Happy New Year to all! As 2010 ends and 2011 begins, we are so busy here celebrating. We started last night with a wonderful fondue celebration at my son and DIL's home. For years, DH and I used to entertain with fondue dinners. It is so much fun and a nice way to enjoy a leisurely meal and great conversation. They wined us and dined us with cheese fondue with cooked chicken, broccoli, brussel sprouts, mushroooms, zucchini and different types of bread. Dessert was chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, homemade pound cake and marshmallows. It was all so delicious.
Of course the best part was playing with West. DH and I gave him as one of his presents a One Step Ahead tent and tunnel system. When it is all set up it has 4 or 5 tents and tunnels connecting them all. As you can see, West is enjoying it immensely.
Tonight we ring in the New Year with a prime rib dinner. We are so looking forward to tasting that $60. Kansas City prime rib that I snagged for only $ 25. thanks to Groupon. The celebration then continues tomorrow with our first meal of the year, most likely prime rib leftovers.
I hope you are all pschyed for the 2011 Money Saving Challenge. I know I am! I will be making the first post of the 2011 challenge very soon.
Meanwhile enjoy your New Year's celebrations and stay safe!
I finally had to go to the bank today which is quite a distance away. I hadn't been there in two months and I had 10 rebate checks to deposit. So while I was going there, I stopped at a few places along the route for some good deals.
At CVS, I picked up 2 bottles of Diet Coke for $.88 with a B1G1F coupon, 4 bags of chocolate covered Craisins on clearance for $ 1.35 each and 10 cans of Lindsay Black Olives for $ 1.00 each. The craisins are something I buy when my grandaughter visits and I usally pay $2.49 a bag. I wish they had had more than 4 bags left. DH and I love black olives. We use them in many, many recipes. My rock bottom price is $1.00 so I stocked.
At Wegmans, I picked up 2 - 5lb. bags of flour for $ .99 each, 3 packages of SF Pumpkin Pie and Pudding Filling on clearance for $1.50 each, and 2 huge center cut pork chops for $ 4.03 after coupon. They have been limiting the amount of flour you can buy to 2 bags each time. So I picked up two more bags before the sale price is gone. We have had this pie filling before and it is delicious. We rarely have pork so this is a treat for us tonight for dinner.
At Walgreens, I purchased 4 cans of Butterball Chicken Broth at 2 for $ 1.00 with the in ad coupon, 2 Chex Mix for $ .49 each after coupons and 2 Encore Garlic Salt, 1 Encore Onion Flakes and 1 Encore Chicken Bouillon at 2 for $ 1.00 with in ad coupon.
At Petsmart, I purchased 2 - 31 lb. boxes of Arm and Hammer Super Scoop Cat Litter( not pictured) for $ 6.99 each after coupon, 1 - 30 lb. Tidy Cat Scoop Litter( not pictured) for $ 8.99 after coupon which had a $ 5.00 Petsmart Coupon inside it, and 2 Bags of Purina Pro Plan Cat Food for $5.99 each after coupons.
And my last stop was Lowes to buy 5 Furnace Filters at $ 5.77 each and then I used my $10./25.coupon that they sent me. So $ 3.77+tax was not bad for these nice pleated furnace filters. I had just put our last one in the furnace last week, so it was a great way to use up the coupon.
It was a good few hours of shopping. But I am tired. My son, DIL, and West just returned from New Hampshire late last night from a 2 day trip to see my DIL's family. My son came over to visit so we did not get to bed until very early this morning. I need a nap!
This morning DH had to go out for an appointment. He had enough gasoline in the car but it was getting low. I told him not to get gas because I had $ .30 off per gallon at Tops and I would get it later. Even at $ .30 off per gallon, I paid $ 2.939 per gallon for regular unleaded. Yikes! Would someone please explain to me why we are paying $ 3.239 per gallon here in the Buffalo area? That is the same price being charged in NYC. The rest of the state seems to be cheaper.
Since I was going to the gasoline station and Aldi's is close, I stopped to pick up assorted cheeses. I saw that they had them at $ 1.79 for 8 ounce blocks. That is below my rock bottom price. So I purchased 30 blocks of various cheeses. I got mozzarella, New York white cheddar, mild cheddar,colby, colby jack, and monterey jack. The picture shows the cheeses and my food processor which is what I used to shred most of it.
After putting some of each kind in the refrigerator since it was dated far into 2011, I shredded the rest all except for the mozzarella which I cut into even slices for homemade pizza. This is what I used to do it and what it looked like just before I put it in the freezer.
I do not know if this is Aldi's regular price or not. Since it was the lowest price I have seen, I stocked for months. If it is their regular price, then I just hedged against inflation. Plus all the work is now done. DH and I had an assembly line. He shredded while I labeled and dated the bags. Then we both bagged and sealed. It is a very nice feeling knowing that I saved money over what I normally pay and that we are stocked for 9-12 months on cheese.
Please feel free to leave a comment and share with us if you have bulk bought anything lately.
Did you run right out the day after Christmas to get more giftwrap, bows, cards, ribbons and tags? I am so glad that I didn't. I believe that most of us have a tendency to buy no matter what and somehow we end up with stuff that never gets used. So this year, I took inventory.
I knew I had quite a bit of supplies and I did. My giftwrap which is in the first picture is very low. I have a few rolls besides a stack of square pieces. I also have white paper that I can decorate with the Christmas stamps and ink pads I own. But if I happen to see paper that is 90% off and that I can use I will buy it, especially if it is solid colors that I can use for birthday gifts during the year also. If I don't find paper and I run out, I will make it from paper bags with my stamps. Do that and add a nice bow and decoration and you have a very nice looking gift. I forgot my cloth grocery bags yesterday when I shopped. The cashier bagged my groceries in plastic which I hate. So I asked him for some paper bags so that I could stand the groceries up in my car. He gave me a huge stack. Those will be re-used for giftwrap.
I also have many giftbags, shrink wrap for gift baskets, and a couple of penguin craft gift bags that I can make for the grandchildren. Having both a cookie exchange kit and plenty of bags for food items, there is no need to stock on those either. I also found gift boxes that I couldn't find when I was wrapping. And lastly in the first picture, I have about 30 assorted Christmas cards plus a box I found of 18 after I took this picture. I also took advantage of the See Here photo card deal just before Christmas and got 60 Christmas photo cards for $ 5.29 shipped. So I will not need to buy cards for a couple of years. Plus I have about 20 holiday postcards to use for Thank You cards.
The second picture shows that I have plenty of ribbons, bows, tags, and tape. I also use some of the more non Christmas color bows and ribbons for other gifts during the year. I have made sure that my scissors and pen are in the box ready to use, so I packed up my Christmas box organizer, which is is in the third picture, and it is now stored on a shelf in the basement for easy access during the year.
I have already bought a lot of the gifts for next Christmas so I will wrap them over the next few weeks and note them in my Christmas Organizer Book to keep track.
After taking inventory, I know that I really need to buy nothing. So having started my 2011 austerity budget early, I know that I am not wasting a penny and am set for another Christmas of wrapping and sending cards.
I also have a hang up wrap and ribbon organizer that I keep in the spare bedroom closet that has all of the birthday, anniversary, and other occasion wraps in it. I will be using that this week to get all of West's birthday presents wrapped for January. It is so amazing to me that he is almost a year old now.
Please feel free to leave a comment and share your ideas on this subject with all of us.
You know what they say about the best laid plans! I had planned on doing about 10 errands today quite a distance away. However it snowed here until this afternoon. So I only went a small distance from home and did RiteAid and Tops. This is what I purchased:
RiteAid:
1 Bag of M&M Peanuts on sale 50% off = $ 1.99 ( not pictured because someone already opened them)
4 Progresso Soups - $ 1.50 each = $ 6.00 - Used $ 1./4 IP Cpn = $ 5.00 and I received $4.00 in UPs Rewards
5 Dawn Liquid Dish Detergent - $ .97 each = $ 4.85 - Used (1) $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn, (2) $ .25/1 Mfrs. Cpns, (1) $ .50/1 Mfrs. Cpn and (1) $ .20/1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 2.65 for all 5
1 Excedrin Extra Strength 100 ct + 24 Ct. Bonus Pack - $ 6.99 - Used Free Mfrs. Cpn for $ 5.99
= $ 1.00
2 Ester C To Go Packs - on sale B1G1F = $ 5.99 - Used (2) $ 2.00/1 RA Flu Book Cpns and (2) $2.00/1 IP Cpns = Made $ 2.01
Used $ 5./25. RA Cpn
Used $ 1.00 RA VV Pharmacy Cpn
Used $ 1.00 RA VV Resolution Reward Cpn
Used $ 1.00 UP's
Total including tax was $ .63 and I received $ 4.00 in UPs Rewards. My receipt also states that I have earned $ 20.34 of the $100. toward my $20.00 Resolution Reward.
Tops:
2 Jose Ole Taquitos - $ 4.99 each - Used (2) $ 2./1 IP Cpns and 1 Tops Doubler Cpn = $ 4.98 for both
2 Tuttorosso Tomato Sauce - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .50/2 Mfrs. Cpn Dbled = $ 1.00
4 Campbells Select Harvest Soups - $ 1.00 each - Used ( 2) $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpns and 2 Tops Doubler Cpns = Free
2- 32oz. International Delight Creamers - $ 2.99 each = $ 5.98 - Used $ .1/2 Mfrs. Cpn and 1 Tops
Doubler Cpn = $ 3.98 for both
Total was $ 9.96
This morning while I was snowed in I made this breakfast casserole using leftover sausage, peppers, and onions that my son had given us. I found the recipe at Heavenly Homemakers. I had no heavy cream thawed so I used 1/2 cup of Evaporated Milk undiluted which is a great substitute for the cream. I used a Three Cheese shredded cheese.
This was so easy and so delicious and we have some left for tomorrow. Thanks to Laura for posting this. It is definitely a keeper recipe.
As usual feel free to leave a comment if you saved some money today.
Yesterday, my son and DIL sent us home with leftover sausage, peppers and onions, scrambled eggs, whole wheat burritos and 2 full containers of fresh strawberries. So DH and I heated up the sausage, eggs, peppers and burritos in the microwave and added taco sauce and shredded cheese for breakfast. The picture above is just before I rolled it up into a wrap. We have just enough sausage and peppers and onions left to throw in omelets tomorrow.
This morning I washed and cut up the strawberries for strawberries and cream for our dessert later tonight. I added some sucralose to those in the bowl for dessert. The rest are in the green container to use on cereal and in yogurt this week:
DH and I decided to make a nice Christmas dinner ( although a bit belated) for ourselves here at home tonight. I had some potatoes that needed to be used up. DH, being an engineer, loves any machine he can get his hands on. We have a dicer, slicer, French fry maker. I hate it and would much rather cut the FF's by hand. But I humored DH and the FF's were much smaller than I would have cut them by hand. But they were delicious. I have a multicooker that you see in the picture. It deep fries along with many other functions. I didn't buy just a deep fryer because we fry only a couple of times a year because it is so unhealthy. Here is a picture while the oil was heating up:
The oil is cooling while I write this and when it is cool, I will strain it, put it back in it's bottle and label it for the deep fryer. We had so many fries because I wanted to use up all the potatoes. But they will get reheated and used over the next couple of days.
While I was doing the FF's, DH was grilling on our indoor grill. I would much prefer to grill outside but it was just too darn cold and windy today. So this picture was taken just before he put the filet mignons on the grill:
We added a tossed salad and a glass of merlot to our menu and here is a picture of my meal:
We are both full and will have our strawberries and cream later. Everything that was used was in our stockpile or free from my son. Those are the best kind of meals because I am not rushing to the store for an ingredient I must have.
Other than cooking today, I have just been making my lists for the stores and pulling coupons for those. I will continue to work on that tonight.
Please feel free to leave a comment if you cooked from the stockpile today, ate free food or got any kind of bargain.
Isn't that one of the buzz words for 2010? I seem to have read somewhere that it was the most looked up word in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. You have heard it on the news for months. With so many governments economies, including the U.S.'s going down the tubes, they are all talking about austerity budgets. It is defined as "forced or extreme economy". You are hearing it on a national, state and local level. While we can't do a whole lot to get their budgets under control, we can do something about our own.
Having spent a lot of money in 2010 because of the new house, I have decided that austerity will be my buzz word for 2011. Or as I really like to call it, plain old thrift! So the money saving challenge will be back to basics, thrift, practicing austerity and making every little thing count so that DH and I can up our net worth and cut our expenses by 50%.
I am pretty good about plugging the larger leaks of money around here but not so good about the little leaks! And believe it or not, those are the ones that build into large leaks and I need to pay more attention to them. In other words, I need to really put some thought into everything that I do. I also need to make a New Year's Resolution, not to take the easy path, but the most frugal one. Yes, I have been guilty many times of just being plain lazy! Well, no more of that as I set off on my austerity plan for 2011. I want to make every penny count. So please join me as I go on this adventure!
As I was sitting looking at my horrendous utility bill for the past 31 days, I realized that there was more I can do to plug that leak. The bill was a shocker...$ 178. But the worse part, it was an estimated bill. I called the utility company to ask why they didn't read the meter since it was the month they were actually supposed to read it. Their response was that they had no idea why the meter reader didn't read it. He has easy access to them. So I read them and quickly realized they had estimated it low. The bill should have been more like $220. That will come back to bite us when I read the meter in a month and submit the reading. I could have made them correct the bill with my readings but I didn't. That could be to our benefit or more likely to theirs depending on what rates do. We will see!
So the last few days, I have been very conscious of power usage. I put another draft stopper at the front door where the builder didn't weatherstrip properly and will be fixing soon as part of our 10 month checklist. I put two socks over our back doorknob that for some reason has a draft coming in around it. I have that on the builders list also. I made homemade turkey soup in the crockpot since it is is more economical electricitywise than simmering for hours on the gas stovetop. I hate mushy rice in soup. So the rice got added at the end. But rather than make the rice on top of the stove, I cooked it in the microwave and added it to the soup. I suppose I could have thrown it right in the crockpot the last hour or so but I wanted it firm not soggy. We made shrimp spring rolls one night and I quickly cooked them in the microwave instead of the oven.
I am being more mindful of how long I have the refrigerator door open while getting things out. Can I think about it just a little before I dive in there, so that I can take everything out in one trip and not have to open it twice? I know that I can continue to think ahead a week or two and bring everything up from the freezer in the basement and put it in the refrigerator freezer in one trip so that I am not constantly opening that up and letting the cooled air out.
Can I dry our clothes more energy efficiently in the dryer by cutting back on how long I dry them or better yet hanging most loads? Does the washer really need to run an hour to get clothes clean or would 30- 40 minutes do? Do I really need to wash our jeans everytime we wear them? These are all questions that I have been thinking about.
Can I take the recyclables out to the frigid garage just once a day so that I am not constantly opening that door and letting the cold air into the house? Can I also take the garbage out on that same trip? Better yet, can I do it when I am going out to either get the mail or run an errand?
Do we really need that TV on for noise while we are working on the computer? Do I need the computer running all day long? Can I just turn it on when I need to use it twice a day? Do I need to have the coffeepot keeping our coffee hot for two hours and then automatically shutting it off? Wouldn't a thermos keep it just as hot after it brews?
I know these are all minute little things but they all add up over time. And as I said, I will be plugging the little leaks this year. Otherwise, I won't reach our goal of spending 50% less.
So now you know what my thinking has been the past week or so. You can see that I am gearing up to do everything I can to save money around here in 2011. And when I talk energy, I am talking about gasoline usage too. With a gallon of gas costing $ 3.19 here, it is something I plan on using less of also. So all of my errands and trips are going to get run once or twice a week at the most in the most efficient manner.
So join me in the Money Saving Challenge for 2011 and plug your little leaks along with your larger ones. You will be seeing a lot more posts like these in the coming year. I want to get you all thinking about what you can do to make your individual financial situations or goals what you want them to be. And I want all of you to keep me accountable!
Please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts with all of us on saving money.
Merry Christmas to you and your families from DH and I. We realize that the spirit of Christmas is the warmth and love of spending time with your family. We wish you a wonderful day making great memories surrounded by your loved ones. We also wish you all great blessings in 2011! Stay safe.
I know I said I wouldn't shop again this week but I had to. Let me tell you why! DH was headed out to Ace to get a timer for our hemlock out front that is LED lighted. The timer we had which was only 2 weeks old froze. They shouldn't do that. So DH took it back and got a new one. RiteAid was on the way and I couldn't resist looking for more cheap kids things and getting another can of free coffee.
Also when I lived in Arizona, I met and befriended a girl named Jodi. She became a really terrific coupon buddy and friend. Yesterday in the mail I got a huge coupon envelope from her. Two of the coupons were Free ones for Heluva Good. Since we are partying here, I had to go and get them. Thanks Jodi!
Since I moved here I have befriended another very nice young woman who wants to remain anonymous. I will honor her wishes. In the mail today I received from her the Chex Coupons( DH makes party mix) and a whole bunch of others that were so good that I had to use them. Thanks so much; you know who you are! I have a whole lot more coupons they sent that I plan on using before the end of the year, so I will probably make another trip.
This is what I purchased today:
RiteAid:
1 Can of RA Coffee - $ 1.99 - Used $ 2.00 RA Coffee Cpn = Made $ .01
1 Scrabble Game on sale for $ 16.49 ( 25% off) - Used $ 5./1 IP Cpn = $ 11.49 and I received $2.00 in UPs Rewards ( DH and I love Board Games and we did not have this game. I see Scrabble in our future this week.)
1 Pick Up Sticks - on sale for $ 1.94 ( 25% off) = $ 1.94 and I received a $ 2.00 UPs Reward (
This was one of my favorite toys as a kid.)
1- 100 Ct. Excedrin Migraine - on sale for $ 6.99 - Used Free Mfrs. Cpn Up to $ 5.99 = $ 1.00
1 Go Fish Card Game - on sale for $ 2.24 ( 25% off) = $ 2.24 and I received $ 2.00 UPs Reward
1 Take Along Truck Case Set - $ 14.99 on sale for 60% off = $ 5.99
Used $ 5./25. RiteAid Cpn
Used $ 8.00 in UPs Rewards
Total including tax was $ 11.57 and I received $6.00 in UPs Rewards.
Tops:
2 Heluva Good Dips - $ 1.50 each - $3.00 - Used 2 Free Mfrs. Cpns = Free
2 Jones Sausages - $ 2.67 for Both
1 Dozen Eggs - $ 2.59 - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn WYB 2 Jones Sausage = $ 1.59
2 Sara Lee Cheesecakes - $ 5.49 each or $10.98 for both - Used $ .75/1 Mfrs. Cpns Doubled = $ 7.98 for both
4 TGI Fridays Appetizers - $ 2.99 each - Tops Deal: B3G1F = $ 8.97 for all 4
4 Chex Cereals - 4 for $ 10. - Used $ 3./4 In Ad Cpn = $ 7.00 - Used (2) $ 2.00/2 Mfrs. Cpns = $ 3.00 for all 4 boxes
1 Cheerios - $ 3.99 - Used $ $ .75/1 Mfrs. Cpn Doubled = $ 2.49
2 Keebler Wheatables - $ 2.50 each = $ 5.00 - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 4.00 for both
1 - 32 oz. Tops Yogurt - $ 2.29 - Used $ 2./1 Yogurt Cpn WYB Keebler Wheatables = $ .29
1- 32 oz. Dannon Yogurt - $ 2.99 - Used $ 2./1 Yogurt Cpn WYB Keebler Wheatables = $ .99
3 Honest Able Teas and Drinks $ 1.00 each - Used ( 3) $ .50/1 Mfrs. Cpns = All Free
1 Snyder Pretzel Thins - $ 2.50
1 Fresh Express Salad Greens - $ 2.50 - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $1.50
1 Sierra Mist Naturals - $ 1.00 - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = Free
Used $ 5./40. Tops Cpn
Total was $ 30.98
The cheesecake and TGI Fridays are treats for us! You can't eat healthy all the time! :-)
Please feel free to leave a comment and share with all of us if you got a great deal today.
Since I have gotten into my own card making I found this deal phenomenal at HSN. Clearanced price, so it won't last long! Be sure to go through Ebates first to get 3% and then to HSN. I think this is a great deal for $ 9.95 and 1/2 price shipping.
West has decided to try walking. He took 7 steps yesterday and his Daddy and Mommy wanted us to see it. So they stopped in tonight after they fed him his dinner. So I fed them a turkey dinner since DH and I had just eaten.
He is still a little wobbly but so cute. He took 4-5 steps to "show off" for us tonight. Then the cat came out to visit and he was again on his knees so that he could chase the cat faster.
This picture was taken just before he took those steps. Next time I will have to try to catch him walking on video.
Just had to share because I am so excited! It won't be long before he is running.
I was up and out early today because I have a very hectic week. This is what I purchased at RiteAid and Tops:
RiteAid:
1 Pillow Pet - $ 19.99 - Used 20% Wellness Discount = $ 15.99 - used $2.00 VV Cpn = $ 13.99 and I received $ 2.00 UPs Reward
1 Fleece Throw - $ 1.77
1 RA Pantry Coffee - $ 1.99 - Used $ 2.00 RA Cpn = Made $ .01
2 Reeses and 2 Milky Way Candy Bars - 4 for 2.00 - Used $ .50/2 Mfrs. Cpns and a B1G1F Reeses = $ 1.00 for all 4 and I received a $1.00 UPs Reward
Used $ 5./25. RA Cpn ( I had 2 Foamies and the $ 5./2 Foamies Cpn wouldn't scan so I had her take the Foamies back off- but she said she had no way to take the $5./25. back off- so bonus for me)
Used $ 13.00 in UPs Rewards ( yes it took off tax)
Total was $ .09 and I received $ 3.00 in UPs Rewards
Tops:
10 - 2Ltr. Diet Coke - $ 1.00 each - Used B1G1F Coke Reward Cpns = $ .50 each or $ 5.00 for 10
4 Green Giant Steamers - $ 1.00 each - Used (2) $ .50/2 IP Cpns = $2.00 for all 4
1 64 oz. Minute Maid OJ - $ 2.99 - Used Free Tops Catalina Cpn = Free
2 Margherita Pepperoni - $ 2.00 each - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 3.00 for both
2 Tops Heavy Whipping Cream - $ 1.19 each = $ 2.38
2 Philadelphia Cream Cheese - $ 1.25 each - Used $ 1./1 IP Cpns = $ .50 for both
4 Cracker Barrel Cheddar Cheese - $ 2.50 each - Used $ 1./2 IP Cpns = $ 8.00 for all 4
1 Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce - $ 3.39 - Used Free Mfrs. Cpn = Free
2 Tops English Mufffins - $ .99 each = $ 1.98
2 Hillshire Farms Lit'l Weiners - $ 3.99 each - on sale B1G1F - Used (2) $ 1./1 IP Cpns = 2 for $1.99
8 - 12 oz. Tops Frozen OJ - $ 1.50 each = $ 12.00
4 College Inn Chicken Broth - $ 2.67 for all 4 - Used $ 1./4 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 1.67 for 4
3 Campbells Cream of Chicken Soup - $ 1.00 each - Used $ 1.50/3 IP Cpn = $ 1.50 for all 3
1 Tops Grape Jelly - $ 1.85
Used $ 5./40. Tops Cpn
Total Including Tax and Bottle Deposits was $37.77
I did some major stocking on things we might need soon. DH was happy that I could get his fix - Coke. I decided to stock on OJ before the prices sky rocket. The fleece was cheap and will be cut up to make other things. The penguin pillow pet is for my grandaughter who wants a penguin for Christmas. The stores are crowded and I don't plan on going out again to shop until the day after Christmas. I am glad I went early because it is snowing really hard right now.
The last couple of days I have been busy with cooking. I took frozen spaghetti sauce and added turkey meatballs and made us meatball subs for two nights straight. It was handy when I had to go and babysit for West while his Mommy and Daddy skiied on Saturday night. I had leftover sauce last night so I cooked up some ziti, used the sauce, and topped all with grated mozzarella cheese and froze it for a future meal. Today I am cooking a turkey breast for dinner and that will give us meat for lunches the next few days. Buying cold cuts is so much more expensive.
For the rest of the week, we are going to be busy with partying and preparations. So if I have a chance to post, I will. Otherwise, I will be back posting regularly after Christmas. Merry Christmas to all of you!
As usual feel free to leave a comment if you saved on something.
I finally found the Foamies that everyone has been talking about for weeks. Most likely I didn't get the best deal on them but I happy with what I did do. They and the games will be lots of fun for Alexa when she comes to visit. Here is my shop which I divided into two shops:
Rite Aid 1st Shop:
2 Foamies Sticker Buckets - $ 7.99 each - Less 20% off Wellness Discount = $ 6.39 each = $12.78- Used $ 5./2 VV Cpn = $ 7.78
Used $ 7.00 in UP Rewards
Total including tax was $ 1.80
Rite Aid 2nd Shop:
2 Foamies Kits - $ 2.99 each less 20% off Wellness Discount = $ 2.39 each = $ 4.78 - Used $ 5./2 VV Cpn = Made $ .22
2 Fishing Games - on sale 25% off = $ 2.24 each =$ 4.48 and I received $ 6.00 in UP Rewards( 2 $1. and 2 $2. UPS Rewards)
4 Skittles - on sale 4/$2. - Used (1) .25 VV cpn and (2) $ .50/2 IP Cpns = $ .75 for all 4 and I received $ 1.00 UP Reward
2 Hormel Bacon Bits - 2 for $ 3.00 - Used (2) $.50/1 VV Cpn = $2.00 for both and I received a $ 1.00 UP Reward
2 Glad Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags - on sale 2 for $13..00 - Used $.50 VV Cpn - Used (2) $ 2.00 IP Cpns = $ 8.50 and I received a $ 1. UPs Reward and I will submit for the $ 1.00 Single Check Rebate
1 can of RiteAid Pantry Coffee - $ 1.99 - Used $ 2.00 RA Cpn = Made $ .01
1 Gain Dish Liquid - $ .88 - Used $ 1.00/1 Mfrs. Cpn = Made $ .12
Used $ 5./25 RiteAid Cpn
Used $ 10.00 in UPs Rewards
Total was $ 1.90 and I received $ 9.00 in UPs Rewards and will submit for $ 1.00 SCR.
ANALYSIS: This was a good trip for me not only because of the foamies and games for my grandaughter. But because we were down to our last box of tall kitchen garbage bags. The skittles will be used as a treat for my grandaughter. Since DH can't have a lot of regular bacon, these bacon bits are nice for his salads and is just enough to satisfy him. The coffee and dish liquid were money makers so no more to be said.
It finally stopped snowing yesterday so the roads are bare today. I was able to get out and run some errands today and stock on some things. With a chance of snow showers again for the next seven days, I don't know when I will get out again.
I needed reasonable gifts for the mail carrier and the UPS man. I have made them work really hard this season. I give a $ .50 a week tip to the newspaper man but I wanted to get him a little something also. So the candy on sale at Rite Aid was perfect! So here are my shops:
Tops:
1 Sugardale 1/2 Ham - $ 1.69 a lb = $ 13.45 - Used $ 2./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 11.45
1 Bag of Nine Lives Cat Food - $ 4.69 - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $3.69
5 Campbells Chunky Soups - $ 1.25 each - Used (5) $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .25 each or $ 1.25 for all 5
3 Campbells Cream of Chicken Soup - $ 1. each - Used $ 1.50/3 IP Cpn = $ .50 each or $ 1.50 for all three
1 Betty Crocker Roasted Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes - $ 1.25 = Used $ .55/1 IP Cpn Dbled = $ .15
1 Bag of 16 Bean Soup Beans - $ 1.59
1 Celery - $ 1.39
1 - 2lb. Bag of Earthbound Farms Organic Carrots - $ 1.99 - Used $1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ .99
Total was $ 22.30
Rite Aid:
3 Boxes of Russell Stover Chocolates - $ 3.99 each = $ 11.97
4 rolls of Rite Aid Invisible Tape - on sale B1G1F - $ 2.99 for 2 = $5.98 and I received $ 4.00 in Up Rewards
2 Revlon Nail Clippers - on sale for 40% off - one was $ 1.31 and one was $ .87 - Used $ 3./1 Rite Aid IP Cpn For Nailcare = Made $ .82 and I received $ 2.00 in Up Rewards
1 Advil Chest Congestion - $ 4.99 - Used $ 2.00 Wellness IP Cpn & a $1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 1.99 and I will submit for the $ 1.00 Single Check Rebate and I received a $ 3.00 and a $1.00 Up Reward( Why 2 Up Rewards, I have no idea!) - Amanda says the double dip on the rewards is the regular week sale and the 4 day sale. Thanks Amanda!
10 Boxes of Rite Aid Envelopes - on sale for B1G1F - $ 2.29 for 2 = $11.45 and I received $ 10.00 in Up Rewards ( I was looking for a deal on these because I was down to my last 10 envelopes.)
Used $ 5./25 RiteAid IP Cpn
Used $ 3.50 in UP Rewards
Used $ 20.00 RiteAid Gift Of Savings E- Certificate
Total including tax was $ 3.21 and I got $ 20.00 in UP Rewards and will submit for $ 1.00 Single Check Rebate. I loved this shop! It will be nice to have all of these UP Rewards for Clearanced Christmas Items.
BTW, I took these pictures with my new camera! What a difference from the old one.
Here is a very rare Wegman's coupon: Meat Coupon
You all know how much I use my foodsaver. Well mine cost a whole lot more than the one they are advertising today. Go here: Foodsaver and if this one does not come up, enter V2222 in the search box. Add one to your cart and then enter code L0FV70A
to get this foodsaver for $24.00 plus tax with free shipping! Regular price is $ 79.99.
This is a phenomenal deal that only seems to come around once a year. I don't normally endorse products but I love and use my foodsaver. It has saved me a ton of money by allowing me to stockpile meat, cheeses, veggies, etc. without getting freezer burn!
I had a very large jar of applesauce in the refrigerator with just 1 cup and 1/2 left in it. So this recipe for Applesauce Bread on Heavenly Homemakers was just perfect to use it up. I made two loaves. It is supposed to be healthy. It is a denser loaf than I am used to. Since it is cooling still, I can't tell you how it tastes. I also baked a Pillsbury Applesauce Cinnamon Strudel Loaf at the same time which is pictured on the right. Two of the loaves will go in the freezer to be used in the future.
Thank heavens that my new camera just arrived along with these two bargains I ordered a couple of days ago. As you can tell by this picture, my camera is dying! I got this very nice jacket for DH from Cabela's for $ 14.99. I am amazed at what a great quality jacket it is! And I purchased this 24 pack of PlayDoh for $ 7.49. That will give my grandchildren many hours of fun!
I also ordered some Amazon GC's from SwagBucks. I am saving them for something special. And I was able to order the Free 12 Coke coupon from Coke Rewards. That was quite a deal for 30 points each!
Our stew was delicious! Tonight I hope to watch some TV and file some coupons while I do it.
I hope you all have a wonderful evening!
DH and I have not been out since Sunday. It has been snowing since early Monday morning and we now have accumulated about 14 inches and it is still snowing. What is nice about being retired is that we don't have to go out and drive in it. We can snowblow when we want also. DH has been doing that late afternoon every day. Since I have a stockpile, we don't have to worry about having enough food in the house either.
We have been making ham and egg breakfasts. We have plenty of ham from the one I cooked on Sunday. DH will be making ham salad with the rest of it today. I would nomally make bean soup with the ham bone but I have no dry beans in the house right now. No problem! I will freeze that ham bone until I can get out to get beans.
I have been catching up laundry in the HE's - washing clothes, sheets and towels. Since I have all of the Christmas presents purchased and wrapped, I have been wrapping West's birthday presents for next month. I like to be organized ahead of time. I have also been pulling some of the receipts, etc. that I will need to do federal and state taxes next month. It never hurts to get a jump on that.
Every day I have been exercising 30 minutes on the treadmill while catching up on the news. Exercising doesn't seem like such a chore when the snow if falling and it is so beautiful out the window.
Yesterday I got these from Recycle Bank in the mail:
I have 4 more coming and will happily stock on soda with either the New Year's sales or the Superbowl sales.
Today, I decided I wanted to put beef stew in the crockpot. I rarely by stew beeef because it is so expensive. So I do my own work. I bought this top round roast on sale for $ 2.49 a lb.
After cutting it upp myself, it became this:
The large chunks of fat are now gone and I can add it to these:
I never peel my potatoes for stew. I just scrub them really well and quarter them. The skins have all of the minerals that are so good for you. Normally I would also add celery but the little but that is left DH will use for the ham salad. So this stew will have potatoes, carrots and onions added to the meat. I also added some merlot wine, beef broth and about a teaspoon of rosemary. So now it is all ready to cook for the day:
This should give DH and I about 3 meals. I make the gravy about 45 minutes before we eat. My DIL, Michelle can attest to the fact that I make really good beef stew. I made it when they came for a few days at Thanksgiving. Hi Michelle! :-) I can't wait to see you, my son and my grandaughter when you visit next month to help all of celebrate West's birthday. I miss all of you!
I am off to the treadmill now. What have you been doing lately to conserve your funds?
I have had so many packages delivered here over the past couple of months that the UPS and Fed Ex men might as well have a standing invitation to dinner. 99.9% of them have been Christmas presents for my grandchildren.
But today I was very excited to receive a package that I won on Lucky's Blog from My Blog Spark and Seventh Generation. It contained a 2x Concentrated Free and Clear Laundry Detergent - 50 oz., a 65 sheet box of Free and Clear Fabric Softener Sheets and a 40 oz. bottle of Natural Fabric Softener - Free and Clear. All of these are for my HE's! Thanks so much Lucky for the opportunity! I am set with laundry products for months!
We had our son, DIL, and grandson visit yesterday and stay for dinner. West is now waving and saying hi. He is so darn cute. I did make a nice ham but not the whole one that I bought yesterday. I had a 1/2 ham in the freezer that I thawed. The big one went in the freezer for when we have 10 or more people for dinner. We had ham with sliced pineapple, spinach, Caesar salad, and potatoes au gratin from Ree's Blog Pioneer Woman. Let me tell you! These potatoes were the best I have ever had. Probably because they were so rich! This is a recipe that we will use whenever we have a ham dinner and company! Tonight's dinner will be leftovers.
It is snowing again today so we are going nowhere. It is the kind of day to watch old movies and drink hot chocolate so that is what we have been doing. I did do one load of wash, some picking up and ran the dishwasher.
I also ordered a new digital camera for me. The Canon Powershot that I own is so old and so slow that it aggravates me when I am trying to get pictures of my granchildren. I ordered the Panasonic Lumix FH20 because it has good consumer ratings, is going to be fast, and should take good pictures. I only paid $ 151.+ with tax. Since DH wants a Canon EOS Rebel T2i SLR camera, I didn't want to pay alot for a digital point and shoot. I am waiting for a good price on the SLR. I am not paying $1000.+ tax. My son purchased this camera with an extra lens for a great price on Black Friday. We didn't know about the deal but will continue to look for a great price. There are deals out there right now but they are coupled with a printer that we don't need.
Today I was going to take a picture of our office/study since DH got the new ladder shelves up and finally has most of the boxes unpacked. But I have decided to wait and use my new camera to get a better picture.
I was out very early this morning to Tops and Rite Aid. It was pouring rain and about 35 degrees, so I wanted to get done and home before it changed over to snow since it is supposed to get colder this afternoon. Sorry about the fuzzy picture. We are also having company for dinner. Can you guess by some of the things I purchased what I am serving?
Rite Aid:
1- 6oz. Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste -$ 3.50 - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 2.50 and I received a $3.50 UP Reward
Tops:
1 Cats Pride Cat Litter - $ 6.99 - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 5.99
Russet Potatoes - $ 3.49
1 lbs. of Tops Butter - $ 1.99 each = $ 3.98
1 Heavy Whipping Cream - $ 2.49
2 Heluva Good Dip - $ 1.50 each - Used $ 1./1 Facebook Cpns = $ .50 each or $ 1.00 for both
4 FF Cool Whip - $ 1.00 each - Used $ 1./2 IP Cpns = $ .50 each or $ 2.00 for all
4 Libbys Sliced Pineapple - $ 1.00 each - Used $ 1./2 IP Cpns = $ .50 each or $ 2.00 for all
2 - 2 ltr. Diet Cola - $ .89 each = $ 1.78
2 Mom's Best Natural Cereals - $ 1.50 each - Used $ .75 IP Cpns Doubled = Both Free
1 Simply Orange Juice - $ 3.00
1 Whole Sugardale Ham on sale for $ 1.49 a lb = $ 22.13
Used $ 5./40 Tops Cpn
Used $ 2.00 OYNO Cpn
Total including bottle deposits and tax was $ 41.46.
DH and I went to "The Miracle on Main Street" last night at the Palace Theater in the City of Lockport. There were over 50 prominent businesses and home based crafters there. Admission was $10. each to get in.
We love this kind of thing in small town America. This is the first time that this was done in the city and it was very well attended. DH and I always buy something big that we want for Christmas and then we try to go to something like this that supports local businesses and crafters in the area. We pick up little things that we want like the raspberry fudge from Barker Chocolate Box and orange chocolate and raspberry cocoas from Applewood Hollow that we purchased.
They also had wine tasting and a buffet with hors doeurves and swedish meatballs, etc. set up near the wineries in the lobby of the mezzanine. Shamus, our favorite restaurant was there with sandwiches and vegetarian pizza hor doerves. If we had known there was going to be food, we would not have eaten dinner. I tried the vegetarian pizza but that was it. We have so many wineries in the area that DH and I will hopefully get to tour in the spring. The Niagara Wineries was set up along with the Winery at Marjam Manor. We loved the The Lord of the Manor Red Wine so purchased a bottle.
I took some pictures for you to enjoy of the inside of the theater. These are just from the first floor. The mezzanine area was way too crowded for pictures. It was so dark in there and then you had all the Christmas lights to contend with, so they aren't the greatest. But they will have to do. The theater is old but beautiful. DH and my son took my grandaughter there at Thanksgiving to see The Muppets. They raved about how beautiful it was. I had to see for myself. It actually reminded me of Proctors Theater in Schenectady that I used to frequent before we moved to Arizona.
I am hoping to go back to the Palace for many, many shows.
Yesterday, I was taking it easy since I felt under the weather so I rested and drank lots of juice loaded with Vitamin C. I don't need to get sick with Christmas coming. Today, I am feeling much better so I got a few things done.
This morning, I went and got a much needed haircut at the salon in BonTon. I have found a hairdresser there who gives the best cut in town and with a $5.00 tip it is only $24.00. She gave me a coupon for 20% off my next cut so that was a bonus.
BonTon is having a huge sale today and tomorrow. DH and I recently bought a twin size aero bed, the one that blows up to the same height as a normal bed and has a headboard. It works for us when we have more than two people staying here because we can inflate it when they come and take it down when they leave and store it. Since we will be having company stay with us again next month, I needed to buy flannel sheets for it. BonTon had very nice flannel sheets(which are in the picture) on sale for $ 14.97 for the set. The set included a deep pocket bottom sheet, top sheet and pillow cover. I don't think I could have done as well at Walmart.
Since Naturalizer cancelled my order for a new wallet due to lack of inventory, I also needed a wallet. Mine was getting torn and ratty looking. So I found a Rolf's leather wallet that was originally $36. but was marked down 30% or $ 10.80 and then I also used a 15% off coupon for an additional discount of $ 3.78. So I paid $21.42+ tax. I charged both the sheets and the wallet so that I will get the coupons in the mail and then I made a payment for the total on my account. As you all know, I hate credit card bills.
Then I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to get their coffee deal. I paid $19.99 for 4 pounds of their coffee. With this and all of the organic coffee that I purchased from Puritan's Pride a few weeks ago, I shouldn't have to buy coffee again for at least 9 months. I keep my coffee in the freezer to keep it fresh.
Last stop was at Jim's SteakOut. I had a B1G1F coupon for 8 inch steak hoagies, so for a little over $9. with tax, DH and I had a treat for lunch. They were delicious. It is not the kind of place we would eat at often because of all the calories and cholesterol but once in a while, we can do it.
This afternoon, I finished wrapping all of the Christmas presents and caught up on laundry in the HE's. I used a 1/3 of that Wisk HE sample detergent that Amanda sent me for the load. Then I hung the load to dry.
For dinner tonight, I am making Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken. It is so good! The recipe is here:
http://www.food.com/recipe/pepper-jack-stuffed-chicken-134723
We will have green beans with slivered almonds with it.
Today was more spending than saving. However, with the exception of lunch, they were needed items and I got the best deals I could on them.
So what are you doing to save money today?
Amanda whose blog is here: Coupon Love has been doing a giveaway each week of a coupon envelope. You get entered when you leave a comment. I, who rarely ever win anything, won Week 8.
I love her blog and go there almost every day.
Yesterday in the mail I received my coupon envelope from her. I was thrilled with what she sent. She seemed to put a lot of thought into it. These are all coupons that she knows I will use. I was even able to use a bunch of them yesterday when I shopped at Top's! I was also delighted with the Wisk HE sample she sent me. I will make that last for at least three loads.
Many thanks to Amanda for sending these to me. If you would like to enter her giveaway go read the rules here: Coupon Love
I just got home from Top's. Fortunately most of the roads were clear....just have to watch the blowing snow. This was what I purchased:
4 Dozen Eggs - $ .99 each - Used $ 55./2 Incredible Egg IP's Dbled = $ .44 each or $ 1.76 for all
2 Birdeye Steamfresh Veggies - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .50/1 IP Cpns Dbled = Free
4 Marie Callendar Steamer Entrees - $ 2.00 each - Used $ 1./1 IP Cpns Dbled = $4.00 for all
Haddock Fillets on sale for $ 6.99lb. = $ 6.43
1 - 5lb. Pillsbury Flour - $ .99 with Super Cpn
1 Kraft Shredded Cheese -$ 1.99 with Super Cpn - Used $ .50/1 IP Cpn Dbled = $ .99
1 Stonyfield Yogurt - $ 3.99 - Used $ 1./1 Mfr. Cpn = $ 2.99
4 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest - $ 1.00 each - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .50 each or $ 2.00
4 Ronzoni Quick Cook - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .50/1 Mfrs. Cpns = Free
2 Pillsbury Quick Breads - $ 2.00 each - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 1.50 each or $ 3.00
6 Coffeemates - $ 3/5.00 - Used $ .75/1 Mfrs. Cpns Dbled = $ .16 or .17 each = $ .98 for all 6
2 Nabisco Saltine Crackers - $ 2.89 each - Used $ 1./1 IP Cpns = $ 1.89 each or $ 3.78 for both
2 Ortega Taco Seasoning - $ .80 each - Used $ .1/2 IP Cpn = $ .30 each or $ .60 for both
1 Crisco Canola Oil - $ 2.99 - Used $ .55/1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 1.89
1- 64oz. Smart Balance Milk - $ 3.99 - Used $ 2./1 IP Cpn = $ 1.99
2 Nestle Morsels - $ 1.58 each - Used $ .50/2 IP Cpn = $ 1.08 each or $ 2.16 for both
1 Reduced for Quick Sale Bananas( 6 bananas) - $ .56
6 Carnation FF Evaporated Milk - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .50/2 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .50 each or $3.00 for all 6
2 Tops Canned Corn - $ .50 each = $ 1.00 for Both
1 Jar Orville Redenbacher Popcorn - $ 4.99
1 Red Onion - $ .74
5lb Box of Clementines - $ 4.99 with Super Cpn
Used $ 5./50 Tops Cpn
Total was $ 43.84
Well, I had my grocery list all ready to go today but the weather didn't cooperate. We woke up to about 4 inches of snow this morning and probably got another 3 inches or so during the day. So snowblowing was the order of the day today.
It was the kind of day to enjoy some hot chocolate and do some cooking. So I made enough homemade spaghetti sauce with Hot Italian Sausage for 4 meals. We had it tonight and will again tomorrow night. The other two meals will be frozen for some future dinners. The picture is when I first put it together and turned it on this morning.
After doing a load of wash in the HE's, DH and I made a big batch of party mix in the canning kettle. This is his Mom's recipe which she always made and we have been making for well over 40 years. DH always makes it during the holidays.
Since I didn't go out, no gasoline was used and no money spent. Its was also a day to catch up on rebate forms and other paperwork that needed to be done.
Sometimes, I believe that I think too much. But then I realize that DH and I would not have the net worth we have today if I didn't. My mind is always double checking what I do.
Let me give you an example. Last night at 2:22 AM, I was up looking at the Top's flyer online. I quickly scratched out a grocery list from what I saw of things that I wanted and added a few things not on sale from my list of needs. Here is my list:
Boneless Chicken Breasts $ 1.79 lb.
Haddock - $ 6.99lb.
Al Fresco Chicken Sausage - $ 3.49
Super Coupons:
Pillsbury Flour $ .99
Kraft Shredded Cheese - $ 1.99
Breyers Ice Cream - $ 1.99
8 pc. Perdue Fried Chicken - $ 4.99
5 lb. Box of Clementines - $ 4.99
Birdseye or Steamfresh Frozen Veggies - $ 1.00
5 lbs. of Russet Potatoes - $ 2.69
Full Circle Organic Black Beans - $ 1.00
Tops Canned Veggies - $ 1.00
Pillsbury Quick Breads - $ 2.00
Nestle Morsels - $ 1.58
Crisco Canola Oil - $ 2.99
Coffeemate Creamer - 3/$5.
Tops Medium Eggs - $ .99
Lactaid Egg Nog - $ 2.79
Propel $ 1.00
SoBe- $ 1.00
Tostitoes - $2.00 each
Frito Lay Cheese Dip - $ 2.50
Ronzoni Pasta - $1.00
Ortega Taco Seasoning - $ .80
Carnation Evaporated Milk - $ 1.00
Grated Cheese - About $ 2.79
Jar or Bag of Popcorn Kernels - ?
1 Plain Yogurt - ?
Then this morning after a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, I sat down to really look at and think about this list. Here is my thought process:
The chicken is a great price but I have plenty of chicken in the freezer and plenty of turkeys as a substitute for chicken. So that got crossed off my list. DH loves haddock but this is still quite a high price for a meal. I will buy just one meal's worth for now. The Sausage is not a great price when you have no coupons and you have 4 packages in the freezer. So that got crossed off the list.
The flour is a fantastic price since I am making all baked goods from scratch. This will give me 25 lbs. in my stockpile. The shredded cheese will freeze and it will be a great price after coupon. I am going to skip the ice cream - not healthy. I love fried chicken but not the grease. I can make it oven baked with homemade shake and bake for a lot less calories, fat and money. If I wanted a quick prepared meal, I would buy the rotisserie chicken for $ 4.99 with a $ 1./1 coupon instead and pay $ 3.99. So that is off the list! I love clementines so these are worth the money for snacks.
The frozen veggies are a great deal especially with coupons. We don't eat many potatoes so I am going to skip those since I have a few left in the veggie bin.We love black beans in salads and Mexican dishes but I have four cans so will skip them. I use canned corn and carrots in soup when I am in a hurry so I will stock on those.
The quick breads with coupons are cheaper than I can make them and I need quite a few loaves for gifts so if I can find coupons these will go on the list. The chocolate is healthy and freezes well so I will be getting some of these. The canola oil is a rock bottom price after coupon. Creamers I use and can freeze at great prices this time of the year. This is a great price for eggs for me. This time of the year, I love egg nog. After coupon, I should be able to get this for $ .79 each.
I am crossing the Propel and SoBe off my list. Water from the fridge is cheaper and healthier.
I am going to skip the tostitoes and dip because I believe they will be cheaper for the New Year and for Superbowl plus there may be coupons. If I can find some great coupons, I will get the pasta. Otherwise, I have plenty. The taco seasoning and evaporated milk are dirt cheap after coupon.
DH put the grated cheese on my list. He didn't look so he didn't see that we have a an entire chunk of Parmesan Reggiano in the fridge. So that is off the list. The popcorn kernels are cheaper than buying microwave and I can put our own healthier toppings on it. I need one small container of plain yogurt with live cultures as a starter for my homemade yogurt.
So after thinking about everything I was going to buy, I have now knocked $44.00 in cost off my list considering the quantities I would have purchased. That $44.00 will continue to earn income and go towards my goal of saving 1/2 of our expense money this year.
So take the time to check your list more than once and you will see that you probably don't need everything that you thought you did. Be sure to do the math on cost too! Your net worth will thank you!
I am off to look for coupons so that I can shop tomorrow. Today I am going to just lounge.
Do you carefully think about what you are buying? Do you have rock bottom prices that you won't buy above?
