Using My Stockpile and Savoring Our Time

Just a quick update: My hubby (for various reasons) is on what we are calling his "mini-retirement". I have been so very grateful for our stockpile of food and health & beauty during this time as we are NOT on any form of government assistance. I love that our bills are paid, our tummies are full, and we are having some extra-special Daddy time during this season of our lives. It is likely that this mini-retirement will not last very long, so we are appreciating it and each other while it lasts.

God is good, all the time.

And, my stockpile ROCKS! :)

We Have Liftoff!

School has started. We just finished our first week. Now, for a weekend. But, that will involve soccer, church, and all the stuff I can't seem to get done around the house while school is in session. This Mama is pooped. Right now I think I'll start summer by napping and snuggling with my star students. :)

Filing my coupons will have to wait until tomorrow.

Back To School

For many of us, it has officially arrived. I now have a first grader and a kindergartner. WOW! Time flies, doesn't it? Here are some tips that I wanted to share for back-to-school:

1. Shop the loss leaders on supplies. Check Staples and Office Max every single week. Or take those ads and price match at WalMart.

2. A new backpack is not necessary every year. If you buy a quality backpack (such as Jansport) you will use it for years. I've had mine since 1996 and its still going strong!

3. Do the combo sales at Meijer. Buy groceries that you need and get basic ata discounted rate. This week is tennis shoes and Hanes products. They just had a Fruit of the Loom promo as well.

4. Wait on the fall clothes. You don't need them now. They will go on sale later. The stores are counting on you to buy those jeans and hoodies now. If you wait until October, you will score them at a better price.

5. Set a budget. Give your child the cash for their supplies. Let them decide how to spend it. Do they really need the Jonas brothers folder or would they rather have a cool lunchbox?

Enjoy this time!

Garden Bounty Recipe

Our garden has really done well with green beans this year. Here is one of our favorite bean recipes that uses the crock pot. No oven or stove! :)

1-2# Smoked Skinless Turkey Sausage
2-4 white potatoes
1-2# fresh green beans
1 can chicken broth


Snap and clean beans. Mix with peeled, diced potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot. Slice sausage over the top. Pour on can of chicken broth. Cook HIGH for 4 hours for al dente beans, 6 hours for soft beans. Enjoy with sprinkle of cheddar cheese on the top.

YUM!

New Adventures

Just to let you know, I am embarking on a new adventure...I am now an Independent Scentsy Consultant! I have used the products for over a year and fell in love with them - this is seriously the only thing that I have ever considered selling (after that BAD newlywed stint with Watkins...)

If you'd like to check out my website, please do. You can find me HERE. Also, friends, I would appreciate your prayers as I start this new business. My plan is to help our family pay down some more student debt with this business so my husband can go back to school for his doctorate. I support his choice for higher education, know that this is a dream for him, and want to do my part to make it possible.

So, in addition to being a homeschooling mama, blogger, Christ follower, spouse, and friend - I am now wearing the hat of "Independent Scentsy Consultant."

Pray, pray, pray :)

Top Ten Reasons Our Garage Sale Was Successful

We just finished a weekend garage sale here and we met our goal! I thought I'd take a few minutes to share with you the reasons that I believe our sale was successful.

10. It was organized. I organized each table by category. We had a kitchen area, toy area, clothing area, etc.

9. My items were clean. I took out a tub of clorox wipes and periodically cleaned off dust and grime on items that were for sale.

8. We kept great business hours without getting overwhelmed. We were only open from 9-3 on Friday and 9-noon on Saturday. This was adequate time to sell and gave us plenty of time to rest and rejuvenate.

7. We had a great location. We live on a busy street. We get a LOT of drive-by traffic. If we didn't live here, I would have went somewhere else.

6. We had a FREE box. It was nice to be able to give away some items for free and it helped boost everyone's morale.

5. Multiple families participated. The more families, the more stuff, and the bigger the sale!

4. We had a set 1/2 price time. On Saturday at 10:00, everything that was left went to 1/2 price and boy - did it fly out of my garage!

3. We had great signs. We used bright marker colors, attached balloons, and wrote in large letters. The other great thing was using old candidate signage to staple our signs on, so that they could go in the ground easily.

2. We had refreshments that went to a good cause. Who can resist lemonade from a kid who donates to the food pantry? This stand helped people linger longer and we met some real nice folks :)

1. We always had adequate help. There was a minimum of 2 adults present at all times. We could tag team customers and even help carry items to cars. No one felt ignored.

All in all, this was one of our most successful sales to date. Hope these tips help you when you plan your next garage sale.

Its getting old...

Do you ever feel like saving and pinching every penny is getting old? That is how I feel today. Going to search my favorite blogs for some encouragement and know that this too shall pass...

Saving Away

We are currently saving money like crazy for a few big projects. Because of this, my shopping has been at a minimal lately. I have; however, been forced to purchase school supplies and a few clothing items for the kiddos. I have done well with this with a) staples deals/rebates and b) target clearance clothing.

My goal for August and September is to buy minimal grocery items and use what we have so that we can keep on paying cash for these home projects that we have going on. We do have a foreign exchange student coming for 2 weeks in August, so I will have a little extra in the grocery budget there, but overall we are on a clean out spree!

A few reminders for you:
Have you entered your codes for the Cars 2/Kellogg's promotion? Earn $5 gift cards for every 4 codes.

Carnival Foods FREE Lock & Lock promotion is coming to an end. If you have stamps, its time to cash them in.

Target's toy clearance is at 50% now and should be hitting 75% this week. Watch for it and shop early for Christmas.

Have a great week!

Thanks, Glidden

Just painted 3/4 walls in my bedroom with the Glidden FREE quart of paint that they sent me! Love the new color - Hazy Sage. Thanks for giving my "love nest" some lovin' :)

Back to School Sales Started

Already the back to school sales have started. Here are a few this week to note:

Staples:
Glue, Erasers, BIC Pens .01
BIC Mechanical Pencils, Sticky Flags .25
500 Piece Multipurpose Paper Ream 5.99 - 5.74 easy rebate = .25

Meijer:
Buy $10 in Kelloggs products, get $10 off 3 packages of Fruit of the Loom products (starting at 3.99/pack.) This is the time to stock up on school socks and undies at a low price! See ad for details.

Meal Planning

Tuesday - Taco Salad with all the fixings
Wednesday - BBQ Pork Chops, Broccoli, Baked Potatoes
Thursday - kids and I are away; hubby eats fish and steamed veggies
Friday - Chicken Apple Brats and Hot Dogs, Grilled Veggies
Saturday - Pasta with meat sauce, Garlic Toast, and Brownies
Sunday - Beef Roast with Au Ju, Garden Salad; Green Beans

Breakfasts - Cereal, Waffles, Oatmeal, Pop Tarts, Eggs and Toast (yes, I am that mom)

Lunches - PB&J, Tuna Salad, Ramen Noodles, Chicken Patties, Leftovers.

Snacks - peaches, graham crackers, cucumbers with ranch, goldfish, granola bars, apples, canned fruit, yogurt, etc.

JULY 8 = Cow Appreciation Day

July 8th is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil-A restaurants. If you dress up like a cow, you can get a free meal/kids meal! If you have partial cow attire on (ex hat/purse), you can get a free entree.

GO HERE for details and samples of costumes.

What a great lunch treat!

Childrens Place 15% off + FREE shipping

Through July 4th you can get an extra 15% off of your purchase at Children's Place with FREE shipping. The great thing about this sale is that there is NO MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIRED! :)

GO HERE for details...thanks to For the Mommas for this heads up.
Happy shopping!

Dave Ramsey Sale

Dave Ramsey is having a $10 sale! GO HERE for details.

Thanks, Couponing to Disney.

ALWAYS Google It!

We have been putting a lot of time and money into our cars lately. Tires, O2 sensors, muffler, spark plug wires, etc. These things definately needed done...I'll give you that. But, our car was still stalling.

Our dear friend and mechanic told us that we needed a new ignition switch. I decided to google this so we could order the part and - lo and behold- our car was recalled for the ignition switch years ago. Somehow we never got a recall notice. (Lost in the move? Sent to lender instead of us? Sent to former owner?)

Moral of this story: The ignition switch was faulty. Is considered deadly. And will be fixed at the dealers for FREE.

ALWAYS Google it!

Kohl's Savings Pass

GO HERE to get a savings pass for 20% off at Kohl's June 16th-19th.

Thanks, She Saved!

HOT DEAL - Groupon to Old Navy $10

There is a HOT DEAL thru Groupon for $20 worth of Old Navy summer merchandise for $10. This offer includes sale items!

Fine Print: Expires Jul 30, 2011; Limit 1 per person. Purchase of Groupon may take up to 48 hours to process. Valid on purchase of $20 or more from 6/2 to 7/30/2011 at Old Navy Stores only. Product restrictions apply. One time use in US only. Not transferable. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Good for $20 of merchandise ($10 Paid For value plus $10 Discount Offer value). Discount Offer value expires 7/30/2011. $10 Paid For value does not expire.

GO HERE to purchase yours today!

WANTED: GUEST POSTS

Hi friends!
I am looking for a few readers who are interested in guest posting on this blog. I am looking for:

- how you organize your coupons and why
- summer savings tips
- home remodel projects/tips/DIYs
- day trips from Columbus OH
- summer recipes

If you think of anything else you would like to write about, email me at hlabutis@ureach.com and we will give it a whirl!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hope

Beyond the Tie and Tools : Ideas for Father's Day

It would be so easy to buy the standard striped tie or a new ratchet set for Father's Day...wouldn't it? But, that would be so predictable, and so not creative. Here are a few ideas for great Father's Day gifts:



A keepsake canvas like this.



A BBQ apron and some grill tools from Dollar Tree will make a grilling Papa proud.

A coffee mug from Snapfish with a Starbucks card inside.

Car wash supplies - or better yet, gift certificates for a local car wash!

A 2-fer pass for golfing...tell him to take a buddy along.



A firepit and some hot dog sticks.

A new cooler filled with his favorite beverages.



Tickets to a pro game.

New sunglasses and flip flops.

A gift card to his favorite lunch place - what freedom to have lunch with no budget guilt!




That "thing" that he's been wanting...you know what it is. In our house its a kettleball and lawn mower wheels.

Have fun surprising your Papa this Father's Day!

Welcome New Readers

If you are visiting this site from my coupon class at Truth Tabernacle, welcome! I had fun visiting with ya'll :)

Product Review - Scrubbing Bubbles

OK, here's the deal - I have been battling soap scum stains on my glass shower doors for 8 years now. I have tried everything that I could find on the internet to combat this problem. I have used baking soda and vinegar, a steam sprayer, and multiple cleaners. I had given up and decided that my bathroom just plain stunk.

I bought some regular Scrubbing Bubbles the other day because it was on sale. I remembered my childhood friend using it to do her chores as a kid and thinking how cool it was with the foaming and all. I gave my shower a spray down and didn't even have to scrub! The scum literally fell off. My shower doors are clear again. I couldn't believe it! I will never use anything else! My Soft Scrub days are done! (Don't tell my mother-in-law though because she swears by the stuff.)

In case you didn't get my point: I LOVE SCRUBBING BUBBLES!

Disclaimer: I did not get paid for this post. Scrubbing Bubbles does not know that I exist. I did; however, email them today to tell them how great they are!

Columbus Museum of Art Family Adventures

Looking for something else to do with the kiddos? The Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) is offering FREE family events called Family Adventures. This includes a guided tour and scavenger hunt.

Dates are Sunday June 12th and June 26th starting at 2 PM. No registration is required.

What a great way to add a little education, in the a/c, to your summer!

GO HERE for more details.

Homemade Yogurt

Here is a recipe that I am dying to try with fresh summer fruit. Did you know that you can make yogurt in your crockpot?

Thanks to Jamerrill for this awesome post. I have been inspired...

Top Ten - Family Fun MODIFIED REPOST

Cheap Family Fun

In honor of summer days...here is a list of my Top Ten things to do for cheap family fun!

10. Get a Redbox movie, pop some corn, and have a family movie night. Two free codes are: DVDONME and BREAKROOM. Sign up for their monthly emails where you get a free code. We just watched Gnomeo and Juliet this way! Otherwise, you pay just $1 for a fun-family night.

9. Eat out at a restaurant where kids eat free on weekends. A good family place is Steak N Shake (and the kids get cute packets to color and free crackers while you wait for your meal.) Panda Express also has a free kids night.

8. Visit a local Farmer's Market to browse and shop for fresh produce/baked goods. The larger markets can be both a feast for your tummy and your eyes. :)

7. Visit a local museum. Where I live, we ask for a local children's science museum membership as a Christmas gift. It gives back to our local economy, fuels my children's growing minds, and gives us free entertainment throughout the year. With our membership, we can visit hundreds of other science centers through out the US for free.

6. Visit a local park or metropark to walk, bike, feed ducks, and play. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it! A great local place to visit is Rotary park.

5. See how far you can get on a tank of gas (or a half tank). We have made "free" trips to public beaches on Lake Erie for gas only. If you pack snacks in a cooler and sand toys, you can have a great adventure for little money. In Ohio, there are many places of beauty for free or minimal admission.

4. Have a family library day. Don't be rushed. Take time to play computer games, read a few books in the library snuggled in a chair, and pick some fresh music for your week. Leave with a free movie and you've got your evening planned also... While you are there, sign up for the summer reading program also.

3. Spend quality time with your friends. Organize a pot luck dinner. Play cards. Blow up the kiddie pool, set out a slip 'n' slide, and let your kids make friendships that will last as long as yours have.

2. Have a family campfire in your backyard's fire pit. Make smores and tell stories. Experiment with pie-iron pies and pizzas. If you feel really adventurous, sleep in your backyard and watch the stars.

1. Organize a game night for LOTS of friends. Invite families. Have everyone bring a snack to share and play group games like Scene-It, Charades, Catch Phrase, Cards, etc. We used to do this regularly and I truly miss it. Our Game Nights would really draw a diverse crowd : singles, students, seniors, toddlers, teens, baby-boomers, and babysitters! It was great fun, cheap, and a night of laughter with minimal cleanup.

Meijer - 10/$10, Get 11th Free

This week at Meijer is 10/$10 week. This is a great time to stock up!

Produce on sale includes: strawberries, bagged salad, peppers, mushrooms, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. The tomatoes are FREE when you use the natursweet coupon.

Memorial Day Thoughts...

Today and EVERY DAY I am PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

Thank you to our troops for your service. Thank you to their families for your sacrifice. Freedom is never free.

God bless America!

Holiday Weekend - No Coupons

FYI - there will be no coupons in this Sunday's paper due to Memorial Day. It would; however, be a great time to pull out your expired May coupons and send them to a military family to use. (Did you know that military families can use expired coupons on post and overseas?)

Happy picnicking! God bless our troops!

Kings Island Supports Our Troops

Kings Island is celebrating Memorial Day and honoring our troops by offering free admission to any active / retired military personnel 5/27-5/30. Additional tickets for immediate family members are available for $29.99. You must show a valid military ID when purchasing your tickets. GO HERE for more details.

Thanks, Kings Island, for supporting our troops in this way! God bless America!

LOCAL friends: Swim Lessons $20

Heath pool swim lesson sign-ups are coming up. You only pay $20/child! Sessions are as follows:

Session 1: June 13 - 24
9:00-9:40 am • 9:50-10:30 am • 6:50-7:30 pm
Registration and Payment
June 6 • 9:30 -11:00 am (Member)
June 7 • 9:30 -11:00 am (Non-member)

Session 2: July 11 - 22
9:00-9:40 am • 9:50-10:30 am
Registration and Payment
June 27 • 9:30 -11:00 am (Member)
June 28 • 9:30 -11:00 am (Non-member)

Replacement Disney DVDs

Did you know that Disney has a program to replace your DVDs that are broken or scratched? I did not! We NEED this program! Details include: $6.95 fee; 1 DVD replacement per calendar year; 6-8 weeks shipping time.

Go HERE for details! Thanks, Moms by Heart, for this info!

Anxiety Cure?

I just love the blog Raising Homemakers! IF you suffer from anxiety (as most of the female population does at one point or another) read this article. Many cycles have been broken in my generation, yet fear and anxiety is a burden that still plagues me. This is one thing I refuse to pass on to my daughter. Here's to hoping that this cycle of anguish will also break with me!

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Had to Share - Shelf Clearing

Lately, I have been discouraged in my couponing. When I hit the store, I can't always find the deals that I want due to empty shelves. I have a life and refuse to be waiting at the store when it opens for the deals on Monday.

I have been finding it harder and more of a hassle to get rain checks. In fact, I just let $3 in ECBs expire because I just couldn't muster up the courage to battle the cashiers at CVS. Sad, huh?

So, for now, I have been shopping at Aldi at lot. Am I saving? Absolutely. Am I saving as much? No. But, am I sane? Yes, yes, yes!

Then, today, I stumbled upon this article and was encouraged. This is just a phase. New couponers will burn out. I can take a deep breath, utilize my pantry stockpile, and wait this one out. You can too. Be encouraged. This is a marathon, not a sprint. And the deals will come back!

Target Clearance 75% off

Target's Easter clearance has hit 75% off. At the Heath store, there was little left; however, we found some awesome magic tricks for .24!!! We also found kites for .74 and Fancy Nancy/Little Critter Books for $1.24. Now is the time to stock up for next year!

Kroger - Triple Coupons This Weekend

FYI for my local friends...Kroger is offering triple coupons today (TH) through Saturday. This means any coupon up to .50 will triple. All above .50-.99 will double as usual. There is a STRICT LIMIT of 3 like coupons per order at the Heath store and 4 at Deo Drive. Happy couponing!

He is Risen!

The Lord is risen! Blessed be the Name of the Lord, Jesus!

If you do not have a personal relationship with God, He reaches out to you today. If you have questions about Him, He will answer you. If you are hurting, He will give you peace. If you are lonely, He will fill you up. If you are desperate, He will provide you hope.

My prayer is that you will know Him today and celebrate His resurrection with me...

Enjoy this song and worship the Lord this Easter. He does love you. I know He loves me!

Top Ten Reasons I've Stopped EXTREME Couponing

10. Who needs 50 pouches of tuna? We are turning into cats!
9. My husband's diet calls for a lot of eggs and lean meat = no coupons; sales or manager's specials only.
8. I have never gotten enough gas points at Kroger to amount to anything.
7. The local stores never have what I want (I made 3 Walgreens trips this week to leave empty handed every time.)
6. I am trying to cut out processed foods.
5. I am re-falling in love with Aldi.
4. Time. Have I mentioned that we also home-school and its the end of the year?
3. We have MORE than ENOUGH - for us. Not for the block, but for us...
2. I do not want to be compared to THAT television show, period.
1. Gas prices! Good grief; I need to become a hermit.

New Promo from Kelloggs and Cars2

GO HERE to read the details of this new promo. The way it looks to me is that I can earn 7 - $5 gas cards (visas) for each member of my family that is over the age of 6 with the specialty marked boxes of Kelloggs products! (Each card is redeemed for 4 points and you can put in 30 points total...that is a lot of FREE cash!)

Thanks, Couponing to Disney, for info on this incredible offer!

.50 Redbox 4/14 ONLY

Go tomorrow (Thursday) to get a 1/2 price Redbox rental. It's just .50 to watch a movie of your choice with the PROMO CODE: THURSDAY.

Let me know what you watch...

Another 2 Bite the Dust

I lost another 2 lbs this week doing an adapted version of the original plan. (I even ate pizza with the kids the other night.) My first goal is REALLY in sight now. 10 lbs down, 10 to go for goal number 1 :)

Giant Eagle Tuna Sale

Heads up: This week at Giant Eagle, you can get Starkist tuna pouches for $1 each. Use the .75/2 MQ to pay .25 each for good tuna. In addition, it appears that you earn $1.50 catalina for every 5 pouches you purchase. This makes the tuna a .25 money maker for every 5 that you purchase.

Thought: If you are not a tuna fan, this is a great item for a food pantry donation.

Get $10 Gift Card for buying Kelloggs

GO HERE to read the details of this awesome promotion. The thing I find really awesome is that you can get this rebate 5 (FIVE) times per household!

Weight loss update

As of this morning, I have lost a total of 5 lbs and Mark had lost 9. The great thing is, I know we don't ever have to go back to those "old" numbers again! :)

Coupon Thief

So yesterday as we were pulling out of the driveway for church, I noticed "the bag" sitting on my front porch. I was really excited about this because it not only contains my sale flyers, but coupons as of late. When we pulled back in about an hour later, it was gone. Someone thieved my coupons. Do they not know who I am? :)

Doing What I Can

My husband has officially started a new diet - or "lifestyle change." He needs a LOT of protein, veggies, and legumes. He is eating nothing white, dairy, or fruit. Needless to say, this has put an interesting spin on my $55/week grocery budget. It's just not realistic right now. As a supportive spouse who truly wants the best for my mate, I need to respect his diet choices and provide him with what he needs to feel healthy and energized.

These changes in my budget, meal plans, and shopping can leave an organized gal like me reeling! So, here are a few of the ways that I have maintained some control over our money and my time.

1. I have been shopping the sales. Ex: This week Kroger had chicken breast for $1.88 and pollock fish 10/$10. I stocked up on this inexpensive protein.

2. I have been buying vegetables by the case at Aldi's. Specifically: black beans, refried beans, mexican corn, and carrots. I just can't find anything cheaper anywhere else at this point.

3. I ordered coupons from a clipping service for products that I know he will eat: tuna, turkey sausage, protein bars, etc. I spent $5 (to get free shipping) and ordered over 70 specific coupons that I know we can use.

4. I have been taking advantage of Giant Eagle's fuel perks program. I figure if the grocery budget is going up, I am going to try to save where I can - on gas!

5. I also have been buying a lot of household staples at Walgreens and CVS. Normally I only bought health and beauty at these stores. This week at Wags, I got 4 boxes of Cream of Wheat (for the kids) for FREE after coupons. No tax even. I also used RR's (from the health and beauty specials) to lower my cost of toilet paper. I am getting what I want (health and beauty) and what I need (food and tp). Its a win - win if you ask me.

Hope these ideas help you if you are discouraged or trying to eat healthier on a budget. Remember that couponing is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Every dollar that you save, helps achieve your goals: paying down debt, saving for a big purchase, or planning a vacation. You don't need to compete with anyone. This is your wallet, your time, your family. Don't sweat the small stuff!

Have a blessed week.

Kohl's Cash to Spend? Save Even More

Do you have Kohl's cash to spend? I do.

You can save an extra 15% with THIS coupon. The coupon will even work on clearance items so shop away.

TWO DAYS LEFT for FREE childrens admission to Newport Aquarium

Our family had a great visit to the Newport Aquarium today where thru 2/28 you can get 2 children in for FREE with each adult admission. Adult admission is $22 each. Kids are $15 regular price, but FREE for the next two days. Parking was $3. We had a fun-filled day and learned A LOT in the 3 hours we spent at the Aquarium! The jellyfish room was my favorite...



FYI: You can NOT take food into the aquarium. We packed lunch, headed to the car to eat, and then they let us back into the Aquarium with our stubs to finish up our visit.

Great Week for...

Walgreens
- see back page of ad for tons of freebies!

Meijer
- 10/$10, get 11th free sale is back

CVS
- proctor and gamble products matched with this week's coupons

Free fries on 3/4 at Chick Fil-A

GO HERE to read how to get free fries on 3/4.

Thanks, Cincinnati Cents!

Saving Money on Medical Expenses

We've had a lot of illness lately. I think every person in out home has been on at least 2 extra prescriptions this winter. Through all of this, I've learned a few ways to save a little money on our medical.

1. COUPON - Use coupons for the pharmacy. I've been blessed with a pediatrician who keeps the Target coupons for a $10 gift card with a new Rx at his check out desk. While I can not use the gift card to pay for my prescription, I can use it for tissues, OTC meds, juice, and soup.

2. FREE FLAVORS - Take advantage of FREE flavoring for kids meds. Again at Target, they are flavoring my kids meds for FREE. I had to pay $3 per Rx for this previously. Shop around for this service. You should not have to pay for it!

3. NEGOTIATE - Did you know that you can negotiate your medical expense? I have not personally tried this, but I have a friend who has been successful at it. The trick is you have to negotiate UP FRONT and pay your portion in cash. This is very helpful for large surgery bills, delivery bills, and dental bills.

4. PREVENTATIVE CARE - I was at the dentist this week and was gain reminded of the importance of flossing. With all of the free floss that couponers can get, there is really no excuse not to take care of your pearly whites. Preventative care also includes regular check ups, exercise, good nutrition, etc. Do it. It will save you moolah and add years to your life.

5. CHECK THE CHARTS - Always check the chart of the back of your bill from a hospital. Even though we have never qualified for a reduction of rates from our local hospital, we did qualify for a 50% drop from Children's hospital a few years ago. Especially if you have children, always check the chart on the back of the bill to see if your qualify for a rate reduction. Programs are available to help families.

How do you save money on your medical expenses?

Target Clearance

I was in Target today and had to tell you about a couple of great deals that I found.

Wisk detergent on clearance, paired with the $2 MQ = around $1 bottle (this is for the HE type)

Big boxes of Quaker Oatmeal on clearance also.

Two pack of Quaker Oatmeal Squares, paired with $1 MQ = a great deal (about $3 for 2 boxes)

THE BIG DEAL OF THE DAY THOUGH IS FINISH DISHWASHER TABS A 2/$5. PAIRED WITH THE $2.25 MQ = .25/BOX!!! GET AS MANY AS YOU HAVE COUPONS FOR; THIS IS A SUPER DEAL!

Moneymaking Mascara

TO EARN $7 on good mascara, GO HERE, and read Kristin's post. You must find the mascara with a "try me free" peelie for this to work...

Thanks, Couponing to Disney!

$20 worth of Barnes and Noble for $10

Today, thru Groupon, you can buy a $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble for only $10. GO HERE to read all of the details!

I {heart} groupon!

Bath and Body Groupon - Half Off

Get $20 of product for $10 thru Groupon today. GO HERE to read all the details. Thanks, Couponing to Disney, again. You rock!

Free REDBOX Today ONLY!

Jimmy Kimmel announced a Redbox code on his show. Use the code MOVIENIGHT 'til midnight tonight (1/27) and get a FREE rental.

Thanks, Couponing to Disney, for this heads up!

NetFlix

We are trying NetFlix on the FREE 1 month trial promotion. I really think that we are going to like it. The plan is to cancel our cable in 30 days if we want to stick with NetFlix instead. This will save us 50% on our cable bill monthly.

Anyone out there have it? What are your thoughts?

CHOICES

This week we, at our home, have been making a lot of choices. Choices NOT to spend money. Choices to go to the library instead of the Redbox rental kiosk. Choices to play games together. Choices to GIVE AWAY clothing that we no longer need. Choices to eat from our pantry. Choices to make some long overdue phone calls. Choices to rest. Choices to make it homemade. Choices to cuddle. Choices to be thankful. Choices to trust that God's promises are true.

Life is surely all about choices, isn't it? What motivates your choices?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
- I Cor. 4:2

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. - Luke 12:6-7

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” - Mark 12: 41-44

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed, Thy Hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. - Thomas Chisholm

A TARGET STEAL

My mother-in-law bought this Disney kitchen for our daughter's birthday. She only paid $15.00 for it and it retails for $60! I'm sure our little princess will be very excited!

Frisch's Valentines Coupons: 7 Kids Meals for $1

Since a new Frisch's Big Boy just opened up in Heath, I thought some of you may be interested in this offer. You can purchase 7 Valentines for $1 and each card contains a coupon for 1 free kids meal. GO HERE for all the details and a pic of the cute cards. This would make a great deal if you plan on eating out with a large family any time soon.

Thanks, Stockpiling Moms, for this info.

For My Military Friends

How would you like to go to Sea World, Busch Gardens, or Sesame Place for FREE this year? GO HERE to read all the details on the Here's to the Heroes Program. Thanks, Couponing to Disney, for finding this amazing offer!

TARGET CLEARANCE HAS HIT!!!!!!!!!

I know, I know, you don't need anymore toys in your house right? I really don't either.

BUT, how about using those 75% off toys for:

- Easter baskets

- Your kids birthdays

- Rainy days (think craft stuff)

- Gifts for friends birthday parties

- Donations for Toys for Tots programs

- Tooth Fairy treats

- Donations for school art teachers (think crafts again)

- Grade card rewards

I'm telling you, in the long run, it is WELL worth the trip!

(I can't take a picture of my haul today because my kids know how to access my blog...but it included: a Toy Story game, a Barbie mermaid doll, a Silvermist fairy doll with accessories, a Rapunzel birthday brush and mirror set, a new bath rug for .97, a Toy Story action figure two pack with bonus flashlight - all for under $20 total!)

(Our son also used his allowance/tooth money to buy the Toy Story 3 Dr Porkchop Spaceship that retailed for 49.99 for 12.48!) :)

Walmart gives away Egg Beaters Tomorrow!

GO HERE to read how to get a FREE coupon from WalMart for a carton of Egg Beaters. Thanks, Couponing to Disney, for this heads-up!

Isn't it Ironic?

Don't ya think?

We have 20 two liters of soda from a CVS deal, yet we ran out of toilet paper, completely.

:)

2 KIDS FREE at Newport Aquarium with Adult Admission

GO HERE to read the details on this fantastic offer. Our family has visited the Newport Aquarium twice and is looking forward to a return trip!

Thanks, Cincinnati Cents!

Super Bowl Snacks

Wanting to make THESE! YUM-O!
Thanks, Hoosier Homemade, for this idea. We will definitely be trying it here!

May be worth a trip to Columbus...

Go HERE to see how you can get a FREE tote at Babies R Us and get an ADDITIONAL 40% off any clothing you can fit into it (up to 4T).

Thanks, Thrifty and Thriving, for this deal!

Target Toy Clearance

Toys are already marked down at our Target. On Wednesday, most toys were at 30%, but some were at 50%. I like to wait for the big 75% off sale. If you see something you really want at 50%, you had better grab it though! Next week out Target should start 75% markdowns. Our store historically does these on Thursdays. So keep an eye out and keep posted here for updates!

January's Meal Plan

1: Packed lunches and ate at COSI; leftovers for dinner
2: Chipolte (Thanks cousin Pam for this gift card for Christmas!)
3: PORK: Cheesy Corn Chowder with Ham; Wheat Rolls
4: Leftovers for me; Chef Boyardee for the kids (Mark teaches)
5: Crescent Roll Hot Dogs; Cheese Puffs; Sliced Fresh Fruit
6: Homemade Pizzas (Pep and Banana Pepper); Salad; Brownies
7: Pancakes; Turkey Bacon
8: BEEF: Spaghetti; Meatballs; Garlic Bread; Salad
9: BEEF: Roast Beef; Potatoes; Carrots and Onions
10: BEEF: Mexican Hamburger Helper; Green Beans
11: Leftovers for me; Mac and Cheese for the kids (Mark teaches)
12: BEEF: Sloppy Joes; Corn; Chips
13: Tuna Melts; Salad; Fruit
14: MEATLESS - Homemade Potato Soup; Fresh Baked Bread
15: PORK: Paula Deen's Hammy Mac; Peas; Pudding
16: CHICKEN: Crockpot Chicken; Stove Top; Frozen Veggies
17: BEEF: Idaho Tacos (Baked potatoes with taco meat, corn, salsa, cheese, ranch)
18: Leftovers for me; Campbells soup with peanut butter for the kids (Mark teaches)
19: Pepperoni Pizza Bake; Breadsticks
20: MEATLESS: Spinach Fritatta; Toast with Jam; Fresh Fruit
21: BEEF: Tator Tot Casserole; Applesauce
22: Turkey Smoked Sausage; Potatoes; Green Beans
23: BEEF: BBQ Beef Sandwiches; Mac and Cheese; Cole Slaw
24: PORK: Crockpot Pork Chops; Rice; Broccoli
25: MEATLESS: Vegetarian Chili; Cornbread Muffins
26: Leftovers for all!
27: BEEF: Taco Ring; Chips and Salsa
28: OUT TO EAT!
29: BEEF: Meatloaf; Au Gratin Potatoes; Green Bean Casserole
30: BEEF: Tacos; Black Beans; Spanish Rice
31: MEATLESS: Cheese Ravioli; Garlic Bread; Caesar Salad

What will you be having this month? We are trying to get a good dent in the freezer with our beef. Our freezer is still full, plus we have more beef stored at my in-laws house. Because of so much red meat, I made a goal of adding extra meatless meals this month. This will also save on the budget.

Breakfasts for the month include: cereal, oatmeal, nutra grain bars, eggs, bagels, english muffins, toaster strudel, blueberry muffins, yogurt, bananas/oranges, and one doughnut day.

Lunches include: leftovers, lunchmeat/peanut butter sandwiches, ramen noodles, canned soups, grilled cheese, and possibly egg salad. We have plenty of apples, canned fruit, and snacks to get us through the month as well.

Coming Soon...

Tomorrow you will be able to see my entire meal plan for January. Its a good one so stay tuned.

Make Money on Electrasol

GO HERE to see how you can MAKE MONEY on dishwasher tablets at Walgreens this week, but, please leave a box or two for me, will ya? :)

Thanks, Thrify and Thriving for this great deal!

Are You Being Honest?

REALLY enjoyed THIS POST by the fabulous Queen of Free. Her and her family have paid off over $75K of debt since 4/08 and are reaching their goals! I am both challenged and inspired by her story. Enjoy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Here's to a great 2011 ~ helping each other love, learn, laugh, and (spend) less!

Thanks for following A Hope-Filled Home. May your home and your year be blessed.