We Own Our New Home!

Just a quick note to tell you that we closed on our new home this past Friday, so we are homeowners again! DH and I are moving little things from the apartment, little by little. We have painters coming tomorrow to get rid of the white walls. We have so many large windows in the house that the white hits you right in the face when you walk in. It will take them at least a week to get every room painted that we want done. There were a few minor things that weren't finished in the house so we will have contractors in most of this week.

The appliances that we purchased are not being delivered and installed until two different days the end of this week. Atlas will be delivering the AZ house contents that have been in storage the following week
When we are ready my two sons will move the apartment stuff. My son in Albany is bringing the HE washer and dryer in a rented trailer that we will use to move that stuff.

So between painters, contractors, movers and installation of various things we have purchased and ordered, we will not be out of this apartment until the end of April. It is nice to have that month overlap! So if I am not on the computer, you will know we are very busy, very busy! Talk to you when I can! Happy deal shopping to all of you!!!!    

When Our Home in the Phoenix Area was on TV!

My friend, Jodi, from Arizona reminded me yesterday that our home was on TV there as a "Cool Home" on the Fox Channel. I had almost forgotten about that. So since DH and I have a few spare moments, I thought I would post some of those pictures. The top one was after we had the custom valances installed. The others don't have the valances installed yet. But we had them installed on every window in the great room, kitchen and study since they were all rooms that were open to each other. I will have to do this piece meal or the posts will be way to long, so as I get small bits of time and need a break, I will try to post more. Let me just say that DH and I loved that home and if we could have trucked it here and put it on an empty lot we would have.   None of the stainless steel appliances had been installed yet and neither had all new carpet and tile work. I will post those as I post more.  The TV filming was nerve wracking and exciting at the same time. Since we have sold this home, it is nice to have the video that the TV station cut for us.  

I Will Be Back!

We will start moving the end of this week. So I best get serious about getting the rest of the packing done.  We will not have internet service for about 5 days after we close. However I am sure I will not miss it since we will have so much to do. So I will be back in about 2 weeks. Enjoy your deals and keep the fires warm for me. Till then................

Target, Walgreens and Tops!

UPDATE:  In my haste I just realized that I bought the body wash instead of the body lotion for the rebate. I am off to exchange it. Please don't make the same mistake!  It is a wonder I can find my head these days!

I was at Target when they opened at 8 AM. Then it was off to Walgreens and Tops. This is what I purchased:


Target:

3 Monopoly Games - $ 7.00 each - Used $5.00 Mfrs. Cpns on each = $ 2.00 each

2 Connect 4 Games - $ 7.00 each - Used $4.00 Mfrs. Cpn on each - Used $ 3.00 Target Cpn on each = Both Free

2 TGI Fridays Anytizers - $ 2.82 each - Used $ 1.50 Target Cpn = $ 1.32 each

Total OOP was $ 11.18 including $ 2.54 in tax!


Walgreens( Done in 2 orders because of rebates):

1 Olay Quench Lotion - $ 7.99- $ 1.00 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 6.99 and I will submit for a $ 7.99 Rebate

1 Olay Quench Lotion - $ 5.99 - Since they didn't have the In Shower Lotion, the manager gave this to me for Free  and I used a $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = made $ 1.00

2 lbs. of Oscar Mayer Bacon - $ 3.00 each - Used $ 1.50/1 IP Cpns = $ 1.50 each and I received $ 1.00 RR 

2 Planters Trail Mix - $ 1.50 each - Used $ 1.50/1 IP Cpns = Free and I received a $ 1.00 RR

2 Vanity Fair Napkins - $ 1.99 each on sale BOGO - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpn = $ .99 for both

2 Vanity Fair Paper Plates - $ 1.99 each on sale BOGO - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpn = $ .99 for both

3 Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers - $ 8.99 each = $ 26.97 - Used $ 3./1 IP Cpns = $ 17.97 and I received a $ 5.00 Register Reward for buying 3 packs( Afrer RR, this works out to about $ 4.33 a pack)

Total OOP was $ 31.35 inluding tax but I received $ 7.00 in Register Rewards and will submit for the $ 7.99 Rebate and use the Vanity Fair Paper Products towards the Georgia Pacific $5.00 Rebate.


Tops:

2 International Delight Creamers - $ 1.67 each - Used $ .55/1 Mfrs. Cpn Dbled - $ .57 each

Total OOP was $ 1.14


Analysis:

The games are gifts for Easter and Christmas. DH loves anytizers and these were cheap so he will have a treat for March Madness. I am on my last bottle of lotion and this was a great deal. Bacon is a great price and will keep in our freezer. Trail Mix was a moneymaker; no more to be said.
We are going to be without our refrigerator in our new home for 10 days so we will be eating sandwiches and easy things. The plates and napkins will be handy for that and I won't have to wash dishes with all the unpacking we will be doing.  The diapers are for my grandson, West! We can always use cheap creamer.

I will be doing my grocery budget rollover but not including the games and diapers which are gifts and come out of our gift budget.

Our rollover grocery budget was $ 67.23 minus the $ 14.85 I spent today leaves $ 52.38 for the rest of the month. 

The Houses We Border

I told you in a post when we first moved here that I was hoping that this area was safe. Since the apartment complex advised that it was bordered by million dollar homes, I was hoping that it was. Well, this is a beautiful area that we are living in and it is very safe.

The picture above is one of our neighbors homes. The taxes total $32000.+ a year. I can't even imagine paying that. The assessed value is $ 1,120, 900. YIKES!

It certainly is beautiful though!


The one below is a real bargain at $608,900. Taxes are only $ 18,091.39 a year!  Makes my total tax bill for one year of $8000. seem like a real bargain!

An Afternoon To Just Relax!

DH and I have been so busy that yesterday afternoon we decided to just "smell the roses". It was a beautiful sunny warm day here so DH and I went exploring. We drove to Olcott, N.Y. which is only a few miles from our new home.  The pictures above show one of the reasons that we moved to Western New York.  Lake Ontario is breathtaking and so massive. Krull Park is home to many places to picnic, pavillions that you can rent on a daily basis, concerts held in the park ( which DH and I will love), a sprinkler pool, etc. There is a public swimming beach on the lake. They have a carousel which I am sure my grandchildren will love and many, many little shops and eateries. DH and I will be spending lots of time at this venue.

Next we will take a trip to see Lake Erie which is just about as far a drive to downtown Buffalo. Having two of the Great Lakes at your doorstep not only produces a lot of snow, but is a great way to spend spring, summer and fall. I think DH and I are really going to enjoy this area!        

Wegmans,Walgreens and Target!

There were a few things I had to shop for this week. This is what I purchased:


Wegmans:

3 DiGiorno Pizza and Breadsticks - $ 6.99 each - Used Free Coupons = Free ( Getting ready for my DiGiorno Houseparty this weekend!)

2- 20 oz. Diet Coke - $ 1.50 each - Used Free Cpns from Coke Rewards = Free

Total OOP was $ .37 which was tax and bottle depsoits!

Walgreens:

4 Ore Ida Easy Fries - $ .99 each - Used (2) $ 1.50/2 IP Cpns = $ .96 for all 4

1 - 12 count Double Roll Northern Toilet Paper - $ 6.99 

1 Hallmark Greeting Card ( Not in Picture) - $ 2.29

Used $ 10.00 in Register Rewards

Total OOP was $ 1.05 including tax!  


Target:

1 Seventh Generation Multipurpose Cleaner - $ 2.99 - Used Free Cpn from Recycle Bank = Free

1- 80 ct. Excedrin - $ 7.99 - Used Free Mfrs. Cpn up to Maximum of $ 5.99 = $ 2.00

Total OOP was $ 2.27 including tax.

My rollover grocery budget for the month was $ 70.92 minus the $ 3.69 I spent today leaves $ 67.23 for the rest of the month!   Yes, I am having a Houseparty this weekend for DiGiorno along with everything else I have to do for the move and closing next week. But it will all get done!

Quick Update and a Little Begging!

Jennifer who frequents my blog was nice enough to offer me a $10./50. coupon for Lowes that she was not going to be able to use. We went there today and spent $82.00 on a mailbox, newspaper box under the mailbox, and post. Many thanks to Jennifer!

We have so much outdoor equipment to buy. In Arizona we had stones and bushes in our yards. In New York, we will have a lawn eventually and gardens. So we are starting from scratch and need everything...all garden tools, a spreader, a lawn mower, shovels, rakes, a wheelbarrow, a snowblower, etc.  If anyone has any coupons like Jennifer sent for Lowes or Home Depot that you can't use, I would love them.  If you could, leave me a comment with your e-mail, I will e-mail you with my name and address.  I promise not to publish your e-mail if you don't want me to. I appreciate any help with these coupons that you can give me. Thanks! 


Now for a quick update:  It looks like we are golden to close next week. The electric and natural gas is in and the meters have been hung and put in the builders name for now. DH and I have been trying to get the cable company to splice the wires that were run in the neighborhood and arrange our telephone, cable and internet service. We have made so many calls and been given so many promises that have not been kept about when that will be done. It became apparent to us today that we needed to escalate. DH finally called the President of Time Warner's Office in NYC..

We had the owner of Creative Window Designs meet us at the house today to measure our 13 huge windows for Hunter Douglas Blinds and Energy Efficient Shades. He will custom order them all and install them the week after closing. They are costing us a small fortune but they are guaranteed for life and will repair or replace them if needed. We will worry about getting valances made after we are moved and settled.

The carpeting is being installed today and tomorrow. Then there are just little odds and ends that need to be taken care of. Our final walk through has been scheduled just before the closing.


Our lighting store called to tell us that all of our lights and ceiling fans have come in. We are having them hold them until closing.

There is so much to do but we are finally getting there! :-)

Our car is finally repaired Thanks to Hillman Automotive and we can finish everything that we need to do now and know that the car is in good shape.   

Target Clearance!

I am trying to move as little as possible but I could not pass up the clearance at Target today. Many things in their office supplies section are on sale at 75% off. I snagged Scissors that has 2 pair each in them for $ 1.37 a set. I need a pair of scissors in almost every room of the house. I need them in the kitchen so I don't grab my poultry ones to cut paper or plastic. I like a pair in each bedroom and one in the laundry room. We definitely need them in the office and one in a drawer in the great room would be handy for cutting coupons while I am reading magazines. I also like a pair in the bathrooms besides having manicure scissors in there. Plus DH has used them in the garage. If they get put back where they belong, then they will always be handy.

The hockey plates were $ .37 a package and will be fun when we host company to watch the Buffalo Sabres. I was totally out of tissue paper and this was so pretty at $ .74. The same goes for being out of Thank You notes which were only $ .98 a package.

The gold stamp pad which I will use for various things at Christmas was $ 1.24.  Lastly the Record Journal was $ 2.18 and I use these to record all of the things I do to save money. These become my reminders which I find very motivational.

So if you need any of these things check out your Target. They had a lot of notebooks, planners, wedding invitation sets that you can make on the computer, party invitations, and letters and other little things for scrapbooking.   

Tops and Wegmans!

Even though I am not doing much shopping while we are getting ready for the move, I did want to post what I believe are the BEST deals this week.

Tops:

Jennie - O Turkey Breasts - $ .99 a lb. - This is about as cheap as they get once a year around Easter. This is a stockpiling opportunity for everyone. I am going to see how many I can fit in the freezer here and then take to the house after we move. Don't forget about the $ 5.00 Jennie- O Rebate if you haven't done it.

Pillsbury Classic Brownie Mixes - $ 1.00 - Use $ 1./2 Peelie Cpn = $.50 each

Barilla Pasta Asst. Varieties - $ 1.00 each - Use $ 75./1 Mfrs. Cpn Dbled= Free

Bounty Paper Towels - $ 1.00 - Use $.50/1 Mfrs. Cpn Dbled = $ .50

Coffemate Creamer - $ 2.49 - Use $ .75/1 IP Cpn Dbled = $ .99

Nature's Pride Bread - $ 2.50 - Use $ .75/1 IP Cpn Dbled = $ 1.00

Center Cut Pork Loin Chops - $ 1.88 a lb. - These are almost 50% off.

Fresh Pineapples - $ 1.99 each

Hass Avocados - $ 1.00


Wegmans:

Green Cabbage - 3 lbs. for $ 1.

Wegmans Canned Vegetables ( Corn, Peas and Green Beans - $ .39 a can

Suave Shampoo and Conditioner - $ .85 each - Use $ .50/2 Mfrs. Cpn Dbled = $ .35 each 

Wegmans Roasting Chickens - $ .79 a lb.

90% Lean Ground Beef - $ 1.99 a lb.

If I missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and tell me so I can add the item. 

Money Saving Challenge This Past Week

We've been really busy with the move but got a few money saving things done.

- Received Free and other coupons for Kashi cereal from Vocalpoint.

- Received my Free issues of Working Mother and Thriving Families Magazines

- Received some Free 20 oz. Coke coupons from Coke Rewards

- Received $10.00 survey check

- Did some grocery and drugstore shopping for some necessary items using coupons and deals

- We got a great deal on an HE Washer and Dryer with the pedestals with the drawers. They had only been used a couple of years by a relative who was selling them. We hadn't planned on buying the HE's so quickly but it was too good a deal to pass up. Our washer and dryer will be coming from storage but we will sell them on Craigslist along with the brand new dishwasher from the builder that we will not be using. I am always looking for ways to save energy and these will really help. Now I need to watch for a deal on HE detergent.

- For entertainment this week, we babysat our grandson two different days. To us that is PRICELESS!

- I earned enough points on SwagBucks to order two more Amazon Gift Certificates

- I did the rest of my points programs and survey programs.

- I continue to wash clothes in cold water with minimal detergent and dry using the minimum amount of  dryer time.

- I only wash full loads of dishes in the dishwasher.

- We went out to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings last night using a giftcard that that we got for Christmas to pay.

- All the rest of our meals this week were made from our stockpile as we are trying to move as little food as possible.

- We were considering buying a small refrigerator to use at the new house until our refrigerator is delivered from storage. My son has one that we can use until ours arrives. We probably saved $100. or so on that.

- Right now we are researching bar and counter stools for our breakfast bar. We want to find the perfect ones at the best price possible.

- DH took the car into the dealership. They say we need a pulley and possibly we have a problem with the power steering. They want at least $1000. for all of it. We ordered the pulley a week ago and they still have not gotten it in. DH really got the feeling that they didn't want to be bothered with the job. So we went to a private auto repair place that my son has used. They will have the part and fix the car on Monday. We need a reliable car right now and don't have time to wait on the dealership. Funny thing is that we will be paying cash for a new car in a couple of years and this dealership has definitely lost our business. The auto repair place is also going to cost way less than the dealership was going to charge.

That is about it for us this week. Please feel free to share what you have doing to save money by leaving a comment.                

Quick Update!

Just a quick update......the picture is of the hanstone(quartz) countertops. The desk isn't totally finished yet but you can see the countertop finish. I love them! They go so well with our cherry cupboards. The countertops need cleaning yet, but this gives you an idea.

It has been a busy week. The electric is now in and the meter is on the house. The natural gas line was connected to the house today. The meter for that gets hung on Monday. Everything else is being finished and we should be golden for our close.

DH and I are so glad that it will be ours soon. :-)   

Does Anybody Have Any Experience with getting Prescriptions at Rite Aid?

For years, DH and I have gotten our prescriptions from CVS. We had the most wonderful pharmacists and their team at the Guadalupe & Crismon Store in Mesa, AZ. We could always count on our prescriptions being filled correctly. We always also knew that we would be greeted with a smile and some chit chat. These people were wonderful. I truly miss them! 

Here in the Buffalo area we are currently getting our prescriptions at a CVS store that is 6 and 1/2 miles away from where we are living. When we move it will be over 18 miles away one way. CVS was supposed to have a store open that is closer this month but that has been delayed until July or later.

There is a Rite Aid not far from our new home. We have never done business with them for prescriptions. If anyone here has, could you please let me know if you have been satisfied. I hate to leave CVS but I don't have a choice because of the drive.    

Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Tops!

Since we are going to visit our son, DIL and grandson this afternoon, I decided to get my shopping done early.  This is what I purchased:

Rite Aid:

2 Cover Girl TruBlend Foundation - $ 9.99 each - on sale B1G1F - Used B1G1F Mfrs. Cpn = Free

2 Cover Girl Clean Foundations - $ 6.99 each - on sale B1G1F - Used B1G1F Mfrs. Cpn = Free

4 Cover Girl TrueCheeks Blush - $ 7.49 each - on sale B1G1F - Used B1G1F Mfrs. Cpns = Free

Total OOP was tax only = $ 2.80


Walgreens:

2 Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles - $ 10.99 each - Used $3.00 off Walgreens In Ad Cpn - Used $ 2./1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ 11.98 and I received a $10.00 Catalina good ONYSO for buying $20. worth

Total OOP was $12.74 including tax but I got the $10.00 Catalina Cpn.

Tops:

1- 250 ct. Marcal Small Steps Napkins - $ 2.99 - Used $1./1 Mfrs. Cpn - Used Tops Super Doubler Cpn = $.99

2 - Soft Scrub Bath and Toilet Cleaner - $ 2.50 each - Used $ 1.50 IP Cpns = $ 1.00 each

1- 32 oz. College Inn Chicken Broth - $ 2.85 - Used $ 1./1 IP Cpn - Used Tops Super Doubler Cpn = $ .85

1- Eye Round Corned Beef - on sale for $ 3.49 a lb. = $ 9.46 and I will be sending for a $ 5.00 Guinness Beer Rebate

1 Tyson Anytizers - $ 3.00 - Used $1./1 Mfrs. Cpn - Used Tops Super Doubler Cpn = $ 1.00

2 Wishbone Spritzers - $ 2.00 each - Used $ .75 IP Cpns Dbled = $ .50 each

1 Cabbage on sale for $.39 a lb = $ 1.17

2 Heluva Good Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese - $ 2.00 each - Used $ .50/1 IP Cpns Doubled = $ 1.00 each

1 Louisiana Tartar Sauce - $ 2.49 - Used $ .55/1 Mfrs. Cpn Doubled = $ 1.39

Total OOP was $ 20.21 including tax.

My rollover grocery budget was $ 106.67 minus the $ 35.75 I spent today leaves $ 70.92 for the rest of the month.


Analysis: Since I was down to my last foundation and blush, this makeup sale was too good to be true. I stocked.

The Dr. Scholls were cheap after the Catalina. Since I have plantar fasciitis, these should help until I get my orthotics.

We were almost out of napkins and I do not have my cloth ones with me here. The Soft Scrub I need to clean and was a great price. I use the chicken broth to cook many, many things. We don't like the flat end of the corned beef. You can get that on sale right now for $2.88 a lb. I opted for the better cut since DH really loves corned beef sandwiches. The rebates forms are on the Guinness Beer Display and you do not need to purchase the beer here in NY. So my corned beef will only end up costing me $ 4.46.

I like to treat DH once in while with the anytizers while he watches sports. $ 1.00 for them is all I am willing to pay right now. We were down to our last bit of salad dressing. I love cabbage with corned beef but DH doesn't. All the more for me! :-)

I use sharp cheddar cheese in salads, tacos. casseroles. etc. $ 1.00 was a good price for here. We were out of tartar sauce and still have some fish in the freezer. 

Money Saving Challenge This Past Week

We are spending like crazy for everything that we need in the new house. However, that doesn't mean that we can't still save some money. This is what we did this week:  

- Received Free Coupon for any Nabisco Cracker or Cookie Product. DH wrote them about a problem with one their boxes of Wheat Thin Crisps.

-  The painter we are hiring is only charging us $20. an hour plus the cost of the paint to do the rooms in our new home.  His normal rate is $ 25. an hour. He gave us a break since there will be no furniture to move.

- Mailed two rebates out for a total of $ 34.

- Received my Franklin Planner order at 20% off. I use their classic planner. I started using one when I worked years ago and their system works for me to keep me very organized. My planner year starts April 1.  I went through Ebates for an additional cash rebate of 5%. 

- When I left AZ, I threw out the only pair of slip on flats that I owned. I have been looking for a comfortable pair at a great price ever since. I saw this post here:  SwagGrabber . I purchased two pair of Bass for $ 15.95 a pair. Since I went through  Ebates I earned another 3.5% cash back. Bass, I always find to be very comfortable.

- I purchased two sets of Northern Lights California King Sheet Sets for our sleep number bed from QVC. They were $47.76 a set and came with four pillowcases in each set. Sure I had to pay shipping but by ordering through   Ebates I earned another 3% cash back. I ordered one set. When they arrived,  DH loved them and insisted I order another set. The sage green color will go perfect in our new bedroom. I now have three sets of sheets to replace the ones that were getting threadbare.

- Did my grocery store and drugstore shopping for the things we needed using coupons and rebates. The best deal was buying the Jennie- O Turkey Ham in a chunk and having the deli slice it for me. I saved at least a $1.00 a lb. and then submitted for the $5.00 Rebate. 2.14 lbs. of turkey ham cost me $1.40 after rebate.

- I have all the taxes ready to mail. Even though we are retired, we have taxes withheld all year for Federal. AZ lets us pay at the end without a penalty. So after paying AZ and getting a refund from the Federal, we will net a very large refund. That check will go directly to our savings to replace some of the money we are spending for the house purchase. 

-  Our van is acting up. DH is taking it in to the dealership tomorrow to get it fixed before it gets any worse. I am sure they will have to order parts. If we need a car during the repair time, we will rent one. That is still much cheaper than paying for two cars all year round. I have my fingers crossed that it won't be too expensive to fix.

- We went out to dinner on Wednesday evening to Campobello's Italian Cucina. Alex at Living Without Money told us the food was good there. Since we hadn't been out in a while, we decided to try it. However, we used a B1G1F dinner entree coupon from the Entertainment Book to defray the cost.

- Now that we had most of our chandeliers and lights out of the way, we needed to purchase 5 ceiling fans with lights. We went to both Home Depot and Lowes but could only find one that we truly liked there. So we bought that one for the office. We had been to so many places looking. Today we went to a lighting store over on Sheridan Drive and found what we were looking for but they don't discount and their prices were a bit high. So we went back to the family owned lighting store where we purchased all of our other lighting to see if they could order them and if it would be cheaper. Sure enough we got three of the four ceiling fans that we were looking for and got them for $ 1150. instead of the $1500. the other store wanted.  We will keep looking for the fan for the exercise room

- We have been trying to eat up our stockpile so that we don't have to move it. We have a few meals of meat, fish, chicken, pizza, and hot dogs in the freezer along with FF's, tator tots and lots of veggies. We will work  tuna and soup on the pantry shelves in between those meals so I won't be buying much.  

- Besides the coupons that came in the mail this week, I have gotten a $10. survey check, some Coke coupons from Coke Rewards. Purell 3 in 1 sheet samples, and my Refund Cents magazine.

- I filed all the coupons from the week in my binder. I want to keep up to date for after we move.

- I continue to do my points and survey programs and ordered another $ 5.00 Amazon.com coupon from Swagbucks. I also received 2 of them a few days ago from Swagbucks.

- I did two loads of laundry using cold water and the Free Purell 3-1 sheets that I received in the mail.

- Tonight I will be reading my Refund Cents magazine and watching some TV for entertainment. I am very tired from all the shopping this week.       

Update on the House

We just got back from the house having met the professional painter who we are hiring to paint most of our rooms for us as soon as we close on the house. We gave him the paint chips and he will have them color matched for Benjamin Moore Aura paint. This man comes highly recommended and is just meticulous. DH has always been meticulous when he paints so this is what we were looking for in a painter. It will take he and his crew about a week to paint the rooms we want done. 

When we got to the house, there were contractors all over the place. I have never seen so many at one time. The picture is of more cupboards in the kitchen and there are still 2 more to go in. They were just starting to put the chair rail on top of the cupboards that have been installed. I am going to love the look. The HanStone  countertops are being made as I write this. There were three men there continuing to lay the hardwood floors. Two men were grouting all of the tilework in the master bath, laundry room and hall bathroom. They had just finished grouting the shower and it is gorgeous. DH and I did a great job picking the grout color last fall in the few hours we had to pick everything. They were installing the round white column on our porch. They were also bringing more and more truckloads of fill in. The topcoat of soil will go on soon. Things are really moving rapidly now.

The utility companies are still working furiously. The natural gas line is in. The electric utilities have to be installed now. I will be thrilled when that is completed. The water lines are in and connected. The town installed the street signs so that people can find us.

We are getting very excited now. We have our walk through and closing date and it looks like it will be met as long as the utilites are all in which is looking really good right now.

Things at the House are Really Moving Now

All of the finish work is being done on the house. Yesterday they were starting to tile the master bathroom shower as you can see in the picture above. They had finished laying the tile in the laundry room and 2nd bathroom. I suspect the grout work will all be done today.

The hardwood floors were being installed. That should take a couple of more days. Carpeting will be the last thing installed.

DH and I are meeting a professional painter that we have hired at the house tomorrow. The first day we walked into the house after they had painted the white, we needed sunglasses. It was so white! UGH! We have chosen all of the colors we want him to paint on our walls. He will be ready to do that the day after we close on the house. 

Today we are off to buy some more lighting. So many things to be done now! Just wanted to quickly update you all.      

Shopping: Tops, Wegmans, Walgreens & Rite Aid

UPDATE:

Eileen brought to my attention the fact that the Jennie-O Turkey Ham that I bought qualifies for the $5.00 Rebate. Thanks so much Eileen. If it were not for her, I would have missed that. So not only did I save a $1.00 a lb over buying the deli ham, but I actually will ONLY end up paying $ 1.40 for 2.14lbs. of the turkey ham. This is the best deal on cold cuts that I have had in a long time.     

I had to take a break this morning to go shopping for some things that we needed. Our car has now developed a high pitch whine and everytime I take it out, I am afraid it won't make it home. Just what we need with the move imminent. This is what I purchased this morning:

Wegmans:

Jennie - O Turkey Ham - $ 2.99lb. = $ 6.40

Approx. 1/2 lb. of Deli London Broil Roast Beef - $ 3.70

Received $ 1.20 in Bottle Returns

Total OOP was $ 8.90.


Tops:

6 Boxes of Kleenex - $ 1.00 each - Used (2) $ .50/3 IP Cpns Dbled = $4.00 and I received a $ 3.00 Catalina Cpn Good on my Next Shopping Order

1 Pkg. of Double Stuffed Oreos - $ 3.49 - Used Mfrs. Free Product Cpn = Free

3 Pkgs. of Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats - on sale 3 for $5.00 - Used B1G1F Mfrs. Cpn and $1./1 IP Cpn = $ 2.33 for all

1 Shake N Bake for Chicken -$ 2.39 - Used $ .75/1 IP Cpn Dbled = $ .89

1 - 32 oz. International Delight Creamer - $ 3.69

2 Bags of Doritos Nachos - $ 3.49 each = $ 6.98

1 - 32 oz. Tops Tater Tots - $ 2.39

1 64oz. Tropicana Orange Juice - $1.99 with Super Cpn and a Minimum $20. purchase

Total OOP including tax was $ 22.27.


Walgreens:

1 - 45ct. Glad Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags - $ 5.99

1 Hallmark Greeting Card - $ 2.29

2 cans of Lindsay Black Olives - $ .99 each with Walgreens Cpn = $ 1.98

2 Ajax Dishwashing Liquid - $.89 each with Walgreens Cpn = $ 1.78

1 Starbucks Frappuccino - $ 1.25 with Walgreens Cpn - used $ 1./1 IP Cpn = $ .25

Used $ 12.00 in Register Rewards

Total OOP including tax was $ 1.17.


Rite Aid:

1 - 42 ct. Prilosec - $ 28.99 - Used $ 10.00 Rite Aid Wellness Cpn - Used $ 3.00/1 Mfrs. Cpn =
$ 15.99 and I will get Single Check Rebate for $5.00

Used $ 5.00/25.00 Rite Aid Cpn

Total OOP was $10.99 and I will get the SCR of $ 5.00

My monthly grocery budget is $ 150.00 minus $ 43.33 I spent today leaves $ 106.67 for the rest of the month.


ANALYSIS:  Both DH and I wanted cold cuts. Since I am addicted to Beef on Kummelwick rolls, I got the roast beef. DH wanted turkey ham. I found the Jennie O Turkey Ham for $ 2.99 a lb. in a large piece in the meat dept. The cheapest ham they had at the deli was $ 3.99 a lb and it wasn't turkey ham. So I took the chunk of turkey ham to the deli and asked them to slice it for me. They were more than happy to oblige. I saved $1.00 per pound and there is so much  ham that I can freeze some for later use in casseroles and omelets. I own a deli slicer but it is in storage. That is why the turkey ham in the picture is wrapped in saran wrap.    

The Kleenex was too good a deal to pass up. I had a Free Product Cpn that Nabisco sent as a replacement for a problem with one of their products - hence the Oreos. My cat gets treats every night and we were down to our last few treats, so this was a great price. The Shake and Bake was a good deal after doubled coupon and I needed it for our menu tomorrow night.

The creamer was expensive but alas no coupons. I was desperate! DH has been having a snack attack due to the lack of snacks we have, so I got the Doritos. Hopefully, they will last the month. The tater tots were needed for a recipe the end of the week. We were almost out of OJ.

Since I had expiring RR's, I decided to use them for the on sale garbage bags and the greeting card I needed for the end of this month. I am using my last bottle of dish liquid. We use black olives in pasta salads. The Starbucks was a treat for me!

My omneprazole is not working and I do not have a Dr. here until the end of next week. So the Prilosec was a necessity and this was the cheapest way that I could work out to buy them.  

Blogroll 3/2

Since I am so busy these days, I thought I would give you some other blog posts to read that have been terrific recently. KC over at Desert Diva Deals does this once in a while and I enjoy checking out new blogs.

- Lucky whose blog is Making My Own Luck did a wonderful freezer cooking weekend. She shows you how to do it from start to finish.

- Amiyrah whose blog is 4 Hats and Frugal posted in her Stockpile Double Agent Series about coffee creamer.

- Alex whose blog is Living Without Money showed us how to use up chicken breast with her delicious pizza recipe.

- I always enjoy KC's Frugal Ramblings which are here:  Desert Diva Deals    

- FrugalSuz whose blog is here:  Hounding with FrugalSuz never fails to amaze me with her drugstore deals each week. I don't know where she gets all of her energy. Suz, can I borrow some?

- Tosha, besides posting the deals each week, has some wonderful recipes on here blog which is
here:  Saving Makes Cents

I hope you all enjoy these as much as I have.