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find it here! http://themamamonkey.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-time-for-2nd-annual-february.html

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I 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/

I would love it if you would come visit me!

Kimberly

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