Saturday, March 7, 2009
Scrapbook Saturday
Hi DRSers. This is going to be a slow post weekend because we are out of town, visiting my parents. My Dad turned 59 this week. WOW! I brought my camera with me so I could get a picture of my dear OLD Dad but wouldn't you know it my camera battery is dead. Hope ya'll have a restful weekend, a great time with your families, and that you all are enjoying this beautiful weather. What a great weekend for FREE admission to the Little Rock Zoo!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Craft Time
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner- March 17th. So I thought it might be fun to focus our next couple of craft times around that theme. Today we are going to make rainbow streamers. To be honest, I picked this craft because it looked easy, it won't take a lot of time, and I had all the needed materials. (I actually don't have "streamers" but will make do with either tissue paper or scrapbook paper. You can go here for the step by step directions. Maybe next week we will make a pot of gold.
Devotional Time
Today I think it is high time the boys and I take a look at "The Lord's Prayer." (Luke 11: 1-4) Although I appreciate the fact that Colby always insists on saying our before meal prayers; he has gotten into a bad "habit" of saying the same prayer meal after meal after meal. And it is not so much WHAT he is saying but HOW he is saying it.
"Dear Jesus, Thank you for Mommy, Thank you for Daddy, Thank you for You- Amen"
Sweet? Yes, But what you can't see from the written words above is that he says them as fast as he can, usually in between bites of food. I have even heard him say this prayer in route from the living room to the kitchen table so that the second he is seated at the table he can start eating. Hardly reverent, hardly sincere. Not to mention the fact that he NEVER remembers to thank Jesus for his little brother.
Now, I have to admit that often my mealtime prayers are more "habitual" then heartfelt so today's lesson will be great for me too.
For Cohen, we are going to practice bowing our head when we pray. It would be great if I could also teach him to say "Amen"..... but that would require talking.
"Dear Jesus, Thank you for Mommy, Thank you for Daddy, Thank you for You- Amen"
Sweet? Yes, But what you can't see from the written words above is that he says them as fast as he can, usually in between bites of food. I have even heard him say this prayer in route from the living room to the kitchen table so that the second he is seated at the table he can start eating. Hardly reverent, hardly sincere. Not to mention the fact that he NEVER remembers to thank Jesus for his little brother.
Now, I have to admit that often my mealtime prayers are more "habitual" then heartfelt so today's lesson will be great for me too.
For Cohen, we are going to practice bowing our head when we pray. It would be great if I could also teach him to say "Amen"..... but that would require talking.
Familytime Friday
TGIF! It's Familytime Friday- boy have I been slacking in this area the last few weeks. Today, I fear, will be no better because we are packing up for a weekend trip. But what's the best way to ensure something happens.... plan it! So that is what I'm going to do. Coming soon my "plan" for Devotional Time, Learning Time, and Craft Time.
I'd love your ideas for "times" with your family.
I'd love your ideas for "times" with your family.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Let me set the record straight!!!
Ok here's the 411. I do NOT have a STD!!!
I'm sorry to be so blunt, and it is probably socially unacceptable to write STD on a family friendly blog, BUT I felt I needed to set the record straight. Here's the story....
So today I am meeting with a teenager for nutrition counseling and I was trying my best to be "cool" and get on her level and everything. So when she started complaining about the acne on her face and neck I told her "I totally knew what she was talking about." I said "Even at 30 (yes there it is for the world to see, I AM THIRTY) I still have breakouts." I then added, "especially on my chin and around my mouth." To which she said "Oh-That's bad! People probably think you have an STD or something." WHAT!!! I was fully aware that the bags under my eyes clearly marked me as a DRS sufferer BUT I had no idea that an occasional zit could potentially flag me as an STD carrier. Now I am totally self-conscious, and therefore, have taken the liberty to use this blog to set the record straight. (Plus I need accountability to get an appointment with a dermatologist- and a recommendation for a good concealer)
Now to those of you that really know me the idea of me having a STD is absolutely ludicrous. And for the rest of you- look forward to February 2010 when I kick off a series that chronicles my love life from birth to present. Not only will my story clear up any pimple misconceptions it will show you what a miracle it is that I have any "children" at all.
And now back to our regular DRS topics...
PS If a pimple between the eyebrows indicates a drug addiction- I don't have that either.
I'm sorry to be so blunt, and it is probably socially unacceptable to write STD on a family friendly blog, BUT I felt I needed to set the record straight. Here's the story....
So today I am meeting with a teenager for nutrition counseling and I was trying my best to be "cool" and get on her level and everything. So when she started complaining about the acne on her face and neck I told her "I totally knew what she was talking about." I said "Even at 30 (yes there it is for the world to see, I AM THIRTY) I still have breakouts." I then added, "especially on my chin and around my mouth." To which she said "Oh-That's bad! People probably think you have an STD or something." WHAT!!! I was fully aware that the bags under my eyes clearly marked me as a DRS sufferer BUT I had no idea that an occasional zit could potentially flag me as an STD carrier. Now I am totally self-conscious, and therefore, have taken the liberty to use this blog to set the record straight. (Plus I need accountability to get an appointment with a dermatologist- and a recommendation for a good concealer)
Now to those of you that really know me the idea of me having a STD is absolutely ludicrous. And for the rest of you- look forward to February 2010 when I kick off a series that chronicles my love life from birth to present. Not only will my story clear up any pimple misconceptions it will show you what a miracle it is that I have any "children" at all.
And now back to our regular DRS topics...
PS If a pimple between the eyebrows indicates a drug addiction- I don't have that either.
Annual Budget Countdown
Last week I went to Kroger 2 times and Walgreens 1 time. Here is what I spent
Walgreens:
Total Spent: $12.67
Total Saved $12.66 + I did get back a $6RR and will submit for a $4 rebate
(So just for the record I spent $2.67 and saved $22.66 but I will not count those savings at this time in my annual budget!)
Kroger Trip #1
Total Spent: $88.14 for 47 items
Total Saved: $32.43
Kroger Trip #2
Total Spent: $13.46 for 8 items
Total Saved: $8.88
Weekly Total:
Total Spent: $114.27 Ridiculous!
Total Saved: $53.97
Total Spent for Year: $943.12
Total Saved for Year: $670.76
Total Left for Year: $4056.88
I am addicted to sales! I must stop spending! There... I feel better now that I admitted I have a problem. I can do better now.... right?
Walgreens:
Total Spent: $12.67
Total Saved $12.66 + I did get back a $6RR and will submit for a $4 rebate
(So just for the record I spent $2.67 and saved $22.66 but I will not count those savings at this time in my annual budget!)
Kroger Trip #1
Total Spent: $88.14 for 47 items
Total Saved: $32.43
Kroger Trip #2
Total Spent: $13.46 for 8 items
Total Saved: $8.88
Weekly Total:
Total Spent: $114.27 Ridiculous!
Total Saved: $53.97
Total Spent for Year: $943.12
Total Saved for Year: $670.76
Total Left for Year: $4056.88
I am addicted to sales! I must stop spending! There... I feel better now that I admitted I have a problem. I can do better now.... right?
Deal Alert- Kroger
This week Kroger is having another "Buy 10 Participating Items Get $5 Off" event. Below are my favorite deals of the week. To get the most out of these type of events be very careful to get exactly 10 or 20 or 30 items. Click here to see a complete list of participating items.Lean Cuisine Entrees on sale $1.99 or $1.49 with Buy 10 Event
There has been several different catalinas print for lean cuisines ($1.50 off 8 or $1 of 2)
There was also a $2 off 3 Kroger mailer coupon
Final Price: Varies but even without a coupon $1.49 is not a bad price for Lean Cuisines
Pepperidge Farm Breads on sale $1.99 or $1.49 with Buy 10 Event
Use $0.40 off 1 from 1/18 SS
Final Price: $0.69 with Buy 10 Event
That is all I am personally interested in with "the event" But there is some other good deals...
Quaker Simple Harvest or Instant Oatmeal on sale $1.50 each when you buy 2 (must buy 2 to get the deal)
Use $1.35 off 2 from 1/4 SS or $1 off 2 from 2/8 RP or use one of several printables that were available
Final Price: $0.83 to $1 each when you buy 2
Sanderson Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken on sale $1.79 per lb.
Time to stock up again!
Black Seedless Grapes on sale $0.99 per lb
Dannon Activia on sale $2
Use $1 off 1 from 1/11 SS
Final Price: $1
Kellogg's Pop Tarts on sale 3 for $5 or 1.66 ea
Supposedly some of the whole grain poptarts have $1 off 1 peelies on the package
Final Price: $0.66 each
Hormel Seasoned Pork Fillets or Tenderloins (found by the butcher station) on sale $4.99
Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 SS
Final Price: $3.99
This is a great deal and can be used to make the pork tenderloin dish I made this week!
Williams and John Morrell sausage is on sale so I'm going to pick up a reduced fat variety for the breakfast casserole his month
There is some other good meat sales going on so be sure to check out the Kroger weekly ad.
Deal Alert
The Little Rock Zoo is FREE! this Saturday, March 7th from 9am to 5pm!I took this deal alert off my sweet neighbor's blog- she's got one of those cute blogs complete with music I was telling you about last weekend. Thanks Becke'
Deal Alert- Walgreens
A new month means a NEW EasySaver Catalog (ES). Make sure to pick yours up next time your in Walgreens. And remember the unconfirmed rumor is we are on our last days of the EasySaver Rebate program so enjoy it now!!
The following are my favorite deals with thanks to The Thrifty Mama and Money Saving Mom!
Colgate Total Toothpaste 4 oz priced between $2.99 - $3.49
Use $1 off 1 from 2/22 SS or $1.50 off from recent mailer AND $2.50 off 1 from ES (EasySaver catalog)
Final Price: FREE to almost free after both coupons
Final Price: FREE to almost free after both coupons
Nabisco Ritz Crackers 4-8oz on sale buy 1 get 1 FREE or 2 for $1.99
Use $2 off 2 from 1/25 SS
Final Price: FREE for 2 boxes!
*My recipes often call for Ritz crackersFiber One Bars on sale $1.99
Use $0.50 off 1 from 1/25 SS or use$1.35 off 1 here
Final Price: $0.64 or $1.49
Reach Toothbrush on sale $0.99 with Walgreens flyer coupon
Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 RP
Final Price: FREE
Revlon Emery Boards priced around $1.59
Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 SS AND $1 off 1 from ES
Final Price: FREE after both coupons
Sambucol priced around $12.99
Final Price: FREE after both coupons (I don't think you get overages except on rebate and RR items)
Walgreens Brand Jumbo Diapers or Training Pants on sale 2 for $9
Final Price: $4.50 per pack
Register Rewards (RR)
Final Price: FREE plus$1.50 in overages after coupon and RR
Buy 1 Colgate Max Fresh or Max White Toothpaste at $3.49, Get $3.49 RR
Use $0.75 off 1 from 2/22 SS
Final Price: Free plus $0.75 in overage after coupon and RR
Buy 1 Vaseline Intensive Care Rescue Lotion at $2.69; Get $2 in RR
Use $1.50 off 1 from 1/18 RP
Final Price: Free plus $0.81 in overage after coupon and RR
Dove Bath Bar Soaps on sale for $0.99 with Walgreens flyer coupon, Buy 8 get $10 RR
Final Price: FREE plus $2 in overage after RR
Dove trial size Deodarants for $0.99, Buy 8 get $10 RR
Use $1.50 off 2 coupons from 1/18 RP
Final Price: FREE plus $2 in overage with no additional coupons and up to $8.08 in overage if you have 4 coupons and RR!!!!
From what I understand the two dove deals can be combined so you could get a mixture of soaps and deoderants
March FREE After ES Rebate Products
No additional coupons for these products so far. As of right now I don't think I will be getting any of these unless Walgreens offers a $10 off $50 purchase coupon (which they have YET to do this year)
Advanced Memory Formula 45 count soft gels for $19.99
Final Price: FREE after rebate
Axe Hair Care $5.99
Final Price: FREE after rebate
Wal-Zyr 24 allergy relief 5 count $3.99
Final Price: FREE after rebate
Extra Strength Headache Relief 20 count gel for $2.99
Final Price: FREE after rebate
DRS Couponing 101- common coupon lingo
So today I am going to catch you up to speed on some common abbreviations and lingo used in the coupon world- yes it is a whole other language. From now on I am going to put "bilingual" on all my resumes.
In respect to all the coupon newbies I have kept my coupon language to a minimum to this point on DRS. BUT I would like to start incorporating more of it into my Thrifty Thursday posts to help save on time when writing up your deal alerts. My goal is to eventually have the lingo available on the side bar for quick reference whenever I get that new fancy blog design I was telling you about last weekend. A girl can dream!
So here it is-in no particular order:
SS: SmartSource Insert
RP: RedPlum Insert
PG: Proctor & Gamble Insert
PGE: Proctor & Gamble Esaver Kroger loadable coupons
SC: ShortCuts Kroger loadable coupons
CF: Cell Fire Kroger loadable coupons
BOGO or B1G1: Buy 1 Get 1 Free
WAGS: Walgreens coupon found in the weekly flyer
ES: Walgreens EasySaver Catalog
CAT: Catalina
COP: Coupon on Package
B: Blinkie
IP: Internet Printable
OOP: Out of Pocket
RR: Register Reward
FAR: Free after Rebate
MIR: Mail in Rebate
MFR: Manufacturer
In respect to all the coupon newbies I have kept my coupon language to a minimum to this point on DRS. BUT I would like to start incorporating more of it into my Thrifty Thursday posts to help save on time when writing up your deal alerts. My goal is to eventually have the lingo available on the side bar for quick reference whenever I get that new fancy blog design I was telling you about last weekend. A girl can dream!
So here it is-in no particular order:
SS: SmartSource Insert
RP: RedPlum Insert
PG: Proctor & Gamble Insert
PGE: Proctor & Gamble Esaver Kroger loadable coupons
SC: ShortCuts Kroger loadable coupons
CF: Cell Fire Kroger loadable coupons
BOGO or B1G1: Buy 1 Get 1 Free
WAGS: Walgreens coupon found in the weekly flyer
ES: Walgreens EasySaver Catalog
CAT: Catalina
COP: Coupon on Package
B: Blinkie
IP: Internet Printable
OOP: Out of Pocket
RR: Register Reward
FAR: Free after Rebate
MIR: Mail in Rebate
MFR: Manufacturer
Thrifty Thursday
It's that time again... Thrifty Thursday!!! Woo Hoo!
How is everyone doing out there? Any one finding any great deals? Is anyone finding these deal alerts helpful? I would looooove your input, comments, or stories. I get lonely sometimes when I'm the only one posting. Sorry.... no more pity parties.
Seriously, there are some AWESOME deals this week at Walgreens. So you will definitely want to check back for that deal alert. There is also another exciting lesson posting in our DRS Couponing 101 series coming up next hour.
Have a Terrific Thrifty Thursday- Ta Ta for now! (what a dork!)
How is everyone doing out there? Any one finding any great deals? Is anyone finding these deal alerts helpful? I would looooove your input, comments, or stories. I get lonely sometimes when I'm the only one posting. Sorry.... no more pity parties.
Seriously, there are some AWESOME deals this week at Walgreens. So you will definitely want to check back for that deal alert. There is also another exciting lesson posting in our DRS Couponing 101 series coming up next hour.
Have a Terrific Thrifty Thursday- Ta Ta for now! (what a dork!)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Deal Alert
Your gonna want to take advantage of this offer! Betty Crocker is offering a free sample of their Warm Delights. I signed up for this last year and LOVED IT! Think Chili's Chocolate Molten cake with only 150 Calories!!! Yeah I am serious- it's that good! Go here to sign up.
Product of the Week
Well, Tambrey told me they were good, so when Morning Star products went nearly half off last week at Kroger I decided to give the Corn Dogs a try. To be honest, I bought the corn dogs for the boys, I thought "here is a way to give my boys good nutrition under the guise of a classic "kid food." I warmed one up for lunch the next day, placed a squirt of mustard right beside it, and proudly presented it with a handful of grapes to my 4 year old son. While I had pictured Colby getting really excited about the "fun" lunch I proudly served him complete with a "Hooray" and "Thanks Mom- Your the Best!!;" what I got was a shoulders slumped "I don't like corn dogs." (please read with a whine). What!?!?! What kid doesn't like corn dogs? AND Where had my child eaten a corn dog before that he knew "he didn't like corn dogs"?
So now I have an uneaten vegetable stick masquerading as a corn dog sitting warmly on a plate with no kid to eat it. I look over at my next born... Will he eat the corn dog? Probably not, but I give it a try. I cut 1/2 the dog off the stick and cut it up into choke proof sizes for my 17 month old and then sit and wait........ Corn Dog goes into the mouth... wait, wait, wait,.... Corn dog comes out of the mouth. Now What?
You should know I am NOT a hot dog kind of girl. Never was after some kid told me how and from what hot dogs were made. But, even at a sale price of $2.50 per box with only 4 in a package these fancy dogs were quite expensive. So after reading the ingredient list to confirm there was absolutely NO hint of mystery meat- I dipped that dog in mustard and gave it a try. Wow! I liked it, I REALLY liked it. Before I knew it my half of the dog was gone and I started eating the bite size pieces off my son's highchair tray. At only 150 Calories I seriously thought about going for a second but decided to hold off. I made it until 10:30am the next day, when I decided I couldn't wait another minute for another bite of the delectable corn wrapped dog and had it for a snack.
I am also proud to announce that Cohen (the baby) gave the corn dog another try yesterday and know he too shares my love of the "Vegy" corn dog!!!
Now, before you all rush out to buy this product, I feel I must warn you of 2 things. First, please note, I have not had a "real" corn dog in probably 20+ years so I have no idea how the Morning Star variety compares to the real thing; in other words- you might not share my enthusiasm. Secondly, they might not be available at our Kroger because last night I rushed out and bought the last of the corn dogs before the "Morning Star" sale ended- sorry!
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 corn dog
Meal Plan: 150 Calories, 1 meat, 1.5 starches
Wellness Wednesday
In honor of National Nutrition Month (you did have your calenders marked, didn't you?) I though it might be nice to reacquaint ourselves with the mascot of the nutrition world "The Food Guide Pyramid." As many of you already know, the pyramid received a face lift in 2005 and now has vertical lines running up the pyramid to distinguish between food groups vs. the old horizontal lines.
The new and improved pyramid continues to emphasize the importance of balance, variety, and portion control but now recognizes that in nutrition "One Size Does Not Fit All." To reflect this new attitude the pyramid is now called "MyPyramid" and comes complete with an interactive website designed to help users individualize the pyramid to reflect their personal dietary and weight management goals. The website offers a personalized "MyPyramid Tracker" where you can enter your daily food intake to evaluate how your food choices match up with the recommended guidelines. It also has MyPyramid tools for children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Check it out at mypyramid.gov.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Slow Blog Day
Sorry so few posts today. I had one of those super busy days but I got nothing done kind of days. I searched the Internet over looking for a fabulous deal alert for you but was unable to find anything applicable to our area. I did work on our Thrifty Thursday Deals for Walgreens today- it's gonna be good! Lots of Freebies! Well I hope everyone had a great Tuesday. I still have not done my zone work or bedtime routine so I'm gonna get off this thing and get busy- Night!
Zone 4- Office and Playroom
Day 1- Tuesday
- Dust Playroom Furniture
- Sanitize Toys
- Clean Playroom Windows and Fan
Day 2- Wednesday
- Organize Craft Closet
- Playroom Baseboards and Floors
- Office Baseboards and Floors
Day 3 - Thursday
- Dust office Furniture
- Organize Desk
- Organize Cedar Chest
Day 4- Friday
- Clean Office Window
- Organize Coupon Center
- Organize Window Seat
Day 5- Saturday
- Dust Computer and other Electronics
- Sort Magazines and File
- Organize and Update all Files
Tidy Tuesday
Well we are back to the dreaded PLAYROOM for clean up this week. Right now my consignment clothes/toys are spread out all over my office, so I think I am actually more nervous about the office part of this zone this month. Anyone up for zone accountability this week?
Spinach Calzones- verdicts in
We loved them!! Colby even loved them and didn't seem to notice the green stuff (spinach). Cohen threw his off his highchair- oh well... More for me!!!!
Going to bed now- no really, I am!
Going to bed now- no really, I am!
Monday, March 2, 2009
March thus far
So it has been 2.. no make that 3 days since I posted my new goals for the month on Super Saturday. Let's see how I'm doing....
- Meal Prep- done
- Tidy Tuesday- N/A yet
- AM routine- nope
- afternoon routine- nope
- PM routine- no *
- Wellness Wednesday- Well I did make that back appointment. BUT by the looks of the post time for this message it is clear I did not make my bedtime*
- Thrifty Thursday- I used my FREE rental code for redbox to get Colby a movie for rest time
- Familytime- We did do learning and devotional time today. Devotional time ended with one child crying and the other in time out.
- Quiet Time- Yes
- Project of the Month- I priced 10 items for consignment (my goal is 10 items a day)
*I must confess the reason I am not in bed at a decent hour AND the reason I'm going to bed with an untidy kitchen and untidy.... well everything else is because I started watching "The Bachelor- Final Rose Ceremony."- Pure TRASH!!! Now let me say, this was the first and only episode I watched all season and I was still sucked in. Not only did I watch the sappy "final rose ceremony" I even tuned into the "After the Final Rose Show." "What a world we live in" is all I can say!! Sad. The only good that came from me watching that show was that it reminded me that I had NOT had my daily time with the Lord. Thus the "yes" next to Quiet Time.
Please excuse my bragging!
I have two things I am very proud to tell you.
#1 Today I fulfilled my January Goal to call and make an appointment with a back doctor!!!!! I have suffered with mid to upper back pain for over 10 years and no ONE or no THING has been able to help me; so I am not getting my hopes up. BUT at least I finally followed through with my goal and now maybe my Mom will stop asking "Did you call and make an appointment today?" (I know your just concerned Mom- thanks)
AND
#2 This one is HUGE! Last week on Biggest Loser the contestants had to do "Up Downs*" for their physical challenge. The first contestant to reach 100 Up Downs won.... well, I can't remember exactly what they won but anyways... Ever since I watched that episode I have wondered "Could I do 100 Up Downs?" Well...... Tonight I challenged my husband to see who could do the most Up Downs. I never really thought he would play with me (you see, he is a lot cooler then me) BUT he did. And guess who one???...................... ME! Woo Hoo! That's Right! DH did 101 and yours truly did 110! Anyone up for breaking my record?! Double Dog Dare You! Sorry I'm a little annoying when I win!
*Up Downs- From a standing position drop to your belly (belly must touch the ground) and then stand back up and touch the rope (or in our case we touched the chain on the living room fan). Do that over and over and over.....
#1 Today I fulfilled my January Goal to call and make an appointment with a back doctor!!!!! I have suffered with mid to upper back pain for over 10 years and no ONE or no THING has been able to help me; so I am not getting my hopes up. BUT at least I finally followed through with my goal and now maybe my Mom will stop asking "Did you call and make an appointment today?" (I know your just concerned Mom- thanks)
AND
#2 This one is HUGE! Last week on Biggest Loser the contestants had to do "Up Downs*" for their physical challenge. The first contestant to reach 100 Up Downs won.... well, I can't remember exactly what they won but anyways... Ever since I watched that episode I have wondered "Could I do 100 Up Downs?" Well...... Tonight I challenged my husband to see who could do the most Up Downs. I never really thought he would play with me (you see, he is a lot cooler then me) BUT he did. And guess who one???...................... ME! Woo Hoo! That's Right! DH did 101 and yours truly did 110! Anyone up for breaking my record?! Double Dog Dare You! Sorry I'm a little annoying when I win!
*Up Downs- From a standing position drop to your belly (belly must touch the ground) and then stand back up and touch the rope (or in our case we touched the chain on the living room fan). Do that over and over and over.....
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