Maintaining New Year's Resolutions - Saving Money

Continuing with my mini-series, let's talk money today. Everyone LOVES to talk money when it comes to MAKING money ... but no one likes to talk about SAVING money. It's hard and it means making sacrifices. Saving money means looking at your income and thinking about expenses that may or may not be needed.

So, how do you go about saying, "I want to save money this year" and then actually see it happen? Read on ... and if you have any ideas, feel free to comment! Please share with others you think might find this post beneficial or those who might have some great input. I love seeing comments on my blog posts. *Note - make sure you sign up for my mailing list so you do not miss any posts or deals!*

Analyzing Bills

The first step in saving money is to analyze your bills. There are some things that you just cannot get rid of. These include:

• Housing (mortgage, rent, property taxes)
• Food
• Utilities (gas, water, trash, electricity)
• Insurance
• Vehicle (monthly payment, registration, insurance)
• Phone (I put this in unavoidable because I have kids ... communication is a necessity)

These are the bills that you need to plan for and make sure that you get covered. We spend no more than 1/3 of our monthly income on housing costs and then do everything in our power to keep all of the other bills as low as possible. It may sound crazy, but we can get by on roughly $100 to $130 a week for food for our family of six. Part of that is because we have children in school, and the rest is just shopping the deals (will cover that a little later).

Giving Up the Extras

It is really hard to live a lifestyle that will save money. You have to be willing not eat out at all (or on rare occasions). You have to be willing to learn how to do-it-yourself, such as mending clothing and making your own decorations. My older sister will occasionally show on her blog how she sees something she likes, and then makes something very similar for MUCH less. It isn't a savings of only a few dollars (although that also adds up), but sometimes it is $50 to $100 less! Learn to make coffee at home instead of stopping at Starbucks or search Pinterest for copycat recipes.

Shop Frugal

IF you have the ability, then put the money you save into your savings account. That is where I hope to be later this year. I want to purchase the same items I am now, but put the money I would have spent on the name brand into my savings. This will give you a great way to see how much you are saving by shopping differently. We love to shop at the Dollar Tree. I get a lot of my staples there that I would have to pay more for elsewhere. It isn't always the cheapest. It is often cheaper to go to Aldi's for a can of corn and then grocery stores often have sales on canned products. If you are used to spending $.99 on a canned vegetable for the name brand, and get a can for $.39, you are able to put $.60 in your savings account. If you think of only one can a day, every day for a year, you have put nearly $220 in your savings account! See how easy it will be to build a savings if you deposit the money you didn't spend?

Use Cash When Possible

Oh, how I LOVE Dave Ramsey and his envelope system. It is one of the key things to our success. We literally do not go shopping without taking the cash we plan to spend. If you don't want to carry actual cash, then put it on a gift card. This works great for gassing up the vehicle, grocery shopping, holiday shopping, and any other time when you have a very strict budget. Again, if you are under budget, put the extra into your savings account and let it gain interest!

The best part about this method is you are in complete control of how much you save. We have found a few things that we want to spend the money on because it is important to us. However, we went for awhile without these luxuries ... including gym memberships. What are you doing to save money this year? Is this one of your New Year's Resolutions? Let me know in the comments below!

Black Friday has passed ... Bring on Cyber Monday!

Black Friday was INSANE ... there were deals to be had everywhere. People fought over flat screen televisions and the bumper carts game was a guarantee. I was one of MANY work from home moms that held online deals. I raved about them here on my blog, on Facebook, and Twitter. I'm sorry if you missed out of them. Some places even had deals going into today.

The best part about Black Friday is the Cyber Monday that follows. The deals aren't always as great, but it really depends on what you are after and how much time you have. Most Cyber Monday deals are ALL day so you don't have to be awake at 3am to catch them. Even better ... you can shop from work or from home in your pajamas.

So, what should you expect with Cyber Monday? Let's talk.

Mabel's Labels is actually having a Cyber Monday sale starting TODAY (11/29) and going through TUESDAY (12/2)! You will be able to get the following deals:

• 30% off Skinny Minis & Tag Mates
• 40% off Sticky Labels & Shoe Labels
• 50% off Scan & Stores and Wash Aways

Shop Tea’s Cyber Monday Sale! Get 30% off all Tea Collection styles + totally free shipping with code MONDAY! No minimum purchase required.
You read that right ... 30% off EVERYTHING and you do not need ANY coupons or minimum purchase! Tack on free shipping with the code MONDAY and you are good to go. Great deals!

I am holding a Cyber Monday deal with my Mary Kay business. The deals are great and they are for ALL day so you don't have to wake early. You will not see the discount upon putting them in the cart. I add that at the end before invoicing you. Let me know how I can help you get some extra deals and possibly stuff a few stockings! ALL orders over $75 will get FREE shipping!

Teavana is one of my FAVORITE places to shop for tea. I love their Spiced Apple Cider, which is a Rooibos blend. However, they have a great selection for Black, Green, White, and Oolong teas. They are offering a Cyber Monday deal for $25 off a $60 order when you use the code CYBER14.

OMG! The Children's Place has a GREAT deal going on for Cyber Monday! The Cyber Monday Sale just got BIGGER! 50% off EVERYTHING + take an EXTRA 20% off when you spend $40 or more + FREE SHIPPING on EVERY ORDER with promocode: 338DA6. They also are offering discounts on their winter clothing! 60% off Glacier Fleece and Cold Weather Accessories!!

Are you like me and have a body with curves? If you have not already discovered Lane Bryant, now is the time! They are doing a blanket discount on EVERYTHING! Save 50% off everything today!! Use Coupon Code: CYBERCHICLB

Yup, I have posted about this on my Facebook page first because yeah, it is an AWESOME deal for women. Like one you should NOT PASS UP! Payless Shoes is basically giving you 75% off ALL dress shoes! All Women's Dress shoes are 50% off!! PLUS save an additional 25% off with coupon code: ZZCYBER

Do you still have gifts for those Disney lovers in your life? Check out the Cyber Monday deals from the Disney Store! The Disney Store is having a fabulous sale today! Save 25% off $100 or more Save 20% off $75 or more Save 15% off $50 or more! Receive Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more! Use Coupon Code: CYBER

Nordstrom has everything 30-50% off today! Catch it while it's hot!!

Starbucks has a couple of AMAZING Cyber Monday Deals!! Our favorite are the Verismo Machines! 50% off PLUS get a free box of Espresso roast capsules! Link has been added to Landing Page Links! Also, take $25 off orders of $70 or more PLUS get Free Shipping!! No Coupon Code is needed!! These machines are starting to sell out fast!

Mini in the Box has every possible stocking stuffer you need for tech lovers. On Cyber Monday, save up to 80% PLUS Receive up to $100 in Rewards!!

Another store that is offering discounts regardless of the amount you buy is Lands' End. Save 40% off EVERYTHING plus FREE Shipping with NO MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIRED!! Use code: CYBER and PIN: 1234

Are you getting back into working out and not wanting to spend much on equipment or accessories? GAIAM has you covered with their sales and FREE shipping! Save an additional 20% off everything PLUS Free shipping! Save up to 80%!!!! You can get Studio socks for less than $10!!

You still have time to save on personalized gifts from I See Me! Save $5 on your order of $25 or more- Use Code CYBER5 Save $10 on your order of $50 or more- Use Code CYBER10 Save $15 AND get Free Shipping on your order of $75 or more- Use Code CYBER15

Black Friday Deals

Yes, I know that today is only Tuesday and Black Friday is on Friday ... but this is your guide and is early so that you can look through things without having to take time out of your family holiday. I will NOT be posting any Thursday deals. That isn't how I work. While I will be working on Thanksgiving, it is because I am CHOOSING to keep drunks off the road following an event. This is not a mandatory thing. I just want life to be a little bit safer and everyone is able to get home to their families for the holidays. With that said ... Here you go!

Click the graphic to go straight to the deal!

BLOGGERS - Pay attention! There is an AWESOME deal coming Friday and you will want to take part. If you are looking at going to your first conference or your 30th, the Type-A Con should be on that list. It is being held in Atlanta, GA again this year and will be in October. I attended Type-A Con 2014 as my first conference and I suffer from severe anxiety. I can tell you that they make everyone feel SUPER comfortable AND there are plenty of ways to destress. I WILL be going again in 2015!

Use code BLACKFRIDAY at http://typeaparent.com/affiliates?ap_id=HBRedbird to save 30% on your Type-A Parent Conference annual pass starting at midnight EST on Friday. Type-A Parent 7th Annual Conference will be held in Atlanta October 8-10. Type-A Parent offers top notch learning and networking with some of the world's smart bloggers and most beloved brands. Find out more and get your pass at http://typeaparent.com/affiliates?ap_id=HBRedbird

Order on my site!

Get your Mary Kay at a GREAT price on FRIDAY ONLY! When you place an order on my site, it will time stamp it on my email. This will determine your discount. I will then send you an invoice via PayPal that you can pay with your credit card WITHOUT having to give me your information!!! You will see the discount applied on the PayPal invoice. If you have ANY questions on how it works ... please ask me! You will want to remember to add 8.77% Sales Tax & $9.35 for shipping & handling. Limited Edition items are selling out wicked fast so I STRONGLY suggest you order as early as possible because I will try to place as they come in! If something is sold out, I will ask you if you would like a replacement item or your money back.

Other Specials Going on FRIDAY ONLY!

Free shipping from The Land of Nod

Receive free parcel shipping PLUS 15% Off your order at The Land of Nod from 11/27 – 12/1 for a Black Friday/Cyber Monday super sale!

Awesome Deals at Tea

Styles $12, $15 and $17 for Girl, Boy, and Baby

Get Personal with ISeeMe books!

Free Personalization ON Any Toy Now At MelissaAndDoug.com! No Code Needed!Groupon DEALS!
http://www.groupon.com/occasion/doorbusters?elq=62c925e496a34c3896b132ff3c4a2bdc&elqCampaignId=771

Creeper Party

My son turns 10 next week and all he has wanted for the past two years is a Minecraft Party. I wanted to make sure that it was a party that would be bigger so I could justify the bigger expense. I had NO idea that the party would be so cheap! I absolutely LOVE how this turned out ... however, my pleasure with the turnout had no comparison to how happy it made my son.

So, I turned to Pinterest for ideas and found many that I liked. I don't have a color printer though so I had to get a tad more creative. We decided to have a 90 minute party and do pictures, a snack bar, presents, and then two types of crafts.

I used leftover table cloth for the backdrop and then cut 2x2" blocks of black construction paper for the face.

Snack Bar:

The snack bar was several items that are available in Minecraft. MOST of the food I got at the Dollar Tree and the rest was cheap at the grocery store or I homemade.

• Gold - Rolos
• Sticks - Pretzel Sticks
• Coal - Rice Krispie Treats (with black food coloring)
• RedStone - Hot Tamales
• Slime Balls - Cake pops with Green candy coating
• Bread - Oyster crackers
• Cookies - Homemade "Grinch" Cookies (recipe to come)
• Carrots - Baby Carrots
• TNT - Twizzlers
• Diamonds - Blue Jelly Bellys
• Emeralds - Green Jelly Bellys (LIME not sour apple - don't get me started)
• Melons - Candy corn (*I* was going to use melon rings but boychild wanted candy corn and it's his party)
• Pumpkins - Harvest pumpkins (thank you after-Halloween sale!)
• Apples - Caramel Apple Bars (recipe to come)

Crafts:

The first craft we did was make Minecraft items out of Perler Beads. The kids had a blast. I got a HUGE container of Perler beads at Walmart for only $13. Anything not used today was part of JJ's gift. This was the most expensive part of the party.

She made a splash potion

Then our second craft was making dynamite sticks with a full size Rolo bar. We put red construction paper over the candy, wrote TNT on it, and then tore off a small piece of Twizzler Pull & Peel for the fuse.

The party went over awesome. I think that we could have added another 30 minutes on just for the Perler bead crafts. OH! I also used a free font from dafont.com for the cards that were on the snack table!

If you have any questions or comments, please add them and I will get back to you!

Frugal Shopping Week

I LOVE back to school shopping. LOVE it. I know that many parents complain, but even when I had my children in public school, I LOVED shopping trips. Now, I thought some of the items were kinda crazy, but that was about it. I rarely spend much shopping back to school and it shocks me every time I read that the national average is $500-$700 per child on school shopping. I know that includes clothing, computers, tablets, backpacks, etc. However, I must say that I have never even come close to that amount. I have decided that parents just need to learn how to shop!


For example:
This week I got 42 notebooks, 7 bottles of glue, 6 boxes of crayons, 1 container of watercolor paint, 1 box of fat crayons, electric pencil sharpener, 4 notepads, 5 pens, year planner, 2 things of markers (thin and classic), and scotch tape all for roughly $51.

I will be heading to the stores this next week to get a LOT of notebooks for only a penny a piece. Filler paper (which we don't use in home school) is currently on sale for a penny if you purchase another item. There were deals for backpacks and pencils and pens.

So, I ask, if I can get ALL my actual school supplies (not including clothing) for two children for $75, why is the average $500?! I can completely understand the amount be higher for children who is in middle and high school. I just can't understand how over $400 is spent on clothing for a new school year! That also is on sale at the end of seasons. Shop ahead and leave it with tags on in a drawer. Shop smart parents!!

Manic (but awesome) Monday!

This morning came SUPREMELY early. I am not used to getting up before 7:30am and this morning I had to be up by 5:30am. In fact, I have to get up at 5:30am for the rest of this week and all of next! It is all worth it in the end though, as Peanut is having a BLAST at her theater/dance camp. My wonderful friend had the opportunity to volunteer to work at the camp and got to take three children with her. Since her youngest is still very young, she asked to take Peanut in his place. So I am watching an awesome, and sweet, little boy who treats Monkey with the greatest of care. I don't think it could have been a more perfect time for all of this to occur either. I just wish that I didn't have to get up so early.


After dropping Peanut of at camp, I took the kids to Lamar Donuts and then we went to the park. We were at the park for two hours before the sun started to heat up the playground. We then went to get our free lunch, courtesy of Shawnee Mission School District and then all three children passed out in the van. I think they had a great time. We aren't sure of our plans for tomorrow but I am sure we will, yet again, have a good time!

After taking a nap myself, I was able to get a lot done around the house. I made a chicken pot pie from scratch (minus the pie crust) and was pleasantly surprised how well that came out. We have leftovers but it was simply because it filled us up. The children had seconds so that one is a keeper recipe! Bullfrog has stolen the recipe, so I will try to kidnap it back tomorrow to post. ;)

I then went to Price Chopper because they do text message coupon deals like HyVee does now. I haven't gotten many, but when I do, they are GOOD deals! I got 52oz of Premium Blue Bunny ice cream for $2. We hardly ever buy ice cream because it is so pricey and it is easy enough to use our machine, but $2 is a really good deal. I need to get out and fill up my gas tank anyway so it wasn't an extra trip. *ended up saving $2.29 on the ice cream with no extra gas spent due to the store being across the street from the gas station!*

Finally, I got to end my day on a complete high. I was re-hired at my favorite at-home freelance job. This is such a blessing because it means that we will not have to worry about Jeremy's student loans. This was the last thing on our "fret" list and God, yet again, provided a very clear answer to our worries. We firmly believe in the power in this house and have been shown time & time again that our needs will be provided.

Menu 2012 Week 8

I am back to making my menus weekly. This is the last week where I won't know exactly which veggies and sides I will have because I am getting a produce box starting on Friday. I am so excited and it is all thanks to a company called Fresh Connect KC. You can place your order each week, or set up a standing order. They have shelf stable items such as honey and jam; they have breads, dairy, eggs, meats and finally produce. I am currently getting a small box of produce and eggs each week and meat every two weeks. For more information on the company, feel free to visit their webpage at Fresh Connect KC or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/freshconnectkc.


Sunday - Meal with Family in Paola

Monday - Planet Sub (kids eat free - thanks kcmetromoms.com

Tuesday - Steak & Shrimp smothered in Parmesan Cheese Sauce, served with steamed veggies

Wednesday - Hamburgers & French Fries

Thursday - Chicken Wings & Stuffed Mushrooms

Friday - Pork Chops & Rice, served with steamed veggies

Saturday - Roast, served with steamed veggies, mashed potatoes and gravy

My mind is spinning

I sometimes hate my mind. I have days where I just can't sleep .... all because I get a ton of ideas running through my head. I have thoughts of trying to make my life just a little simpler ... have thoughts of making just a little extra money ... have thoughts of how to be just that mom that my children want and deserve. I ENJOY cooking, I always have. I am now taking that love for cooking and am now working to stock our freezer and pantry so that we will buy less processed food. This food will be that much healthier for us but more importantly ... when we are craving pizza, we don't have to drop $20 that we don't have on it. The first big step we have done was throw out ALL fast food coupons. We have changed our diet enough that now almost all fast food makes our insides just absolutely hate us. I am not saying that the food doesn't still SOUND good ... we just know better now!


The funny part though to my life, is that I suddenly enjoy being domestic! My mother made it a BIG deal to learn to sew when we were younger. She wanted to make sure we KNEW how to be domestic for when we left the house for college and beyond. I HATED it. I am not even sure if that is strong enough. It is just amazing what having children does to your desires. I have never been very girlie or into pink. With 2 girls, I now enjoy sewing, want to learn crochet, and have a LOT of pink in my house. What's funnier is that *I* purchased that pink stuff willingly ... and sometimes without my daughters being present!

I guess what I have learned over the last 9 years is that, never say you don't like something. Never get to that point where you refuse to believe you are capable of being that person. I am so glad that my mother made me learn. I am so glad that she made me a person who continues to drive to learn more and teach my children the same thing. I am glad I married a man who supports my whims and pushes me to dive into my desires. I know that I don't always make the right choices or say the right things .... but I am glad that I have people that stick around and help me keep on the right and keep that end goal in sight. People come and go in life ... but there are several that I am glad they choose to stick around through thick and thin, the good and the bad  .... and offer advice and support ... mostly support!

So here is to a new direction in my life, let's see if I can't pull it off. It sure will be fun!

First Stab at Couponing!

I don't think I did too bad. I have to go to a different CVS as I NEED my Vit D and they only had one bottle at the one I was at. Well it is Buy One, Get One FREE and I have a $1 off coupon as well! So, I have to get it this weekend. Also, need to go check a sale ring up at Walgreens cause it appears I was shorted a $10 off sale with Reward's Card but I'm not 100% sure so gonna double check. So I will blog later on the ACTUAL spending and savings plus percentage. But right now we are at spent $123.43 and saved $141.69 at 3 locations. Here is the breakdown:

 

Spent $0 and saved $20 at New Chinatown

Morgan's Deal had a deal for $10 for $20 worth of food. Then my ValueMail had a coupon for $10 off Morgan's Deals. So I got $20 worth of food for $0!!

CVS (spent $39.90 and saved $58.71)

2 AirWick Freshmatic Odor Detect Systems - they were on clearance AND I had a coupon! (saving $11 PER system)

10oz Dawn Botanicals dish detergent (paid $.77)

2 Vit D/Omega 3 Gummy Vites for Adella (BoGo FREE - saving $12.29)

Tide To Go Pen ($1 off)

Lady Speed Stick ($1.40 off)

2 B Complex (BoGo FREE + $1 off coupon ... savings of $8.89)

2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 (BoGo coupon + In Store Sale ... savings of $6.19)

52 Aleve Liquid Gels (Bonus box + In Store Sale + Coupon ... Got the box FREE!)

And THEN ...

I had a coupon for 25% off my entire purchase! *too bad I have to visit another CVS for more meds ... maybe I can print another coupon. I will read the policy*

Walgreens (spent $83.53 ... saved $62.98 - again, I believe this is wrong)

2 Old Spice Body Washes (In Store sale + coupon)

Gillette Mach3 Disposable Razors (In Store sale + coupon)

CoverGirl Volume Exact Black Mascara (Clearance + coupon)

Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner (In Store Sale + coupon)

2 Gillette Body Washes (In Store Sale + coupon)

Head & Shoulders Shampoo & Conditioner (Buy Shampoo, Conditioner is free)

Dawn Dishwashing Detergent (Coupon)

Bounty Towels 1 Ct (Coupon)

Gillette Shaving Gel (In Store Sale + Coupon)

Finish Powerball Tabs (In Store Sale + Coupon)

Oral B Advantage (Coupon)

Colgate 360 2ct (Coupon)

Gillette Deodarant (In Store Sale + Coupon)

Gillette Fusion ProGlide (In Store Sale + Coupon + Register Rewards = .99)

3 Scotch Tape ( Buy 2 Get 1 free + 2 $1 off coupons = savings of $3.99)

AirWick Freshmatic Refill (Coupon - cheaper than price at CVS)

Oral B Glide Pro-Health (Coupon + In Store Sale)

Excedrin Migraine (Coupon + In Store Sale)

Excedrin Tension (Coupon + In Store Sale)

Excedrin Extra Strength (Coupon ... no in store sale??? - yup, checking!)

Got another coupon for next purchase

Kids staying occupied

Well, today Jeremy started PT (which went really well, btw) and the kids had to go since they cancelled school. So, we took their activity bags and they sat in the waiting room. Bullfrog drew pictures that were in a book that he was reading and Peanut & C wrote Silly Stories. It was a great way to blow about 45 minutes! I was dreading the appointment but it turned out to be a great outing, minus the fact we weren't told which side of KU MedWest the therapy room was on!

Our other really awesome news from today was our score at HyVee. We have subscribed to the HyVee NowWow Text coupons and we LOVE them. We get some REALLY good deals but todays was the best so far. Since both Jeremy and I both subscribe, we were able to get 2 12" Tombstone pizzas for 72 cents a piece WITH tax included! The actual price was supposed to be 99 cents plus tax but they were already on sale. We later thought it might have been even cheaper had we gotten the one topping instead of the multiple but we aren't going to complain about 2 pizzas for $1.44!!