Wordle

I found this neat website awhile back where you can make a picture out of random words.  Here's the link if you want to try.  I used words from one of my blog entries.  Enjoy!

Since I started homeschooling almost two years ago, I had something very interesting happen to me.  I had friends and family on the lookout to give me items for our homeschool.  Whether this was my MIL finding us CD Roms of computer games or my neighbor who was cleaning out her spare bedroom, we have been the recipients of many free items.

Now granted, not everything has worked.  I have passed more than a few things onto Goodwill.  And sometimes, we would get half used workbooks with no teacher's key or accompanying texts and they just wind up in the trash...  But we take what we need, and leave the rest.  We got some really neat science readers for next year, a book of Aesop's Fables, and educational software, to name a few.

The neat thing is we get to pass things on to others who are in need.  I love being able to help homeschoolers out with my excess stuff.  Plus, it gives me room for more. :) 

Freely ye have received, freely give.  Matthew 10:8b

A few weeks ago, I got samples for this stuff.  It is sugar free, powdered lemon or lime concentrate.  It is great in water and in recipes.  Click below to get your own free sample.  Great stuff!  Go check it out. :)

Free True Lemon Sample

I was blessed this week with a few freebies in the mail.

The coolest was a Glade Candle Scent Oil  candle in Dewberry Dream scent!  I was so excited, I could hardly believe it! :)  I haven't tried it yet, but it smells wonderful.

Also received:

Glad Force Flex kitchen sized trash bag

Quaker Simple Harvest chocolate granola bar

Eye and face cream samples

and a nice birthday card

There may have been more, but that's all I can currently remember.  I received something almost every day this week, which was nice. :)

I also redeemed $5 in survey rewards and used that towards my Angel Food ministries box payment, since both were PayPal transactions.

Sometimes I get free stuff to use for school, like dvds, unit studies, posters, etc.  If you would like to get some free stuff too, these are some great daily freebie lists to sign up with:

http://www.momanddads.com/

http://www.justfreestuff.com/

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/anjie/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheFreeShoppe/?yguid=251530906

Sometimes there are junk offers where you have to buy something or subscribe to something to get your "free item".  After awhile you get the hang of what is a legit free offer and what is not.  Wal-Mart gives out lots of free samples and they always arrive.  There is a possibility of more spam so it might be a good idea to get a new email address just for your freebies.

Some of these lists post the same offers.  I have found that some are more timely than others.  Also, you might find some that you like better than others, so I thought I would offer a variety; all of them are good.

If you've noticed my sporadic posting lately, I haven't been feeling well.  Actually my health has been steadily declining for a few years.  My DH has finally insisted that I go see a doctor.  I won't go into all of the details, but I think it's my thyroid.  So I am going Tuesday to get some tests done.  So if you all would pray for me I would really appreciate it.

I have already received a promise from the Lord that he is going to restore my health, whatever the condition is.  I ask that you would agree with me in prayer on that. 

Onto frugal matters.

Last week I went to Goodwill.  I twisted hubby's arm, but didn't have to very hard; he loves Goodwill. :)  I picked up a nice hardbound copy of The Call of the Wild and a brand new reproducible 2nd and 3rd grade math worksheets book.  I spent a dollar on both altogether.  I know Call of the Wild is copyright free but I can't print it out for 50 cents! :)

Speaking of printer ink, I bought a refill at Wal Mart on Saturday.  I about passed out from the sticker shock.  A refilled black cartridge cost me just 3 dollars less than a new one from HP.  I remember when I used to save 13 dollars, now the margain is shrinking.  I have thought about buying online but one has to buy such a large quantity at one time to make it worth the while, and quite honestly, I can't afford to do that.

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We have about 30 school days left.  I am really looking forward to some time off.  We are experimenting with a flex schedule this year -- instead of 12 weeks of summer vacation I am going to do 6 weeks and then 6 weeks off in November/December.  I have never tried it before, but I think it would help me avoid the craziness of the holidays I had last year.  I helped direct a children's christmas program at church last year and about drove myself crazy trying to keep up with it all.  It was my first year schooling over the holidays, what can I say?! :)  I learned a lot!  I certainly won't do it again.

DS is a little upset with me about schooling during part of the summer but honestly some days in August it is too hot around here to go out and play anyway or even go swimming.  I gently reminded him that if we got our school done in the mornings that would still give him plenty of play time in the afternoons to visit nana's house.  (She's the one with the pool. :)

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I have been doing really well with groceries.  I picked up two turkeys around Easter time for .59 a lb.  That is the cheapest I have seen turkeys here.  I have also ordered a new Angel food box.  Been buying lots of reduced pork steaks, beef roasts, chicken breasts etc.  I wrote out my menu for the whole month and had enough meat that I would not have to buy any more for the month.  But of course there is still room in the freezer, smile, so I will be buying meat on sale.

Jay C is having a cash back sale this week.  Meaning if you buy 10 of certain items you will get 5 dollars back.  So I plan on buying 8 Tombstone pizzas, 2 jars of Peter Pan peanut butter, and 20 Lipton noodles and/or rice packets.  I will spend about 28 dollars on all total.  Not a great sale, but still a discount.  And I usually don't buy the Lipton sides, but it is a change.

I plan on doing a post sometime on tips on frugal grocery shopping, menu planning, etc.  Right now I am just too tired.  I either can't seem to find the time or the energy.  Which is part of the reason why I am seeing a doctor!!! :)  I will leave you with one link for the day.  This site really helped me a lot.  If I could only offer one place to start, it would be this website.  It has changed ownership, but it's still a great site.  It has a 70 dollar weekly menu for 4 and a perpetual list of items that are cheaper to buy.  These lists were compiled before all of the grocery hikes, but it's still a great place to start.  I was able to tighten up our belts, so to speak, when I used her advice.

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com

Have a great weekend! 

You know, lately I have been doing some thinking.  Why don't we just live a little?  So I've decided to offer some suggestions to all of you, my blogger friends. :)

1. Next time one of the kids wants something from the candy rack at the store, ask them if they want a bottle of Bug Juice to go with it.  Really make their day!  This works even better if you have half a dozen or more kids.
2. Have you been experiencing a lot of rainy weather like we have here?  Turn all of the lights on.  Yep, even the porch lights.  It will lift your spirits.
3. Forget fixing supper tonight.  You've worked hard all day schooling the kids!  Order takeout from the pizza place.  Leave the  delivery guy a big tip.
4. Don't worry about doing the laundry this week.  Just drive by Wal-Mart and pick up some more socks and underwear for DH and the kids.
5. Paper plates. 
6. Go ahead and buy the Sonlight for next year.  Put it on the credit card.  Surprise DH at dinner while he's chowing down on the take out pizza.

Oh, and by the way. Did you check today's date.  It's April first.

April Fool! :)

Have you ever checked out the reduced or scratch and dent bin at your local grocery store?  Have you ever seen those label-less food cans?  Have you ever been brave enough to try them? 

I must admit, I never was brave enough, until a few months ago when I was at Jay C and saw a large 32 oz can, sans label.  After shaking it and looking at the size, I guessed it was probably either tomato or fruit juice.  For fifty cents, it certainly didn't hurt to try. 

My gamble paid off.  One night, I bravely opened the can.  It was even better than I hoped.  It was chicken broth!  I usually pay 50 cents for a 14 ounce can of chicken broth, which is a splurge around here.  I usually make my own stock or cheat and use boullion if money is really tight.  I was ecstatic! :)

So that sold me to take a chance on these label-less cans.

Last Saturday I found two cans.  Silly me, I didn't bother to see what was in them, I just stuck them in the cart.  They were 15 ounce cans and for 20 cents each, why not?  I thought they might be veggies.  We eat lots of veggies.  I usually pay 40 cents full price for veggies at Save A Lot.

I get home that night and shake the cans.  They both feel like beans, like kidney beans or some other variety.  Upon further examining of the cans, I find bar codes imprinted on both.  They both start with a similar number and then go off on their own.  Okay, I thought, two varieties of beans, or whatever they are.

Today I was going to make something with hamburger meat.  I decided to be brave and open these cans, hoping my hunch was right. 

The first can was-- drumroll, please -- chili beans!

(I'm getting pretty good at this guessing thing! :)

The other can was -- baked beans!

Woo hoo!  I saved sixty cents and made chili out of a spontaneous purchase! :)

I know, the baked beans in chili was a bit of a gamble, but it worked.  DH said he like the sweet with the spicy.  I added a tbls. of chili powder and a heaping tsp of cumin just in case it was too sweet.  Browned the beef with a bell pepper and an onion, salt and pepper, and some garlic.  Opened two cans of tomatoes and put it all in the crock pot.  It was very good.   I will probably make this again. 

It was one of those happy accidents, or God's provision at work.  I love how we can see him in the little things in our lives, like cans of beans. :)

Last week I posted that I was going to pick up my first Angel Food box on Saturday.  For those of you not familiar with it, I will quickly explain. 

Angel Food MInistries http://www.angelfoodministries.com/default.asp is a program that allows anyone to purchase a box of food at a low price.  There are no qualifications for purchase.  Food stamps are also accepted.  Many sites also take online orders through PayPal, which was how I did it.

There are also "special boxes" which include more expensive or gourmet cuts of meat, chicken, etc. at a reduced price.  A regular box must be purchased first before a special box can be ordered.  You can order as many boxes as you want.

The price of a box is $30.  They said in their web site it was probably worth about $42 - 78 depending on where you live.  I estimated I could probably buy equivalent items for about $40-50 dollars, if I shopped carefully.  I could buy the meat alone for $30 in town, if I bought it on sale or comparison shopped.

This was the regular box menu we purchased:

March 2008
(1) 1.5 lb. Top Sirloin Roast	(1) 16 oz. Frozen Mixed Vegetables
(1) 2 lb. IQF Boneless Skinless   Chicken Breast	(1) 16 oz. Frozen Green Beans
(1) 1.5 lb. Boneless Pork Fillet	(1) 10 ct. Waffles
(1) 2 lb. Breaded Chicken Breast Strips	(1) 32 oz. Borden Shelf-Stable Milk
(1) 1.5 lb. Boxed Lean Beef Patties	(1) 16 oz. Blue Bonnet Margarine
(1) 4 lb. IQF Chicken Leg Quarters	(1) 15 oz. Pork and Beans
(1) 16 oz. All Meat Bologna	(1) 15 oz. Marie Callender’s Soup
(1) 16 oz. Ground Turkey	(1) 7.5 oz. Macaroni and Cheese
(1) 24 oz. Steak-Cut French Fries	(1) Dessert Item (coconut meringue pie)

• 2 lb. Fully Cooked Meatloaf
• 1 lb. Beef Fajita Strips
• 3 lb. Breaded Frying Chicken
• 2 lb. St. Louis Style Ribs
• 2 lb. Lasagna Dinner Entree
• 1 lb. Gourmet Sausage
• 1 lb. Fully Cooked Meatballs
• 16 oz. Broccoli
• 15 oz. Refried Beans
• 12 ct. Tortillas
• 26 oz. Pasta Sauce
• 16 oz. Pasta
• 6 oz. Pancake Mix
• 16 oz. Fresh Carrots
• 3 lb. Golden Yukon Potatoes
• 4 oz. Chicken Noodle Soup (Makes 64 oz.)
• 4 lb. California Oranges
• Dessert Item

Oh, one more thing.  If you happen to not pick your box, you forfeit it and do not get a refund.  Do not pass go, do not collect $200.  So make sure you show up! :)

Those of you who are wondering, I did not get electrocuted by my morning preparation of coffee in my leaky Bunn coffee maker.  In fact, two days after I wrote that post, I got my replacement seals in the mail.  Talk about fast!  I guess they know I really need my coffee. :)

It was getting pretty bad.  In order to make one pot,  I would have to:

Step 1: Clear counter top

Step 2: Make sure I am wearing rubber soled shoes

Step 3.  Get two clean bath towels out of bathroom

Step 4.  Place said bath towels on two exposed sides of Bunn maker (it is in a corner of the counter)

Step 5.  Shoo DS out of the kitchen

Step 6.  Pour three pitchers of water through coffee maker

Step 7.  Mop up flooded counter with towels

Step 8.  Do not touch wet countertop, mild tingling shock could ensue (don't ask how I know this)

Step 9.  Place dripping towels in washer.  Wipe up remaining water.

Step 10.  Pour cup of cofee and sit down and thank the Lord I am alive (and properly caffeinated.)

The seals worked like a charm and were pretty easy to install.  Also I did not have to pay for a new maker, at the tune of 100 dollars.

I will never take my coffee for granted again! :)

I am thankful for a savings, because this week's pay check will be kind of light due to DH only putting in 3 1/2 days of work.

I am thankful that the Lord led my husband to a place of employment where he does not have to work Sundays.  There is a whole testimony I could get into over that, but let's just say, many people told DH that he couldn't find a factory job where he could have Sundays off.  But he was patient and trusted the Lord and he led him to where he is. 

I am thankful that we are all healthy again.

I am thankful for friends, both online and IRL that have the same like-mindedness when it comes to serving the Lord.

I am thankful that DS9 is enjoying co-op so far.

I am thankful that I had enough energy to clean my pantry today and that it only took me half an hour.

I am thankful that I have really felt the Lord closely this week so far.  I have been going through a period of testing and trial and the Lord is saying, 'Daughter, I still love you, and I will never leave you nor forsake you.'

I am thankful for the abundant blessings of the Lord, which are too many to count.

And on that note, I will share this verse:

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. He that is our God is the God of salvation, and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death."—Psalm 68:19-20

I am beta testing a new coffee.  It's called "Jamaican Me Crazy!"  If you have a blog, you can sign up too!

http://beta.joffreys.com/

This is some really good stuff.  It's bold and rich and I managed to squeeze two pots out of the little pouch they sent me a couple days ago.  It says on the sign up page that it is a blend of caramel, vanillla and coffee liquer.  I thought it tasted like mocha.  DH loved it too.  Whatever it is, we want more! :)

Have you tried to buy coffee lately?  Wow, Folgers is up to 6.50 a can where I live!  I cheat and get the generic stuff at Save A Lot, but I have found a way to even stretch it out.  I am paying 4.50 for the cheap stuff.

Your mileage may vary on this tip.  We make our coffee a moderate strength.  It is black enough that it doesn't look like tea, yet weak enough that your eyes are not permanently opened for three days.  

(That's how my MIL makes hers.  If I drink more than one cup of hers, I get wired.  If she drinks more than one cup of  mine, she's going through caffeine withdrawls.  Needless to say, she doesn't let me make coffee at her house unless I follow her precise measurements.) 

So anyway, onto my tip.  Years ago I bought a coffee measuring spoon.  It's about 1/8 of a cup.  I use 3 heaping scoops per pot.  That would be 3/8 of a cup.  That's my first tip.  Use as little as  you can get away with to get the desired brew strength. 

My second tip is something my DH and I have been experimenting with lately given the ever rising cost of coffee.  Plus it's just fun to see what you can do to stretch a dollar, because you can.  So one day DH was making a pot of coffee, and instead of dumping out the old grounds, he just throws a scoop on top, and fills the resevoir with water.  Let's just say this wife had to bite her tongue to stay submissive.   Yeah, my mouth can get me in trouble, unless the Lord helps me. 

Well the pot of coffee was pretty good.  So I've been trying to use that method every time I make coffee lately.  One pot, regular strength, the next pot, just an extra scoop.  So we are averaging 1/4 cup of grounds per pot of coffee vs. 3/8 of a cup per pot of coffee.   Or, 4 scoops vs 6.  I haven't figured out how much money that is actually saving us, but I know we are going through less coffee that we used to.

My third and final tip is, if you ever buy flavored coffee grounds, don't  make the whole pot from your flavored coffee.  Use just one scoop of the flavored on top of your regular brew.  You won't know the difference.

That's what I do when I get coffee samples in the mail or I find flavored coffee on clearance.  A small 11 ounce bag will last a long time if I do it that way.

Finally

Today we had the makings of a COFFEE EMERGENCY.  Our ten year old Bunn, which I got from my mom, started leaking water out the bottom like something out of a bad remake of Noah's flood.

If you have ever owned a Bunn you might know that inside they have little gaskets and washers that hold the whole thing together and keep the water going where it is supposed to.  Well in between 10 years of use and just the heat which keeps the water warm at all times, the parts wear out. 

I have had to do open heart surgery on my Bunn before, reposition the gaskets, etc.  Well this time my patient flatlined on the table.  I poured a pitcher of water through and AAAGGHHH it happened again!  Water all over the counter!  Pandemonium everywhere!  Or, just in the kitchen.

So anyway.  Maybe it is time to put this thing out of its misery.  So I go shopping for a new Bunn-o-Matic online.  I know they are expensive, but how bad can it be?  How about 250 dollars worth of bad, plus shipping.  OH wait, that's a commercial model.  Okay, the home models are not as bad. Around 100.   But that's still a lot.  I did say we had a COFFEE EMERGENCY but I still don't want to tap into my emergency fund to get a new pot.  Cause I'm cheap like that.

Well I do some googling and find that Bunn will send you a replacement kit for your coffee maker for free, because I guess that flooded countertops happen all the time when your machine gets so old.

So I called the toll free number and talked to a really nice lady.  She said they would send me a kit free of charge.  So I am waiting on my shipment to arrive.  Free is better than a hundred dollars any day.

Wow, is it Tuesday already?  I don't know where the week is going! :) 

Last Saturday was DH's birthday.  I made his favorite dinner, chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice, a green salad and stuffed mushrooms.  The table was really pretty.  I took some extra time and put out the white cloth tablecloth that I only use on special occasions and some ivory cloth napkins I bought at a yard sale last summer.  I think I got 8 for $2, in like new condition.  The tablecloth I got at the Dollar General for half off.  I have cream plates with gray flowers.  I also set out the water goblets instead of my mismatched everyday ones. :)   I had a large candle in the center in a hurricane glass with a cream flower wreath going around it at the bottom.  It looked really pretty.  It didn't cost me a thing, other than digging it all out of the closet :)  It took me 10 years of married life to realize I don't need a bunch of miscellaneous linens and things.  If I have classic neutral things I can use them year round, it doesn't matter what the occasion is.  I guess I'm a slow learner. :)

DS helped me get ready while DH was at his mom's picking up his birthday presents.  He helped vacuum, mop the kitchen and clean the bathrooom!  He actually enjoys to clean the bathroom! :) 

He also asked me how to fold the napkins.  I have a really fancy napkins fold I learned out of a magazine years ago, but it's pretty easy.  I will have to teach him someday.  I just didn't have time at the moment. 

I also realized that I haven't made the table look that pretty since Christmas. :(  I'm going to have to do it more often.  DH loved it.

In lieu of cake, since DH is diabetic, I bought a sugar free apple pie and some whipped cream.  I had bought these really cute candles at the Dollar Tree maybe a year ago.  They are tiny letter candles stuck on toothpicks.  They say "I love you"  I figured now was a good a time as any to get them out, because I keep forgetting that I have them! :)  We had a really nice dinner.  I was thankful.

I wish my digital camera was working.  I really need to get a new one.

Then Sunday we had church.  DS still had the flu so he stayed home with his dad while I went to church.  I had to teach Sunday school.  We didn't even have Sunday school after all.  We had a really good service.  The Lord met in a special way.  When the Lord shows up like that, we just do whatever we feel the Lords wants us to do.  The pastor opened up the altar and we just had a really good season of prayer.  Then we had a really good time of sharing testimonies of what the Lord is doing.  We didn't even have a sermon.  When the Lord shows up like that, you don't need one. :)

After returning home, my back decided to go out on me during the afternoon.  I managed to go to church, but I had to take some meds just to make the pain tolerable.  By the time service was over, my pain let up, praise the Lord. :)

Monday, my back was still being ornery so I didn't get everything done that I would like.  We did manage to get some school done.  I am thankful for Charlotte Mason's short lessons.  They are a life saver! :)  I also follow flylady and Monday is the day I do my basic weekly cleaning.  I got it all done but getting the floor mopped.  Since DS did such a good job of mopping on Saturday it didn't look too bad.  But now it really needs it again.

Then today we had co-op and I just felt like a chicken with my head cut off this morning getting ready.  I feel like I'm playing catch up, in between the flu last week and my misbehaving back.  But I know this too shall pass and I'll have it together soon, I hope :)

At least I had presence of mind to put a roast and some veggies in the crock pot for dinner.  I've always loved my crock pot.  I love it even more now that we do school.  I also love freezer cooking, but that is a post for another day.

Tomorrow is menu planning and grocery shopping list writing.  There is a new twist this week.  We are picking up our first Angel Food box on Saturday.  I finally got around to ordering one, just in the nick of time.  I will let you know how that all went.  I'm actually curious.  My one sister in law gets them.  She really likes them.  With the cost of groceries, anything we can do to help out is good.  I think this requires its own separate post.  I will work on that tomorrow.  Actually, I was going to do that tonight, but I thought you all might be interested in where I've been these last few days. ha ha ha

More to come! :)

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.  Proverbs 10:4

Shopping day this week came a day early.  DH had a doctor's appointment and had a half day at work.  So he returned hom early and we all went to town together.  DS9's tummy was still a bit on the queasy side but he managed the trip well.

After a visit to the Chinese buffet (still lunch hours, large discount) we decided to get groceries since we were nearby one store and it was turning nasty outside.

We did get that snow after all. :)

I only went to three stores.  I feel very blessed to report that I only spent 40 dollars on groceries this week.  The Lord is so good.

During my trip to Jay C I buy 3 12 packs of Diet Dr. Pepper, one bottle of Welch's grape juice, and DH's Diet Mountain Dew for work.  Then we pass by a Fuze display.  They actually have it cheaper than the other store I was going to visit.  DH gave me the go ahead to get 10 bottles, 5 of which were free.  These are low carb so they are great to help DH control his blood sugar.

I also visit the discount rack and found sugar free apple cider drink mix.  20 packets for 2 dollars, which were half off.  DH loves cider in the fall.  I'm going to save these for later.  They don't expire til next October.

Total balance: $19.15

Total savings with store card, coupons, and discounted merchandise: $25.00

DH teases me all the time because of my coupon use, but he sure looked impressed when we left the store. :)

Then I visit the IGA.  The Jeno's pizzas for .58 cents each are all sold out.  I ask DH if they do rain checks.  (He used to be a stock boy here, back in the day.)  His reply: 'What's a rain check?'  Never mind...  I pick up two packages of Totino's pizza rolls, both on sale, with a coupon for each.  Also pick up some snacks and some fruit.  This store can be kind of pricy, so I watch what I buy.

Total balance: $21.10

Total coupon savings: $1.10

I stop by Mackey's to check out their clearance but they don't have anything I needed.

Grand total: $40.25

Total savings: $26.10

Until next time. :)

DS has the flu today, so I am making up for lost time, blog wise. :)  I realized last night after posting that I have not been giving updates on my freebies, rewards, and frugal finds.  So here they are, all in one, what I can remember anyway. :)

Survey Rewards

Received two $5 Amazon gc's for completing two surveys.

Redeemed points for a $5 Starbucks gc.  I will probably get this in a few weeks.

Qualified and completed various surveys and received points for these.

Freebie Sign-ups

Signed up for a free sports bra

Signed up for a free 3 year subscription to a health magazine.  They sent me a trial issue.  It is mostly pharma ads, literally every other page, but it is free and interesting to read.

Freebies Received

Sample of Dove Shampoo and Conditioner

Sample of Science Diet dog food

Samples of True Lemon, True Organge, and True Lime

Samples of Stevia sugar substitute

Sample of Tide detergent

And... the best freebie for last...

My SIL is redecorating her eldest daughter's room this week.  She asked me if I was willing to take a storage cabinet off her hands.  I said sure, because I am in dire need of extra storage.  The school books are taking over my house!  I am collecting as I go.  I even have books for high school and we are just entering 3rd grade! :)  I am a bibliophile anyway.  I just love books.  Homeschooling just gives me an excuse to buy them! lol  

My digital camera is down right now, so this will give you an idea of what it looks like.  She brought it over yesterday:

Ours is just a smidge different.  It has two drawer pulls on each drawer instead of one.  But now I can take the book case out of DS's room and use this instead.  It has 3 shelves in it.  His book shelf is for toys and books.  I will just move them into this and bring the book case into the dining room where we do school. 

Right now I have an awkward set-up where I have a microwave cart on casters slid behind a large bookcase.  The small cabinet is for my overflow, books I am collecting for future use.  I only get it out when I have more to put in it.  I set \the school books we use all the time on top of it.  It's, um, an interesting site to behold. lol  Thinking out loud here, am I the only one who has to come up with weird storage solutions like that?   

I am so excited! :)  I can't wait to get everything moved.

Thankful for God's provision,

Wendy

It has been an odd week so far!  First we went to our first co-op meeting on Tuesday.  It has been going on a few weeks already but we have been without a car so we weren't able to go.  But my SIL thankfully allowed us to go with her and her two girls.

Tuesday night my DH came home from work very ill with the flu.  He gave me the flu also and stayed from work on Wednesday.

Today I was still feeling bleh and didn't get much done.  We didn't even do school per se.  Then this afternoon my co-teacher for Sunday school called me and asked if I was available to help move our classroom to the new building.  I still wasn't feeling great, but I went anyway.  I don't know how much I actually helped, but it got done. :)  I skipped the prayer meeting tonight though, I was feeling so badly.  DS9 went to church on the church bus.  DH worked til 6:45 so he went to church immediately after getting off from work.     

There is a winter storm advisory starting tomorrow.  We're supposed to get at least 6 inches of snow.  We live in a part of the state where if the current goes a certain way, it will miss us altogether.  What usually happens is we will get sleet and it will turn into ice instead of snow.  I much prefer snow to ice, if we must have anything at all.

The reason why I am saying all of this is I am supposed to go out Saturday and get groceries.  Today I reluctantly worked on the grocery list while everyone was at church.  My stocking up/bargain hunting is paying off. :)  I found out that all I really need to buy is fruit, a few veggies, some eggs, and snacks for DH's lunch.  I don't even need to drive 20 miles away to get to Save A Lot, etc.  I can go to the next town over, five miles away, that has two groceries and a Dollart General if I have to, if it gets bad enough and be done with it. 

I looked over this week's flyers.  I'm not that impressed with the deals this week.  Not many things on sale that we actually use.  Last week was exceptional. :)

Okay, so onto the deals.  Prepare to be underwhelmed. lol

IGA

Jeno's pizzas .58¢ each.  This is a good price, but I usually don't buy these, because DH needs to eat several of these himself before he is satisfied.  I'm still going to get a few.

 Totino's Pizza Rolls 40 ct pkg  2.69 plus a .55¢ cents off internet coupon.  Which would bring my price down to 2.14 each.   Again, something I don't buy every day, but nice to have around, especially if I'm watching my nieces or something like that.  I have agreed to do a kid swap with my SIL for a few days in the near future, so these will come in handy. 

 Fuze 4/$5  I have some coupons for the Slenderize (diet) variety.  I'm hoping these are included in the sale.  I have 4 BOGO (buy one get one free) coupons.  That would make them .62¢ each with coupon.

Jay C (Kroger chain)

 Welch's Grape Juice 2.99 for 64 oz. bottle.  I have a 2.00 off coupon which would make this .99  I can't even buy generic concentrate for that anymore around here. :(  So I'm pretty psyched!

 Diet Dr. Pepper 2-12 packs/5.98 plus buy 2 get 1 free.  That means I get 3 12 packs for 2.00 each!  Woohoo!

That's pretty much all I could find.  There were some hotdogs and bologna on sale for .99 each, but since I've turned veggie, I'm not sure how much it would be worth my while to stock up on these.  DH and DS still eat hotdogs sometimes as a snack, so I might change my mind and pick up a few packages.

I promise when I get back to normal, I will try to focus on ways to save money on actual homeschool things, but the way my 9 year old boy is eating currently, saving money on food is a really big deal!

Bye for now!

Saturday was a good day.  I ended up spending more than I intended, but I found some good deals that I could not pass up.  Some unadvertised specials, clearance finds, etc.  It's a blessing to have a little extra saved up to take advantage of that.

A couple notable finds:

Mackey's

This is a local grocery/hardware store.  It is small so they have high mark-ups, but when they reduce their meat and fruit/veggies, the deals are hard to pass up.  The owners are Christians and I try to shop there whenever I'm nearby. 

Bought 3 cucumbers, 3 packs of fresh mushrooms, 2 bags of radishes, seven kiwi fruit, 2 bags of salad mix, and five bell peppers.  All reduced.  Total cost: 11.00  I have recently become a vegetarian so I was doing the happy dance.  :) 

IGA

Didn't find anything here other than the advertised specials I had mentioned in my last post, which I picked up.  I checked their day old bread but all they had was that white sandwich bread stuff.  DH is a diabetic and I have cut out refined starches from my diet as well.  So we only eat whole grain wheat or rye or other breads.  I am not willing to pay 2.50 to 3 dollars a loaf though when I can buy it here for .99 cents.  But there wasn't any today.

Jay C (Kroger Chain)

I love the loss leaders at this store but I would love it even more if they would accept internet coupons or if they would double coupons.  But they don't.  No store in my area doubles.  So I have to do the best I can.  I do have a CVS here, but haven't managed to make that as part of my shopping repetoire.  Baby steps, baby steps. :)

Okay, so anyway.  I got the advertised specials that I posted last week.  But wait.  I go by the meat counter to get the chicken breasts and there is an unadvertised anager's special on ground beef.  Oh, how I love their "manager's specials." :)  It's 1.59 a lb, which is rock bottom for ground beef around here, so I pick up two 3 lb packages, their limit.  I also hit their scratch and dent rack, which conveniently is postioned by the meat case.  I find 2 Nestle Crunch candy bars marked down to .25¢ each.  Divert DS9's attention from said candy bars.  ('Never mind who they are for.  Right now, they are not for you.' ) Whew, that was close!  Actually they are for his Easter basket, which I have been shopping for a little at a time.  Also find a bag of egg noodles reduced to .60¢.

I went by the dairy section and picked up a carton of Yoplait Kids yogurt - free with manufacurer's coupon, regularly 2.89.  They also had a sale on Coke products.  4 12 packs for $12 with a dollar off at checkout with store card.  At Save A Lot Coke is always 3/$11 so it was like I got one pack for free.  I usually buy generic pop but their generic price is creeping up ever so slowly.  So the difference at the moment is marginal. 

So I spent $38 altogether but my receipt told me that I saved $38.  But I know I saved more than that with my yogurt coupon and my buys from the markdown rack.  I saved another $5, maybe, that is a guess.

Save - A - Lot 

The only noteable thing about Save A Lot was they had a special on oranges, 6 for a dollar.  I am very disappointed at the inflating prices here.  I used to do at least 90 percent of my shopping here.  Now I do only 25 to 50 percent. 

Super Wal-Mart

I normally do not shop here as part of my weekly routine, but we were doing birthday present shopping for DH.  He is stocking up on fishing gear.  Actually he has been stocking up all winter while it was out of season, smart man. :)  He did need a new filet knife.  He requested one with a wooden handle.  He also requested a separate sharpener since the ones they come with do not do a very good job.  I called him up because I was not sure which size to get.  He asks me how much the knives are.  It seems the price doubled since the last time he checked.  Well, of course; it is almost fishing season.  So I did not do well here, but at least he got what he wanted.  And he is going to fill my freezer up with all the fish he is going to catch, so I do not mind. :)

While I was here, I checked the day old baked goods.  Found a loaf of flax seed bread and a loaf of harvest grain bread.  Not sure what that is, but it sounds healthy, doesn't it?  1.67 a loaf.

Office Max

The best for last.  I stopped in here to take advantage of a coupon I had printed out for Sharpie markers.  They are regularly $24 for a box of 12.  The sale price was $2.  I bought two boxes.  I inadvertently found their clearance section and found a roll of tape that does not need a cutter or scissors.  The edges are serrated so all you have to do is unroll and tear off what's needed.  Well that's what the package said.  It was marked down to 50 cents, and I can always use tape.

It was a good trip.  I find it very satisfying to have a trip like that.  And very thankful.  I always pray and ask the Lord to go with me and to help us find good bargains and to guide our steps.  He answers, every time :)

I am going to homeschool co-op tomorrow with my SIL and her two girls so I don't know if I will be able to post tomorrow.  But I hope I can.  Until next time.

(sorry this is backwards today.  My computer is giving me fits! :)

Today's Frugal Aventures:

Online Coupon Alert

If you live near an Office Max, they have a printable online store coupon for a 12 pack of Sharpie markers for $2.  They are normally $25.  You can purchase two packages with one coupon.  Thought I would let you know.  The offer expires tomorrow.  The coupon is on page 3 of their flyer. 

Office Max is right beside Wal-Mart so guess where I will be tomorrow? :)  Thanks to Anjie for the tip.

Received in the mail

Free issue of American baby magazine

Sample of Jergen's lotion

Survey Time

Signed up with a new survey company. 

Made a $1 on a survey.

Redeemed points for a $5 Starbucks gift card.

Freebie sign up

Was a slow day for freebies.  I think the only thing I signed up for today was a flexible plastic cutting board. :)

***************************************************************************

If you are interested in signing up for surveys, this is a list of the top 20.  You shouldn't have to pay for this information.  There are so-called companies out there where their "surveys" are basically marketing offers.  The following are legit comanies that pay either cash or you can redeem points for gift cards, prizes, etc.  I am a member of all but three.  I'm not getting anything for this, just passing on the information. 

survey companies

There are also a few companies for kids.  One of them sends test products for DS to try out.  They pay well, and the surveys are fun.  DS got a check for $30 a few months ago.  He used it to help buy his apple trees. 

Don't worry, they are very careful of protecting your child's privacy.  I always sit with DS when he does surveys.  Actually, they will send you an email when they send your child a new survey.  Sometimes they have surveys for mom too, and they will credit your child's account.   

Kidzeyes

A couple tips:

The more forthcoming you are with personal information, the more surveys you can be matched with.  Example - family income, etc.

Also sign up with as many as you can.  The more companies, the more surveys you can complete. 

Any other questions, just let me know.

I love getting the Amazon gift certificates.  We are following Charlotte Mason's approach of "living books" so if I can get the books for free from Amazon, it really helps out the homeschool budget.  We are in 2nd/3rd grade right now, but I am collecting books for junior high already, such as classic novels, biographies, etc. 

With Old Fashioned Education, I can print out books cheaply instead of buying them.  But if I can get them with Amazon gc's already printed and bound, well, you can't beat free! :)

I am feeling really blessed today.  I am so thankful for the Lord's provision.  There is a testimony to go with the check card I got today.  (See below)  Last month, my subscriptions for my computer's antivirus and and antispyware softwares expired.  To buy both would have cost us 70 dollars out of pocket, which we did not have in our weekly budget.  Granted we have an emergency fund, but it is for just that -- emergencies. 

So I was up late one Saturday night reasoning out what I should do.  I had 25 dollars in Amazon gift certificates already that I had received from doing online surveys.  I decided I could buy the one software and have to wait on the other.  Then I felt prompted to check an email account that is a back-up.  I logged in and found out that I had won 50 dollars worth of Amazon gift certificates from a drawing from a survey company that I don't remember ever signing up for. 

I was like, Praise the Lord!  :)  Then I log into Amazon and find that the Norton antivirus software also has a 20 dollar rebate to go along with it.  So now I'm really praising the Lord! :)

When we are obedient to him, he always provides.  About three years ago my husband and I started tithing.  In that timeframe, we have been unemployed several times and encountered various medical emergencies, etc.  But we have always had food on the table and have always kept the lights on, etc.  God is so good!  To ones who say they can't "afford" to tithe I challenge you to read Micah chapter 3.  When we don't pay our tithe, we are robbing from the Lord.  When we do pay our tithe, he pours out such a great blessing.  When we give above our tithe, well, it's amazing! :) 

This 20 dollars is going to help buy some of those great stock up bargains I wrote about in yesterday's post.  I am trying really hard to keep this week's out of pocket grocery budget at $65.  This is what I was able to spend weekly before the rising food costs.  We eat all of our meals at home and DH almost always carries his lunch to work.  We eat out once a week, which is not for my benefit, but DH's.  He enjoys going out to eat.  While that might not be my "thing," it is his, so we allot for that in the budget. 

What are you thankful for today?  Tell the Lord about it. :)

Today's Frugal Adventure:

Received in the mail

a $20 preloaded Visa check card from Symantec.  This was a Norton Antivirus software rebate.  Purchased the software on Amazon with gift vouchers I received from a drawing.  So basically, I got paid $20 dollars to buy the software!   Thank you Lord for free money :)

Surveys

Received $2 dollars for completing a survey.

Today is Wednesday, which is the day I plan my menu for the next week and make out my grocery list.  DH and I are currently sharing one car, so right now my errand day is Saturday.  I would prefer to go on Fridays since it is less crowded, but I have to work with what I can get.

Actually my whole menu for March is already planned.  I am blessed to have enough meat in the freezer (all bought on sale) to be able to do the whole month's menu.  I have a small chest freezer and the fridge freezer, of course. 

Since I don't have to buy any meat, I can use that money to buy meat on sale for next month's menu.  I have finally figured out this is how I am going to keep my grocery bill down while having a varied menu.  Also, if it happens that my household budget does not have much wiggle room to stock up on a bunch of sale items, I can adjust accordingly. 

Some sale items I plan on buying this Saturday:

IGA --

 Canned green beans 3/$1 (cheapest regular price I can find is 40¢/can at Save A Lot)

 Canned stewed tomatoes also 3/$1 (cheapest regular price I can find is 50¢/can at Save A Lot)

 Head Iceberg Lettuce .89¢ each (I know, not the best nutrition wise but I'll take what I can get)

 Red Delicious Apples $2.69/3 lb bag (regular price is at least 3.49 a bag anywhere)

Jay-C (local Kroger chain) --

 Kroger Cottage Cheese 24 oz. $1.99 (regular price 2.49 at Save A Lot)

 Eckrich Smoked Sausage 1.49/ 1 lb rope

 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 3 lb bag (Individual Quick Frozen) 2 bags/$10

 Kroger cereal 10 boxes/$10 (generics of Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, Honey Nut Cheerios, etc - 14 to 16 oz)  (regular price at Save A Lot for generic cereal is 2.89 a box, size and variety varies)

 Marzetti Salad Dressing 16 oz bottle 10/$10

 Tombstone Pizza 4/$10

I am pretty excited about Saturday's trip.  There are a lot of nice buys this week.  Sheesh, I can't believe I just said this.  Not long ago, these "sale" prices were "regular" prices.  Now, they are bargains!  

It's time for bed, so I will probably post next week's menu tomorrow.

School was pretty laid back today.  I have been fighting sinus headaches most of the week.  I had DS do his spelling assignment on the computer.  We have a subscription to http://www.spellingtime.com  It's kind of pricy.  Last year it was new and it was free.  They just raised the monthly price to 6 dollars a month!  But my DS is a reluctant speller so I am keeping it, for now.  I love the program; I just wish it didn't cost so much.   

Time to post my frugal finds for the day.  Can't wait til I get some of this stuff in the mail. :)

Today's Frugal Adventures:

Received in the mail:

One $2 off coupon for Febreze odor eliminator

Signed up for:

Pledge wipes sample

A free 1 year subscription for Family Fun magazine

Free Schick Quattro razor

Jergens Energy Glow lotion sample

pain reliever cream sample

Surveys:

Finished one survey.  90 more points and I qualify for a $5 gift card reward.  I will probably get one for Starbucks, since I already have one at home waiting to get used. :)  The surveys will never pay the bills, but they are nice for a little extra spending money or a restaurant splurge now and then. :)