I am now back to work full-time and expect to keep my job until at least April. These are the new goals I am working on to help my dream of being a stay-at-home mom a reality.
Save 5 months’ of living expenses. I get nervous when there isn’t any money in the bank. If I am able to quit and my husband takes over as the breadwinner, our income will drop by about 1/3. I would like a cushion to help us deal with that
Have 2 no spending months. Just based on my salary and our expenses, I do not have enough extra income to save 5 months’ of living expenses. One of the ways we plan to get around this problem is by having several no spending months and putting the difference away.
Pay off 50% of my business debt. Yes, I opened my eBay business 4 years ago before I had every heard of Dave Ramsey. In the first two years, I accumulated quite a bit of debt. I want to pay off 50% (or more, if I can) of that debt. Then when I quit my job, we can use some of my eBay income to live off of instead of to repaying debt.
Sell at least $500 worth of extra household items on eBay.
Pare down our expenses and put the difference in the bank.
I’ll report back every month and let you know how we are doing!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Menu Planning Monday, 8/31/09
Life is getting very hectic around here, so this week we will start to dig into our freezer stash of meals. We will also supplement these with a few fresh meals as we don't want to eat freezer meals all week long.
Monday--Mexi-Mac Skillet
Tuesday--Quiche in a Bag
Wednesday--Stuffed Manicotti
Thursday--Crock Pot Impossibly Easy Sweet Pulled Pork, French Fries & Veggie
Friday--Crock Pot Kielbasa Sausage Bean Soup
Saturday--Chicken Piccata, Mashed Potatoes, Veggie
Sunday--dinner out
Two desserts are planned--Butterscotch Pudding Pie and Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies (notice the butterscotch theme here? Fed up with my lack of self-control with chocolate, I completely cut it out of my diet and have not had ANY since July 23rd.)
Lunches will be leftovers and sandwiches.
Monday--Mexi-Mac Skillet
Tuesday--Quiche in a Bag
Wednesday--Stuffed Manicotti
Thursday--Crock Pot Impossibly Easy Sweet Pulled Pork, French Fries & Veggie
Friday--Crock Pot Kielbasa Sausage Bean Soup
Saturday--Chicken Piccata, Mashed Potatoes, Veggie
Sunday--dinner out
Two desserts are planned--Butterscotch Pudding Pie and Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies (notice the butterscotch theme here? Fed up with my lack of self-control with chocolate, I completely cut it out of my diet and have not had ANY since July 23rd.)
Lunches will be leftovers and sandwiches.
CVS, 8/30/09
I had a quick, but worthwhile trip to CVS today.
Bayer Contour meter = 14.99 - up to $30.00 Q (14.99 value) = FREE and earned 5 ECBS
Natural Instincts hair dye = 4.99 - 4.00 Q = .99 and earned 2.00 ECBs
1 pkg Pampers = 9.99 - 1.00 Q = 8.99
Bayer Contour meter = 14.99 - up to $30.00 Q (14.99 value) = FREE and earned 5 ECBS
Natural Instincts hair dye = 4.99 - 4.00 Q = .99 and earned 2.00 ECBs
1 pkg Pampers = 9.99 - 1.00 Q = 8.99
I had $12 ECBs and used 8 of them for this transaction.
I paid $3.71 OOP for merchandise valued at $99.68, a savings of 96%!
I earned $7 ECBs, so now I have a total of $11 ECBs to roll for next week. (I will probably stop in later in the week and get milk because that is also earning an ECB.)
I shared this post at Money Saving Mom and Saving Cents with Sense.
I paid $3.71 OOP for merchandise valued at $99.68, a savings of 96%!
I earned $7 ECBs, so now I have a total of $11 ECBs to roll for next week. (I will probably stop in later in the week and get milk because that is also earning an ECB.)
I shared this post at Money Saving Mom and Saving Cents with Sense.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
BBQ Chicken Cheese Tortellini
I experimented in the kitchen the other day, and we loved the results! Best of all, it was so simple to make. Here is what you need for the recipe:
1 large chicken breast, diced in bite size pieces (ours was leftover from barbecuing on Sunday)
1-16 oz. package frozen cheese tortellini
1/2 – 16 oz. bag mixed frozen veggies (we used corn, pea, lima bean & green bean medley)
4 strips bacon, cooked & crumbled
shredded Parmesan cheese
A good BBQ sauce (we used an apple flavored one)
Cook the tortellini in boiling water for 9 minutes. After 3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen veggies to the boiling water with the tortellini. Drain after the 9 minutes has passed. Return to pan and add the crumbled bacon and chicken. Cook on low heat and add BBQ sauce to coat or to taste. Serve with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
I shared this at The Grocery Cart Challenge, $5 Dinners, and Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays.
1 large chicken breast, diced in bite size pieces (ours was leftover from barbecuing on Sunday)
1-16 oz. package frozen cheese tortellini
1/2 – 16 oz. bag mixed frozen veggies (we used corn, pea, lima bean & green bean medley)
4 strips bacon, cooked & crumbled
shredded Parmesan cheese
A good BBQ sauce (we used an apple flavored one)
Cook the tortellini in boiling water for 9 minutes. After 3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen veggies to the boiling water with the tortellini. Drain after the 9 minutes has passed. Return to pan and add the crumbled bacon and chicken. Cook on low heat and add BBQ sauce to coat or to taste. Serve with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
I shared this at The Grocery Cart Challenge, $5 Dinners, and Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Final Update on Leave of Absence Monthly Goals
My leave of absence is officially over (sniff, sniff). It is time to check in and see how many goals were accomplished.
Only use up 50% of our savings while on leave. We did not accomplish this goal. We ended up spending 77% of our savings. Now, we will take the remaining 23% and roll it over into new savings to build a cushion for when I quit my job, hopefully next year.
Get grocery bill down to at least $300/month. Not accomplished. We are still averaging around $350 a month. However, we are VERY stocked up, which is a nice feeling.
Create a list of 50-90 meals we enjoy and organize the recipes for them. ACCOMPLISHED. Now that I am so busy, it is nice to just grab my binder and find a quick recipe I know we already love.
Grow my eBay business to 2700-2800 items. Not accomplished. Last month I lowered this goal to 2600 items, but with back to school sales (which I am very grateful for), I could never get higher than 2550 items. Every time I listed 10 or 20 items, I would sell the same number in a few days. But I am not complaining. It is a good problem to have!
Declutter the house!! Nearly accomplished. We cleaned out every area except our bedroom. I posted about the dining room/living room here.
Sell $300 to $500 worth of household items on eBay that we no longer use. ACCOMPLISHED. Thanks to the sales of some big ticket items, I sold $306 from around the house. I have a lot more to list, but it is a matter of finding the time.
Lose 25 to 30 pounds. Not accomplished.
Get a dishwasher. ACCOMPLISHED.
Get a full night’s sleep. ACCOMPLISHED. While you can’t ever accuse my daughter of sleeping in, she does sleep now from 7:30 p.m. to 4:30 or 5 a.m. That is much better than it was earlier in the year.
Have 15 to 30 meals made & in the freezer. ACCOMPLISHED and then some. I have 41 meals stashed away in the freezer. We will begin to dip into those next week, and I am so grateful to have them!
Stay tuned as I plan to post new goals now that I am back to work.
Only use up 50% of our savings while on leave. We did not accomplish this goal. We ended up spending 77% of our savings. Now, we will take the remaining 23% and roll it over into new savings to build a cushion for when I quit my job, hopefully next year.
Get grocery bill down to at least $300/month. Not accomplished. We are still averaging around $350 a month. However, we are VERY stocked up, which is a nice feeling.
Create a list of 50-90 meals we enjoy and organize the recipes for them. ACCOMPLISHED. Now that I am so busy, it is nice to just grab my binder and find a quick recipe I know we already love.
Grow my eBay business to 2700-2800 items. Not accomplished. Last month I lowered this goal to 2600 items, but with back to school sales (which I am very grateful for), I could never get higher than 2550 items. Every time I listed 10 or 20 items, I would sell the same number in a few days. But I am not complaining. It is a good problem to have!
Declutter the house!! Nearly accomplished. We cleaned out every area except our bedroom. I posted about the dining room/living room here.
Sell $300 to $500 worth of household items on eBay that we no longer use. ACCOMPLISHED. Thanks to the sales of some big ticket items, I sold $306 from around the house. I have a lot more to list, but it is a matter of finding the time.
Lose 25 to 30 pounds. Not accomplished.
Get a dishwasher. ACCOMPLISHED.
Get a full night’s sleep. ACCOMPLISHED. While you can’t ever accuse my daughter of sleeping in, she does sleep now from 7:30 p.m. to 4:30 or 5 a.m. That is much better than it was earlier in the year.
Have 15 to 30 meals made & in the freezer. ACCOMPLISHED and then some. I have 41 meals stashed away in the freezer. We will begin to dip into those next week, and I am so grateful to have them!
Stay tuned as I plan to post new goals now that I am back to work.
Food Waste Wednesday, 8/26/09
Yes, you see it right. Tofu, AGAIN. My husband has been feeding the baby alot since I returned to work, so I didn't even know this had been opened until it was too late.
There is also 1 slice of lunchmeat.
The macaroni was just stupid waste. I made it one day because it sounded good even though we already had a refrigerator full of leftovers. We made our way through all of the leftovers, but we couldn't get to this until it was already too old. I shouldn't have made it.
That was our week in waste. How was yours?
There is also 1 slice of lunchmeat.
The macaroni was just stupid waste. I made it one day because it sounded good even though we already had a refrigerator full of leftovers. We made our way through all of the leftovers, but we couldn't get to this until it was already too old. I shouldn't have made it.
That was our week in waste. How was yours?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Our Grocery Indulgence
I was browsing through My Year Without Spending one day when I saw a picture of all the beautiful, organic produce that had been delivered to her door. She had a link to find a like service in your neighborhood. I found a farm close by and bookmarked the link, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to pay $25 for the vegetables. Every once in awhile I would look at the link, and in July we finally tried ordering.
We loved it!!!! Grocery store produce is like a black and white version of vegetables; the organic vegetables that were picked that morning and delivered that afternoon to our door were like full spectrum color. They looked better than grocery store vegetables, and the taste, the taste was absolutely amazing!!
I don’t like celery much. It is a washed out, stringy, chewy, flavorless, joyless vegetable. But the celery that was delivered to our door was a vibrant green and had a full, lush top of leaves. It was as if I had never tasted celery before.
We got collard greens on our first order, which I would never, ever buy. I had never even tasted them before. I found a recipe by Ellie Krieger and tried cooking the collard greens. It was delicious.
We ordering for the second time this weekend; in addition to vegetables, we also ordered fruit. We weighed our order—23 pounds of fruits and vegetables, all fresh picked. We paid $50 plus a $5.50 delivery fee. We had the fresh corn and cucumbers with our barbecue that same night. Honestly, I have never enjoyed vegetables that much, but now it is fun to eat them.
I feel a bit conflicted about all this. As many of my readers know, I want to save money and quit my job within the year. It is hard to justify spending $50 a week on fresh, organic produce.
On the other hand, I don’t come from the best gene pool. (I love my family, but the genes are not so good.) My father died of cancer right after his 38th birthday. It is definitely in my best interest to eat all the fruits and vegetables I can.
So, for now, my husband and I agreed to continue to buy produce this way. It is delicious and it gets us to expand our produce repertoire (like the collard greens). We used to think nothing of dropping $50 for ONE sushi dinner. This is a week’s worth of produce. Delicious produce at that!
We loved it!!!! Grocery store produce is like a black and white version of vegetables; the organic vegetables that were picked that morning and delivered that afternoon to our door were like full spectrum color. They looked better than grocery store vegetables, and the taste, the taste was absolutely amazing!!
I don’t like celery much. It is a washed out, stringy, chewy, flavorless, joyless vegetable. But the celery that was delivered to our door was a vibrant green and had a full, lush top of leaves. It was as if I had never tasted celery before.
We got collard greens on our first order, which I would never, ever buy. I had never even tasted them before. I found a recipe by Ellie Krieger and tried cooking the collard greens. It was delicious.
We ordering for the second time this weekend; in addition to vegetables, we also ordered fruit. We weighed our order—23 pounds of fruits and vegetables, all fresh picked. We paid $50 plus a $5.50 delivery fee. We had the fresh corn and cucumbers with our barbecue that same night. Honestly, I have never enjoyed vegetables that much, but now it is fun to eat them.
I feel a bit conflicted about all this. As many of my readers know, I want to save money and quit my job within the year. It is hard to justify spending $50 a week on fresh, organic produce.
On the other hand, I don’t come from the best gene pool. (I love my family, but the genes are not so good.) My father died of cancer right after his 38th birthday. It is definitely in my best interest to eat all the fruits and vegetables I can.
So, for now, my husband and I agreed to continue to buy produce this way. It is delicious and it gets us to expand our produce repertoire (like the collard greens). We used to think nothing of dropping $50 for ONE sushi dinner. This is a week’s worth of produce. Delicious produce at that!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Grocery Shopping Sunday, 8/23/09 (Late Edition)
I am back at work, and I went shopping without trying to find any deals or use coupons. Dumb move. Yes, it may have saved time, but it definitely didn't save money. Here is my painful week.
Dominick's & Jewel:
46 oz. jar Mott's applesauce = 2.49
2 Fiber One muffin mixes = 5.58
Fiber One toaster pastries = 2.79
1 can vegetarian refried beans = 1.39
1 bag french vanilla coffee = 8.29
1 bag tortilla chips = 2.49
1 dozen eggs = .99
1 bag Parmesan cheese = 2.49
2 gallons milk = 3.98
1 sour cream = 1.19
1-4 pk. Dan Active = 2.50
1 bag Sargento swiss cheese = 2.99
1 pkg. hamburger buns = 3.69
1 bag grapes = 2.37
1-5 lb. bag potatoes = 3.99
Total for Dominick's = 48.28
The total for Jewel was $16.36 and included a 3 lb package of chicken (on sale for $1.99/lb), 4 pk of Dan Active, 1 container of ricotta cheese and 1 container of cottage cheese.
Irv & Shelly's Fresh Picks:
Total = 50.00 + 5.50 delivery = 1.13 tax = 56.63
Dominick's & Jewel:
46 oz. jar Mott's applesauce = 2.49
2 Fiber One muffin mixes = 5.58
Fiber One toaster pastries = 2.79
1 can vegetarian refried beans = 1.39
1 bag french vanilla coffee = 8.29
1 bag tortilla chips = 2.49
1 dozen eggs = .99
1 bag Parmesan cheese = 2.49
2 gallons milk = 3.98
1 sour cream = 1.19
1-4 pk. Dan Active = 2.50
1 bag Sargento swiss cheese = 2.99
1 pkg. hamburger buns = 3.69
1 bag grapes = 2.37
1-5 lb. bag potatoes = 3.99
Total for Dominick's = 48.28
The total for Jewel was $16.36 and included a 3 lb package of chicken (on sale for $1.99/lb), 4 pk of Dan Active, 1 container of ricotta cheese and 1 container of cottage cheese.
Irv & Shelly's Fresh Picks:
Total = 50.00 + 5.50 delivery = 1.13 tax = 56.63
Total for the week = 121.27
Total for August = 490.86!!!!!!
(Yikes! This is how much I used to spend monthly before I tried to get some control of my grocery budget. It hurts to go back here. However, at least I have 41 freezer meals to show for it. Still, I will have to cut my grocery bill in half next month to make up for this month!)
To see the meals we will make for the week, go here.
(Yikes! This is how much I used to spend monthly before I tried to get some control of my grocery budget. It hurts to go back here. However, at least I have 41 freezer meals to show for it. Still, I will have to cut my grocery bill in half next month to make up for this month!)
To see the meals we will make for the week, go here.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
My List of Freezer Meals
(picture is of freezer burritos)
Back in July, I set a goal for myself to freeze 15 to 30 meals for when I return to work. However, I far exceeded that goal and now have 41 meals in the freezer. I probably would have made a few more, but I ran out of freezer room. I will be busiest at work in September and October, so I anticipate we will eat the majority of the meals during those two months.
Here is what I made and the quantities:
Santa Fe Chicken (1)
Taco Mix (1)
Veggie Soup (2)
Sloppy Joe Mix (1)
Robin Miller’s Beefy Lasagna (4)
Meatballs (1)
Stuffed Manicotti (3)
Weight Watchers Meatloaf (2)
Anita’s Slow Cooker Chili (1)
Beans & Rice (1)
Hearty Veggie Soup with Barley (1)
Hamburger Soup (2)
Quiche in a Bag (2)
Pork Fried Rice (3)
Kielbasa Sausage Bean Soup (3)
Sausage Gumbo (2)
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup (3)
Salsa Dump Chicken (2)
Chicken & Cheese Rice Bake (2)
Chicken & Barley Soup (2)
Rustic Tuscan Bean Soup (2)
Menu Planning Monday, 8/24/09, (Early Edition)
I am back at work now, so things are going to be a bit crazy. We once again got fresh, organic produce this weekend, so I am guessing in the interest of time management and perishable ingredients, I will be making several of these meals in one day and then we will be eating leftovers throughout the week.
Monday--Zucchini Tomato Bake & Hamburgers & Chicken on the grill
Tuesday--Kid-Pleasing Taco Pizza
Wednesday--Leftover BBQ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes with Celery Root & Arugula Rocket Salad
Thursday--Eggplant Marinara Casserole
Friday--Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes & Corn (adding leftover barbecue chicken)
Saturday—leftovers
Sunday--Slowcooker Cheese Tortellini & Meatballs (repeat from last week because I didn't get to make it but I have all of the ingredients)
Lunches will be leftovers, freezer burritos and sandwiches.
Breakfast will be the usual oatmeal, toast, omelets & french toast.
To see the groceries we bought for the week, go here.
Monday--Zucchini Tomato Bake & Hamburgers & Chicken on the grill
Tuesday--Kid-Pleasing Taco Pizza
Wednesday--Leftover BBQ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes with Celery Root & Arugula Rocket Salad
Thursday--Eggplant Marinara Casserole
Friday--Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes & Corn (adding leftover barbecue chicken)
Saturday—leftovers
Sunday--Slowcooker Cheese Tortellini & Meatballs (repeat from last week because I didn't get to make it but I have all of the ingredients)
Lunches will be leftovers, freezer burritos and sandwiches.
Breakfast will be the usual oatmeal, toast, omelets & french toast.
To see the groceries we bought for the week, go here.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Pita Bread Pizza or Calzones
After I made our Veggie Pita Sandwiches, I still had a few pitas leftover, so we threw them in the freezer. In the interest of making some more room in the freezer, we used the pitas up this way.
Pita Bread Pizza or Calzones
Cut the pitas in half and bake them in the oven at 350 for a few minutes, until they become crisp and start to curl in on the edges.
Then, spread them with spaghetti sauce and layer on whatever ingredients you have on hand. We put on sliced mozzarella, deli ham and blanched broccoli.
Cook at 350 for a few minutes, until the cheese melts.
These taste like a thin crust pizza. My family prefers thicker crust pizza, so at the dinner table, we decided to fold each half over. We ended up with pita calzones that were tasty. This is a great way to use up leftovers!
I shared this post at The Grocery Cart Challenge, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays and $5 Dinners.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Food Waste Wednesday, Late Edition
When I was a teenager, my friend's mom would make a huge batch of dillweed soup. She would always bring my mom over a big container of it. My mom dreaded this because she hated dill. Inevitably she would try it and then throw it away. This happened for several years in a row because we just couldn't tell her that we didn't like the soup.
This past week, when our organic produce was delivered to our door, a large bunch of dill was included. I was a good sport; it has been 20 years since I last tasted dill. I would probably like it now, right?
I choose the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Cheddar Dill Cornbread. The cornbread itself was great; I'll make it again. The addition of dill, not so much. Even my husband, who literally will eat almost anything would not eat this. So, we threw away almost all of a 9 x 13 pan, and we threw away the rest of the bunch of dill.
In the picture is also a little biscuit we had in the refrigerator for roughly 10 days.
This waste is terrible, but it is not all. (My head hangs in shame.)
I read in All You magazine that Americans waste on average $72 worth of groceries EACH MONTH! This week, I am apparently trying very hard to be average.
I bought a 5 lb bag of potatoes right before we left on our 7 day vacation. Let me just tell you, if you leave potatoes in an apartment that is closed up and not air conditioned when it is 90+ degrees out and humid, they will rot, and they will rot quickly. The potatoes were so gross we didn't even take a picture.
Yes, this is my worst food waste week ever.
A Cheap Way to Organize Hair Accessories
My cousin’s girlfriend recently shared with me a tip to recycle some of those little baby food containers. She suggested taking the clear, plastic food containers and using them to sort and organize little girl’s hair accessories.
As my little one, who is not yet a year, was born with a full head of hair and now has hair half way down her back, barrettes are essential, but easily lost. I loved the tip and have already put it to good use. Plus, it’s nice to find a way to recycle those containers.
Thanks, Amanda!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Grocery Shopping Sunday, 8/16, Late Edition
We have been spending like crazy grocery-wise, but now that the freezer is very well stocked with frozen meals, I am hoping our grocery spending will go down.
Dominick's:
The total on this one came to $27.74. Some of the good deals included clearance cat food for $4.00 a bag and eggs for .99. (Please excuse the lack of details. It may happen more often as I get busier with work.)
Irv & Shelly's Fresh Picks:
This is all organic produce delivered right to our door.
Dominick's:
The total on this one came to $27.74. Some of the good deals included clearance cat food for $4.00 a bag and eggs for .99. (Please excuse the lack of details. It may happen more often as I get busier with work.)
Irv & Shelly's Fresh Picks:
This is all organic produce delivered right to our door.
$25.00 for the veggies and $25.00 for the fruit. There is a $5.50 deliver fee and $1.13 tax, so the total is $56.63
Total for the week = 84.37 + 1.65 CVS trip =86.02
Total for the month =369.59
To see the meals we will make for the week, go here.
I shared this post at the Grocery Cart Challenge.
Total for the month =369.59
To see the meals we will make for the week, go here.
I shared this post at the Grocery Cart Challenge.
Monday, August 17, 2009
It is time for Gymboree's Circle of Friends sale
Photo from Gymboree.com
UPDATE--8/19/09
UPDATE--8/19/09
I just called Gymboree and was told that you cannot combine the 20% coupon with the Circle of Friends sale. Apparently, the only sale that lets you combine another coupon is for the Red Balloon sale. Sorry for the confusion.
Posted 8/17
For bargain hunters and Gymbo-lovers, it is once again time for Gymboree's Circle of Friends sale. This sale, which gives you 30% off everything, is set to start on Thursday.
You can maximize savings by buying clothes that have already been reduced and using a coupon. And, to add to the savings, it is also Gymbucks earning time and any order over $100 online qualifies for free shipping!
Posted 8/17
For bargain hunters and Gymbo-lovers, it is once again time for Gymboree's Circle of Friends sale. This sale, which gives you 30% off everything, is set to start on Thursday.
You can maximize savings by buying clothes that have already been reduced and using a coupon. And, to add to the savings, it is also Gymbucks earning time and any order over $100 online qualifies for free shipping!
If you are ordering online, use the code GYMFAMILY, CFFRIEND or CFCIRCLE.
If you haven't already done so, check out my previous posts on how to dress your child in Gymboree for free or nearly free. Happy shopping!
If you haven't already done so, check out my previous posts on how to dress your child in Gymboree for free or nearly free. Happy shopping!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Menu Planning Monday, 8/17
I made almost all of my freezer meals last week, so our freezer is absolutely stuffed. I would still like to freeze up the other meals I didn't get to make last week, but first I have to clear some of the old out. I tried to pick recipes this week that would both use up frozen foods and our fresh organic produce we had delivered.
Monday--Saucy Salmon & Carrots with Mustard Brown Sugar Glaze.
Tuesday--Liver & garlic stems (This is my husband's choice. I am fussy, so I will be eating something else.)
Wednesday--Tuscan Bean Soup with Greens & Cheddar Dill Cornbread
Thursday--Slow Cooker Chili Minestrone Soup
Friday--Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini & Meatballs
Saturday--Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Veggies
Sunday--Beef & Bean Tostadas (made from leftover roast)
Lunches will be leftovers or sandwiches.
Breakfasts will be muffins, oatmeal, or french toast.
Monday--Saucy Salmon & Carrots with Mustard Brown Sugar Glaze.
Tuesday--Liver & garlic stems (This is my husband's choice. I am fussy, so I will be eating something else.)
Wednesday--Tuscan Bean Soup with Greens & Cheddar Dill Cornbread
Thursday--Slow Cooker Chili Minestrone Soup
Friday--Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini & Meatballs
Saturday--Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Veggies
Sunday--Beef & Bean Tostadas (made from leftover roast)
Lunches will be leftovers or sandwiches.
Breakfasts will be muffins, oatmeal, or french toast.
CVS, 8/16
It was a great week at CVS, but I noticed several little errors on my receipt when I came home. However, I think it all evened out in the end.
4--12 pks Pepsi = 12.00, earned 4.00 ECBs
4--12 pks Pepsi = 12.00, earned 4.00 ECBs
2 pkgs. pens = 1.98, earned 1.98 ECBs
2 pkgs. filler paper = 1.98, earned 1.98
2 gallons milk = 3.98, earned 2.00 ECBS (was only supposed to be $1)
2 recycled pen boxes = 2.98 (was supposed to be $3.98 and I was to earn $3.98 ECBs, instead I only earned 1.99 ECBs.)
2 recycled pen boxes = 2.98 (was supposed to be $3.98 and I was to earn $3.98 ECBs, instead I only earned 1.99 ECBs.)
1 pkg panti liners= .99
1 newspaper = 1.99
I used a $5.00/25.00 coupon and $22.44 in ECBS.
I earned $11.95 ECBS.
Total OOP = 1.65
The retail value was $53.20, so I saved 97%!!
I shared this post at Money Saving Mom.
I used a $5.00/25.00 coupon and $22.44 in ECBS.
I earned $11.95 ECBS.
Total OOP = 1.65
The retail value was $53.20, so I saved 97%!!
I shared this post at Money Saving Mom.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Chicken and Rice Cheese Bake
This was one of my recipes for once a month cooking this week. I found it on recipezaar, and it is yummy and easy!
1-10 oz. can condensed cheese souP
1 cup water
1 cup cheddar cheese
3/4 cup white rice
1 head broccoli
4 boneless chicken breast halves cut into pieces
Wash and chop the broccoli into bite size piece. Blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then drain and run under cold water.
Meanwhile, in a 2 quart baking dish that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray, stir together the first four ingredients with a wisk. Add in the blanched broccoli and chicken and stir gently to combine.
Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes at 375 degrees until the rice is cooked through and casserole is bubbling.
I put this in the oven and then made two more to put in the freezer for later. (To freeze, blanche the broccoli and just dump it and all of the rest of the ingredients in a ziploc bag and lay flat to freeze.)
I shared this post at The Grocery Cart Challenge, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays and $5 Dinners.
1-10 oz. can condensed cheese souP
1 cup water
1 cup cheddar cheese
3/4 cup white rice
1 head broccoli
4 boneless chicken breast halves cut into pieces
Wash and chop the broccoli into bite size piece. Blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then drain and run under cold water.
Meanwhile, in a 2 quart baking dish that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray, stir together the first four ingredients with a wisk. Add in the blanched broccoli and chicken and stir gently to combine.
Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes at 375 degrees until the rice is cooked through and casserole is bubbling.
I put this in the oven and then made two more to put in the freezer for later. (To freeze, blanche the broccoli and just dump it and all of the rest of the ingredients in a ziploc bag and lay flat to freeze.)
I shared this post at The Grocery Cart Challenge, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays and $5 Dinners.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Spring Cleaning Update--The Dining Room/Living Room
Another spring cleaning update (even though it is now the end of summer!)
We have a large living room, but it is used as a study where I and my husband work. It is also filled with endless storage tubs for my e-Bay clothes.
Our dining room does triple duty as dining room/living room/play room, so it was nice to finally get it clean. In addition to putting everything away and decluttering, I cleaned the baseboards and washed the walls, windows and blinds. Here are the before and after pictures:
For literally a few years, every time my mom comes to visit, she suggests we tackle the book case. I knew it was a huge mess, but it was too big of a project. This last time she came to visit, I finished spring cleaning the livingroom/dining room right before she came.
We have a large living room, but it is used as a study where I and my husband work. It is also filled with endless storage tubs for my e-Bay clothes.
Our dining room does triple duty as dining room/living room/play room, so it was nice to finally get it clean. In addition to putting everything away and decluttering, I cleaned the baseboards and washed the walls, windows and blinds. Here are the before and after pictures:
For literally a few years, every time my mom comes to visit, she suggests we tackle the book case. I knew it was a huge mess, but it was too big of a project. This last time she came to visit, I finished spring cleaning the livingroom/dining room right before she came.
The only room that we have yet to conquer is our bedroom.
So, did my mom notice the livingroom/diningroom and all its improvements? Believe it or not, she did NOT! I couldn't believe it. But what was most amusing is that she said, "Why don't you dust that beautiful picture of Ireland?" Which is in my bedroom, which we haven't deep cleaned yet. Yes, she can always find something to clean!
So, did my mom notice the livingroom/diningroom and all its improvements? Believe it or not, she did NOT! I couldn't believe it. But what was most amusing is that she said, "Why don't you dust that beautiful picture of Ireland?" Which is in my bedroom, which we haven't deep cleaned yet. Yes, she can always find something to clean!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Food Waste Wednesday, 8/12/09
Well, definitely not one of our better weeks. Between going on vacation, then going away for the weekend 4 days later, well, alot of food got wasted.
--a little more than 1/2 a container of ricotta
--a handful of rasperries (I can't believe we wasted this seasonal treat!)
--1/2 container leftover take out white rice from Chinese,
--and yes, tofu. My nemesis, tofu. Next time I open up a package for my daughter, I resolve to make a smoothie the same day so it doesn't end up as waste again!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
How I Plan To Survive My Return To Work--Part II
I don’t officially return to work until August 24th, but I have already been spending roughly 15 hours a week at work updating all of my work in preparation for the big return. Adding in that 15 hours has given me a taste of just how hectic life is to become. I will be adding in a lot more hours beginning on the 24th.
Dave Ramsey has a plan for those with irregular incomes. He asks them to make a budget by listing their most important bills first all the way down to the least important ones. On a lean month, one should pay those most important bills first and when the money runs out, it runs out, even if some of those bills at the bottom of the list don’t get paid. In a month where there is a lot of income, all bills are paid.
I plan to apply this strategy to my time. In the 10 months since I left work, I have added a baby to this family and created my blog, which I enjoy immensely. Still, my work load was heavy previously. Now I think it is going to be insane!
So, in the interest of keeping my sanity, here is my list of activities to spend my time on from most important to least. On very busy days, those at the bottom will receive little or no attention.
1. Take care of myself. I have a hard time doing this, but I must put myself first. That means making time to exercise, relax a bit and eat a healthy diet.
2. Spend time with family.
3. Complete responsibilities for my full-time job.
4. Ship out eBay items sold.
5. Write on my blog.
6. Take care of household responsibilities such as grocery shopping, paying bills, etc.
7. Pick up around the house.
8. Read other people’s blogs. I spend a little (okay, maybe way too much!) time reading other people’s blogs. I still want to do this because I find it personally fulfilling and I learn new things, but I am going to have to put it in its place, maybe only doing so for 15 minutes a day.
9. List new items on eBay.
10. Clean deeply.
In addition to this list, my husband and I need to simplify, especially in the area of meals. Those who read my blog know we like food. (Maybe too much.) In addition, my husband was raised in a family where there were several little side dishes in every meal. I was raised on one pot meals. We c ompromise with about two side dishes at a meal.
For this season in our lives, we must simplify. We will rely heavily on the meals I have made and frozen. Sometimes we will have to eat simply—grilled cheese and soup, frozen ravioli and canned pasta sauce, etc. It may not be the way we prefer to eat, but I do not want to waste money eating out. I want to save money so I can be a stay-at-home mom.
Dave Ramsey has a plan for those with irregular incomes. He asks them to make a budget by listing their most important bills first all the way down to the least important ones. On a lean month, one should pay those most important bills first and when the money runs out, it runs out, even if some of those bills at the bottom of the list don’t get paid. In a month where there is a lot of income, all bills are paid.
I plan to apply this strategy to my time. In the 10 months since I left work, I have added a baby to this family and created my blog, which I enjoy immensely. Still, my work load was heavy previously. Now I think it is going to be insane!
So, in the interest of keeping my sanity, here is my list of activities to spend my time on from most important to least. On very busy days, those at the bottom will receive little or no attention.
1. Take care of myself. I have a hard time doing this, but I must put myself first. That means making time to exercise, relax a bit and eat a healthy diet.
2. Spend time with family.
3. Complete responsibilities for my full-time job.
4. Ship out eBay items sold.
5. Write on my blog.
6. Take care of household responsibilities such as grocery shopping, paying bills, etc.
7. Pick up around the house.
8. Read other people’s blogs. I spend a little (okay, maybe way too much!) time reading other people’s blogs. I still want to do this because I find it personally fulfilling and I learn new things, but I am going to have to put it in its place, maybe only doing so for 15 minutes a day.
9. List new items on eBay.
10. Clean deeply.
In addition to this list, my husband and I need to simplify, especially in the area of meals. Those who read my blog know we like food. (Maybe too much.) In addition, my husband was raised in a family where there were several little side dishes in every meal. I was raised on one pot meals. We c ompromise with about two side dishes at a meal.
For this season in our lives, we must simplify. We will rely heavily on the meals I have made and frozen. Sometimes we will have to eat simply—grilled cheese and soup, frozen ravioli and canned pasta sauce, etc. It may not be the way we prefer to eat, but I do not want to waste money eating out. I want to save money so I can be a stay-at-home mom.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Grocery Shopping Sunday, Late Edition, 8/10/09
This is an expensive week.
In addition to the stocking up after vacation that I did and the great sales I hit at Jewel, I bought alot for my last big session of freezer meals. I expect our grocery bill to be much, much lower in September and October as we live off the freezer meals.
Groceries bought during the week of 8/4:
In addition to the stocking up after vacation that I did and the great sales I hit at Jewel, I bought alot for my last big session of freezer meals. I expect our grocery bill to be much, much lower in September and October as we live off the freezer meals.
Groceries bought during the week of 8/4:
Whole Foods:
I lost the receipt for this, but the total was $16.
Walgreens:
Total was $21.00, plus I earned $2 RR.
Jewel-Osco:
1 bag mixed veggies = 1.09
eggs = 1.19
Old Fashioned oats = 2.99
Quick oats = 2.99
Brownberry bread = 1.99
chicken broth = .79
2 cans tomato sauce = .78
1 gallon milk = 1.99
4 pkgs baby food = 3.60
Total = 26.36
The following were bought today, 8/10 and are predominately for my mega freezer meal week. I bought these groceries at Tony's & Dominicks, and the total for everything pictured below was $144.
Grand Total = (GULP!) = 239.36!!!! Yikes! The only good news is that I will have at least 14 freezer meals made out of all this. Still, it hurts!
Total for the month = 283.57
To see the OAMC (once a month cooking) and slow cooker meals that are on tap this week, go here.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Menu Planning Monday, 8/10/09
There are only two short weeks before I return to work full-time, and as each approaching week gets crazier and crazier, I think this will be my last week to really stock the freezer with already made meals.
So, I have several recipes to make this week. I'll probably make one Once a Month Cooking meal and a slow cooker meal each day. I may double the slow cooker meals and freeze some of those too.
Last week we ate the old freezer meals I found when cleaning the freezer (some were 8 months old!), and they tasted delicious, so I am excited that all the work I am putting in now to freeze meals will help us save money in September and October when I am swamped at work.
Monday
OAMC--Taco Rice
Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup
Tuesday
OAMC--Chicken Taco Casserole
Slow Cooker Picante Chicken
Wednesday
OAMC--Chicken Fried Rice
Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Gumbo
Thursday
OAMC--Creamy Chicken Lasagna
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bean Soup
Friday
OAMC--Sweet Salsa Dump Chicken
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Saturday
OAMC--Quiche in a Bag
Slow Cooker Italian Bean Soup
Sunday
OAMC--Chicken & Cheese Rice Bake
sandwiches (have to take a break some time!)
Lunches will be simple--sandwiches, leftovers and the few remaining Weight Watchers meals I have.
Breakfasts will be oatmeal, pop-tarts, cereal.
To see the groceries that we bought for the week, go here.
So, I have several recipes to make this week. I'll probably make one Once a Month Cooking meal and a slow cooker meal each day. I may double the slow cooker meals and freeze some of those too.
Last week we ate the old freezer meals I found when cleaning the freezer (some were 8 months old!), and they tasted delicious, so I am excited that all the work I am putting in now to freeze meals will help us save money in September and October when I am swamped at work.
Monday
OAMC--Taco Rice
Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup
Tuesday
OAMC--Chicken Taco Casserole
Slow Cooker Picante Chicken
Wednesday
OAMC--Chicken Fried Rice
Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Gumbo
Thursday
OAMC--Creamy Chicken Lasagna
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bean Soup
Friday
OAMC--Sweet Salsa Dump Chicken
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Saturday
OAMC--Quiche in a Bag
Slow Cooker Italian Bean Soup
Sunday
OAMC--Chicken & Cheese Rice Bake
sandwiches (have to take a break some time!)
Lunches will be simple--sandwiches, leftovers and the few remaining Weight Watchers meals I have.
Breakfasts will be oatmeal, pop-tarts, cereal.
To see the groceries that we bought for the week, go here.
Friday, August 7, 2009
More Huggies Reward Codes
Have you tried the Huggies Rewards program? I wrote about it here when I won a $25 gas card (which I just received in the mail last week!).
Money Saving Mom has some more codes. I used her codes and won a $25 Kohl's gift card. Seriously, sign up for this program! It is free and the only thing you "spend" are the free codes.
Money Saving Mom has some more codes. I used her codes and won a $25 Kohl's gift card. Seriously, sign up for this program! It is free and the only thing you "spend" are the free codes.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Great Deals I Got at Jewel
Well, as promised, here are all the great deals I got at Jewel. I bought
10 boxes Pop-Tarts
14 jars Bertolli organic pasta sauce
12 packs Knorr sides with veggies
9 small containers Ben & Jerry's ice cream
2 pints Fannie May ice cream
8 jars Skippy peanut butter
2--6 packs Dove soap
1--6 pack Caress soap
1 Degree deodorant
1 Dove deodorant
2 cans chicken broth
1--4 pack Fiber One yogurt
1 container Jewel oatmeal
The retail value on all of this is $161.14. I paid $31.81. That is a savings of 80%. Plus, I am going to send in for the $10 Kellogg's rebate, so that lowers my cost to $21.81.
The deal would have been much sweeter if I had not messed up my last transaction (all of the deodorants & soaps). If that transaction would have gone as planned, I would have gotten back $27 in coupons for my next transaction. Alas, that did not happen. I don't know if I messed up the transaction, or, after 4 transactions rolling my coupons the machine decided enough was enough. Either way, I am happy with the sales.
In case you are wondering, we will use the sauce once I get busier when I go back to work (in 2 short weeks!!). The Knorr we will use some times as side dishes, and we can always use peanut butter. I imagine this is enough processed food to last us quite some time!
See my post here for a break down of the first two transactions of this deal.
The retail value on all of this is $161.14. I paid $31.81. That is a savings of 80%. Plus, I am going to send in for the $10 Kellogg's rebate, so that lowers my cost to $21.81.
The deal would have been much sweeter if I had not messed up my last transaction (all of the deodorants & soaps). If that transaction would have gone as planned, I would have gotten back $27 in coupons for my next transaction. Alas, that did not happen. I don't know if I messed up the transaction, or, after 4 transactions rolling my coupons the machine decided enough was enough. Either way, I am happy with the sales.
In case you are wondering, we will use the sauce once I get busier when I go back to work (in 2 short weeks!!). The Knorr we will use some times as side dishes, and we can always use peanut butter. I imagine this is enough processed food to last us quite some time!
See my post here for a break down of the first two transactions of this deal.
I shared this post at Money Saving Mom.
Food Waste Wednesday (Late Edition)
The only waste we had was this container of carrots and potatoes that were left over from a roast we cooked right before vacation. We even dragged them along for the vacation in the cooler (our hotel room had a refrigerator), but somehow they never got eaten. That is a bit silly, I know. We went to the trouble of taking them on vacation, but still didn't eaten them.
When I opened the container, they didn't smell bad, so they were probably still edible, but after 8 days, I didn't want to risk it.
When I opened the container, they didn't smell bad, so they were probably still edible, but after 8 days, I didn't want to risk it.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
I originally got this recipe off recipezaar a few weeks ago, but we have altered it to give it more of the flavor we like. It is so goooooood!
1-1/2 lbs. extra lean ground beef
1-1/2 lbs. extra lean ground beef
1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
28 oz. can baked beans in maple syrup
4 green onions, sliced
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups beef broth
1-19 oz. can stewed tomatoes
1-7.5 oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 c. salsa
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 c. slow cooking barley
1. Brown the ground beef in a non-stick pan and pour off the fat.
1. Brown the ground beef in a non-stick pan and pour off the fat.
2. Add to the slow cooker and combine with the rest of the ingredients except barley.
3. Cook on low for 5 hours.
4. Add the barley and stir.
5. Cook on low for 3 more hours.
I shared this post at Life As Mom, $5 Dinners, and Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Crazy Sales at Jewel!
I just had to post this because Jewel is having INSANE sales! I bought the following for what amounts to .88. (I told you these sales are insane.)
Transaction 1:
7 Bertolli Organic Pasta sauce jars (must be organic) = 14.00
2 pkgs bic pens = 1.00 - 1.00 Q = Free
2 Fannie May ice cream cartons = B1G1 - B1G1 Q = Free
I paid $14.52 OOP and got 3--$5 coupons off my next shopping order.
Transaction 2:
7 Bertolli Organic pasta sauce jars = 14.00
2 Ben & Jerry ice creams = 2.00
Used the 3 coupons from transaction 1, paid $1.36 OOP and "earned" another 3-$5 coupons.
So, my total OOP was $15.88, but I still have $15 worth of coupons. Yes, I plan on going back tomorrow for more good deals since this sale ends tomorrow.
Afterward, my husband had a bowl of Fannie May ice cream with fresh raspberries. (It was tasty, despite the melted appearance. It melted a bit on the way home.)
I referenced Mummy Deals and Jill Cataldo to get shopping scenarios for these great deals!
Transaction 1:
7 Bertolli Organic Pasta sauce jars (must be organic) = 14.00
2 pkgs bic pens = 1.00 - 1.00 Q = Free
2 Fannie May ice cream cartons = B1G1 - B1G1 Q = Free
I paid $14.52 OOP and got 3--$5 coupons off my next shopping order.
Transaction 2:
7 Bertolli Organic pasta sauce jars = 14.00
2 Ben & Jerry ice creams = 2.00
Used the 3 coupons from transaction 1, paid $1.36 OOP and "earned" another 3-$5 coupons.
So, my total OOP was $15.88, but I still have $15 worth of coupons. Yes, I plan on going back tomorrow for more good deals since this sale ends tomorrow.
Afterward, my husband had a bowl of Fannie May ice cream with fresh raspberries. (It was tasty, despite the melted appearance. It melted a bit on the way home.)
I referenced Mummy Deals and Jill Cataldo to get shopping scenarios for these great deals!
Monday, August 3, 2009
On Not Keeping Up with the Joneses
I had a very good friend in graduate school (10 years ago!) that I lost touch with soon after grad school. When I knew her, she was heavy set and had long, curly hair and glasses. She refused to wear her hair up even in hot, sticky southern summers because she didn’t want anyone to see her neck.
I found her on Facebook a few days ago and excitedly sent her a message. I could tell from her picture it was her, but she looked so different. Her face was thin, her hair lightened and pulled up! She wasn’t wearing glasses. She looked very polished. When I showed the picture to my husband who also knew her, he wasn’t sure it was her. I had to dig up old pictures to compare to the Facebook picture. When I did that, I could really see the difference.
And that is when it happened. My husband and I started wondering what dramatic change had happened in her life. We started speculating about all sorts of things that could have happened to her in the 10 years since we have last seen one another.
And then we started looking at ourselves critically. We don’t look that good. Ten years time has aged us. (Having two kids can do that to a person.) We feel stagnant. My husband has been in grad school getting his master’s and Ph.D. for the last 7 years. We rent instead of owning a home, even though we are nearing 40. (That seems to measure certain failure to many, especially before the current economic downturn.) I am working at a job I don’t enjoy just waiting for my husband to graduate so I can be a stay at home mom.
We were previously proud of ourselves for NOT owning a home, for not taking on that financial burden when we weren’t ready for it. We do fairly well on one income, and we were also happy with that. Of course, we love our children and are grateful to have them; in fact, we would like to have one more. But one look at my friend’s picture and her new polished look made us immediately question everything we are doing.
Isn’t that the way it is? You see a friend drive up in a nice new car and you wonder how they can be doing so much better than you. You see a friend’s remodeled kitchen and you are envious and annoyed with your kitchen that previously you were satisfied with. But often what we are envious of is only a one dimensional image, like a picture.
I don’t know what happened to my friend; I hope to hear from her soon and reconnect. Meanwhile, like teachers used to say, “Keep your eyes on your own paper” we need to keep our eyes on our own life. We are working hard so that someday we will achieve the life we dream of. I hope that my friend has already achieved hers.
I found her on Facebook a few days ago and excitedly sent her a message. I could tell from her picture it was her, but she looked so different. Her face was thin, her hair lightened and pulled up! She wasn’t wearing glasses. She looked very polished. When I showed the picture to my husband who also knew her, he wasn’t sure it was her. I had to dig up old pictures to compare to the Facebook picture. When I did that, I could really see the difference.
And that is when it happened. My husband and I started wondering what dramatic change had happened in her life. We started speculating about all sorts of things that could have happened to her in the 10 years since we have last seen one another.
And then we started looking at ourselves critically. We don’t look that good. Ten years time has aged us. (Having two kids can do that to a person.) We feel stagnant. My husband has been in grad school getting his master’s and Ph.D. for the last 7 years. We rent instead of owning a home, even though we are nearing 40. (That seems to measure certain failure to many, especially before the current economic downturn.) I am working at a job I don’t enjoy just waiting for my husband to graduate so I can be a stay at home mom.
We were previously proud of ourselves for NOT owning a home, for not taking on that financial burden when we weren’t ready for it. We do fairly well on one income, and we were also happy with that. Of course, we love our children and are grateful to have them; in fact, we would like to have one more. But one look at my friend’s picture and her new polished look made us immediately question everything we are doing.
Isn’t that the way it is? You see a friend drive up in a nice new car and you wonder how they can be doing so much better than you. You see a friend’s remodeled kitchen and you are envious and annoyed with your kitchen that previously you were satisfied with. But often what we are envious of is only a one dimensional image, like a picture.
I don’t know what happened to my friend; I hope to hear from her soon and reconnect. Meanwhile, like teachers used to say, “Keep your eyes on your own paper” we need to keep our eyes on our own life. We are working hard so that someday we will achieve the life we dream of. I hope that my friend has already achieved hers.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Menu Planning Monday, 8/3/09
While trying to make room in my freezer, I found some meals I had froze several months ago. We will eat those this week to make room for the new freezer meals I am making to prepare for my return to work.
Monday--Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Tuesday--Slow Cooker Bean & Barley Soup
Wednesday--Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup (see my post this coming Thursday on this yummy soup!)
Thursday--Shrimp & Black Bean Soup
Friday--Slow Cooker Bean Soup
Saturday--leftovers
Sunday--eating out
For lunches we will have leftovers, sandwiches, and Weight Watchers meals.
Breakfasts will be omelets, smoothies, and oatmeal.
To see the groceries we bought for the week go here.
Monday--Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Tuesday--Slow Cooker Bean & Barley Soup
Wednesday--Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup (see my post this coming Thursday on this yummy soup!)
Thursday--Shrimp & Black Bean Soup
Friday--Slow Cooker Bean Soup
Saturday--leftovers
Sunday--eating out
For lunches we will have leftovers, sandwiches, and Weight Watchers meals.
Breakfasts will be omelets, smoothies, and oatmeal.
To see the groceries we bought for the week go here.
Grocery Shopping Sunday, 8/2/09
One of my goals before I return to work is to have 30 freezer meals in the freezer. While making room in my freezer, I found some meals I made this past winter and froze. Oops. We will eat up those meals this week to make room in the freezer for the rest of the freezer meals I have to make. (The freezer is VERY full right now due to the other freezer meals I have recently made, and the blueberries and strawberries I froze.) Therefore, shopping was light this week.
Tony's Finer Foods:
2 cans baked beans = 4.50
1- 3 lb. bag apples = 3.00
1 bunch spinach = .99
1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese = 1.56
3/4 lb. ham = 3.02
1/2 lb. salami = 2.37
1 green pepper =.56
1 head broccoli = .71
4 pastries = 2.64
1 box stick cookies = .79
1 sm. bag cheetos = .33
2 tomatoes = .34
6 plums = 3.80
4 peaches = 3.71
1 bag carrots = .69
2 pkgs. raspberries = 1.98
2 lb. bag rice = 1.99
1/4 watermelon = 1.37
Total = 31.49 + CVS trip = 12.55 = 44.04
Total for the month = 44.04
To see the meals we will eat for the week, go here.
CVS, 8/2/09
What a harried CVS trip! We just returned from vacation about 2 p.m., and, of course, my paper was stolen once again. (No, I am not going to renew my subscription. What is the point of supplying a thief with a free paper every week?) So, this trip was without the benefit of an ad or coupons. I will probably go back later in the week for more great deals after I have a chance to look through the ad and match coupons.
1 Accu Chek Compact Kit=$14.99, earned $10 ECBs
1 gallon milk =1.99, earned $1 ECBs
2 wireless notebooks = 1.98, earned $1.98 ECBs
1 protractor = 1.50, earned 1.50 ECBs
2 flexible rulers = 1.98, earned 1.98 ECBs
2 sticky note pkgs = 1.98, earned 1.98 ECBs
1 newspaper = 1.99
Used $14.83 ECBs, for a total OOP of $12.55. I saved $27.02, or 69%.
I earned $18.44 in ECBs.
I shared this post at Saving Cents with Sense.
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