**

BYE BYE!!!

2008-12-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

Blog is going bye bye....If you would like to have the new blog please email me....Mandasgooddeals@comcast.net

The babies well visit

2008-12-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

She is now 20.1 pounds(25th percentile), 31 inches tall(50th percentile) I forget her head but its in the 95th...Doc isn't worried about her not walking yet bc she is so close. She is talking up a storm which she said is advanced YAY!! She said she looks nice and healthy just use more lotion on her bc she is getting dry. She had 4 shots today :( Two nurses each took two shots to their thigh! Poor kid they are def on her shit list.

YUMMMO

2008-12-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

Birthday parties at school :) Aren't I such a good mother. My hands look like I killed a smurf but whatever!!

I must say that Wilton cupcake holder is AWESOME!!!!! I love it. I would make pretty cupcakes just to display them :)

Changes

2008-12-10T16:24:00.001-08:00

I am moving my blog! I am changing over to a new site. Send me your email and I will notify you of the change.
Email me at mandasgooddeals@comcast.net

Gingerbread 08

2008-12-09T16:50:00.001-08:00

We did our annual house...Jeff slept as I believe he did last year. WHATEVER! It came out pretty cute. We did it after dinner so don't mind the kids messy meatball faces! Aubrey and I were playing with bubble gum after thought the pics were cute.

I'm not ready for this

2008-12-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

So Aubrey now climbs the stairs on a daily basis! She refuses to walk. She will walk to and from furniture, climb upstairs, on top of boxes you name it. BUT SHE JUST WONT WALK! Shes so funny though. She climbs to the top and claps :) Stairs are done I suppose I should take a pic of them!

The New Year

2008-12-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

Things are changing around here. I have become VERY good at finding VERY good deals! I just went through my inventory and looked to see what I have and who I have to give to. For birthdays we have 17 out of 29 birthday and Christmas done! That is for 2009!!!!! We have 6 people we give cash to so that is 23 out of 29 events DONE we only need to shop for 6! We have set a budget of 500! Lets see how far I can make this money stretch! I have a year to make sure I get the best deal possible!!!

I plan on hitting up the Target January Clearance and the August Clearance. I want all of my Christmas tags, paper, tissue and bags all to be bought for next year. My budget for that is 25.00 I want at least 6 tubes of wrapping paper, a few bags in extra large, medium and small, 3 packets of tissue paper, 2-3 packages of boxes. I also want to fill up on stocking stuffers this time as well. I will wait till it is 75% off before I buy!

As for my kids..I also will hit it big for their Christmas and birthdays....I plan on grabbing Aubrey a couple babies and accessories, a dress up set, some dora, and little people. Trevor I will grab some legos, magnatix. I will of course look for some games and things of that sort. I cant buy everything for them bc I don't know what they will be into. However I can get a good start. I will buy everything I HAVE to have at 50 percent off. When it goes to 75 if it is still there I will buy again and return the 50 percent off toy! My budget for Target is 200! I am hoping I can get rid of the toys I dont want or need in Craigslist in the next few months.

I already have a good amount of stuff for them....to be spread out for Valentines Day, Easter, Birthdays and Christmas!

Rose Petal Cottage
Rose Petal Dining Room set
Rose Petal tea set
Rose Petal Birthday celebration
My little pony scoot a loo
My little pony crawling pinkie
Baby Alive Learns to Potty
Potty
Dora Blocks
FlyBoat
Build a Bear gift cards
4 Dora dolls
Dora Train set

Eyeclops
Halo Plasma Pistol Game
Mega Bloks T-Rex
Star Wars Plug and Play game
Diego Blocks
Handy Manny gift set
Build a bear gift cards

I am setting a limit for the kids, and Jeff and I for the year of 600 dollars.

This means I need to set aside 22 dollars a week for Christmas. When I see a good deal I will get it. I hope I can come in below that but it will be one of my challenges for the year!!

Shopping from home....I'm trying to dwindle down our stockpile. We don't eat tons of cereal and we have TONS of it so I am trying to eat that all up, we used up tons of cake mix and frostings for Trevor's party. I'm trying to get our stockpile a little smaller and more store able so that we can just live off of it. I think if I could spend less then 50 a week at the store I would be happy! I also want to spend no more then 20 dollars at CVS, Wags and Rite Aid. We shouldn't need anymore then 20 a week for household stuff.

MORE FARM PICS

2008-12-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

I stole these from my friend Kim who went with us......

Trevor's 4th birthday party!

2008-12-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

A TON of people couldn't make it. We had about less then 30 show. It was so much fun. It was very low-key...TONS of food and it was all gone...Everyone drank, played with all the new toys, had a blast! It was by far his best party. He had his friends from school over and loved every second of them being there. He was covered in Stamps by the end of the day. He recieved a ton of gifts as well...A Tag system, super hero pack, Batman remote control car, pirate puzzle, pirate color wonder stuff, pirate book, iron man dress up, play-doh ice cream kit, play-doh 50 piece set, guess who game, 2 gator golfs, a power ranger car, handy manny tool set, frosty the snow man, geo trax moutain and expansion set, Martian matter set, Hulk Transformer, Cars Puzzle kit,

Santa's Party at Charmingfare Farm

2008-12-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

It was pretty cool. I would DEF recommends Edaville in Carver, MA over it but you live and learn. You arrive there, check in and can check out some animals. They have roosters, lamb, sheep, pigs, turkeys, etc. Then you ride a horse drawn carriage thing to Santa's Party. When you get there you can buy overpriced Burgers and hot dogs. You get free cookies and Chocolate Milk from Mrs. Claus. Santa is there along with the Grinch and other fairy tale creatures. Then you get in a tractor go and feed Santa's Reindeer and check out more animals...Cougar or Mountain Lion, Wolf, Bears, Camel etc. It was pretty fun. Trev wasn't as excited as he was at Edaville. He did love the Animals. He just wasn't into all the stuffed creatures! The line wasn't to bad waiting to get into the ride itself. It was so cold. However it was beautiful. It snowed the whole time. The horses were HUGE! Trev was so fascinated by them. He could have cared less at the Party and thought Santa looked different then at the mall! He loved feeding the Reindeer and seeing all the animals. They both passed out on the way home.

Pics of course!

Jack the Elf

2008-12-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

Look who found the popcorn!

Just a nice pic of the tree!

Birthday parties

2008-12-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

This weekends marks the 4th birthday party of my "baby"! Where in the hell has time gone? I cannot believe that he is about to be 4. He wont actually turn 4 till the end of the month so I have a few more weeks to cry about it. We are having ANOTHER Spiderman birthday party. Most of our family cannot make it this year it will be a lot of our friends and his friends from school! I wanted to touch up paint and get a ton more organized but that just didn't happen this week. I will get the basement spotless tonight and all ready to go. Tomorrow I will get the upstairs nice and neat, decorate, bake the cake and prepare stuffed shells with my friends. I had NO idea what to get him. He kept asking for this Alien making set I refused to buy bc I am OCD and cant handle mess. I caved and got it for him only because I was able to get it for 11.00! He should have a lot of fun this weekend because Sunday we are going to Santa's Party at a local farm! 2 hours outside in the possible rain! We get to take a horse drawn carriage ride to Santa's house, stop for Hot Chocolate and cookies, take a train ride back through a village of lights! I will take tons of pics and try and post them by Monday!

Humans?

2008-12-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

Trevor: Why am I human?

What?

Trevor: Why am I human I think I just want to be a kid.

Well kids are a type of human like a mom or a dad

Trevor: O okay I just didn't want to be JUST a human

Yesterday Aubrey climbed up the stairs, hit my hand after I hit hers, headbutted me when I wouldn't move, un-wrappped a present.

Yes I need more kids like I need a hole in the head.

Elf on the shelf...and our Tree

2008-11-30T19:01:00.001-08:00

This week has been busy! Jeff has been off of work, we had Thanksgiving, Jeff and I went Black Friday shopping, decorating the house for Christmas inside and out...Oh yea and Jack the Elf has been with us since Thursday morning. Today he even brought the kids some Christmas movies :) We have had a lot of quality time together this week....Some pics :)

Baking pies with mom....

Decorating our tree

The tree looks so much better in person!

Finally our Elf

Poor Nemo was so scared all day

Making Friends

I'm alive

2008-11-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

very tired but alive. I cleaned, baked all day Wednesday. Went out to 4 different CVS from 11:30-2:30 a.m. with my friend K. I paid 18 oop for 140 in merchandise and earned 30 more ecb then I spent.

Thursday woke up at 11 and cooked all day, cleaned, dropped the kids off with my aunt...we were up at 3...

Went to Kohls stood in line for 45 mins got everything we wanted, went to Toys R Us stood in line for 30 mins got everything we wanted, went to the mall...got 2 coats for Aubs and none for Trev(insert angry face here), Disney store was able to get the kids one more thing each, Target got everything we wanted but a PS2 game, we then went to Home Depot and Lowes and Jeff was able to do his Christmas shopping...

We had breakfast with my friend K and her hubby and then we came home took a 3 hour nap, went and picked up the kids, got the tree and came home.

It was a very busy past few days but I loved every second of it. I think I'm pretty much DONE shopping for Christmas unless I see a KILLER deal!

I filled the back of my truck up today twice so we got plenty :)

Off to relax and enjoy the rest of my weekend.

What are you thankful for?

2008-11-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

As I sit here trying to stay awake for another hr so I can start my ventures to 3 24 hour CVS's I am trying to think about what tomorrow is all about...What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for my FIRST and ONLY car. My mom and I split the cost of my Toyota Camry over 4 years ago. Yes I started driving late. It was almost 10 years old at the time with 130k on it. It is now 200k on it and all beat and banged up but it works. Yes I wish I could have a brand new car and look like all the other moms...but I don't have a car payment and have the luxury of a mechanic husband that keeps it running. That shit box has saved me 200 bucks a month EASILY!!!

I am thankful for my house. The first time I ever lived in a house. I always grew up in apartments. I am so thankful to have a home...a place to call my own! I cannot believe I am under 30 and own a home.

I am so very thankful to my husbands job. They treat him so well there...He has learned so much, been paid so much better, has received great benefits and best of all I have been able to stay at home with our kids!

I am so very thankful for my husband. Yes he can be a real jerk but he is a great father and the playmate that I am not with them. He is loving and always tells me how beautiful I am that day no matter how mean I am to him. He puts up with my shit. He has made our first home a home. Its amazing to me what he has learned in the past 6 months. Our house looks amazing! He is a great caretaker!

I am so very thankful for Trevor my first born. He is just so funny. As much as he talks sometimes the things he says has me laughing so hard. He teaches me something new everyday.

I am thankful for Aubrey my baby. She drives me nuts the way she is my shadow but I feel so loved. I love how she just lays her head on me all day long and just hugs and squeezes.

I am thankful for my mom and brother...they are my family. My brother and mother are always willing to help in any way that they can. It amazes me how strong the bond between the 3 of us is and keeps growing.

I am thankful for life. I wake up everyday thinking UGH when I should be so greatful for what I have.

Stairs

2008-11-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

This week my house has been consumed with many trips to Home Depot, painting, drywall dust everywhere....Anyways so far it is coming out good. This week Jeff still has to remove the old stairs, drywall, putty, sand and paint the bottom part, add on new stairs, and a new railing and TA-DAH we are done! Its funny when people ask what they house looked like before we would open the door. HUGE popcorn, wood paneling, smelly, old, ORANGE outlets :( The new stairs will have 2 planks for each step hiding our storage under the stairs. They will also be carpeted.

BEFORE:

HALF WAY THERE:

Daddys little helper!

Trevor

2008-11-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

Today Trevor had his Thanksgiving party at school today. He had a lot to say on the car ride home. He eated Turkey wif corn, pickles and carrots...He WUVED his carrots. He didn't wike the pickles though. He ate with the kingardens. He said he had so much fun. The only sad thing was his best friend A had to leave early because her friend died. Hes going to find the bad guy that made her friend die and beat them up. Thank god we haven't had to deal with death yet. He has no understanding of it!

Dont mind how dirty he is...He came home and helped daddy with the stairs!

Holiday pics 2008

2008-11-24T14:08:00.001-08:00

The kids did really well. Trev had a weird smile all day long...Aubrey just wouldn't smile. However they saw Santa and I got all 3 pics for free from The Picture People. Santa was 21.99 but thats another story :)

Our letter to Santa.....

2008-11-24T07:03:00.001-08:00

Let me translate....

Dear Santa,

Aubrey wants Elmo, Trevor wants Geo Trax and Spike the dinosaur

Love Trevor and Aubrey..

I almost cried. I thought this was the cutest thing he has ever done!

This weekend...

2008-11-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

A very low key weekend I must say.

My mom and I did a little shopping Saturday morning!! It was sooo freakin cold. I felt like such a bad mommy bringing Aubrey out in it. I did get a few more Christmas presents though :P I came home to a complete disaster and so I had to clean that. I got some new X mas decor and put that up, changed stuff around. Its starting to look more put together. A little at a time....

Today I went and did my coupons...Got a pillow, make up, wall-e, huge box of whitmans chocolates, 4 stocking stuffer's for 8.00 oop :) Stayed home the rest of the day and watching Christmas movies on ABC Family...I'm such a loser I know you don't have to tell me :)

DEBT/MONEY issues

We are still having them....Money is so tight but it will get better after Dec 31st. I know it! Found out I no longer get pell grants from school :( Bummer for sure. Jeff finished our closet however we now need more drawers in there which will run us another 100 dollars we just don't have right now. We gotta finish up the holidays, pay our bills and wait for our you owe more tax then you escrowed bill to show up.

JEFF

He finished the closet Saturday...Today he hung half of the basement stairs, mudded and will probably sand tonight. Tomorrow he will be able to work till 11:30 on it then we have family pics at pic people, visiting Santa, etc at the mall. So then he can maybe work a little more on it when we get home. I figure by tomorrow night we will have it full hung, at least one coat of mud on it all and working on the stairs. Im PRAYING it will be all done and painted by Thanksgiving. Im not getting my hopes up...

Busy week...

Jeff is home...his plans are to get the stair way done :)
Monday-Pics and Santa
Tuesday- Trevor has his Thanksgiving party at school and AUbreys first dental
Wenesday- baking, cleaning, everything I can do for thanksgiving, CVS @ midnight
Thursday- Turkey day then taking the kids to my aunts for a sleepover
Friday- Black Friday Shopping, and starting all the decor and lights outside
Saturday- We get our tree
Sunday- BE LAXIN as Trev says

My 1st Christmas in a house!

2008-11-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

The dining room:

Aubrey's room: I think I am going to remove the big tree and put the jingle bell one where it is. The big one can go on the floor. I may get her her very own tree....I just cant decide!

The TV room bookshelf: this seems like a catching ground. Doesnt really have a theme...dont love this either :(

The kitchen: My fav part...I still need more balls for the "ornament trifle" I cant decide what color I want...

The living room: Couch needs more pillows, I need to stop burning candles... I kinda wish my stockings were white and red but these are brand new and Jeff would kill me if I asked to get new ones...

Trevors room: Again needs more...

These decorations used to fill my apartment. I guess it shows how little I have when I get everything into a 1600 sq ft house :( I want more stuff. I just dont have the money. I still have to put all my bathroom stuff up and my village

Update

2008-11-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

I did well today....Went grocery shopping. I spent 37 dollars though :( I got tons of Gatorade, 5 jars of pasta sauce 1 being Alfredo, 2.5 pounds of ground beef, 2 packages of ricotta cheese(trevs party), 1 package of Spaghetti, 1 package of M&M's to reward the kids for being good, a 6 pack of water(I figured spend 2.87 on 6 rather then 1.00 on 1), 1/4 pound of ham for Trev, 1 pound of roast beef for Jeff(he will be home all week needs lunch), 2 boxes of Jeff's fav ice cream.....All in all I saved about what I spent so groceries for half off not a bad plan for me. Next week I will need bananas, grapes, Gatorade and lunch meats.

I went and filled up my car which was a little below half saved .50 cents a gallon and paid 17.50:)

It should be a great week. Jeff is home, Trevor only has school 1 day this week which is a party week :), we have family pics and Santas visit, We are going shopping Friday, We get a kid free night Thursday and we get to see my family a lot this week. We are going to stay in a lot and enjoy this week :) I told Jeff he is allowed to finish the closet(needs one small area to be sanded, and start and finish the stairs and he is done!)

$ and bills

2008-11-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

I have been doing very well. This week I have been to Shaws, CVS, and Target(only because I needed to get one last gift for Aubrey that I had a coupon for!). I have been doing really good with buying only what we need!

I made our budget for this month and next, paid all the bills I could, scheduled the ones I couldn't and made a working budget. I also did our meal plan and we don't need much for the month....a pepper, Gatorade, bananas(next week), grapes(next week), milk, Alfredo sauce....I have 5/25 coupons for Shaws so I plan on using those each week and spending no more then 20-25 a week :)

Gas!! I filled up my truck yesterday for 29.xx that hasn't happened in forever...It was getting around 40-50 range for a while. This made me so happy. Jeff is off this week so we will be using his car a lot and that fill up will last me two weeks! I will fill up the car today with some gas coupons! It will make it 1.67 a gallon...my friend has more if I can get a hold of her today I will stop by and grab hers to make it even cheaper!

$$ coming in....My school money is finally hitting....YAY I wont have to fork over 4800 I don't have :) I am thinking I will get AT LEAST a 1k grant and around 800 for our tax return. With this money I will be able to free up 85 dollars a month in our budget! I will also pay off 6 of the 16 cards we have with balances off! It makes me breathe a little easier. On average I get between 4-7k a year from school so hopefully I get a ton back this year. If I get another 1k then thats one more card freeing up now 44 more dollars bringing my total to 130 a month! etc etc. I would like to have 5 cards by December 2009!

Elves

2008-11-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

Check out these elves YES I have way to much time on my hands!

My weight issues

2008-11-20T06:50:00.001-08:00

So far to date I have lost 26.4 pounds. I am struggling big time with this. I look a lot better then I did and I am maintain just not losing anymore. I have gotten into a DEEP funk and am trying to get out. However this week I managed to create our working budget again, pay our bills, and even been better with my weight loss. Yesterday I lost 2.2 pounds just by doing good like I used to and not snacking and drinking tons of water. Thanksgiving is a week away. I would like to be down 2 more pounds by then. It would be AWESOME if I could hit the 30 pound loss. Its time to get back on track! There is no need for me to fail. I do so good when I try. Its just very hard and I feel I will ALWAYS battle my weight. If I could hit my goal I would be very happy. Within that goal I think I would look very good and you stand to gain or lose 5 pounds here and there. I'm back on track. This weight and depression cant hold me down anymore.

Black Friday

2008-11-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

YES I am a crazy that goes out and shops on that day. NUTS I know! I just cant help it! I love it. It puts me in the mood. PLUS last year Jeff came with me which is awesome because he is such a bigger hard ass then I and pushes his way though and carries all my crap! Our plan so far! I need to see KB Toys, Toys R Us, Old Navy still!!!

Gymbo:

Winter Outwear is 14.00 reg 32.50-50.00

THIS and THIS will be in 18-24 or 2T for Aubrey for Winter 2009/2010

THIS will be for Trev for the following winter as well.

Fleece Hoodies and Pants are 12.00 when you buy 2. I wont be participating in that deal.

My total OOP will be 45.00 -25% for a coupon and using the Gymbo Visa 33.75 savings of 107.25 69% off!!!!

Target:
-Batman Begins 3.98
-Polar Express 5.98
-Leapster Game 15.00
-Elmo’s Farm Playset 15.00
39.96 total oop Savings of 35.41 a little less then half off

Sears:
I know pronounce you chuck and larry.

Bath and Body Works:
I may go in there are use my 10/30 I haven't decided yet. I don't really NEED anything in there.

Holiday Baking

2008-11-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

My friend K and her daughter C came over on Monday. We hung out all day. She is a new stay at home mom and I am a veteran at this job! We baked cookies and let the kids play. The cookies came out very cute and Jeff gobbled them up. He hates sugar cookies..Excuse my appearance I LOOK ROUGH!!! It was a lazy day I didnt do hair or make up or get dressed for that matter :)

Doesn't everyone just lick the icing off!?

Then we made the Pumpkin Spice Roll which was a total bitch! It took forever and a lot of effort. Its not even that tasty if you want an honest opinion.

Trevor's first cake

2008-11-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

Here is the pic I promised V! It came out awful. We were supposed to ice the cake with the stars you see on the bottom. However time got away from us and this is what happened:)

Hopey cokey

2008-11-18T15:34:00.001-08:00

Trevor did the Hopey Cokey today at school.....AND DATS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT...

They also learned about Acorns and Corpacopias :)

That is all

CVS Black Friday

2008-11-18T09:57:00.001-08:00

CVS Black Friday
Qty Each Item Cost ecb
1 $5.99 Bic Solei $5.99 $5.99
1 $5.99 Garnier $5.99 $5.99
1 $8.99 Maybelline Mineral $8.99 $8.99
1 $2.99 Aussie $2.99 $2.99
1 $1.00 Hershey Bar $1.00 $1.00
1 $6.99 Headphones $6.99 $6.99
1 $6.99 Schick Quattro $6.99 $6.00
2 $2.99 Colgate $5.98 $5.98
1 $3.99 Playtex Gide $3.99 $3.00
1 $1.49 g2 $1.49 $1.49
1 $9.99 Memory Pillow $9.99 $3.00
$0.00
12 ttl items Total $60.39
Qty Each Coupons
1 $3.00 Bic Solei $3.00
1 $1.00 Garnier $1.00
1 $3.00 Maybelline Mineral $3.00
1 $1.00 Aussie $1.00
1 $2.00 Schick Quattro $2.00
2 $1.00 Colgate $2.00
1 $1.00 Playtex Gide $1.00
$-
$-
$-
$-
8 ttl cpns CVS $/$$ or CRT $10.00
Gain or Total Coupons $(23.00)
Lose Total after Cpns $37.39
ECBS Pay with ECBs $30.00
($14.03) GRAND TOTAL OOP $7.39 $51.42
Thanks Fannie for the awesome spreadsheet

Christmas giving!

2008-11-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

My friend Tara id trying to help a family at Christmas. We were thinking a victim of the fires in California. I am going to donate some toys and health and beauty items. We are looking to fill a huge box and give the kids and parents something to help and open on Christmas. If you can donate any toys, clothes, gift cards, health and beauty items or cash it would be appreciated. Check out Tara's blog for more info.

WOW

2008-11-17T05:57:00.000-08:00

Okay come out come out wherever you are! I thought it was just my mom, myself, a few of my friends and a few of the people that comment my blog that check it out! Evidently I was wrong.....My little stalker thing on the side shows I have a lot of people from different places checking it out! Do me a favor leave me a quick comment...Who are you? Whats your blog? Love/hate about mine?

The economy is suffering?!

2008-11-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

I called my mom this a.m. after going to CVS for my close to free batteries :)

8 pack 9.99
4 pack 5.49
4 pack 5.49

Total: 20.97
-5/2 CVS coupon
-3.00 1.50/1 Duracell coupons

oop 12.97. 15 back in ECB My OOP was of course a lot lower from ECB's and CRT's

Also good deals to mention. Vaseline Lotion 5.99 -1.50 coupon earns 2.00 ecb Crest Pro Health toothpaste 3.49

I went shopping with my mom and I do not believe the economy is suffering that bad. People are still out there shopping...however they are shopping Amanda style. They have a flyer in hand and are ONLY shopping the flyer!!

Toys R Us:

Mega Bloks Diego, Dora and Cars are buy one at 20+ get a free small play set thing. I also had a 5/25 coupon so it made it about 18.00 or 8.00 a piece. These may be put aside as Stocking Stuffers or for the Easter Baskets since they kinda match.

I was able to get Trevor this(he will LUB the pack pack):

Aubrey this:

We then went to the mall where I got tons of Gymbo stuff for the kids with my merchandise Credit. I was able to get them 2 bug fleece lined vests for 15.00 each reg 40!!!!!!!! Awesome if you live in the bitter North East like I do!

We also went to Bath and Body works....My mom had the gift card from the promotion I mentioned a few weeks ago. They also had a promotion buy 1 signature line item get a body wash for a dollar(certain scents). We walked out of there with a lotion for her, a body wash for me, and a wall flower for 1.50 oop!!

birthday parties

2008-11-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

Trevor's birthday party is 3 weeks from today. We went to IParty and I let him pick out what he wanted. Now normally we do this in August..I'm so OCD and need control that I always have it done WAYYYYY before time. This year not so much :( Anyways we went and picked up all the stuff we needed and ordered balloons. All I have left to buy is food for that day which will be 60 for Pizza. I also need to get some more beer, water, a pinata, ice cream for the sundaes and syrups and toppings. I'm hoping I can keep it under 100 for all of that. I really am thinking of throwing the kids a joint birthday party in July to celebrate Trevor's 1/2 birthday and Aubrey's birthday. It is so expensive to have parties.

The ever ending house saga

2008-11-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

We bought our house as a total fixer upper. Not one thing could really be salvaged. Besides some touch up painting and stuff like that all we have left is fixing our closet, Replacing all but the Shower walls in our Master Bath, Painting and floors in our office and the stair walls and steps. I thought these things would all be waiting. Evidently I was wrong. Jeff is starting the basement steps the week he is on vaca. If we are lucky his brother can come carpet them that week. I may just say screw the carpet and leave the steps as they kinda are now. We also will be installing a different light. It seems as if the house is always being fixed and upgraded. I cant complain though.....If only we could Vinyl Side and fix the drive way like I want!

Meet Jack!

2008-11-15T06:38:00.001-08:00

Jack is our new animal. Hes a very good boy except when he makes Trev drive is Matchbox cars up my wall. Trev doesn't want to do it Jack makes him. When Jack is in trouble Trev has to call him Jackson. He does tricks, and eats candy(thats who leaves wrappers on my floor), takes Trevs clothes out of the dirty clothes basket. etc.

This kid cracks me up! Such an imagination.

Christmas Photo Session take 1

2008-11-14T17:49:00.001-08:00

My fav....I just want the back crap photo shopped out...Maybe a little enhancement.

Summed up the photo session:

Shes out

Some okay ones that need to be centered and edited

I cannot edit pics for the life of me. If you or someone you know can feel free to touch these up. I would be forever greatful!

So many women.....

2008-11-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

We were coming home from school the other day. I told Trevor we invited A(his friend from school) and J(our family friend he has grown up with) to his birthday party.

Me: Trev what are you going to do at your party with both of your girl friends there

Trev: What girl friends?

Me: A and J

Trev: O I will eat cake

Me and Jeff were laughing and Jeff asked him if he was a two timer

Trev: No Im DA KING!

I'm screwed!

2008-11-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

Im pregnant! No just kidding. But how screwed would I be...ANYWAYS I started my final class of my third year in college...Research and Statistics. According to my adviser and this teacher this is the number 1 class Business Students fail! AWESOME! I hate math with everything in me. I am really scared about this class. Think of me these next 4.5 weeks. I'm totally freakin out. If I fail I have to pay for this class and thats math I don't like! Give me an English paper I can write a load of crap in 30 mins and make a A. This not so much.

payback

2008-11-12T06:52:00.000-08:00

I always tell him to leave her alone that she will get bigger and beat the crap outta him. Well the time has come. Shes not taking his crap anymore.

Dont mind my dirty chair I need some leather cleaning cloths to make it all shiny again!

Playroom

2008-11-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

The playroom is finally done....We just have to install our wood stove at the end of the season when they all go on sale :) I wanted a nice Pottery Barn playroom but that didn't happen. We still gave the kids all the things they could have asked for. Nice and organized for mommy :) No I am not a messy it was just used as our unfinished storage area the first few months we lived here. I am so happy its done and the kids have a little oasis :)

Before:

After:

Testing Testing

2008-11-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make my Easy Oreo Truffles before I gave them out to people. Ya know make sure they tasted yummy...They were very tasty. I wish there was more Creme in them but what can ya do.

Elf

2008-11-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

Our Elf came November 1st. Just for a quick visit to report back to Santa and tell him how Trev was. He also wanted to let Trev know to get ready because he will be back around Turkey Time!!

This pic is priceless. Look at the shock on Trevor's face!

Then we left and came home and the Elf was napping in Trev's bed before he flew to the North Pole that night. Thank god Trev was sleeping in our room that night :)

Sums up my weekend

2008-11-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

O yea I went there.....

New Shelves

Ugh

2008-11-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

What an exhausting weekend! I spent Saturday out shopping with my mom and my friend. I was able to get a free 20 lb turkey and all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner for under 30 dollars :) We went to the mall and shopped for 1.00 scarves and hats, free wallflowers, cheap costumes for next year etc. It was great I had fun shopping with the girls and Jeff was able to remove one of the chimneys we dont need, add more space to our closet, fix the mixing valve in our Master Bath, and frame and put in the door to the office(yay all panel doors in the house now).

Today I went shopping with Kim in the morning and came home to have to run out to get Max some food and some interaction with dogs at Petsmart! We also went to Home Depot to get the baseboards, and shelving stuff we needed to fix downstairs. Which just reminds me of how much I want done before Trevor's party! We had to go to my Sister In Laws for a christening party which Trev had a blast at. It was good to we have to drive 45 mins to get there and we were able to see everyone so it wasn't a wasted trip!

I have a final due tomorrow and the whole upstairs I have to clean. Its going to be a late night!

CoupTracker

2008-11-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Since I received my new Couponzier which a LOVE with everything in me it has a tracker. I have been tracking my spending savings....I just finished my first page. I will add a little blurb on the side to add each page I complete. Should be cool to see what I save!!!

Layoffs!

2008-11-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

My really good friend was laid off today. I felt really sad but also happy for her. She very badly wants to be a stay at home mom. I think they can totally do it! She will be at home from a few months I have a feeling it will be forever! I think they will see how much better off they are with her home. Not to mention I cannot wait to have her around and get to bargain hunt(Shes a coupon mom too), to take the kids for play dates. Just to have someone around. We talk all day via text and phone calls so why not hang out in our PJ's with the kids :)

Whats on your menu?

2008-11-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Im so sick of the same dinners every night! I wish my husband wasnt so picky and I had energy to look up great recipes. I am so envious of my friend D she is an online buddy. But we talk a lot and she makes the most insane dinners. I have taken a few recipes from her and they are always so delish! Anyways our meal plan

Tonight:

Kraft One pan Chicken Potato Bake with some veggies Recipe

Friday:

Italian Sausage/Peppers/Onions Subs

This is such a easy recipe D gave me.

Dribble some EVOO on a baking pan and cook your sausage for about 20 mins at 400. While its cooking slice some onions and peppers. Place a little EVOO in a pan with garlic...Once its started to cook a little throw in the peppers and onions add a little water and tomato paste and some salt and pepper. Let the flavors mix together throw in the sausage cut up or whole. You can serve it in a sub roll like I do for Jeff or just eat it on a plate like I do(saving the calories)

Saturday:
Meatball Subs Yes a lot of bread this week I have sub rolls that will go bad if I don't use them up

Sunday:
We have a party to go to we will eat dinner there YAY I don't have to cook

Monday: Roasted Chicken with Veggies and Mashed Potatoes(A lot of potatoes this week. As they will go bad soon to so I gotta use them up!)

Tuesday: Taco Casserole

Wednesday: Pork Tenderloin Rice and Veggies

Thursday: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

A trip to the mall

2008-11-06T11:29:00.001-08:00

I had a great trip to the mall today!

Yankee Candle had 12 votives for 18 dollars. If you bought all 12 you received a cookie tin to put them in. I also bought a beautiful little house for tea lights. Total was 31.88 after the votive sale, free tin and my 10/25 coupon I paid 15.99 out of pocket

Victoria Secret:

I bought the VS cotton bra, which was 2/40 so I thought I would get it for 20.00 It actually is 24 if you don’t buy two. I also bought a pair of VS cotton undies…. Total was 31.50-10 bras and 7.50 free undie coupon came to 14.00 oop and I got a gift card for at least 10 up to 500 dollars for when I return. Depending on how you look at it 14.00 oop or 4 oop J

Bath and Body Works

I had a ton of coupons and asked if I could use them all up and they said yes. Of course I walked out with a million more lol!

#1
Antibacterial Trial size 1.50
Scent port 12.50
-12.50 Scent port coupon
1.50 oop

#2
2 lotions 21.00
2 body was 21.00
1 HUGE snow man candle 35.00
Total 77.00
-b1g1 ½ 10.50
-20.00 for spending 30 getting the snowman for 15
-10/30 purchase
Total oop: 36.50 with a 10 dollar gift card for spending 30 so depending how you look at it 26.50

#3
4 Antibacertial foam hand wash(LOVE THIS STUFF) 20.00
-5 3/15 discount
-5 free when you spend 5 dollars on antibacterial stuff
Total oop 10.00

Target:
Huggies 2.29 1.99
Cereal bar 2.44 1.75
Cereal bar 2.44 1.75
Goody Elastics 2.19
Goody Elastics 2.19
Pink Spoon 3.99 .98
6 Ziploc 25 count bags 6.00 3.00
Halloween décor 14.99 3.74
Elmo 5.99
4 Glade Candles 10.00
Juicy Juice 2.19
Total : 54.71 35.77
-2.19 JJ peelie
-3.00 Ziploc ½ coupons
-4.00 Goody coupons
-3.00 1.50/2 Glade
Total oop 23.58 plus a 5 dollar gift card from glade making it 18.58 depending how you look at it.

Total oop: 101.57 Total in merchadise: 229.09 A savings of: 56 percent if I did my math right J

ups and downs

2008-11-05T05:16:00.000-08:00

I let the Halloween candy get the best of me. Its been so good. I gained less then a pound but still. I got it outta my system and I'm back to losing. It just feels so good to lose I cant stop now. If I want to hit my Thanksgiving goal of 35 pounds I'm going to have to bust my ass! I have 9.6 pounds to lose in 22 days! I have a feeling I will be around the 32 mark come Thanksgiving but I'm going to try! After I take my brother to work I will take the kids out for a walk! It will kill me but I need to walk and I cant after Jeff gets out of work anymore :(

A Rock obama

2008-11-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

Well done! I don't know much about politics. I have a lot going on and don't follow politics. However I have seen it here and there and think he ran a very good campaign. I also think he has brains, composure, manners, intelligence, and grace unlike our current president! I think the next few years he will have to play janitor and clean up the horrible mess we are in but if re-elected 4 years later he could really make some changes. Well done a rock obama as Trev says. Trev wikes you a wot!

Coupons!

2008-11-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

I have a fancy printer all in one thing. WE havent had ink for over 4 months for it. I was dying. I had to send my mom coupons I needed printing. I also had to send her everything I needed for school and so on. We looked around and paid about 20 dollars for 280 dollars worth of Ink on Ebay and it works the same as the expensive Epson ink did. I am in heaven. I have been printing so many coupons. Signs of a true addict.

Barack

2008-11-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

I was just scrolling on bbc a site I visit often. Trev is talking my ear off and as usual I am saying uh-huh sure.

Trev: There was a black man!

Me: Where?

Trev: on the puter Barack Obama!

Me: How do you know who Barack Obama is? Dont call people by the color of their skin.

Trev: Hes on TV!

Now Trev will be 4 in December but that amazes me that he is that aware of the TV. I should really start watching what I put on the TV.

Target Toy Coupons

2008-11-03T11:30:00.001-08:00

http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=toy_coupons_main&ref=sc_iw_r_1_0

Victorias Secret

2008-11-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

2 deals!

First Deal

Buy 2 bras I choose the VS Cotton which are 2/40. Then select a pair of cotton undies in white, black, nude. Total comes to 45.00 use the codes 25pty and FA813789 and you end up paying for 1 bra at 10 dollars. I paid 15.99 for 2 bras and a pair of undies!!

Second deal

Buy two sweaters. The 204-682 a basic ribbed sweater is 29.50 on sale for 12! Use the codes sweater 15 and rush08. You will get a free lip gloss set and 2 sweaters for 17 dollars. FA810189 use that code if you have a card!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

What a busy day it was! We woke up went food shopping at Shaws, to Jeffs work to visit and show off the kids, to my moms job to show off the kids, to take my brother to work, Trick or Treating at our mall and then Trick or Treating at home.

I gained a pound!! I also ate dinner at 9 and had pizza and about 5 snickers bars. It was all in fun back to the grind today.

My mom surprised the kids and dressed up as a clown!(I had a clue bc she was looking for converse shoes a few weeks ago when we went shopping). The kids had a blast and we have 3 HUGE Ziploc bags full of candy and most of our candy is gone. Our neighborhood was great. A lot of people decorated their houses, played scary music etc. It was also great a lot of people sat outside and just handed out candy so the kids didn't have to hike up driveways, hills or stairs. There was a decent amount of kids around but not over powering. Kids got TONS of candy. I love our neighborhood cant wait to see it at Christmas!

Of Course some pics:

The mall...Aubrey was loving the attached bag with candy being thrown in it. Trev filled up his bag!!

Waiting to go Trick or Treating at home:

(I TRIED)

Trick or Treating:

27 pounds in pictures

2008-10-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

I am so grossed out in this pic. If I see it enough I will keep going! How did my husband ever find me attractive to have another baby with!

Now 27 pounds later!

Totally messed up

2008-10-31T08:24:00.001-07:00

I need to learn to count. My Shaws transactions are all wrong. First was only 25 dollars GRRR I'm so mad at myself! But whatever damage is done....

30 Veggies 30.00
-15.00 1/2 coupons for veggies
15.00 oop with 15 dollar coupon

1 Bag of Veggies 2.50
4 Veggies 4.00
4 Cookies 10.00
9 Cookies 1.66 each 14.94
-1.00 Veggies
-2 1/2 veggies
-2 1/2 cookies
-3.6 .40/1 cookie
-3.6 .40 doubled
-15.00 coupon
oop 5.24 with 15 back

6 Hungry mans 15.00
1 loaf of arnold bread 2.00
-.55 coupon
-.55 doubled
-15.00 coupon
.90 oop

1 to go

2008-10-30T19:41:00.001-07:00

As of 10:30 I was down .4 pounds from this morning!!! I will def not hit my goal but should come close. I will def hit the 35 pounds by Thanksgiving goal! 4 weeks 27 days ...Thats 2 pounds a week or a little over a quarter pound a day...

It's amazing....

2008-10-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

what a year can do! Almost makes me tear up a bit. I want a itty bitty so bad!

THEN:

NOW:

Shaws KICK ASS WEEK

2008-10-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

A GREAT week at Shaws!!!!

My plan!!

6 packages of Pillsbury Cookies @ 2.50 each 15.00
6 Betty Crocker Frosting @ 1.66 10.00
-3.00 1/2 Cookie coupons
-3.00 1/2 Frosting coupons
Total 19.00 Earn a 15 dollar coupon off my next purchase

Purchase 2:
4 Pillsbury Cookies @ 2.50 each 10.00
1 Bag of Green Giant Veggies 2.50
18 Boxes of veggies 18.00
-9 1/2 Veggies
-1.00 Veggie Bags
-2.00 Cookies
-15 coupon from transaction 1
Total oop: 3.50 earn 15.00 coupon

Transaction 3:
6 Frostings @ 1.66 each 9.96
10 Betty Crocker Cookies @ 1.66 16.60
4 Green Giant Boxes 4.00
-3.00 1/2 Frostings
-2.00 Green Giant
-4.00 .40/1 Cookies
-4.00 .40/1 doubled
-15.00 Coupon
Total oop: 2.56 earn a 15.00 coupon back!

Transaction 4
6 Hungry Mans 2.50 each 15.00
-15.00 Shaws coupon
0 OOP!!!

I will save over 45 dollars which makes up for the 5 dollars I spent in coupons :)

Elf is coming!

2008-10-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

He was wrapped this morning had had a tag put on him. He will come Friday night. The elf wrote Trev a little note telling him he cant stay for long he still has to make a few more toys. Have mommy and daddy read the book and make sure you name him!

Just gotta get Trev off my back a little. Hes driving me nuts. He wants the downstairs decorated for Christmas already! I love Christmas! I start planning next years Christmas Dec 26th. But this kid is NUTS!

Open House and Parades

2008-10-30T07:48:00.001-07:00

We went to Trevor's school last night. Both teachers said Trevor is such a pleasant child! He is a great friend, very smart, eager to learn, one of the teachers told me he was her fav! I did meet his little girlfriends mom. She seems very sweet. The class seems to get along very well. Trev had a pumpkin painting and a cute pumpkin with a felt face. I am so happy with this school. I cannot say enough good things about the teachers and parents that help with the school.

His family Tree with Jessica as a sister LOL!!!! This cracks me up!

Him coloring with Grandma!

Dressing up as a knight!

This morning was the parade. Trev ran in front of the teacher! He is just so excited for the party today and Trick or Treating tomorrow. All the kids looked so cute. I took a few pics of course!

The parade...

Class pictures

Trev and his best friend A:

Trick or Treat

2008-10-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Trevor and I made bags for all of the kids in his class. Each kid gets 3 pieces of candy, a pencil, eraser, bubbles, bat rings, and flash light. I think he will enjoy handing them out. He was so adamant that HE could only fill A his girlfriends bag. Shes my best friend I sit with her all day!

2 lbs in 2 days?!

2008-10-29T06:41:00.001-07:00

As cool as that would be its not going to happen. I want so badly to get out for a walk today. But its in the 40's with wind gusts of 25...cant take the kids out in that. Tonight is Trev's open house at school and I will not miss that. I may to go Gymboree and return a ton of stuff when I have to take my brother home from work and walk the mall 20 mins.

I was able to update my debt ticker! I was also able to pay off Target this week.

Monthly Food Shopping

2008-10-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

2 pounds of ground beef
Sub Rolls
4 Packages of English Muffins
3 packages of bagels
1 diced green chili peppers
Spaghetti Packet
Bag of Onions
2 Nutri Grain bars
10 pizza for one
5 Hungry Man
Gatorade
Bananas
Grapes
Buns
Chicken Patty's
4 Gallons of Milk

I have everything else we will need for the month. I have 320 to spend on this months meal plan, stocking up and CVS and Wags. I will try and find the Bagels, English Muffins, Beef, and buns on mark down at Shaw's. I will also have to buy bananas and milk weekly. Lets see if I can do it.

Bargain Hunting

2008-10-28T12:27:00.001-07:00

No bargain hunting for me this weekend. I looked and saw nothing that caught my eye :) I will probably hit up Shaws and Walmart and do my monthly shopping.

SNOW?!

2008-10-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

According to weather.com it could snow tonight and tomorrow. Are you freakin kidding me?!

CVS Moneymaker

2008-10-28T09:51:00.001-07:00

2 Nova Max 19.98
1 Countour 30.00
2 3 pk colgate toohbrushes 3.48
Total 53.46
-10/50 CVS CRT
-2.00 Colgate CRT
-1.00 Colgate CRT
-1/2 Colgate Manufacturer
-30.00 Countour
-8.00 ECB
oop 1.46 earned 19.98 ECb!

I will donate the monitors and keep rolling those ecbs!

STUPID AF, Early nights etc!!

2008-10-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Since its been getting dark so early I haven't been able to walk. I live in a very woody area and we have seen coyotes in our back yard this weekend. So I haven't been walking. I did drop Trev off this morning and Aubrey and I went for a walk. I can only do that for a little while longer since it is getting pretty cold! I figure if I can get walks in on Saturday and Sunday while Jeff is home and hopefully Tuesdays and Thursdays I will be able to keep this up!

My AF made me gain almost 3 pounds. Now that shes gone its fall back off. I'm down 25.6 so I need to lose .4 to get to where I was before she arrived. I don't think there is any chance I can lose 2.4 pounds by Friday to meet my Halloween goal of 28 pounds. I'm going to try to get as close as I possibly can :)

I am just not getting a little confidence in myself. You can see the majority of my weight loss in my legs. However there is a pic of Trev and I carving pumpkins where you can see my weight loss a lot! I want to look great for Christmas. I want to be able to look at the pics and saw wow I looked great.

Wish me luck! I walked today and my socks fell down and now my heels are rubbed raw but I will get over it.

Elf on the Shelf!

2008-10-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am so totally doing this!! Trevor LOVES the movie Elf and is really into them and what they do and how they make toys and help Santa.

This is a little background on the Elf:

"This charming tradition began for our family when my children were very small. Plagued by their desire to know how Santa really knew who had been naughty or nice, I searched through the Christmas decorations for a plausible explanation. Nestled among them was the answer; a small elf doll from my own childhood. With that discovery, the idea for the elf tradition was born.

At our home the elf would arrive around the holidays, usually at Thanksgiving. His sole responsibility was to watch my children's behavior and report it to "Santa" each night. The next morning after the children awoke, they discovered the elf had returned from the "North Pole" (with some parental assistance) and was hiding in a different place. My children would race each other out of bed to try and be the first to spy him in his new position.

Over the years the tradition was perfected and rules were even introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children were not allowed to touch him; however, they were allowed to talk to him. For obvious reasons, he was not allowed to reply. Eventually, my children even gave him a name - officially adopting him into the family.

Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit: it helped the children to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the "elf was watching" for errant behavior to be modified.

I never dreamed this simple tradition would lead to so many Christmas memories for our entire family. It is my earnest desire that The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition will bring as much joy to your family as it has to mine."

He is rather expensive. But for all the years he will "watch" out and "report" to santa it will be well worth it!

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition™ is an activity the entire family will enjoy. Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this cleverly rhymed children's book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.

Each Tradition-in-a-Box™ comes with its very own scout elf, a hardbound children's book and a keepsake box for easy storage. In addition, each shipment is marked for "Special Delivery" from Santa's workshop.

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition
$29.95 plus S&H (price includes custom gift packaging)

It seems like such a cute idea! The elf can track snow in our house(glitter and cotton balls). He can hang your underwear from the Christmas tree, hang from lights, bring small presents! It should be really fun to make him be a naughty little elf at night, give the kids some small gifts and always find a new place for him to "hide". We are going to Hallmark today! I am paying for him with our "Christmas Money" Hes kinda Christmas right?!

Clinque

2008-10-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Clinique is offering a free bonus set with any purchase of $21.50 or more. Apply coupon FALLBEST to receive free shipping and .51 oz. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion & .21 oz. Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer. Thanks KarenBoBaren86
Additional coupons available (separate them with a comma, e.g. FALLBEST,csemailskin3 [limit 2])

* csemailskin3 - Free Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 Sample .51oz
* MUBAG - Free limited edition white makeup bag with any foundation purchase
* BONUSTY - Free Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips 1 oz

Availble bonus sets:
Weekend Casual:

* Lash Doubling Mascara in Black .14oz/4g
* Different Lipstick in Spiced Apple 4g
* Fresh Bloom in Peony with brush .06oz/1.8g
* Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Butter Pecan .07oz/2g
* All About Eyes 5ml
* Eye Lash Curler
* White and silver floral wristlet

Professional Polish:

* High Impact Mascara in Black .14oz/4g
* Long Last Lipstick in Honey Nut 4g
* Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Sunset Glow with brush .06oz/1.8g
* Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Butter Pecan .07oz/2g
* All About Eyes 5ml
* Eye Lash Curler
* White and silver floral wristlet

Evening Drama:

* High Definition Mascara in Black .14oz/4g
* Full Potential Lips in Voluptuous Violet .08fl oz/2.4ml
* Fresh Bloom in Peony with brush .06oz/1.8g
* Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Chocolate Kiss .07oz/2g
* All About Eyes 5ml
* Eye Lash Curler
* White and silver floral wristlet

I ONLY use their foundation, powder and concealers. I did two separate transactions and got the Professional and Casual gift bags along with a free lotion and lip gloss :) I ONLY buy during promotions to help offset the high cost. I do suffer from extremely sensitive skin which results in acne and this keeps it under control!

Toys R Us Big Book

2008-10-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Trev and I just went through the big book...

He pointed out the Batman Castle, Imaganex Pirate Ship, Tag Reader(all that my mom has already got him)

Spike(Santa is bringing him)

He wants this Diego thing...I will ask my mother in law to get him that.

He also asked for

Rhino Rampage
Some Action figures
some baby animals

All in all I think he will be VERY happy what he gets this year!

Trick or Treating at the mall!

2008-10-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the event at the mall. They had a blast. Aubrey had her first lollipop and loved it! Trev got his face painted. We also got a free picture from Picture People 10x13 a great value!

We also went to Old Navy and got 51.50 in T-Shirts for next Halloween for 5.00!

All in all the kids had a blast :)

Amazon Hulk

2008-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_7749282_3?ie=UTF8&docId=1000293921&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=0BJFC0E8ZFKNFYCAMJ65&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=454775801&pf_rd_i=668401011

Hulk Items are 3 for 30. They range in price from 16.99-34.99 I hope this helps :)

Chimney

2008-10-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

We actually have 3 on our house!

One was for a old Chimney that went through our closet.

One was in the kitchen where the wood stove we removed was.

One is coming from the playroom in the basement(where the wood stove is)

Trev is insisting bc we don't have a fire place Santa cant come. I told him he will come through the wood stove.

This kid is one step away from making me climb on the roof and jump in myself to show him santa will fit. I don't think our chimney can take my fat ass!

Old Navy, Bath and Body Works

2008-10-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

We went to Old Navy and Bath and Body works this morning.

Old Navy was giving away the bags for Halloween. Jeff and I each got one for 5.00 off! We bought Aubrey's costume for next year. Reg 19.50 on sale for 5.00 used the coupon FREE! We also got Jeff a Thermal shirt(the only winter clothes he will wear) reg 16.50 on sale for 10 after coupon we paid 5.

Then we went to Bath and Body works

One antbacterial and sanitizer 1.50
One HUGE Candy Apple Body Creme 11.50
-11.50 free christmas line with ANY purchase coupon.

1.50(One of Trev's teachers DONE)

Goals!

2008-10-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I sat down and had a LONG talk! Here are our goals....

Save 25 a week for Christmas

Pay off Kohls, my home depot, Lowes, My chase, My US Bank cc by May 09! 4000 in debt right there!

Spend no more then 200 a month on gas

Spend no more then 260 a month on food and CVS/Wags/Rite Aid

STAY OUT OF TARGET!

Pay off St Joes before we TTC

If we can achieve this then we will.......Start TTC number 3 September 09!

It is going to take a lot of will power and determination! I may get a night time job if I can find one in a safe environment.

My princess

2008-10-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest Tutu you ever saw?!!!! I love it!

My actual Shaws shopping trip!

2008-10-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Shaws:
Produce:
Potatos 1.39 reg 3.69
Bananas 1.11
Meat:
Turkey Burgers 2 @ 3.69 7.38
Sweet Italian Sausage 2@3.50 7.00
Pork Chops 2.55 Reg 5.11
Boneless Chicken Breast 6.02 reg 6.48
Boneless Chicken Breast 4.95 reg 5.32
Deli:
Swiss Cheese 2.72
Chicken 4.63 reg 5.39
Roast Beef 7.15
Grocery:
Pillsbury Holiday cake mix 1.79 reg 2.19
Pillsbury Holiday Icing 1.19 reg 2.00
Barilla Plus pasta 2@2.00 4.00 reg 5.18
Bakery:
English Muffins on markdown .75 reg 1.50
1 Bread 1.00 reg 1.19
2 Turkey Hill Ice cream @ 2.99 5.98 reg 6.98
Dairy:
1 Land O Lakes Eggs 2.79 was 3.19
2 1/2 Gallons of Milk @2.50 5.00
General:
2 Diego Socks 1.00 reg 3.98

Total: 32.51

-1 Turkey Hill 1.00
-1.00 Land O Lakes Eggs doubles
-2.00 Turkey Burger markdowns
-2.00 Sausage markdowns
-1.50 Chicken Peelies
-1.50 Peelies doubled
-1.00 Pillsbury cake and icing
-1.00 Barilla Pasta
-5/50 Shaws

Total oop: 51.40 saved 30.41

My plan was to find cheap meat, English Muffins or Bagels. I did find lots of meat, the pizzas weren't in the choices that we eat so I skipped on those, I also bought a holiday Cake Mix and Icing, Pasta, bananas, and deli meats and cheese that weren't on my list. My weekly budget is 60.00 I knew I was going to spend 2.00 at CVS so I had to keep it under 58.00 and I DID!!

Weekly Shopping

2008-10-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

Shaws:(I hope to find some marked down meat, bagels, milk and english muffins)

Potatos 1.39
3 California Pizzas @4.99 14.97
2 Turkey Hill Ice cream @ 2.99 5.98
1 Land O Lakes Eggs 2.79
1 Bread 1.00
2 Gallons of Milk @3.19 6.38

Total: 32.51
-3 California Pizza 3.00
-1 Turkey Hill 1.00
-1.00 Land O Lakes Eggs doubles

27.51(will hopefully be closer to 40 if I can get some meat and bagels and stuff)

CVS:

IF a BIG IF they have 20 Gatorade's I will buy them all!

20 Gatorade 20.00
1 Breeze 2 Monitor 30.00
Total 50.00
-30.00 Breeze
-5.00 ECB
-3.00 ECB
-10/50 CRT
2.00 OOP with 5.00 ECB back!

Wags:

Nothing worth me making a trip there

YAY!

2008-10-22T18:23:00.001-07:00

Not that I am ready for her to walk AT ALL but Aubrey is finally wanting to walk while I hold her hands. She gets very excited. She cant figure out what to do with her belly or ass but its cute. Shes trying! The only thing that worries me is she is leaning on the sides of her feet and has her feet tilted inwards. I hope this isnt a sign of anything bad. I am such a worry wart.

2 babies

2008-10-22T14:59:00.001-07:00

Trev wants two babies. We were eating lunch today and he saw a lady with twins. He looked at me and told me...

"Hey mommy we need to get 2 babies"

Trev we have one baby and she is enough

"No we need two of dem like dat over dere"

No Im happy with my two babies

"no we need to ask daddy, daddy wants one more baby"

Maybe we will have one but not two

"but pwease aubwee you want a baby wight"

see aubee wants one too....she can have a baby and I can have a baby"

We will talk about this later trev.

Budgeting!

2008-10-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

How sad is this....

Renting vs Owning
955 1460(this does include insurance, pmi and taxes)
80 Electric 150 electric
0 Water 30 water
90 cell 90 cell
150 comcast 110 comcast
1275 1840

No wonder we are broke

Debt used to be 0 is now a number with a few more zeros :(

We will get through this. I know we will. Our spending is under control now that the house is pretty much done. We are really watching every penny.

I planned a trip to the mall Sunday and it should be interesting. I plan on visiting KB Toys, Bath and Body works and VS

VS:

I plan on getting a VS cotton bra and pair of cotton undies for 10.00 after my free panty and 10 off bra coupon.

Bath and Body works:
1 hand soap
1 wallflower or difuser
3.00

5 hand soaps
1 lotion
1 lambie
15.00

KB Toys
get 30 dollars in stuff for aubs for x mas
20.00

The couponizer

2008-10-21T19:21:00.001-07:00

I just bought this. I think it will make my life A LOT easier! I find a lot of times Im in the store tearing my bag apart for a coupon that fell out, my shaws or CVS card etc. I also feel like my method is no longer working for keeping my coupons managable. It should be here soon lets see how well I like it. Heres a quick description!

The Couponizer® is an organizing and shopping system for coupons and other discounts. Product Features:

The entire 7 piece system includes:

* The Couponizer® – 8" x 5 ¼�? booklet with 18 grocery coupon pockets, 4 Non-grocery coupon pockets, 3 gift card/shopper loyalty sleeves, shopping pockets
* Shopping List – 20 page tear off list pad with cardboard backing
* CoupStacker – pre-sorting mat color coded to match the system pockets
* CoupTracker – 15 page spiral bound list pad with cardboard backing
* “Your Guide to Smart Savings�? – instruction booklet with spending strategy and coupon tips
* Scissors – blunt tip
* Carrying Bag – clear vinyl zippered bag

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

2008-10-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Trev has a girlfriend! I went to school to help with the projects today and the teacher notified me he has a girlfriend. How sweet is that?! She said he always wants to sit next to her, play with her and be her friend. How cute. Jeff of course turned it around to something really stupid which pissed me off but I wont get into that!

The teacher was very proud of his cat and tree project. She said hes very artistic. His class seems to get along very well. I'm so very happy I went with this school against what everyone wished. Everyone said it was way to early and he wasn't ready! Hes one of the more advanced in the class.

Omaha Steaks

2008-10-21T14:21:00.001-07:00

Taken from thriftyfloridamama.net:
I was able to get 18 Omaha burger patties, a cutlery set, and a cutting board shipped for only $3.98. You can too. Here's how:

1. First go here and register for Geico Privileges. You don't have to be a Geico customer. Within an hour or so they will send you an email with a gift card code for $25 off any Omaha purchase.

2. Then click thru this link and click on the coupon code that says "Free hamburgers, cutlery, and cutting board". It should be the second link.

3. At Omaha steaks put anything into your cart that equals at least $14.99. It might work with $12.99 but I couldn't get it too. I ordered more burgers cause I hate patting them out and I love throwing these frozens ones on the grill.

4. Go to checkout. It will add in $13.XX for shipping but your $25 code from Omaha will take it off.

5. You can even pay with paypal funds if you want!

6. My total was $3.98.
I followed these steps and it worked like a charm. The worst part was waiting the hour to get the gift card code but it did take about an hour.

None of my links work...check out her blog!

http://www.thriftyfloridamama.net/

I am going to school!

2008-10-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

I get to go to Trevor's school today and "help" with a project:) I'm so excited. At first he kept telling me that I couldn't go. It was only for kids and I was to big to "go dere". I searched high and low and finally found someone to watch Aubrey so I can go. Today is going to be hectic...dropping him off, getting Aubrey ready, dropping her off, going back to his school, then going to pick Aubrey back up but Trev's best buddy will be there so I will have to fight him tooth and nail to get him out!.....My leverage if he leaves we will go buy the Hulk movie that comes out today! I am going to try to take my camera! He told me I can't that I take two many pics. But whatever Im the boss I want memories!

Dear AF

2008-10-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know I didn't miss you the past two years AT ALL! Thanks for making me such a crabby bitch. Thanks for making me all bloated and wanting to eat a bowl of brownies every waking minute the past few days. O yea and thanks for surprising me and ruining one of my favorite pairs of underwear! I hate you, you nasty bitch!

My sickie

2008-10-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

I may have to take Trev to the doc and get him a script which throws a wrench into my budget already! I will take his script to Wags and get a 25 dollar gift card to help curb the costs a little. Poor kid has no voice! It sounds miserable. He doesn't really get it either. He doesn't understand why he cannot talk. I have a call into the pedi lets see if they call me back! He 90 percent most likely wont be going to school tommorow :(

Pumpkins 08!

2008-10-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

We had a ton of fun carving our pumpkins. Trevor painted one the other day so we had two to carve. One would be a picture and one would be a face. I let Trev draw the face and OMG it is my fav. There is something so very cute about it. Its very Nightmare before Christmas :) The cat Jeff and I worked on and it came out pretty well too! We had our friends over they carved their pumpkin and everyone had a good time.

Trevor getting dirty

Daddys actually helping!

The girls playing

Mommy and Trev

Mommy and Aubrey

Trev's pumpkin

The cat pumpkin

Mommy and Daddys Pumpkins

At night

Fall is here!

2008-10-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Look on my drive way and it would seem as if a pine tree threw up all over my drive way. The trees are spitting their leaves ALL over the yard. Its VERYYYY crisp this morning! I love it. I love this time of year in New England its beautiful!

I woke up this morning and make everyone a yummy breakfast...got the place nice and clean! Jeff is installing windows and fixing the living room wall from me slamming the recliner into it a million times(oops). So he is a happy man. Kids are playing in their playroom so they are happy! We do have a birthday party this afternoon so that will get us outta the house and Trev can play with his cousins which he LOVES!

We are going to TRY to carve pumpkins today depending on how cold it gets maybe I will hold off till tomorrow :)

Tis' the season

2008-10-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again. I start going through the kids toys and throw out what is trashed, ebay or craigslist things that are in good condition that we do not play with anymore, etc. Its so hard because Trevor is standing right behind me pulling crap out of the trash or all the sudden NEEDING the toy he hasn't played with in months! I have to go to my moms house also and throw out those toys and give her the ones they still play with now to keep there. Its all about making room for Christmas and Trevors birthday which is 4 days after Christmas! His party I normally do 2 weeks before just so I can make room for Christmas! I do know what the kids Grandparents are getting the kids....They are going to be spoiled with all this stuff. It looks like great stuff that the kids will enjoy!

For Aubrey:

For Trev:

Santa is bringing them:
Aubrey:

Plus some odds and ends...mainly elmo stuff. Santa filled up a pottery barn santa bag with stuff!

Trevor:

Again little odds and ends..new smart cycle games, dress up stuff, geo trax stuff, hulk and iron man dvds!

The kids get about 10 things each from Santa 2 big and a bunch of little small things.

They will also get 10-15 from us. YES my kids are spoiled. YES my kids do not need this stuff. But I shop sales and never spend over 400 on the two of them for Christmas.

My mom always tried her best but some Christmas werent the best. We had one with nothing at all. I do not blame her at all for that I think it was unfortunate the lifestyle we had but we KNEW what family meant. We ALWAYS had a BLAST together with her, myself and my brother! S

o before you get on my case I do know what I am doing it not what most people do but I don't care my kids are my life and I love spoiling them and giving them things I never had like great big Christmas, a HOUSE with a YARD, an annoying dog!, a playroom, trips to farms, aquariums, zoos etc!

Year of frugal living

2008-10-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

* Only take in what I put out
* Live BELOW my means
* Pay off debt
* Use free passes to do fun stuff
* Buy and sell items on ebay, etc. for clothes and spending money
* Grow my own vegetables
* Realize how much we have and how much we don't need

I have been following her blog since the spring. Im truly amazed by what she is doing. I do think she makes more then we do however we can still take her methods as inspiration and kick some ass like she is doing. We are going to be following HER plan listed above till December 31, 2008! The only plan we wont be following is growing our own veggies. Its the middle of FALL now and veggies will not be growing in the snow :)

By Christmas I would like to have paid off at least 2000 dollars in debt. Spend only 500 more on Christmas! Make at least 300 off of EBAY or my toys in order to pay for all of the Holiday trips we take and Trevor's 4th birthday party!

CVS and Wags

2008-10-16T19:07:00.001-07:00

Sunday CVS has some good freebies....a toothbrush, trick or treating pail, light, candy corn, toothpaste etc..

My plan

2 Candy Corns 2.58
1 J&J Shampoo 2.99
1 Powerade 1.69
3 Kleenex 2.67
1 Funlight .99 cents

Total: 10.92
-1.00 CVS Kleenex
-1.00 Kleenex
-1.50 JJ
-4.98 ECB
-2.00 ECB

oop .44 cents

I will lose 1.72 in ECB but whatever!

Wags
Capri Sun 4/10
-4.00 RR
6.00 on Gift Card earn 3 RR

Wags 2
Motts Apple Juice 2/4
-1.00 Motts
-3.00 RR
0 oop

Debits

2008-10-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know that barcodes like the above pictured is a debit...well a devit if I want to speak Trevor. He thinks that is what they are called...Maybe because people ask debit or credit? I have no idea why just one of his cute little quirks...He also thinks that as soon as they scan it its paid for and he can rip it open. He also thinks when you do a price check you are using the devit and can open it. CUTE KID!

Christmas Card sneak peak

2008-10-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Mom to Max and Alex this is for your benefit mainly....Here are things you help you with colors and layout and stuff. You know the game plan so maybe these pics will help with the color scheme at least :)

Where am I going with it? I'm trying to be very creative each year with our Christmas cards...This was last years...LAME! "This Christmas card is going to kick last years Christmas cards ass" HA HA a twist on a Monica from Friends Thanksgiving quote! I am totally in love with Friends...Jeff and I watch it every night while we fall asleep I have every season from 1-10 on DVD:)

Oh yea and last years card....

Kohls

2008-10-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

Kohls is having a pretty decent sale....

Carters PJ's are reg 20.00 sale 8.00 (I bought two today in store because they had the sizes I wanted for the kids to match!)

Isotoner Gloves reg 44.00 sale 17.10

Womens PJ sets reg 40.00 sale 14.99

Decorative inspirational art frames 24.99 sale 11.10

I purchased 4 pj sets, 1 frame, 1 pair of gloves, and a 3 pack of slipper socks for 100 today and earned 20 in Kohls Cash.

Online they are having a 50 percent off Fisher Price sale...This includes..baby gear, dora, diego, little people, elmo, geo trax etc.

Save 10 percent NEW1913

If your a Kohls Card customer

Save 15 percent SAVE15BURG or MVCSAVENOW

FREE shipping! MVC8457

THANKS SLICKDEALS.NET

I was stupid and didnt think of the 15 percent dicount and lost out on 10 dollars in Kohls Cash but whatever!

Fisher-Price® Elmo's World® Boom Box™ $6.37
Fisher-Price® Royal Stepstool Potty™ $8.49
Fisher-Price® Brilliant Basics™ Musical Activity Keys $4.24
Fisher-Price® Amazing Animals™ Press & Go Animal Parade $10.62
Fisher-Price® GeoTrax™ Fire Rescue Station $14.86

- additonal 7.87 for my 15% off!
Total oop 44.58 for 105 dollars in toys!!

My little artist

2008-10-15T10:56:00.001-07:00

I was adding to my ever-growing collection yesterday and Trevor was so happy and proud that I was displaying his pictures. Each one has a story!

Yes our chalk boards need to be framed.

Fire Trucks, FALL weaves, and Ingamins(Instruments)

Apples and mixing Yellows and Reds :) Last week was Orange week.