olordyimforty!!

Lighten up a Little, Mom!

2011-12-31T19:09:00.003-06:00

My Baby got a puppy today. He named him Max

2012 challenges - join me and follow my progress!

2011-12-30T15:06:00.009-06:00

In 2012 I plan to continue some of the same challenges I took on in 2011, and add a few more!

I will again attempt the 2012 items to declutter from the house in the year 2012. This will include items donated to food pantries, Goodwill, Salvation Army, etal. Household items we no longer need or use, items outgrown, etc. In 2011 I went above and beyond 2011 items, and am almost certain that I can do the same in 2012.

Another challenge is to collect 4155 Box Tops for Education by February 29, 2012. As the coordinator for the two youngest boys elementary school, 4155 is half of the number required for the school to collect the most BTFE in its history. Since December 21st, 2011 the boys have collected over 1200 Box Tops For Education, so they mean business!!

With regards to my couponing, I have decided to save all rebate refunds for the purchase of an iPad3 and prolquot2go application for our littlest guy. At Christmas time two of his aunts donated $70.00 for this cause!

As I usually do, I will attempt to increase my activity level. I am one of those people blessed with a super metabolism, but I am "soft". Scrawny, but soft...

I hope that you will stay tuned as I progress in these challenges!

I couldn't do it!

2011-12-28T14:58:00.002-06:00

I had to succumb to the pressures from the technically advanced world in which we live, and I broke my internet fast

www.loudmommy.com is giving another iPad away on 1/1/2012 so I felt I had to apply for my little guy. Go ahead and give a shout out to Tara, and tell her that you recommend my little man to recieve this generous gift!

He is doing so well in his preschool setting with the use of the iPad that we have begun a savings of our own in order to afford him the tool and the application that his instructors are suggesting (proloquo2go). So far donations from two of his aunties have been received, but I also plan to add any rebate refunds that I gather in the year 2012.

Stay tuned for the progress reports!

cody82414

the best Christmas gift this year

2011-12-25T19:55:00.002-06:00

I
got the very best gift
when we drove to my brother in law's in South Dakota
came inside and my DS4 went around with me and repeated after me "say 'hello aunt x, hello uncle y, hello cousin z' "

everyone was so moved by the progress in his socialization and speech that he is making.

But then the excitement died down

and my DSS20 walked up the stairs!!!!!!!!

He has been away for a little over a year serving in the Air Force
and COMPLETELY surprised his Dad, his three brothers and I.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to me!!!

Welcome to the Illini family!!!

2011-12-21T11:21:00.000-06:00

Today DSS17 got his acceptance letter from University Of Illinois (applause.)
His major is BioChemistry.
SO proud!

Internet fast!

2011-12-21T10:13:00.001-06:00

Gearing up for my internet fast
12/21/11 12:30 p.m. - 1/3/12 12:30 a.m.
My boys need 4155 BTFEs by 2/29/12
so please collect for them

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all Americans!

2011-11-24T06:49:00.003-06:00

SOooooo thankful for all that we have. May God continue to bless you all!!

Are you a LOUDMommy?

2011-10-12T20:38:00.002-05:00

In March I found this gal who is raising awareness for autistic and apraxic children and their ability to communicate using an iPad.

Fast forward to today when I joined her support boards and began posting in the forums.

So much comradry, for those of us raising Special Needs kids.
Great hearts and minds advocating for our little ones.

We are their voices, don't you know!
Check it out!
www.loudmommy.com

combed out my dreads today

2011-10-05T19:53:00.001-05:00

sad sad day for this dready mama
sigh

not sure why I did it

PLEASE talk to your congressmen before Monsanto takes us all down!

2011-09-01T09:33:00.002-05:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/31/low-fat-gmo-soybean_n_943149.html

DES MOINES, Iowa — The soybean industry is seeking government approval of a genetically modified soybean it says will produce oil lower in saturated fat, offer consumers a healthier alternative to foods containing trans fats and increase demand for growers' crops.
Demand for soybean oil has dropped sharply since 2005, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began requiring labels to list levels of trans fats, which have been linked to coronary heart disease. Vegetable oil does not naturally contain trans fats, but when hydrogen is added to make it suitable for use in the food industry, trans fats are created.
Agribusiness giant Monsanto Co. says oil from its new soybean will meet manufacturers' requirements for baking and shelf life without hydrogenation, resulting in food that's free of trans fats as well as lower in saturated fat.
The FDA approved the new bean, called Vistive Gold, earlier this year, and Monsanto and several state and national soybean groups are now seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service said in an email to The Associated Press that it has no timeline for making a decision.
U.S. farmers harvested more than 3.3 billion bushels of soybeans valued at nearly $39 billion in 2010. But the Iowa Soybean Association said in a letter to APHIS that the industry's share of the food oil market dropped from 83 percent to 68 percent after the FDA enacted the labeling requirements. Iowa grows more soybeans than any other state.
"We believe because of the trans-fat labeling, 4.6 billion pounds of edible soybean oil was not used for food over a three-year period," said Bob Callanan, a spokesman for the American Soybean Association. The oil was turned into biodiesel instead, and farmers got less money for their soybeans, he said.
Industry officials believe Vistive Gold could command as much as 60 cents more per bushel than other soybeans, raising a farmer's income by thousands of dollars.
Jim Andrew, who grows 625 acres of conventional soybeans near Jefferson, Iowa, said he hopes Vistive Gold soybeans also will reduce consumers' fears about biotech crops by providing a direct health benefit. Most genetically modified crops so far have been engineered to fight pests and increase harvests, benefiting farmers.
"I think it's a case where we're trying to modify crops to address specific needs to make other industries more efficient and healthier," Andrew said.

St. Louis-based Monsanto introduced a first generation of the bean, called Vistive, in 2005 to reduce or eliminate trans fats in response to the labeling requirements. Vistive Gold retains those qualities and offers lower levels of saturated fat and higher levels of healthier monounsaturated fats.
Joe Cornelius, a Monsanto project manager who has worked on the Vistive soybeans for 15 years, said Vistive Gold could make a real difference in efforts to produce healthier foods. As an example, he said it could produce French fries with more than 60 percent less saturated fat.
"I don't think we can say fried food will ever be a health food, but you can improve the nutritional profile of that food," Cornelius said.
But Bill Freese, a science policy analyst with the Center for Food Safety, said Vistive Gold and other engineered crops don't face rigorous enough testing. No animal feeding trials were conducted on the new soybean to see what would happen when it was consumed, he said.
And, the FDA approved it based on the agency's review of a similar soybean produced by another company, not an actual review of Vistive Gold, he said, adding, "That struck me as very odd."
Without proper scrutiny, genetically modified crops have a "high potential for harmful and unintended consequences," such as increased toxicity that could make someone sick or decreased nutritional content, he said.
"Not every genetically modified crop is going to be dangerous," Freese said. "The bottom line is we need to have a really stringent regulatory system, which we currently don't have."
Monsanto said it tested Vistive Gold extensively and found it to be safe. A notice posted on the APHIS website in June said its assessment of Vistive Gold indicated the bean wasn't a risk to other plants.
Walter Fehr, an Iowa State University agronomist involved in soybean breeding research, said he thinks the federal government has a stringent and effective procedure for reviewing genetically modified crops and he saw no reason to question the soybean's safety.
"People use different methodologies for different things, and scientists are very aware of potential negative side effects," Fehr said.

my cookware review

2011-08-21T05:57:00.003-05:00

here is my two cents (I thought there was an emoticon with two pennies??)

anyway,

pass on these from Cuisinart
GreenGourmet - Hard Anodized.

let's just say that I am not happy.
and Cuisinart wants me to pay them to ship them back
so that they can look at them
and decide if I qualify for replacements.

What?
I paid to have them delivered to me!!
and now you want me to spend more money
so that you can decide they suck?!?!

Take my word for it.
They suck!!

(rant over)

Despite Slow Economy Organic Food Market Grows

2011-08-03T10:03:00.002-05:00

Great news!

Please continue to vote with your dollar$

Riverfront Market for the first time

2011-07-23T17:21:00.005-05:00

Took the boys to the Riverfront Market
for our first time.

I dutifully packed everything I thought we would need for a half day trip to the city.
Brought the wagon, drinks and snacks, extra changes of clothes, etc.

Met some friends from the local parenting group
and began looking around at the goods.

Not sure it took more than five minutes until I heard,
"is this what we're doing?
why are we here?
you grow all this stuff at home!"
me: "not all of this stuff."

Okay so it was more fun for me to look at tomatoes that actually had some color,
new potatoes and carrots that others were successful in growing
and a coffee stand - even though we were in the midst of a heat advisory.

So after a short walk about,
we headed to the fountain
where the boys could cool off
and Mommy could spend some time
conversing with someone
older than 8 years ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "Baby"

'Bout time!!!

2011-07-17T19:45:00.001-05:00

all HCFS and artificial dyes are out of this household!!!

What's should be next?

Fishing Sturgeon Bay, Michigan

2011-07-17T14:43:00.009-05:00

An old friend took us out on his charter,
ReelActionCharters
Beautiful weather for it.
The kids enjoyed themselves immensely, as did Daddy!

Thank you Randy!!

Waiting on Mass-y Cassie to birth her pups

2011-06-15T08:22:00.002-05:00

She's as big as a double-wide
and due anytime.

C'mon Cassie,
let's go for a vbac this litter!!

www.buckheartkennel.com

School's out for summer!

2011-05-27T11:48:00.001-05:00

12 glorious weeks at home with my boys :)

one happy Mama!

Enough for now

2011-05-21T15:39:00.000-05:00

FINALLY got around to planting in my garden.
Really wanting to work on the flowers this year,
but yesterday was gorgeous and I got busy.

11 rows of sweet corn, 2 pumpkins, 1 watermelon, 1 honeydew. 1 canteloupe.
2 tomatos, 6 peppers, onion starts, 2 rows of peas and 2 of green beans.
And sunflowers, shasta daisies, forget me nots.

enough for now

ready for the next project ;)

Okay, okay. I think I'm ready

2011-05-20T08:29:00.000-05:00

Got my heirlooms and starters ready to get out there in the sunshine!

Rain is due tomorrow morning,
so I think,
hope, pray, et al
that I won't get zapped this year
like my fruit trees took a beating last year
(LATE frost!!)

Although my pear tree has some fungus on it
I may have to go commercial with some type spray (?)

I digress.

Off to get dirty in the soil!!!!

my Junior Dog Handlers!

2011-05-15T19:34:00.002-05:00

Each year, my husband's dog trainer hosts a Junior Dog Handler trial at his father's farm. Although his children are no longer "junior", it was wonderful to see my little guys in action. And, I even got to walk a couple braces!

My youngest won a fourth prize in Derby
while my seven year old took the first place in Derby and a third in Gundog!

Way to go guys!!!
Mommy is so proud of you both.

who says that procrastination doesn't pay

2011-05-14T10:25:00.001-05:00

Still sitting on my starts for the garden,
thinking the cold is going to come by one last time.

Well it came with another frost advisory.
The meteorologists,
in their infinate wisdom
are saying "patchy frost"
but I am not taking any chances ;)

Another excuse
er reason
for me to put it off...

What have I gotten myself into??

2011-05-09T03:05:00.002-05:00

Nettles!!
During my weekend warrior bit this weekend
it was Gorgeous outside :)
I did some weed clearing
and must've come upon the 'itchy plants'.
OMGarsh!
I wore gloves - yet my hand itch on the tops and thumbs.
I wore shorts, of course;
first sun of the season - had to get those lily white stems exposed ;)
and I am paying the price.
Thank goodness for pastes and calamine...

The farmer's are finally tilling

2011-05-08T10:21:00.002-05:00

Today is the proposed last frost date by victoryseeds.comand the farmers are out with their tillers getting their seeds finally in.

Guess that means it's time for me to get the gas can filled up
and sweet talk my Honeylump to get my gardens turned one last time :-)

Weekend with "Daddy"

2011-05-02T09:11:00.002-05:00

The youngest boys and I got to spend the weekend with "Daddy"
while he did his thing.
We left early Saturday morning to drive about 5 1/2 hours to the Grand River Iowa, near the Missouri border
where his dog trial was being held.
Wives were invited this time, so I got to tag along.

MUCH better weather than the only other time I went
which was NOT a pleasant time.
This time was completely different!

A pheasant rooster flew over us as we drove along the expressway in Iowa.
Quite a few, fat, wild turkeys grazing in fields along the roads: One male fanning his feathers - sure sign of Spring!
2 yound deer chasing one another, bounding over the hilly terrain.
A series of fenceposts with varying shoes cleverly adorning the tops.
Horses of all sorts: sorrels, paints, greys, buckshots, palaminos. Even "Mommy" saddled up and got to ride on Bud and Buck - and she liked it.
Pointer dogs of varying breeds.
Tootsie Pops and jolly ranchers.

A wonderful time had by us all!!!

good, Good Friday

2011-04-22T22:43:00.002-05:00

No school today,
AND Daddy had the day off
so we hopped in the vehicle
to head to the "city" for the day.

Mommy had a dentist appointment
A visit to Grandma's (always too short)
A treat for the kids to Chuck-e-Cheese
picked up a fabric wrap from a friend; visited with her, her hubby and their littles :)

A full day.
A good, Good Friday!

The P.L.A.Y. project exit exam

2011-04-11T18:48:00.000-05:00

Can't believe it has been a year already
since we were chosen as part of the P.L.A.Y project research.
What a gift it has been.

Our mentor, Malinda was such a calming factor for me
at so many levels.
Assuring and reassuring that we are going to be fine.

Retested by the same Holly who came down to do the initial test.
What a talent!

And I cannot say enough about the local chapters of Easter Seals.

We've come a LONG way, Baby!!

My oldest's first visit back "home"

2011-04-07T22:52:00.000-05:00

What a joy to see this young man
fully dressed in his Air Force attire
coming back home!

The drive to the airport talking with his younger brothers
about what we will say
what he will look like
will he talk different??? (his bootcamp was in Texas, "ya'll")

Just chomping at the bit for him to step off of the plane.

So
SO proud!!!

starting the dready journey - again!

2011-04-07T12:59:00.006-05:00

Just do it naturally!!! www.dreadlockssite.com

"Sowing Millions" 25 packets of Organic Seeds for $4.99 (s&h)

2011-03-31T03:38:00.001-05:00

At Seeds of Change, we are inspired by seeds as the foundation of goodness, and passionate about the way food is grown and the people who grow it. We believe in fresh food's ability to bring people together and grow communities. To spread this philosophy, we are giving away 100 million of our own certified organic seeds to inspire people like you and worthy organizations everywhere to do impactful things in your communities through organic gardening.
How does it work? Simply sign up and we'll send you free packets of Seeds of Change Certified Organic Seeds. For every seed request, we'll give a matching donation of seeds to the American Horticultural Society. If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact us here.

quick shot of Mommy

2011-03-28T16:37:00.004-05:00

Mommy doesn't like her picture taken much
but when one of kids ask
well,
something's gotta give...

we were out grooming the horses
enjoying the sunshine and brisk breeze

Light it Up Blue, April 1 and 2

2011-03-23T03:13:00.003-05:00

Autism Speaks is again promoting awareness for autism by holding it's "Light it Up Blue" days, April 1 and 2. http://www.autismspeaks.org

What an easy way to show your support!!!

Family time!!

2011-03-17T18:53:00.004-05:00

DIL on drums
DS1 as the vocalist
DSS2 the laid back guitarist
and DS2 is the groupie. He eats, dances and just hangs out!

Should GMO's be labeled?

2011-03-02T10:47:00.005-06:00

Have you voted on MSNBC's poll? Should GMO foods be labeled.
Please! Take a peak.
http://health.newsvine.com/_question/2011/02/25/6131050-do-you-believe-genetically-modified-foods-should-be-labeled

February 2011 coupons used and savings

2011-03-01T01:16:00.000-06:00

During the month of February 2011
I saved a total of $515.85
by using 215 coupons!!

My Tiger Scout is now a Wolf Scout!

2011-02-26T15:27:00.006-06:00

Today I was able to attend my DS3's BoyScout ceremony
in which he received his one year pin and Wolf patch.

This boy sat as still as he was able to
before his name was announced.

He then shouted "oh yeah" and pumped his fist in the air
saying loud enough for everyone to hear
"I am the man!"
as he approached the den leader to receive his awards.

That's my boy :D
Mommy needs to work on teaching humility ;)

Simplifying by decluttering

2011-02-21T13:26:00.002-06:00

Again, this year I have taken the personal challenge to eliminate some of the clutter that is laying around. I don't believe I hoard things. I do however stockpile things, and tend not to throw things away.

So today I threw out a holey sock.
It was just one item,
but so far this year I have removed 411 items from my household
retiring to the trash, for donations, or elsewhere ;)

I am now a MIL!!!!

2011-02-13T22:23:00.004-06:00

Just got back from San Antonio, Texas
where my eldest graduated from Air Force bootcamp
WITH HONORS, I may add ;)

While we we there,
he decided to get married (insert jaw drop)

so...

I am now a "mother in law"

My best to you two <3

January 2011 coupons used and savings

2011-02-01T01:13:00.001-06:00

During the month of January
I saved $459.33
by using a total of 182 coupons

Contacting companies for coupons

2011-01-22T14:20:00.000-06:00

We all know that eating organically is spendy,
so why not save a little when you can?!

I continue to transition more and more items from 'main stream' to certified organic when possible, and am contacting those companies of products that we enjoyed, and those that we didn't.

I have received many coupons because of my efforts and will track my savings from coupons used.

FREE turkey!!!!!

2010-11-09T08:52:00.001-06:00

I ROCKED IT!!!!!!!

Kroger:
30, Ronzoni pasta
15.25 lb. Jennie-O turkey
Snickers and M&M's (to eat up the overage)
$1.06 on rebate card
SAVED $78.85

Kroger mega sale continues

2010-11-08T08:57:00.002-06:00

don'tcha love that high you get when you rock it!?!?!?!
I just made a quick run.

Kroger:
11, ronzoni garden pasta
9, gatorade
6, campbells cream soups
2, carnation evaporated milk
2, stovetop stuffing
2, martha corn muffin mixes
loaf of bread
hotdog buns
$1.18 gc (tax was .76)
saved $50.83

FREES, MoneyMakers or Necessities

2010-11-07T17:02:00.002-06:00

CVS:
gallon of milk
used 2 ecb
got back 1 ecb
found a penny
.82 oop

Walgreen's
2, packs of Pull-ups (can't send DS2 to school in cloth dipes )
1, coke zero
2, reach floss
1, Halloween light up skull
used 2, 2/1 IPs Pullups
used 2, 1/1 IPs floss
used FREE 20 oz. coke
used 6 RR
used .51 gc
found another penny
$4.31 oop

Hyvee:
2 dozen eggs
5 lbs potatoes
$2.73 gc

What I am starting the week with

2010-11-07T06:15:00.000-06:00

What I am starting with 11/07/2010

$3.00 Ecbs
$6.00 RRs
$5.13 cash
$3.00 OYNO Target
$10.00 JCPenney gc
$5.00 Chuck-e-cheese gc
$40.27 Kellogg’s rebate gc
$18.08 paypal

more Kroger Mega sale

2010-11-05T20:01:00.000-05:00

I decided to take the boys over to KMart to look at toys,
so I HAD to stop by Kroger again.

2, Chili Master
3, Cream of Chicken
2, Colgate toothbrushes
2, Chunky soups
1, Dannimals
-.12
saved $21.22

Kroger mega sale 2010

2010-11-05T09:12:00.000-05:00

I found a nickel walking into the store!

Kroger:
9, Campbell's Cream of soups
3, Gatorade
2, Campbell's chunky soups
1, Ronzoni pasta
2, Martha cornbread
2, Carnation canned milk
2, annie's mac & cheese
1, Hormel Chili master

saved $32.36
.05 oop

cake and frosting

2010-10-27T12:20:00.000-05:00

Kroger:
spent $6.26
saved $30.05

and I got a $1 OYNO from General Mills. Bought 2 cakes and 2 frostings

Had to get cake mix and frosting for DS1's Halloween party at school
Found a few other free or nearly free items :)

more shopping

2010-10-25T15:46:00.000-05:00

Kroger:
4, kids cuisine
2, hungry man
4, ore ida fries
2, nesquik
2, BB tuna pouches
tortilla chips
2, better oats oatmeal
10, Del Monte fruit naturals
15.26 oop
saved $43.61

Hyvee:
hand of 6 ORG bananas
4 ORG apples
3, Stonyfield yogurts
$5.03 oop
saved .55

Spending today

2010-10-24T11:18:00.003-05:00

CVS:
2 gallons of milk
used 4,1 ecbs
used .27 gc balance
.36 oop
got back 2 ecbs
(saved $5.00)

Kroger:
10, bags of Ore Ida fries, used 5, 3/2
1, Luna bar (FAQ)
1, Athenos hummus (FAQ)
1, Kroger tortilla chips
1, can of jalapenos
2, Bumblebee tuna pouches, used 2, .55/1 blinkies
1, Pirates Booty (FAQ)
11.98 oop
(saved $41.12)

Total month spent and saved to date

2010-10-23T15:05:00.001-05:00

Switching over to organic/natural is spendy!

total spent month to date: $218.24
$261.54 saved

Dietary changes start today

2010-10-02T07:11:00.003-05:00

Starting today,
we are glutein free/casein free
and adding allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, yeast, corn, garlic and others into the mix!

Stay tuned :)

ending spending

2010-09-30T19:19:00.000-05:00

I tallied up $120.02 of spending for the month,
which I don't think is too terribly bad
since I am ramping up the organics.

Living Off Of Our Stockpile

2010-09-12T08:01:00.003-05:00

This month was a heavy hitter for bills (property taxes, propane, medical), so I am seriously passing up on the deal hunting and really concentrating on using up what we have in the pantry and freezers.

I am doing well! Haven't spent anything out of pocket!
But at the same time am becoming more aware of the preservatives, dyes and 'junk' that are in the processed foods that i have been serving up.

So be aware, this old dog can and is learning new tricks and has even begun drinking goat milk and contemplating getting a few dairy goats for the farm!

Stay tuned!

Hyvee and GM cereal deal

2010-08-25T12:31:00.000-05:00

Buy any 6 GM cereals and get $10 off instantly.
Get an additional coupon at the register good for $6 off your next visit.
Total savings = $16.00

Here is what I did.

4 boxes of plain Cheerios
2 boxes of Cocoa Puffs
used 4, 1/1 peelies Cheerios
used 1, 1/2 GM cereal peelie
.05 oop
got back $6.00 OYNO catalina

$5.95 MM

done with school supplies

2010-08-14T19:34:00.000-05:00

Okay I am back.

DS1 had a great time at the Kids Night Out at the church.
They had a carnival type deal for 3 1/2 hours.
$5.00 donation.
The kid got more booty than a grown woman

Needed Kleenex for school supplies,
so worked it at Hyvee.
6, multi-packs
14 boxes
$40.19
I only had 3, 1/2 multi-pack coupons
BUT-T I qualify for a $10 Kimberley Clark rebate
and got a $10 OYNO

Then over to Kroger for
4, 24 packs of Nestle Purelife water
5, BB tuna
2, Cheetos
2, Smart Balance sour cream
1, Pillsbury Cinnamon rolls
2, OEP flour tortillas
1, OEP spice pack
$10.81 oop

Yes! We have potatoes

2010-08-13T09:06:00.001-05:00

Hyvee

14 boxes of BC mashed potatoes
2 Skippy peanut butter
used 2, .60/1 pb
used 7, 1/2 potatoes
used 10 OYNO
2 bag discount
.01 on rebate card

retail therapy :)

2010-08-12T20:46:00.000-05:00

CVS:
4, 2-Liters of Pepsi Max
used 2, B1G1
used 2, .50/1 hangtag
used $1, .50 ecbs
.25 on rebate card
will send for $5.00 rebate
(saved $7.96)

Kroger:
3, bananas
4, Fruit by the Foot
3, cheerios
1, Trix,
1, Cocoa Puffs
4, Bumble Bee tuna pouches
1, bag of cheetos
1, Pillsbury Cinnamon rolls
2, bags of Kroger tortilla chips
1, hotdog buns
1, bread
4, Progresso soups
1, NV things
2, NV granola bars
2, NV Clusters
1, Bugles
8 lbs of Tyson chicken thighs
.85 on rebate card
got $1, $2, $2, $3.50 OYNO ctalainas
AND a 25 BTFE bonus catalina
(saved $78.88)

Did even better today!

2010-07-29T15:33:00.000-05:00

Here was my amaZING day today

I started off by cashing two rebate checks in the amounts of $9.99, and $3.84 = $13.83

My first stop was Target where I got:
3, boxes of Mint Fudge Oreo cookies
6, bags of Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Grahams
2, 8-pack boxes of Juicy Juice
2, Bagel Bite 12 ct.
2, Chef Boyardee ravioli (15 oz.)
7, Olay Effects body wash
7, 8 bar packs
The Olay rang up wrong, so I receive a $3.00 off ‘with our apologies’ OYNO certificate.
Total $104.57
I paid out of pocket $13.32
Saved $91.25
And will send in for a $10 rebate from P&G for buying $30.00 worth of Olay items.

(I also hit the 75% toys sale. Spent $134.79, originally $539.16)

At Hyvee I bought
5, ½ gallons of Smart Balance milk
6, Soy Joy bars
Paid oop $2.02
Saved $13.02 with coupons/reusable bag discount

Schnuck’s:
8 rolls of Jimmy Dean sausage
$8.24 oop
Saved $16.00 with coupons

Wal-Mart:
11, Pampers wipes
2, Benadryl itch sticks
1 pack of hangars
1 24 pack of crayola crayons
$2.37 oop
Saved $27.00 with coupons

Kroger:
13, 20 oz. Cokes
12, King size Reese’s
2, Wholly Guacamole (double packs)
Carton Almond Breeze chocolate milk
20, crest toothpaste
9, starkist tuna pouches
4, starkist tuna creations
2, Dole jar peaches
2, Dole jar tropical fruit
Helluva jalapeno dip
1, rolos
Oop .35
Saved $137.61

(lastly I did the Old Navy deal, $10.83 oop, $45.90)

Overall paid out $26.20
($11.36 of that was tax)
Saved $284.44
Qualify for a $10 rebate check
Received a $3.00 OYNO Target

That was Fu-uh-un!!!

2010-07-28T12:36:00.001-05:00

Walgreen's:
Always pads
Celsius tea
m&m's
used FREE catalina for Always
used 2/1 Celsius
used $2 RR
got back $3 RR
$1.25 oop

then went to fill up the gas tank,
and lo - and - behold
1/2 hangtags on the Pepsi
I know.
I LOVE Coke,
but Kroger is right next to CVS
and I am going to CVS next.
so...I removed 4 hangtags

CVS:
U by Kotex
2, John Frieda
used 1/1 IP for U
used 2, 2/1 hangtags for John Frieda
used $10.00 ecb
got back $5, $4.99 ecb
$1.09 oop (all tax)

Kroger:
6, 2-liters of Diet Pepsi
2, 2-liters of Diet sierra mist
Bumble Bee tuna pouch
Sargento parmesan cheese
2, quarts of Turkey Hill ice cream
Cheetos
Crest toothpaste
2, Oral-b toothbrushes
1, Suave deodarant
3/1 bags of chips (Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos)
.75 oop

That was Fu-uh-un!!!

My Killing today at Kroger

2010-07-25T16:52:00.001-05:00

Okay ya'll.
I am pretty excited about what I did this morning.
I drop DS1 to Sunday School and have an hour until class ends.

Kroger:
trans#1
14, Oral-b toothbrushes
13, Ivory 3 bar packs
10, Crest toothpaste
.39 oop ($1.46 on the Kellog's card) ALL TAX

trans#2
1, Melitta coffee filters (to feed my caffeine addiction)
4, spaghettio's (Dora and Cars)
3, Idahoan instant potatoes
12, mentos
6, Crayola markers (school supplies)
$8.45 oop ($1.37 of which was tax)
got back $4 OYNO

trans#3
10, Kraft shredded cheese
used 5, 1/2 blinkies
used $4 OYNO
$9.99 oop
got back 2, $5 OYNO catalinas

saved $100.82

Today's spending

2010-07-18T13:53:00.001-05:00

CVS:
Zegerid (will send for TMF rebate)
Celsius tea
2, pretzel m&ms
used 4/1 Zegerid
used 2/1 Celsius IP
used B1G1 m&ms
used $12 ecbs
got back $7.99, $3, $1 ecbs
.67 oop

Walgreen's:
Schick Intuition Plus
4, Pampers wipes tubs
2, boxes of kleenex
G2 pens
Penway Gluesticks
used 4/1 Schick
used 4, 2/1 Pampers wipes
used 2, .50/1 kleenex
used IVC for G2 pens
used $5 RR
.23 oop (+ $1.39 tax)
got back $3 RR

What I am starting with 7/18/2010

2010-07-18T07:32:00.001-05:00

What I am starting with 7/18/2010

Cash $4.22
$74.93 Ecbs
$23.00 RRs
$6.39 uncashed rebate checks
$10 Kellogg’s gc
0 stamps
paypal $0.00

Total oop so far this month: profit of $4.22

Had to stop for milk

2010-07-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

CVS:
2 gallons of Dean's milk
used $5 ecbs
got back $2 ecbs and $1 for the green bag
.43 oop

Vacation in the Smoky Mountains

2010-07-12T07:39:00.000-05:00

We will be vacationing in the Smokies from July 12-16.

video store visit

2010-07-11T19:38:00.000-05:00

.25 oop at the video store
which won DS1 a free rental!!!!

FREE school supplies at CVS

2010-07-11T06:58:00.000-05:00

CVS:
pens
scissors
6, 2L Mt. Dew (my older boys LOVE it!)
Complete solution
used 2/1 COmplete
used 3, 1/2 Pepsi product 2L
used $10 ecbs
.35 oop
got back $7.99, .99, .99 ecbs

I scream for ice cream!

2010-07-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

$7.39 for ice cream

I got this blizzard type treat with snickers and extra caramel

DELICIOSO!!!!

Wal-Mart run

2010-07-10T13:56:00.000-05:00

Wal-Mart:
3, 8 ct poptarts
13, Pampers wipes
used 1.50/3 peelie
used 13, 2/1 wipes
$5.36 oop (used my gc from Kellogg's)

Bottled Water

2010-07-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

KMart:
3, cases of aquafina
used existing rewards
9.40 oop

Money in, Money out

2010-06-24T19:42:00.002-05:00

Stockpile sale $110.00

Hyvee:
11 racks of Hormel Always tender ribs
5 boxes of fudgesicles
5 boxes of pudding pops
Ziploc containers
2, jars of Skippy
4 bags of tatertots
3, Red baron by the slice (each done separately so I can send in for TMFs)
pound of strawberries
2 dozen eggs
2 Dole classic salads
4 bags of chicken breasts
$80.12 oop
used 11, 1/1 Hormel Always tender
used 3, 1/1 Red Baron
used 5, 1/2 popsicle
used 2, .55/1 bagged salad
used 1/1 Ziploc
bag refund

Walgreen's:
(two of the same transaction)
Renu
Hunt's tomato sauce
Rolos
.57 oop x2

"Rolling" along

2010-06-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

Here is shopping report for today.

Walgreen's:
3 of the same transaction
Powerglide razor
herbal essences
rolos
$1.19 oop x3
got back $7RRs each transaction

Kroger:
Fresh Selections salad
4 bags of Kraft Jet Puffed marshmallows
2 Simply drinks
12, pounds of bar s hotdogs
$7.26 oop

CVS:
2, gallons of milk
Powerglide razor
2 Protein bars
CVS ibuprofen
$1.00 oop
got back $11.98 ecbs

I can't stay out of the stores!

2010-06-21T13:00:00.001-05:00

Here is my shopping for today:

Kroger: (.55 profit after TMF rebate)
2, Simply beverages
1, Fresh Selection salad
1, bag of Krunchers (TMF)
1, dial pump soap
$3.24 oop

CVS: (spent $1.50)
1, Gillette Fusion razor
1, Oreo cookies
2, gallons of milk
1, CVS ibuprofen
$1.50 oop
got back $10 ecbs

Walgreen's: (made an .87 profit)
trans #1, #2
Brilliant tampons
Herball essences
2, cans of tomato sauce
.76 oop (twice)
got back $7 RRs

trans#3
Brillliant tampons
herbal Essences
Rolos
.61 oop
got back $7RRs

got a $4.89 rebate in today's mail

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T19:58:00.001-05:00

I spent $8.50 at the baseball game today.
$5.00 for face painting for DS1
and $3.50 for a bucket of popcorn.

Man! Was it HOT out there!!!!

the kids under 12 got a free hotdog and drink,
so I let them share a drink, and got one for me

Of course i shopped :)
CVS:
Huggies diapers
2, powerbars
Ibuprofen
used 5/25 I received in an email
used $3. on a box of Huggies diapers crt
used $3/1 Huggies IP
used $14 ecbs
$1.01 (all tax)
got back $14.98 ecbs

Kroger:
Fresh Selctions salad
2, Clif Mojo bars
2, Bimply drinks
On-Cor Chicken Parmisan
used FREE salad, On-Cor
used 2, .50/1 mojo
used 2, .50 Simply
0.00 oop

almost forgot

2010-06-18T00:03:00.000-05:00

my last $20.00 Kraft rebate came in today

forgot I stopped at Walgreen's:
Schick Hydro (so now I can do the rebate )
3 cans of mushrooms
used 2/1 blinkie for Schick Hydro (we didn't get the qs either)
used 6RR
.55 oop
got $4 RR

Sneaky

2010-06-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

I just went to CVS to do the Sears card deal,
I wasn't planning on doing this deal,
but then you LOYS challenge ladies rubbed off on me!!

DH had me go take a sample of the pool water in,
and told me to get chlorine tabs,
but NOT from the pool place because they mark them up so.
SO...
I transferred $50 from the credit card to CVS
and get $10 ecbs for purchasing a Sears card
that I can use at KMart
to buy the pool supplies.
Sneaky, I must admit,
but it's 20% return on my money,
and that's just too much of a return for an addict,
I mean,
for a financieur,
uh hum,
such as myself
LOL!!!

all in an hour

2010-06-13T13:27:00.000-05:00

Here is what I did in an hour

Kroger:
4, bags of Kraft jet puffed marshmallows
8, Easy Mac cups
$2.11 oop
will get a $10 rebate

CVS:
trans#1 (DH's card)
2, Gillette body wash
used 4/2 and B1G1
.58 oop (all tax)
got $8 ecbs

trans #2 (my card)
2, Gillette body wash
1 can of fritos
1 can of cheetos
used $2/6 body wash crt
used $4/2 and B1G1
.60 oop (all tax)
got $8 ecbs

Walgreen's:
trans#1
Nivea Mens body wash
Gillette Fusion razor
2, cans of mushrooms
1, Nestle crunch bar
used $3/1 Nivea bw
used $4/1 Gillette Fusion
used $5, $2.50 RRs
$1.16 oop (.99 was tax)
got back $6, $5 RR

trans #2
9, jars of Ragu
2, Nestle crunch bars
used 3, 1.25/3 Ragu
used $6, $5 RRs
$1.37 oop
got back $5RR

running through the raindrops

2010-06-12T17:29:00.000-05:00

ran through the raindrops,
and temperature dropped from 90 to 70

CVS:
2 Frito-Lay potato chips
used the etxra/bonus $2.00 ecb I got yesterday
got back $1 ecb
0.00 oop

Kroger:
4, Easy Mac *
1, Fresh Selection salad
2, Clif Mojo bars
used FREE salad
used 2, .50/1 Clif Mojo
used 4, 1/1 easy mac
.05 oop
(*Another $10/30 Kraft rebate complete)

just ran out to Walgreen's
18 easy macs
.18 oop

I only have 9 more easy mac coupons
so I'll have to buy more Kraft jet puffed marshmallows,
I suppose
Then I will complete my 3rd and final rebate

I did good!

2010-06-11T14:13:00.001-05:00

took the kids to the library this morning to check out books for the summer reading program, then went to CVS and Kroger.

CVS:
trans#1
2 glade jar candles (this will get me a $5 SCJ rebate)
1 glade sccented oil refill (this will get me a $5 SCJ rebate)
3 diet coke 20 oz
2 Pepsi Max 20 oz
used 5/15
used 2/1 scented oil refill peelie
used 2/2 jar candles
used 3 free cokes
used 2, 1/1 Pepsi max
.67 oop
got back $5 ecb
and $2 extra ecbs for 3 days only!

CVS:
trans#2
3 diet coke 20 oz.
2 Powerades
2 snack bags of Doritos
5 easy macs (receipt to be used for 10/30 rebate)
used 3/15
used 3 free cokes
used 2 free powerades
used 5, 1/1 easy mac
.49 oop
got back 1 ecb

Kroger:
4 Kraft jet puffed marshmallows (receipt to be used for 10/30 rebate)
4 easy mac cups (receipt to be used for 10/30 rebate)
2 Mojo bars
1 Kroger salad
used 2, .50/2 Kraft marshmallows
used 4, 1/1 easy mac
used 2, .50/1 Mojo bars
usd free salad
$2.00 oop

Came home to a $2.86 TMF rebate from Banquet

play then "work"

2010-06-04T14:49:00.001-05:00

After a 2 hour playdate,
it was Mommy's turn to "work"

Kroger:
Trans #1:
2, reduced sodium Sargento
2, Wholly Guacamole
1, Fresh Selections salad
.87 oop

Trans #2:
2, reduced sodium Sargento
1, Fresh selections salad
$1.07 oop

Schnuck’s:
5, bags of Wacky Mac pasta
5, Old Orchard juices
.09 oop

Walgreen’s:
Trans #1:
Ecotrin
.02 oop

Trans #2:
Ecotrin
.02 oop

Trans #3:
U by Kotex
2 cracker jacks
2 Butterfinger bites
.44 oop

Spending Memorial Day weekend

2010-06-02T17:09:00.012-05:00

DH needed spices for grilling pork ribs (BURP!) $8.50
DH and the boys at McDonald's $16.09
WalMart candy/snacks $4.67
14 packages of Oscar Mayer hotdogs at a village store since I am boycotting Hyvee $7.00 on my kellogg's card
Kroger: 40 Powerades, 20 Sweet baby Ray's bbq sauce and 15 pounds of ground chuck, and 2 bananas $12.12
Walgreen's: 3, 12 packs of Diet Coke $2.93
CVS: 4 gallons of milk, 4 packages of Oreo cookies, 4 Doritos, 4 Pepsi Max, 4 Easy Mac $1.97 oop

I received 2, $20.00 Kraft rebate checks and $12.00 repayment

What I am starting the month of June with

2010-05-29T11:54:00.000-05:00

ECBs $23.98
RR's $12.50
$10.00 Kellogg's rebate card

that's it!

Two months in a row!!!

2010-05-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

May was tough, I admit.
But I made it again,
ahead of what I spent.

Then I donated to DS1's piggy back, the mere change of less than .50 cents.

Unheard of,
two months in a row
making a profit
versus spending!!!!

SO proud of my efforts

How can I say no to a 3/15???

2010-05-28T10:21:00.001-05:00

got a 3/15 emailed from CVS

5, Pepsi max 20 oz.
5, bags of Doritos
used 3/15
used 5, $1/1 Pepsi Max
used 5, free Doritos wyb Pepsi Max
.46 oop

Kroger:
3, Kraft catalina dressing
2, Tasters Choice sticks
1, Grill Mates
.73 oop

Pizza, pizza, and problems with managers

2010-05-22T06:57:00.001-05:00

1.77 cent pizzas Saturday and Sunday at Hyvees RED HOT sale!!!!!

I knew it.
I called it.

All except
THERE IS NO LIMIT
I have 36, 1/1 coupons

Hyvee:
36 Palermo pizzas
4, pounds of 80/20 ground beef
1, hormel rack of ribs
$34.48

Everything was going wonderfully until I tried to buy the limit of 8 Hormel ribs.

Details aside,
I am now BOYCOTTING Hyvee

sugar (and spice)

2010-05-17T17:04:00.001-05:00

I couldn't let it go...
Sale ends tonight,
so I went back

Hyvee:
12, 4 lbs. bags of sugar ($23.88)I'm thinking kool-aid all summer long.....
16, go-gurts ($32.00)
30, Dannon yogurts ($9.00)
2, BC brownies ($2.00)
Fast Fixin’ ($4.89) TMF
CPK ($2.50) for me!
$47.44

we like ice cream :)

2010-05-17T15:58:00.000-05:00

Hyvee:
60 Blue Bunny personals
4 bananas
0.00 oop

Walgreen's:
4, Velveeta shells and cheese
dozen eggs
.74 oop

Today's outings

2010-05-13T10:11:00.000-05:00

Kroger:
2 coffee sticks
.18 oop

CVS:
2 Crest toothpastes
1 Oral B toothbrush
2 Right Guard
U by Kotex
1 gallon of milk
$2.14 oop
Walgreen's:
EOS sahve cream
razor
plastic forks
$1.44 oop

go go gogurts!!

2010-05-11T15:39:00.000-05:00

$20.98 in rebates today.

thank goodness,
cuz I went to Hyvee to check on the go-gurts,
and they are $1.00 after coupon

3 in the freezer already so $3.01 oop

cheap chicken!!!

2010-05-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

went over to Kroger this morning
picked up
2, Clif Mojo bars (my fave peanut butter pretzel)
2, Tasters Choice coffee sticks
and 20 pounds of chicken quarters
for $4.24 oop

I am thrilled about the chicken
which I needed badly.
So I have already skinned, trimmed, bagged and frozen most of it.
And am cooking some more for freezer meals.

making the rounds

2010-05-08T14:11:00.000-05:00

Kroger:
10, hotdogs
3, Lunchables
2, coffee sticks
1, bagged salad
.01 oop
saved $21.99

CVS:
4 Nivea body wash
1.42 oop (all tax)
saved $23.06

Walgreen's:
razor
3 tapes
bodywash
$1.07 oop (.75 was tax)
saved $15.12

out and about

2010-05-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

Walgreen’s:
Trans #1
3 Nivea
2 puffs
1 envelopes
1 tape
1.08 oop
Got back 5 RR

Trans#2
2 Maxwell House coffees
2 tapes
1 envelope
1.18 oop

Had some RRs to spend

2010-05-05T13:36:00.000-05:00

Walgreen’s:
2, 24 packs of water ($7.00)
3, pop-tarts ($7.50, get 2RRs)
2, Clorox bleach ($3.00)
Softsoap ($2.99, get 2 RR)
3, puffs (.99 each)
2, U by Kotex ($7.00 get 3 RRs)
1, snickers .49
$30.95 total without tax
-$4.64 discoount
-$21 RRs
-$5.00 in qs
.31 + $2.24 in tax = $2.55 oop
Got back 7 RRs

I can't help myself

2010-05-05T12:38:00.000-05:00

Kroger
trans #1
6, lunchables
2, coffee sticks
1, dial soap
Used 6, 1/1 lunchables
Used 2, .50/1 taster’s choice
Used 4, OYNO
.21 oop
Received 6, $1 OYNO

Trans#2
3 pounds of ground chuck
2.64 pounds of Tyson chicken breasts
Used $1.50/7 Kroger coupon
Used .50/1 Kroger coupon
Used 1/1 Tyson
Used 1.00 winetag
Used 4, $1 Oyno
.27 oop

Back to business

2010-05-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

back to the business of
FREEs, MoneyMakers and Necessities

Hyvee:
4, Classico red sauce
2, Classico white sauce
12, Blue Bunny personals
3, lbs. ground beef
.26 oop

Today's highlights

2010-05-04T10:16:00.000-05:00

Kroger:
5, Capri sunrise
2, 4 oz. Nabisco cookie cups
***this completes another $20.00 rebate***
4, lunchables marked down to .69
2, Taster’s choice coffee sticks

Used 5, 1/1 capri-sun
Used ½ Nabisco cookies or crackers
Used 2, ½ lunchables
Used 2, .50/1 sticks
Used 7, $1, OYNO
Paid oop .29
Got back 4, $1.00 OYNO

CVS:
Listerine (50% free)
Used 2/1
Used $2.00 ecb (marked down)
Oop .29
Got $2 ecbs

Hyvee:
Trans #1
5 frosted flakes
Used 5, 1/1 peelies
.20 bag refund
$4.90 oop
Got back $4 OYNO

trans#2
1, frosted flakes
4, fruit loops
Used 5, $1/1 peelies
Used $4 OYNO
Paid 1.02 oop
Got back $4 OYNO

Found .01 in the parking lot

What I am starting the month of May with

2010-05-01T10:12:00.001-05:00

What I am starting with May 1st:

ecbs $6.00
0 stamps
cash on hand: 0.00
RRs = $47.00
paypal = 0.00
3, $1 OYNO Kroger
$3 OYNO beef/chicken Hyvee

one cent ahead

2010-04-30T22:07:00.001-05:00

Okay, I finished the month, literally one cent ahead of what I spent!!

Yippee!
I knew I could do it!

But now to try again next month.
Whew!!

busted

2010-04-25T13:46:00.003-05:00

Walgreen’s: saved $17.94
Trans#1
Stayfree
Skintimate
3, Nestle Crunch bars
Used 2/1 stayfree
Used $1,3 RRs
Oop .11
Got $6 RRs

Trans#2
Stayfree
Plackers
Skintimate
Raisins
Used 1/1 stayfree IP
Used $6RRs
Oop $1.12
Got $8 RRs
+$2.77 difference

Hyvee: (4 transactions) saved $19.35
12 Promise butters
3 bananas
2 bags of Dole salad
3, jars of Dole fruit
spent $1.28
still have 2, $2/1 OYNO, .75/1 OYNO
+$3.47 difference

Kroger: (saved $17.71)
Healthy Life Bread
Kroger buns
Tyson chicken breasts
2, propel waters
1, nesquik
1, Oscar Mayar Lunchable
2, Dial soaps
1, Clif Mojo bar
1, Nescafe instant coffee sticks
$3.44 on Kroger giftcard
got $1 OYNO
+$1.00 difference

CVS: (saved $50.47)
6, Emerald nuts
2, gallons of Dean's milk
10, boxes of Nabisco cookies
2, Irish Springs bodywash
2, Oral B toothbrushes
3, Reese's pieces
3, Diet Coke 20 oz.
used 5/40
used $3 ecbs
used 6, 1/1 emerald nuts
used 2, 1/1 Dean's milk
ussed 1, 1/1 Irish Spring
used 3, .50/1 diet coke
used 3, B1coke G1 reese's FREE
used 2, 1/1 Fig newton IPs
used 4, 1/2 Nabisco cookies or crackers
used 2/1 Advantage
used B1G1 advantage
$8.38 oop
got $6 ecbs
-2.38 difference

Breathe.....

2010-04-21T09:45:00.000-05:00

Walgreen's:
trans #1-4
Nature Bounty Vitamins
used 5/1 IP
.05 oop (total .20 On gc)
got back $5RR (total $20 RRs)

trans #5, 6
2, Folgers
1, oreo cakesters
used 1/2 insert q
used 3RR
.79 on gc (total $1.58)
got back 2, $1 RRs

Kroger:
2, propel
2, nescafe sticks
.14 on gc

post office
.61
.44
$1.05 on gc

also dropped off library items that were due
and picked up 25 inserts

next, chill a bit
before heading to do the gardening at the elementary school

I got out

2010-04-20T16:26:00.000-05:00

Kroger:
2, propel
1, Wholly Guacamole (goes great with the bags and bags of Tostito chips I got for FREE!!!)
2, Nescafe instant sticks
used 2, .50/1 propel
used 2, .50/1 Nescafe
used 1, 1/1 wholly guacamole
.27 oop (on gc)

Walgreen's: two of the same transaction
1, Nature's Bounty vitamin D
1, Golden Oreo cakesters
used 2/1 IP for vitamins
used $2.50 RR
.30 (on gc)
got $5.00 RR

Hyvee:
1 box of 12 fudgepops
Dole salad bag
4 kiwi
1 pound of ground beef
used .55/1 peelie for salad
$5.26 (on rebate card)

I need snacks

2010-04-19T13:17:00.000-05:00

Went to Wal-Mart:
no Snuggle sheets. not even a place for the 80 ct.
6, bags of Tostitos (used 6, 2/1 peelies)
3, bags of chips (used 3, B2chips, G1salsa)
2, Rimmel mascara (used 2 FREE up to $5.00)
$1.26 on Kellogg's rebate card

Hyvee:
4 boxes of Jollytime (couldn't help it. Sale was ending)
Yo-plus
$2.21 on gc