• Mar. 6, 2008
Wacky Thursday

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!

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• Mar. 3, 2008
Report on Saturday's shopping trip

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.

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• Feb. 29, 2008
Surveys

(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! :)

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• Feb. 28, 2008
Feeling Blessed

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.

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• Feb. 27, 2008
Grocery Goodies

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. :)

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• Feb. 26, 2008
Introduction

I haven't kept a blog in ages, but felt like it was time to start again.  We started homeschooling last year, in January and kept thinking, hmm, I should keep a blog, but it never happened.   So here I am.  I guess it's better late than never. 

Quick intro: I am 35 and have been married almost 10 years.  I have a 9yo DS.  He started a blog today too.  He is having so much fun with that.  Anyhow, we are a conservative Christian family living in the Midwest.  My DH works at an auto factory and is also our church's associate pastor.  In addition to homeschooling, I am a Sunday school teacher, church bus captain, and church treasurer.  

One of my favorite things in the world is bargain hunting.  And since we started to homeschool, it has given me an extra chance to see how creative I can get.  It is like a game to me.

We live on a single income so I take my job as stretching my DH's hard earned income very seriously.  Especially since the cost of food and gas and pretty much everything is skyrocketing.  But my DH has joked that even if we were millionares, I would still be frugal.  He is probably right.   

I clip coupons, send for freebies, buy secondhand, bargain shop, cook from scratch, and do internet surveys.  You name it, if it helps stretch a dollar, I have probably done it.  Except for gardening.  That is not really my forte' but we are even trying that this year.  This should be interesting!

I thought this would be an interesting angle for a blog, particularly since a lot of moms I know personally say that they can't homeschool because they can't afford it, that they have to work outside the home.  I feel that our opportunity to do this is a blessing from the Lord and I'm going to do the best I can with it.

I will post about the start of our homeschool adventure tomorrow.  I think it is interesting to hear how others got started.  I don't want to wear out my welcome, so I will close for now.     

Today's Frugal Adventure:

Unfortunately, it was a slow day.  I did not receive any free samples in the mail.  I didn't receive any bills either, so that's a good thing!   I don't even think I signed up for any freebies online either.  I started a few surveys but did not qualify for any.    Yep, really slow day. 

It was an ordinary school day.  The core of our curriculum can be found at http://www.oldfashionededucation.com  It is a combo of Charlotte Mason and old fashioned text books.  Most of the books can be printed out for free.  Not only is it free, but full of rich and wholesome content.  We just love it.   

Tonight's supper was made from items I bought on sale -- oven fried chicken leg quarters with Rice Crispies for breading (the cereal was on sale but no one was eating it, so I got creative) a big clean-out-the-veggie-drawer salad, homemade rice pilaf, and canned collard greens.  (In case you were wondering, no one really ate the collard greens.)

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