDTHOwv-NaMpRWwq6sJ7Jzs54w8EHtw9-t8YhceyIKlHkQryIWqBToiP-vIZMeB-o6SxRffPLlDgA1spaERuAlhUxv4tSde3FjNsp/s1600/100_6948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M9v3b96GuTDIMGrcCRCDPDhkP2Ws8mwkp5ur_9wxDTHOwv-NaMpRWwq6sJ7Jzs54w8EHtw9-t8YhceyIKlHkQryIWqBToiP-vIZMeB-o6SxRffPLlDgA1spaERuAlhUxv4tSde3FjNsp/s320/100_6948.JPG" width="260" /></a><br />
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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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOz8lJJM2_XlOl5XB4UUwD_J9s0PEpNkGWtSvD2GU7HwUDpEGOSN7e02krgR0RmMhTFqCNmLtnhM1_Dx45kO5A-Z1toQj1aRblVpLVLNj6i2lXE-ZvzU13mKhlBpu1KXrR1XRDmoVYsIQ/s1600/100_6961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOz8lJJM2_XlOl5XB4UUwD_J9s0PEpNkGWtSvD2GU7HwUDpEGOSN7e02krgR0RmMhTFqCNmLtnhM1_Dx45kO5A-Z1toQj1aRblVpLVLNj6i2lXE-ZvzU13mKhlBpu1KXrR1XRDmoVYsIQ/s320/100_6961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<i>Kimberly </i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-83676114736188506092011-03-25T16:42:00.000-07:002011-03-25T16:42:48.139-07:0053% saved at Safeway todayI 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, <a href="http://couponconnectionsnw.com/2011/03/safeway-weekly-deals-323-329/">Coupon Connections NW</a>. Head over to her blog to get all the details and save big like I did, or better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PBJLzWRsRq4DLyjIoNq3gMzdoYZzL742VSSdXiQQSIIeeCDstGCSsgbUje-Mx81kcfi5IDzV7xxN1EZirGXAPVxsjPeu-3Ilb4wl6p1B3xgCMRnO4jmMaXmbPbYtgUrMT7B4o1-jw77r/s1600/100_6963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PBJLzWRsRq4DLyjIoNq3gMzdoYZzL742VSSdXiQQSIIeeCDstGCSsgbUje-Mx81kcfi5IDzV7xxN1EZirGXAPVxsjPeu-3Ilb4wl6p1B3xgCMRnO4jmMaXmbPbYtgUrMT7B4o1-jw77r/s400/100_6963.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent $62.88 and saved $69.79</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I few items were on my 'need' list and thus were maybe not the best deal, but I still saved. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like Children's Sudefed Cough and Cold (for my little sick kiddos) was marked 50% off </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- 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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- 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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">another great blogger <a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/category/store-deals/safeway">Happy Money Saver</a> 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! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Happy shopping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Kimberly </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-13524348583201992182011-03-18T14:41:00.000-07:002011-03-18T14:41:21.759-07:00Fab or Fail Friday- Wardrobe edition - the Everyday Blue HoodieI 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-<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Blue Hoodie - Target</div><div style="text-align: center;">Purple and white Striped Tank - Old Navy</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jeans (same as lat week)- Lane Bryant</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shoes- brown and ivory hounds tooth Mary jane Keds - Fred Meyer</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrDr-HojB7-H_UjHnZnj1aXctwaRebGhpyNgrZymOTCX1KKlsy-xeaDfO5pHElFrTHpEnfjK7yiAnnahuYgb1J0-k7rPloZUgfbl2XcEZ5jV4GE7rkT-3O_YRaJJljunAChGOFMZ6DXLZ/s1600/100_6941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrDr-HojB7-H_UjHnZnj1aXctwaRebGhpyNgrZymOTCX1KKlsy-xeaDfO5pHElFrTHpEnfjK7yiAnnahuYgb1J0-k7rPloZUgfbl2XcEZ5jV4GE7rkT-3O_YRaJJljunAChGOFMZ6DXLZ/s320/100_6941.JPG" width="221" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ltiCzJkKUYRlkVQMYQODZ251FYb8qWvBB9i-DCynxBt1reaKRPFBRsswURKQh9Oc3bDekKsJ_I0SW_9lrmOe-zBarVzzeBPPHlwdYBl0tohQe5JhcPFwroBoq8alCOnkD-UKEvYMJgF6/s1600/100_6943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ltiCzJkKUYRlkVQMYQODZ251FYb8qWvBB9i-DCynxBt1reaKRPFBRsswURKQh9Oc3bDekKsJ_I0SW_9lrmOe-zBarVzzeBPPHlwdYBl0tohQe5JhcPFwroBoq8alCOnkD-UKEvYMJgF6/s320/100_6943.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="288" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Loving my little man in these pics! he is so hip :) He Loves his hair done.<br />
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<i>Kimberly</i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-85680558553349160332011-03-15T23:29:00.000-07:002011-03-15T23:29:57.143-07:00Dreaming of a makeoverWho hasn't dreamed of being on a makeover show? I dream of it <i>all </i>the time! (can you hear me Oprah?)<br />
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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 <a href="http://makeyouover.blogspot.com/">Make you Over</a>. 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.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-90061579144446218682011-03-11T14:43:00.000-08:002011-03-11T14:44:29.520-08:00Fab or Fail Friday- Wardrobe edition x2Last 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!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Wrap up Sweater- Target</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jeans - Lane Bryant</div><div style="text-align: center;">Boots- Sears</div><div style="text-align: center;">T-shirt - Target </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVAVk1CYThY_aZvhnPFGIFu_F6WlPBGDLrU2wxSDwwByamfC65z0r3TxOSGMXiR6VW2LSfVbYXCFRTC0F0tA2KDi3lSiG6ckeMVWzss26QRjncKWbf6Grl3lVYXez1VbIkE1BVIpn4rxs/s1600/100_6921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVAVk1CYThY_aZvhnPFGIFu_F6WlPBGDLrU2wxSDwwByamfC65z0r3TxOSGMXiR6VW2LSfVbYXCFRTC0F0tA2KDi3lSiG6ckeMVWzss26QRjncKWbf6Grl3lVYXez1VbIkE1BVIpn4rxs/s1600/100_6921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVAVk1CYThY_aZvhnPFGIFu_F6WlPBGDLrU2wxSDwwByamfC65z0r3TxOSGMXiR6VW2LSfVbYXCFRTC0F0tA2KDi3lSiG6ckeMVWzss26QRjncKWbf6Grl3lVYXez1VbIkE1BVIpn4rxs/s320/100_6921.JPG" width="238" /></a>Brooch- sister in law's wedding gift<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Wyxfo-nPfindMRGhJE44vwELPf3u3rhfuX_0bYzWGl0K5D0Xyvcip97t18CX-iNE90DjfA8iU1_W75N4dCwWCrvUH0toI1QlZaopHLH5YrT2pfKXaWwyFQXdJQM9iMhi_hk1Ccuamy3T/s1600/100_6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Wyxfo-nPfindMRGhJE44vwELPf3u3rhfuX_0bYzWGl0K5D0Xyvcip97t18CX-iNE90DjfA8iU1_W75N4dCwWCrvUH0toI1QlZaopHLH5YrT2pfKXaWwyFQXdJQM9iMhi_hk1Ccuamy3T/s320/100_6920.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
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Green Dress- Target<br />
Black leggings - Target<br />
Black l/s Shirt - Target<br />
Black flats- Nordstrom<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_eVCG5xhRHfMBD8VYOAO3SDxw-OwkdKOlnMtklroRVPlYWxLMhyfhZ6R1Yq-GaoCvi5febsarRxyh0Vm3rlvniuSVxFHBrPGzjl8zQNgzJmUkhGkIZHECQY_LbFAPeLJ2O6ynEBR_eLa/s1600/100_6923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_eVCG5xhRHfMBD8VYOAO3SDxw-OwkdKOlnMtklroRVPlYWxLMhyfhZ6R1Yq-GaoCvi5febsarRxyh0Vm3rlvniuSVxFHBrPGzjl8zQNgzJmUkhGkIZHECQY_LbFAPeLJ2O6ynEBR_eLa/s320/100_6923.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
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Thanks!!!<br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1728099447"></span><span id="goog_1728099448"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-81515145745998776052011-03-08T14:37:00.000-08:002011-03-08T14:37:39.556-08:00Albertsons Doubler run- Free Fries and Lunchables!We went to Albertsons today, to use up 2 more septs of "Twice the value" coupons. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjlDxnAHSKUGoIPWH4i94fuQeVKElLcRcbI6AJEMG-4qpRfNopqB6g54-HqYyl_SnXlpyTY5XT_u1Nu-XCDAmJ2nLk7Yr0wzOdwETgBxrPhhbmpTa1RGOLswsd30K0o6p1OVYdmwYicf-/s1600/100_6912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjlDxnAHSKUGoIPWH4i94fuQeVKElLcRcbI6AJEMG-4qpRfNopqB6g54-HqYyl_SnXlpyTY5XT_u1Nu-XCDAmJ2nLk7Yr0wzOdwETgBxrPhhbmpTa1RGOLswsd30K0o6p1OVYdmwYicf-/s320/100_6912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Transaction #1<br />
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Oscar Mayer Creations $1<br />
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations (coupons.com)<br />
Final Price : 2 FREE after coupon and double <br />
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Oscar Mayer Creations $1<br />
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Deli Creations (coupons.com)<br />
Final Price : 2 FREE after coupon and double<br />
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Ore-Ida Potatoes $2, limit 2<br />
w/ in ad coupon<br />
$1.00/1 any Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries from Safeways $42 in Savings Coupon Book<br />
Final Price: Free after coupon and double <br />
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Total = $0, saved $18.45<br />
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Transaction #2<br />
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Ore-Ida Potatoes $2, limit 2<br />
w/ in ad coupon<br />
$1.00/1 any Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries from Safeways $42 in Savings Coupon Book<br />
Final Price: Free after coupon and double<br />
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Kraft Shredded Cheese w/ a touch of Philly on sale $2.99<br />
$1/1 peelie from previous purchase + double<br />
Final Price: $.99 coupon and double<br />
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Best life Buttery Spread on sale for $2.48<br />
$1/1 from coupon insert in Sunday paper + double <br />
Final Price: $.48 coupon and double<br />
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Total = $1.48, saved $9.09<br />
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that'a a total of $27.54 worth of groceries for $1.48 :) Check out my receipts below <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JmhWeWH8Q2YhkEqWRgPhyypZsuvdIkyNOAwfBwKj60CnBvsOSUxn0Nkf0xMvb-a6oKlNVSVKVireNLOOKdEbPIgUA0Tzm0aIt61wdwCSvtcfm5EpPQun6tmPkj4F7WsEaRQWUp3DLlWi/s1600/100_6914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JmhWeWH8Q2YhkEqWRgPhyypZsuvdIkyNOAwfBwKj60CnBvsOSUxn0Nkf0xMvb-a6oKlNVSVKVireNLOOKdEbPIgUA0Tzm0aIt61wdwCSvtcfm5EpPQun6tmPkj4F7WsEaRQWUp3DLlWi/s320/100_6914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>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 :)<br />
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Happy Shopping!<br />
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<i>Kimberly </i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-78597986800950071502011-03-04T14:02:00.000-08:002011-03-04T14:02:38.111-08:00Fab or Fail Friday- Wardrobe editionI 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. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here goes nothing-</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gray Sweater Tunic Top- Target</div><div style="text-align: center;">Charcoal Leggings- Target </div><div style="text-align: center;">Black Heels with Stitching - Target</div><div style="text-align: center;">Belt - Lane Bryant</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_so4Z4sXOMHex8WMU4QvWiR26K6D6BKxhnAkeLqboGxBAwFqSf9pnROsvGHxYPLTgbmUe6LNEyiT0R1fhl7uemMVrjo4NbVQxBMtoOvgm-scbyyBb4vzzWSwyIZb8jjUcLvSdRG-IRbV8/s1600/100_6891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_so4Z4sXOMHex8WMU4QvWiR26K6D6BKxhnAkeLqboGxBAwFqSf9pnROsvGHxYPLTgbmUe6LNEyiT0R1fhl7uemMVrjo4NbVQxBMtoOvgm-scbyyBb4vzzWSwyIZb8jjUcLvSdRG-IRbV8/s320/100_6891.JPG" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM93nRMm7s0MAunYxoYmze6Rs-AsHob418_jdVYksafO8E_AcY2rOYVGqdaBzNYdWTZo5wUq7apFcJJM82jsOIfdzf48ZDptbTkxDczKtLy_b03RHFZPdq6FbH8IfCvdhzJRaOGcY7Qm1S/s1600/100_6898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM93nRMm7s0MAunYxoYmze6Rs-AsHob418_jdVYksafO8E_AcY2rOYVGqdaBzNYdWTZo5wUq7apFcJJM82jsOIfdzf48ZDptbTkxDczKtLy_b03RHFZPdq6FbH8IfCvdhzJRaOGcY7Qm1S/s320/100_6898.JPG" width="191" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div id="surveyMonkeyInfo"><div><script src="http://www.surveymonkey.com/jsEmbed.aspx?sm=pySBhagNIVDoo7Bu6dQEMw_3d_3d"> </script></div>Create your <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">free online surveys</a> with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-16298738139775463512011-03-02T18:28:00.000-08:002011-03-02T18:28:16.599-08:00Safeway Cereal Stock UpFirst of all, a big THANK YOU to <a href="http://couponconnections.com/2011/03/safeway-my-shopping-trip/">Coupon Connections</a> 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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCxOYR5h8XApHRTr4I1_q0ZUHQBeL70PVGnUs0hPQe9cEbB2oDYAOOtKGT-_cew-XJd5RDOzZfafUrFeep0ZINy1w98z0r1Zi0XA7kBYde6zoYzFtEupi29NmgSsdbWVWjLQTsC5lcPNq/s1600/100_6889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCxOYR5h8XApHRTr4I1_q0ZUHQBeL70PVGnUs0hPQe9cEbB2oDYAOOtKGT-_cew-XJd5RDOzZfafUrFeep0ZINy1w98z0r1Zi0XA7kBYde6zoYzFtEupi29NmgSsdbWVWjLQTsC5lcPNq/s320/100_6889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here is what I did</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Safeway deal, buy 4 of select cereals and save $4 instantly) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 Plain Cheerios @ $1.49 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- $1/2 coupon from coupons.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 Golden Grams @ $1.49 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-2 $.55/1 coupons from coupons.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4 Cinnamon Toast Crunch @ $1.49 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-4 $.55/1 coupons from coupons.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 Cinnamon Cheerios @ $1.49 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- 3 $.75/1 coupons from coupons.com, or from GM insert</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 Quaker Oat Squares @ $1.49 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- $1/1 Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal 1/30/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/30/2011)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>total for Cereal- 12 boxes for $10.33 or $0.86 per box</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also got a great deal on Better Crocker Fruit Snacks (buy 4 or more and they are $0.99)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">bought 4 boxes - 2 $.55/2 coupons from coupon.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>total- $2.86 or $0.76 per box</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plus I got $1 catalina for buying 4 boxes of BC fruit snacks </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also picked up some entrees for Hubby's lunch @ $1 each</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fuji Apples @ $.99 per lbs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Safeway select Pizza @ $2.99 each (using the coupon from the Safeway Big Freeze coupon book, found in the freezer section)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and 2 loaves of bread @ $.99 each when you buy 2 or more </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">All told, I spent $43.40 and saved $56.43, and I have $1 catalina to spend on my next trip</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I feel really crazy, I may swing by Top Foods later tonight and do this deal (big thanks to <a href="http://queenbeecoupons.com/2011/03/top-foods-how-to-get-10-boxes-of-cereal-for-5-25/">Queen Bee</a> for this one</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>(check her out for more details)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><strong>Transaction #1</strong><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Purchase three Honey Nut Cheerios and two Lucky Charms </strong>= $5, after $5 instant off at checkout<br />
Used five* $0.55/1 printable coupons from <a href="http://queenbeecoupons.com/Coupons" rel="wpls" target="_blank">coupons.com</a><br />
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!</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br />
</div><strong>Transaction #2</strong><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong> three Honey Nut Cheerios and two Trix</strong> = $5, after $5 instant off at checkout<br />
Used the $2/5 coupon (that printed as a catalina) from first transaction<br />
Final price = $3! PLUS I got another $2/5 General Mills coupon, if I wanted to buy five more.</div>So that’s 10 boxes of cereal for only $5.25!<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">Who wants cereal for Dinner?</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br />
</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Kimberly </i></span></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"> </div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-38278927244772749572011-03-01T16:36:00.000-08:002011-03-01T16:36:07.883-08:00Spending Freeze Wrap UpAs 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 <u>not</u> 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 <a href="http://middlemama.blogspot.com/2011/02/spending-freeze-days-19-22-ouch.html">out to dinner</a>, or indulged in pizza last night. But we did learn alot, and certainly spent less than a usual month. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"> Recap of Spending Freeze<br />
Day 1 = $0<br />
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)<br />
Day 3 = $0<br />
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)<br />
Day 5 = $0<br />
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)<br />
Day 7 = $0<br />
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)<br />
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!) <br />
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)<br />
Day 11 = $0<br />
Day 12 = $0<br />
Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries (see why this is still awesome in my next post)<br />
Day 14 = $0 (we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and chocolate cake for desert) <br />
Day 15 = $0<br />
Day 16 = $0<br />
Day 17 = $11 (gas)<br />
Day 18 = $0 </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
Day 19 = $1.19 (eggs)<br />
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) <br />
Day 21 = $0.00<br />
Day 22 = $0.00 </span></b> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Day 23 = $48.24 (groceries)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Day 24 = $0 </span></b><br />
Day 25 = $0<br />
Day 26 = $0 <br />
Day 27 = $0<br />
Day 28 = $14.50 (Papa Murphy's Pizza) <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">So we spent <u>$257.16</u> for Feburary</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b>$93.40 went to gas<br />
$104.26 went to groceries -<b><i> not bad for a family of 5!</i></b><br />
$59.50 eating out<br />
<br />
All in all, I am proud of how we did, and loved seeing exactly where every dollar went. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
How did you do for the month? <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Kimberly</i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-53926548840849243952011-02-27T23:22:00.000-08:002011-02-27T23:22:37.846-08:00How I got Free diapers today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIZvT-MVFIMS1JHUKODZSG_ek2Zz-nCPuQ3QhMD9EXamt3Kdw89eQgE1BXsm09K6ltE8KlEVUBt35nIFzfMhlh0HmDkHp-gyB_LPkWyVwkzjNINFCnz-uHVmU0IIXJ4MFeUcbE4BbsKqb/s1600/100_6887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIZvT-MVFIMS1JHUKODZSG_ek2Zz-nCPuQ3QhMD9EXamt3Kdw89eQgE1BXsm09K6ltE8KlEVUBt35nIFzfMhlh0HmDkHp-gyB_LPkWyVwkzjNINFCnz-uHVmU0IIXJ4MFeUcbE4BbsKqb/s320/100_6887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Can I just say I <i>love</i> 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. <br />
<br />
I did 3 transactions<br />
#1<br />
Colgate Total Advanced or Total Gum Defense toothpaste (4 oz) $2.99, get $3 RR<br />
- $.75/1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"></span> (2/27 SS)<br />
= $2.24 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">out of pocket</span><br />
Get $3 RR<br />
<i><strong>(</strong></i><strong><i>$.76 profit after coupon & RR</i>)</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Colgate tooth brushes (buy one get one free) on sale for $2.49</strong><br />
<strong></strong>- $.75/1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"></span> (2/27 SS)<br />
= 2 for $1.74 out of pocket<br />
<br />
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aquaphor</span> Lip Repair (.35 oz) $4.99, get $4 RR<br />
- $1/1<a href="http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=zkwubwr7995197&bt=vi&o=79443&c=BA&p=Wg4SJeys"> printable</a><br />
= $3.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">out of pocket</span><br />
Get $4 RR<br />
( <i><strong>Free after coupon & RR</strong> </i>)<br />
<br />
Motrin <span style="color: black;">PM</span> pain relief (20 ct) $3, get $3 RR<br />
- $6/2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">MQ</span> (1/9 SS) OR<br />
= $0 out of pocket<br />
Get $3 RR<br />
<i>(= <strong>up to $3 profit after coupon & RR)</strong></i><br />
<br />
<strong>tax was $1.57</strong><i><strong> </strong></i><br />
<i><strong><br />
<u>Total Paid out of Pocket = $9.64</u></strong></i><br />
<i><strong><u>got $10 in RR</u> </strong></i><br />
<i><strong><br />
</strong></i><br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">#2</span></strong><i><strong> </strong></i><br />
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Huggies</span> Jumbo pack diapers $8.99, get $2 RR<br />
- $2/1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"></span> (2/27 SS)<br />
= $6.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">out of pocket</span><br />
Get $2 RR<br />
<i>(= <strong>$4.99 after coupon & RR)</strong></i><br />
<br />
<i><strong>tax = $.66</strong></i><br />
<i><strong>Paid with $8 in RR</strong></i><br />
<i><strong>got back $2RR</strong></i><br />
<br />
<strong>#3</strong><br />
Listerine mouthwash (500 ml, select varieties) $2.99, get $1 RR<br />
- $1/1 (2/27 SS)<br />
= $1.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">OOP</span><br />
Get $1 RR<br />
(= <strong>$.99 after coupon & RR)</strong><strong></strong><i><strong></strong></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Paid with $1 RR </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Still have $4 in RR to use later</span><br />
<br />
(RR= register rewards, they print out after you pay for your items, and are good on your next transaction)<br />
<br />
Do you play the Drug Store game? what have you got for free or better lately?<br />
<br />
<i>Kimberly </i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-10300050472154451222011-02-24T23:53:00.000-08:002011-02-24T23:53:04.304-08:00Snow Stock up - Spending Freeze Days 23-24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrvxSk2zxrMPCxzLIDb7rsQYBAIAMzTx1uLhu_BtLSLl1jjYT4hh5q1x5mRuLxwLgms1ZxFpUFh55w24fcyF5lNvOOVA-7BxHWaPrdS3TuMJv6sPpYq5YwrLEacG2ldkaZh99D4O2gm4I/s1600/road-closed_1770082i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrvxSk2zxrMPCxzLIDb7rsQYBAIAMzTx1uLhu_BtLSLl1jjYT4hh5q1x5mRuLxwLgms1ZxFpUFh55w24fcyF5lNvOOVA-7BxHWaPrdS3TuMJv6sPpYq5YwrLEacG2ldkaZh99D4O2gm4I/s320/road-closed_1770082i.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>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.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Recap of Spending Freeze<br />
Day 1 = $0<br />
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)<br />
Day 3 = $0<br />
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)<br />
Day 5 = $0<br />
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)<br />
Day 7 = $0<br />
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)<br />
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!) <br />
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)<br />
Day 11 = $0<br />
Day 12 = $0<br />
Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries (see why this is still awesome in my next post)<br />
Day 14 = $0 (we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and chocolate cake for desert) <br />
Day 15 = $0<br />
Day 16 = $0<br />
Day 17 = $11 (gas)<br />
Day 18 = $0 </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Day 19 = $1.19 (eggs)<br />
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) <br />
Day 21 = $0.00<br />
Day 22 = $0.00 </span></b> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 23 = $48.24 (groceries)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 24 = $0 </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br />
So we have spent <u>$242.66</u> this month</span></b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Kimberly </span></i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-1141472219691538582011-02-22T15:10:00.000-08:002011-02-22T15:10:53.475-08:00Spending 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. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span><span><span>Recap of Spending Freeze<br />
Day 1 = $0<br />
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)<br />
Day 3 = $0<br />
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)<br />
Day 5 = $0<br />
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)<br />
Day 7 = $0</span></span><span><br />
<span>Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)</span></span><span><br />
<span>Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!) </span></span><span><br />
<span>Day 10 = $16.45</span> <span>(gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)</span></span></span><span><br />
<span>Day 11 = $0</span><br />
<span>Day 12 = $0</span><br />
<span>Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries <span>(see why this is still awesome in my next post)</span></span><br />
<span>Day 14 = $0 <span>(we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and chocolate cake for desert) </span></span><br />
<span>Day 15 = $0</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span>Day 16 = $0</span><br />
<span>Day 17 = $11 (gas)</span><br />
<span>Day 18 = $0 </span></span></b> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 19 = $1.19 (eggs)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">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) </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 21 = $0.00</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 22 = $0.00 </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span>So we have spent </span><u>$194.42</u> this month</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Kimberly </span></span></i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br />
</span></span></b>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-27172599671618230332011-02-22T14:45:00.000-08:002011-02-22T14:45:26.305-08:00Oh no! We ran out of napkins!We ran out of paper napkins! Now that we are counting <i>every</i> 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.) <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipYUMgE4ACIsTIiPoQkMXO9O5L6k30AfkztH-fgxHk3tbUXgDeA2N8vpKPbF-lX33qum5aTK_GS7cY3XksPnVrGjjQlWmQsYsM6BNeqXTL07gTgLb7gBID87mM4nRgDGLwrRgiZB8ul4q/s1600/100_6858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipYUMgE4ACIsTIiPoQkMXO9O5L6k30AfkztH-fgxHk3tbUXgDeA2N8vpKPbF-lX33qum5aTK_GS7cY3XksPnVrGjjQlWmQsYsM6BNeqXTL07gTgLb7gBID87mM4nRgDGLwrRgiZB8ul4q/s320/100_6858.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Let me emphasize how big of a deal this is by reminding you that I have <u>3</u> 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. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU385JAOSr0Xi7WvAw-JrN585y_CmqmMUpvcJ2HAs9gBRrKAJe9nR5pVtpgpTkWw01ifnHsUbSNp8qoxps8L79oTLU-HokcCN8DF2lKCyJ5ixcDUO-r_YbNdc07DVAIltv5YB9ep2HY5f/s1600/100_6861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU385JAOSr0Xi7WvAw-JrN585y_CmqmMUpvcJ2HAs9gBRrKAJe9nR5pVtpgpTkWw01ifnHsUbSNp8qoxps8L79oTLU-HokcCN8DF2lKCyJ5ixcDUO-r_YbNdc07DVAIltv5YB9ep2HY5f/s200/100_6861.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>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.<br />
<br />
<i>Kimberly </i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-49985916305995829132011-02-19T01:40:00.000-08:002011-02-19T01:40:02.115-08:00Gas! Spending Freeze days 16-18With 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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocmW9e4NDKC-EqYfFwxPqcId879opW7U0rEauAXDjSzQ9pnKiEttI8yLNeEdaDwMi_BY0TZlmeWpR6goachYZ8SuIv4Oqgwn5InxG5weU1VQFAdYF1A_AOD9mwC7QJxBadfzx62JuwI8f/s1600/100_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocmW9e4NDKC-EqYfFwxPqcId879opW7U0rEauAXDjSzQ9pnKiEttI8yLNeEdaDwMi_BY0TZlmeWpR6goachYZ8SuIv4Oqgwn5InxG5weU1VQFAdYF1A_AOD9mwC7QJxBadfzx62JuwI8f/s320/100_6854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>If you are inclined, please send up a good thought or prayers for her.<br />
<br />
<i>Kimberly</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span><span>Recap of Spending Freeze<br />
Day 1 = $0<br />
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)<br />
Day 3 = $0<br />
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)<br />
Day 5 = $0<br />
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)<br />
Day 7 = $0</span></span><span><br />
<span>Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)</span></span><span><br />
<span>Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!) </span></span><span><br />
<span>Day 10 = $16.45</span> <span>(gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)</span></span></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<b><span>Day 11 = $0</span></b><br />
<b><span>Day 12 = $0</span></b><br />
<b><span>Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries <span>(see why this is still awesome in my next post)</span></span></b><br />
<b><span>Day 14 = $0 <span>(we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and chocolate cake for desert) </span></span></b><br />
<b><span>Day 15 = $0</span></b></span> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 16 = $0</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 17 = $11 (gas)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 18 = $0 </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span><span>So we have spent </span><u>$128.23</u> this month</span></span></b>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-31079437234711495142011-02-15T18:29:00.000-08:002011-02-15T18:29:48.422-08:00Crazy great shopping at AlbertsonsSo 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 <i><u>after</u></i> 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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTVhOvxtd0YDIm9dO10nS3OcGlJSfZXOP4ak8fB1QfrQyXDKcgcF8WBvgRqALU_hw2nF7bFYvPm0hfg6k_aspuRBgx65tN-nTqS5BCWTtlUjK_bKxsneGqbKpe6c6CcMpMW7A2v4ehc-d/s1600/100_6837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTVhOvxtd0YDIm9dO10nS3OcGlJSfZXOP4ak8fB1QfrQyXDKcgcF8WBvgRqALU_hw2nF7bFYvPm0hfg6k_aspuRBgx65tN-nTqS5BCWTtlUjK_bKxsneGqbKpe6c6CcMpMW7A2v4ehc-d/s320/100_6837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>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.<br />
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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. <br />
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Now to go make dinenr- I wonder if anyone wants peanut butter sausage for dinner? (kidding, I swear)<br />
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<i>Kimberly </i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-14102560682959310992011-02-15T17:44:00.000-08:002011-02-15T17:44:00.369-08:00Spending 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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-9xlHpAWzmGejP9Ma04Ow-wlbCR6CitAnKPz0ky5XMZxNco1mSq6wnfzvCxevIgFQrVOzftjeu0v0dhkyfUKpWYKCgJKrT7cTcr6PQE6u7BQyNY0jFTVGZ2d2KhSGWtxMcalOm3hkk5S/s1600/fistofcash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-9xlHpAWzmGejP9Ma04Ow-wlbCR6CitAnKPz0ky5XMZxNco1mSq6wnfzvCxevIgFQrVOzftjeu0v0dhkyfUKpWYKCgJKrT7cTcr6PQE6u7BQyNY0jFTVGZ2d2KhSGWtxMcalOm3hkk5S/s200/fistofcash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>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). <br />
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<br />
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. <br />
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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).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Recap of Spending Freeze<br />
Day 1 = $0<br />
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)<br />
Day 3 = $0<br />
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)<br />
Day 5 = $0<br />
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)<br />
Day 7 = $0</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span>Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span>Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!) </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span>Day 10 = $16.45</span> <span>(gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)</span></span></b> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 11 = $0</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 12 = $0</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 13 = $15 for gas, $37.12 on groceries <span style="font-size: small;">(see why this is still awesome in my next post)</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 14 = $0 <span style="font-size: small;">(we all made handmade valentines for each other, enjoyed heart shaped rolls with dinner and chocolate cake for desert) </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 15 = $0</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>So we have spent </span><u>$117.23</u> this month</span></b><br />
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<i>Kimberly</i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-50242866351745541372011-02-10T17:51:00.000-08:002011-02-10T18:06:51.102-08:00Pantry Surprise Snack Bars + Spending Freeze day 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovzIYJB_YqX_FN7O0uSeEzZj-FCm10TsaAhN2Y3PJ-Xd4xlGfgiNbVQzeHScrnyf6qGwjnEKYQpuT9FtQ3f5lF6ZxhykbeuY2hpJeku1CWuriLbco8u-DLcGUpmniDf1FBDbNwq2AJ__l/s1600/100_6836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovzIYJB_YqX_FN7O0uSeEzZj-FCm10TsaAhN2Y3PJ-Xd4xlGfgiNbVQzeHScrnyf6qGwjnEKYQpuT9FtQ3f5lF6ZxhykbeuY2hpJeku1CWuriLbco8u-DLcGUpmniDf1FBDbNwq2AJ__l/s320/100_6836.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>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-<br />
<br />
My Motivation- 3 constantly hungry boys that need a snack between every meal<br />
My inspiration - use only what I had in the pantry<br />
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<div class="directions" style="color: #38761d; margin-bottom: 15px;">Ingredients</div>3 tablespoons butter or margarine <br />
2 cups miniature marshmallows or 20 regular marshmallows<br />
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal<br />
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats<br />
1 cup total of what ever else you have on hand (I used cheerios) ideas, raisins, chocolate chips, dried berries, nuts...<br />
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<div class="directions" style="color: #38761d; margin-bottom: 15px;">Directions</div>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.<br />
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2. Add Rice Krispies cereal , oats, and the other cup of whatnots. Stir until well coated. <br />
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3. Firmly press cereal mixture down into 8x8 pan. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm.Cut and enjoy!<br />
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---------------------------<br />
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:<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Recap of Spending Freeze<br />
Day 1 = $0<br />
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)<br />
Day 3 = $0<br />
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)<br />
Day 5 = $0<br />
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)<br />
Day 7 = $0</span></b> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!) </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 10 = $16.45</span> <span style="font-size: medium;">(gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">So we have $34.89 left for the month </span> Yikes!</b> <br />
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<i>Kimberly </i><br />
<i> </i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-1761378548351779052011-02-09T18:12:00.000-08:002011-02-09T18:12:37.486-08:00Where's the (cheap) Beef? + Day 8 and 9 of the Spending Freeze.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgLiZN-jnLLgdFtrU_GwI4QRVGhebwQWNKcCgqeem48pNBGZHdnu9KbkYYK8H5JKqIcBbJ8KFi9X0N2mTrp6OKkuUAcGMyvskR_NRSWqEAT0gPJP9t95ZAuyPGNWPw59fj0SekiRwtyCZ/s1600/footballbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgLiZN-jnLLgdFtrU_GwI4QRVGhebwQWNKcCgqeem48pNBGZHdnu9KbkYYK8H5JKqIcBbJ8KFi9X0N2mTrp6OKkuUAcGMyvskR_NRSWqEAT0gPJP9t95ZAuyPGNWPw59fj0SekiRwtyCZ/s200/footballbook.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfr4XiG-nmM4aQd9_UvCkmrlgi44EiIm__n3YpOL27IlWrN9vZk9pSeBXHsh4m0XBneql-s1340jFyDVXZ00qe-EsQHvHnLzXqWMP98AEicdHYwObx9b14xMHANmJ8LodmTa2cDPmzrwp/s1600/meat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfr4XiG-nmM4aQd9_UvCkmrlgi44EiIm__n3YpOL27IlWrN9vZk9pSeBXHsh4m0XBneql-s1340jFyDVXZ00qe-EsQHvHnLzXqWMP98AEicdHYwObx9b14xMHANmJ8LodmTa2cDPmzrwp/s200/meat.jpg" width="200" /></a>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 <u>any</u> 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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKA4oIWaNViZx-126BzG2zvwuLdjgQiWyMTlDQUsDmsxnOj4zkOYo3YihAyRZReRVlop4VPiBflUFvfRqJ7VtoQj6mGq4_Ng0X1yaRNKgG22U5KgtxlWKOBopG8xZIUCt3MXxTx5jC779/s1600/gabby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKA4oIWaNViZx-126BzG2zvwuLdjgQiWyMTlDQUsDmsxnOj4zkOYo3YihAyRZReRVlop4VPiBflUFvfRqJ7VtoQj6mGq4_Ng0X1yaRNKgG22U5KgtxlWKOBopG8xZIUCt3MXxTx5jC779/s320/gabby.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> 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.<br />
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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'.<br />
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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. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span>Recap of Spending Freeze</span><br />
<span>Day 1 = $0</span><br />
<span>Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)</span><br />
<span>Day 3 = $0</span><br />
<span>Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)</span><br />
<span>Day 5 = $0</span><br />
<span>Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)</span><br />
<span>Day 7 = $0</span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span>So we have <b>$51.34</b> left for the month </span></span> <br />
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<br />
Question of the day- <br />
What is your favorite way to make a little meat go further?<br />
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<i>Kimberly </i>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-65645184570540309572011-02-08T03:08:00.000-08:002011-02-08T03:13:01.978-08:00For the Love of... Kim!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kimboscrafts.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCNPgnOEHgScuX9tR41PzphEA6k82HmWkYWwhlhfks2cmfHZy0vhWWbJGmUg2dGSn31Lz2PZLcy36eCvaf_CQmsSq_eHWpryrEgxWCweqEph02XQtb16158Y_nNP-RzcApkF4WAePrkH5/s1600/kimname.jpg" /><span id="goog_1447795287"></span></a><span id="goog_1447795288"></span></div>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!<br />
<br />
<i>Kimberly</i><br />
aka Kimmie, Kimbo and BoKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722123931019375331.post-47190013809516317162011-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:002011-02-07T18:00:06.946-08:00Great Chewy Granola Bar Recipe + Day 6 and 7 of the Spending FreezeHow 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.<br />
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One of my inspirations in feeding my family better is Blogger Laura over at <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/">Heavenly Homemakers. </a><br />
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 <u>everything</u> 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.<br />
<a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/homemade-chewy-granola-bars-without-corn-syrup"><span style="font-size: small;">Homemade Chewy Granola Bars (without corn syrup!)</span></a><br />
1/2 cup peanut butter or sunbutter<br />
1/3 cup honey<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
1/4 cup coconut oil (or another oil of your choice)<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: purple;">I used vegetable oil</span></span><br />
1 cup oats<br />
1 cup<b> <i>total</i></b> of any combination of: sesame seeds, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HDJZWO?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwheavenlyho-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000HDJZWO" target="_blank">mini chocolate chips</a><span style="font-size: small;"> - 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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">melt the 1st 3 ingredients together, remove from heat and stir in the rest, spread out in a baking dish and chill until firm.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Very tasty! and I estimate, these cost me about 1/2 of what it would cost to buy a box at the store.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">-----------</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">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.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Recap of Spending Freeze</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 1 = $0</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 3 = $0</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 5 = $0</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 7 = $0</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So we have <b>$67.24</b> left for the month </span><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<i>Kimberly </i><br />
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</span>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15741928576036354755noreply@blogger.com0