Complications and Frustrations

Our closing date has been pushed back, again! We will not be signing papers(or moving in) until December 22nd. So now we have to juggle moving 3 days before Christmas. Most of the people that we were going to have help us move will be at work during the day and busy preparing for the Holidays afterword. My husband has to work until Christmas Eve also.

I am not sure we will even get to celebrate Christmas this year. We need to be moved out of our old house and have it in returnable shape by the 31st, or pay for another month's rent(I will NOT do that).I think buying a house is more stressful than having a baby.

I know 4 days doesn't seem like a lot, but this time of year it is. We were going to be moved in by Monday and get a tree Tuesday. Now we probably wont even bother with a tree. My daughter was looking forward to having a tree bigger than her for once, but instead she wont even have our tiny 2 footer up.

We did not plan on moving so close to Christmas, our original closing date was November 27th. We wrote the first contract for the property on October 7th. This has just been one big long drawn out mess with a million obstacles to jump over. I am so glad this will be the last time we move for a very, very long time!

We are still very grateful and excited to be purchasing a home this year(and to get the $8,000 credit!). I just needed to vent a little.

Cheap Artichokes!

I am so happy I ran into this deal on Amazon! Remember last week I was complaining that Sam's club didn't have artichokes? Well, I got Roland Consul Quartered Artichoke Hearts, 88.25-Ounce Cans (Pack of 2) for 15.71 after promotional code and subscribe and save discounts, which comes to around .09 per ounce! I paid with mostly Amazon gift certificates, so my total out of pocket was only 2.xx.

All (or most) of Roland brand items are 20% extra off with code ROLAND99, plus you can combine this deal with the 15% subscribe and save for a total of 35% off. This promotion is valid through 12/31/09.



My order got here so fast I didn't even have time to post the deal before the artichokes arrived at my door. I ordered yesterday around noon and they got here at 5:30pm tonight.


Do you know of any other can't miss Amazon grocery deals going on right now?

3 FREE Christmas Ebooks!

Here are 3 Free ebooks to help you with you holiday fun!

Mason Jar Recipes: 34 Holiday Ideas for Gifts in a Jar Click Here

Christmas Craft eBook: Quick and Easy Christmas Crafts featuring 25 free Christmas craft projects for home decorating, heartfelt gifts and fun crafts for kids. Click Here

eCookbook – 50 Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes, featuring 99 pages of Christmas cookie recipes. Click Here


Do you know of any other sources for free holiday crafts, recipes and cheap(but meaningful) gift ideas?

Even More Amazon Deals!

You are in luck if you waited to the last minute to do your Christmas shopping and don't want to deal with the crowded stores! Here are some more great deals you can grab from the comfort of your own home:

G.I. Joe Armadillo Tank vs. Serpentor's Air Chariot4.48 was 14.99

Easy Bake Decorating Pen Kit4.99 was 15.99

Pressman Scooby Doo Pop 'N' Race4.99 was 14.99

Global Distinctions Cross-Leg Bench with 2 Cubes, Brown Faux Leather40.48 was 249.00

MATCHBOX Pop Up 360° Haunted House Adventure Set14.99 was 34.99

Easy Bake Breakfast Delights4.99 was 14.99

Fisher-Price Shake 'n Go! XTREME Speedway27.99 was 69.99

Melissa & Doug Travel Bingo9.99 was 19.99

Melissa & Doug See & Spell9.99 was 19.99

Batman Lil Quad49.99 was 77.99


Fisher-Price Go Baby Go! Bounce & Spin Zebra29.99 was 59.99

Hasbro Playskool Busy Gears9.99 was 19.99

Tonka Real Rugged Steamroller7.05 was 12.99

Plan Toy Fruit and Vegetable Play Set9.99 was 19.99


You can see the deals from yesterday here. Most are still active. There is also a huge selection here of up to 70% off toys.

I hope you've been using opinion out post and swagbucks to earn amazon gift certificates!

Menu Plan Monday 12/14

We will be busy packing this week and hopefully starting the moving process late Friday. I will be using the crockpot for a few meals and hoping there are plenty of leftovers for the other days. I am not buying groceries, other than some produce. Last weeks dinners created more leftovers than anticipated and a few nights I just didn't make what was planned. Here's the plan this week:


BBQ Pork ribs, baked potatoes, broccoli and cheese

ham, green beans and sweet potatoes

navy beans and ham, biscuits

Quinoa spinach, mushroom and cheese casserole

3 nights of leftovers

My main concern is being without internet access for more than a few days! I'm OCD about checking my emails and seeing the deals others have spotted! I also need to be able to google something when it pops in my head or I forget and trying to remember drives me crazy. I know I will survive though(if that happens).

You can find 100's of other menu plans here.

Recap of Financial Goals for 2009- We Are in Debt Now!

I intended to update our goals every few months, but things got away from me. Here is how we did with our goals for 2009:

#1. contribute to a HSA - we signed up for this in November for 2009 -COMPLETED 11/15/08

#2. Diversify the 401k - I completed this in February or March. Before everything was in a mutual fund or bonds. I used the companies diversification questionnaire. So far this year we have earned $5000 in interest!

#3. Save $6,000 in 2009-We completed this in February, but then had to spend $4500 on a new to us van(husbands car broke down and we found out about baby #3). We ended up reaching this goal for th second time in July. As of December 2009 we have exceeded the goal!

#4. work on a more detailed budget and set aside money for irregular items monthly(example. car tags, car insurance, car maintenance, birthday parties, Christmas 2009, etc)- I started out doing really well with this, but stopped almost completely in February. We had a lot of emotional stress this year. We spent what we needed to and didn't splurge often, so I felt okay(but not great) about letting this slip off the priority list. We probably would have saved even more had we tracked our spending


#5. keep the grocery bill under $200 a month, even lower if possible- Well, since I didn't keep track of our spending I don't know exactly what we spent each month. I am almost certain it was over $200 though.


And now, to announce how we went into debt this year:




We are in the process of buying this house! Our closing date is this Friday 12/18. If all goes as planned we will be moving in this weekend. Merry Christmas to us!

Great deals On Amazon Right Now!

I was just browsing amazon.com and could not believe the amount of great deals to be had! I love shopping amazon because a lot of my out of pocket cost is deferred by my earnings from opinion out post and swagbucks, and I don't have to leave my house or pay shipping! Here are some of the best deals I see right now:


Video Journal 9.99 was 34.99

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway - Happy Birthday Thomas and Box Car 9.99 was 19.99

My Q Pocket Numbers4.78 was 15.99

Playskool Rose Petal Cottage Cuddle Nursery Set - African American4.99 was 24.99


How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets 2.38 was 16.00

Vtech - V.Smile TV Learning System19.99 was 39.99

Manley Art-tastic Magic Beads Zoo Friends Medium Playset 9.99 was 19.99
other sets available for the same price

High School Musical 3 Senior Year Game4.99 was 19.99

Playskool Busy Lil Garden Butterfly9.18 was 17.99

Sesame Street Real Digital Camera23.25 was 59.99




Remember, Amazon deals can change at any minute so if you are interested in something don't hesitate too long.

FREE Olay Quench Body Lotion!

Purchase any size Olay Quench Body Lotion (excluding trial size) between 12/10/09- 01/29/10 and submit this form for a full rebate. Pair this with a coupon and/or a RR/ECB deal and you have yourself a money maker!

Sam's Club, Kroger, and Meijer 12/06

Okay, we went to Sam's Club on Saturday, not today:) I was a bit disappointed with that trip. I went specifically to buy marinated artichoke hearts, BUT they didn't have any!!!! Last time I looked for them there was in 2006 or 2007... I purchased them from Costco within the last year and they still had them in September. Unfortunately I didn't pick any up before our membership expired in October. Other things that Sam's didn't have that I wanted:

Maple Syrup
Shelf stable soymilk(vanilla)

BUT they do carry the gallon size of Frank's Red Hot Sauce(Costco doesn't). You know what the old lady in the commercial says, right? Well that's my husband...

Any way, here's what we bought:



16qt stock pot(commercial grade) 26.87
Twin pack rc cars 29.76
spinach artichoke dip 6.97
24 pack junior mints 11.98
acai juice 5.87
1/2 gallon marchario cherries 7.88
16 oz jerky 9.88
3lbs sliced almonds 12.38
gallon hot sauce 9.48
freeze dried mushrooms 4.18
2 bags frito lay brand chips 5.98

total was 134.91 (3.68 in tax)
not sure of the savings

Kroger



2 nestle cookies 4.00
-2 1.50 printables
-.55 shortcuts= .23 each
4 cans dole pineapple 4.00 (1.00 each)
-4 .50 printables(no longer available)= free
big k 12 pack 1.77
4 oscar mayer lunchables 4.00 (1.00 each)
-4 .55 printables= free
3 newspapers 4.50 (1.50 each)
3lb clementines 3.68
-.55 coupon= 2.68

also used a 2.00 cat

7.48 (.08 tax)
saved 22.96, 14.55 in coupons

Meijer



bananas 1.12
4 cans campbell's tomato soup 2.32 (.58 each)
-2 .50/2 printables= .08 each
3 bags of spinach 3.00 (1.00 each)
6 3lb bags of apples 6.00 (1.00 each)
6 rolls ground turkey 6.00 (1.00 each)
2 cole's mini garlic toast 2.00 (1.00 each)
-2 .50 printables= free
5 packs sliced mushrooms 5.00 (1.00 each)
reduced eggnog 1.50

received 2 1.00 discounts from the 10/$10 get the 11th free promotion

total was 20.94
saved 33.40, 4.00 in coupons

Menu Plan Monday 12/07

The hubs finally had a request for dinner. Well, he actually said I didn't have to make it because he would forget wanting it by this week, lol. I'm lucky he isn't picky about what's for dinner, but it is kind of annoying when I ask him for suggestions and all he has to say is"I don't know" or "I don't care".

Chicken Enchiladas(the requested dish), black beans and rotel

Potato and turkey chowder, spinach salad

Quinoa spinach, mushroom and cheese casserole (an experiment- I'll let you know how it works out!)

Left overs

Breakfast casserole (bacon, egg, cheese, and potatoes), fruit

BBQ Pork ribs, baked potatoes, broccoli and cheese

ham, green beans and sweet potatoes

We are having lots of potatoes this week in attempt to use up the last of the 15 lb bag I purchased before Thanksgiving. We are expecting some exciting news later in the week which will cause tons of work, so I am going for the quick and easy recipes that have left overs for the next day's lunch(and maybe even breakfast).

You can find 100's of other menu plans here.

Kroger 12/04

I made another stop at Kroger on the way home from dropping the oldest kid off at school. Here's what I got:




4 16oz packs ground chicken 5.16 (1.29 each)
3 loafs arnold bread 4.77 (1.59 each)
-3 .35 peelies = .89 each
1 loaf arnold italian bread 1.49
-1 .35 peelie= .79
nature pride bread 2.50
-.55 printable
-.75 cellfire coupon= .75
bananas 1.03
chicken of the sea tuna .50
-.25 home mailer= free
2 rotel tomatoes 2.14(1.07 each)
-.50 printables= .07 each
2 international delight creamers 5.18 (2.59 each)
-2 free printables= free
3lb cuties clementines 3.68
-.55 printable= 2.68
4 oscar mayer bacon 10.98 (5.49 for 2, 2 free)
-2 .75 coupons= 2.25 each

total was 23.59
saved 30.60, 15.23 in coupons

More Kroger E Coupons!

I just opened an email from Kroger to find yet another E coupon site! These are holiday coupons for the Kroger Private Selection Brand, along with national brands. Go here to add these to your Kroger card. Coupons include:

$2.00 off quantum finish 20ct

.75 on 3 cans of Del Monte canned Fruit, Vegetables, Tomatoes or Plastic Fruit Cups

FREE 8 oz. COOL WHIP Whipped Topping (up to $1.60) when you BUY any TWO (2) of these KRAFT products: BAKER'S Chocolate, JELL-O Brand Gelatin or Pudding, NILLA Wafers 11-12 oz., PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese 8 oz. box

$3.00 on a Carvel seasonal ice cream cake or any Carvel ice cream cake 48 fl. oz. or larger

$1.50 off your total shopping trip with each 3-card (has expressions from hallmark logo next to it) purchase

$5.00 when you spend $39.99 or more on any ONE (1) Holiday Dinner from our Deli Department

.55 off when you purchase (1) of any size International Delight

$1.25 off when you purchase (2) International Delight or Land O Lakes Quarts

$5.00 off when you spend $24.99 or more on any ONE (1) Party Platter from our Deli Department

$2.00 off on any TWO (2) Private Selection Bread or Dessert Mixes

$2.00 off on TWO (2) Private Selection Frozen Desserts

$2.00 off on ONE (1) Private Selection Whole Frozen Turkey from our Meat Market

$10.00 off on ONE (1) package of Private Selection Fully Cooked Beef Prime Rib Roast from
our Meat Market

$2.00 off on ONE (1) Private Selection Fruit or Crème Pie from our In-store bakery

$3.00 off on ONE (1) Private Selection Colossal Tiger Shrimp Ring 20 or 30 count from our Seafood Department

$1.00 off on any TWO (2) Reddi-wip 7 oz.

$2.50 off when you purchase any (3) of the following products: Jif Peanut Butter, Pillsbury Cake Mix*, Pillsbury Frosting, Eagle BrandSweetened Condensed Milk or Crisco Oil
*Limit 1 cake mix per purchase.

$1.00 off when you buy any TWO (2) RITZ (13.66-16 oz. or larger)

.55 off On the purchase of any ONE Smart Balance Buttery Spreads

$2.50 off when you purchase any (3) of the following products: Smucker's Jams, Jellies or Preserves, Hungry Jack Pancake Mix or Syrup, Martha White Muffin Mix*
or Folgers Coffee
*Limit 1 Martha White Muffin Mix per purchase.

$1.00 off On any Colgate Wisp (4 ct. or larger)

All Have an expiration date of 02-14-10


It looks like these will be replacing the My Magazine Home mailers or at least I hope. I always forget to bring mine with me to the store.

Free International Delight Creamer!

You can print a coupon for 1 FREE pint of International Delight coffee creamer. Just go here and click the coupon tab. You will need to become a fan to access the coupon. I was able to print two!

Thanks, Printable Coupons and Deals!

*HOT* .55 off Lunchables Combinations (w/o drink) Printable

Coupons.com has a .55/1 Lunchables Combinations (w/o drink) coupon. If your store doubles these will be really cheap when pairing the coupon with sale.


other new releases at coupons.com:


.50 off Green Giant Steamers
.75 off gold fish crackers
1.0o/2 imagine foods soup or broth
.75 nutrigrain bars

and many more!

Get Amazon Gift Certificates Instantly from Opinion Outpost!

Opinion Outpost has made changes to it's redemption requirements and added another payment option. Instead of waiting until you have $10 before you can cash out and then waiting some more until the check arrives, you can now redeem at $5. The best part is they now offer Amazon gift certificates! These will post instantly for you to go shopping with.

I am loving these changes and checking my Opinion Outpost account several times a day so I can earn another gift certificate in time for a little more Christmas shopping. It isn't at all difficult to make the $5 in 2-3 surveys, if you have the surveys available to take.

Want to know more about Opinion Outpost? See my previous review here.

Kroger 12/01

I had planned to skip shopping altogether until the weekend, but I was low on diapers. The baby wears cloth diapers during the day and disposables at night and if we are going on a long car ride or will be out in public for more than 3 hours. The toddler wears disposables all the time. His booty is too big for the one size cloth diapers and the size large diapers we have. I could stick him in prefolds and covers, but I hate touching the wet parts of the diapers and it is near impossible for me to not touch them when using prefolds.


2 mega packs luvs diapers 21.98 (10.99 each)
-2 2.00 coupons (one was a homemailer and the other was a catalina)
-.50 P&G esaver= 8.74 each
6 kashi tlc crackers 11.94(1.99 each) - 1 day sale
-6 1.00 coupons (from a booklet I found @ Kroger in early May)
Suave deodorant 1.00
-1.00 cat = free
2 pack of soothie pacifiers 3.89
3 boxes apple jacks 4.77 (1.59 each)- 1 day sale
-3 coupons(found in blinkie machines last month)=.59 each
Cuties clementines 3.68
-.55 printable= 2.68

Total was 32.44(1.68 tax)
saved 36.40, 16.50 in coupons

Check out more Kroger trips @ The New Frugal Mom (because this one was kinda lame, lol)

New Month Means New Coupons!(Printable and E )

You can go to Coupons.com, coolsavings.com, Redplum.com, and Smartsource.com to print all the new coupons that interest you. Print what you think you will use in the next 30 days. Some of the best coupons will reach their print limits quickly.

Cellfire and Shortcuts also released new e coupons in the past few days. You have 2 weeks to load the ones from Cellfire. They expire 30 days from now. Don't forget to go to UPromise and load those new e coupons too.


Also check the other General Mills Websites I have listed here.