Getting Things Done

Yesterday I was so motivated to get a lot accomplished, but at the same time I felt like being really lazy. To better motivate myself I started keeping a list of everything I was getting accomplished. The list turned out really good in my opinion:

• clipped coupons
• cleaned stove counters
• completed and mailed in two surveys
• clipped coupons for Cindy (and gave them to her)
• took the trash
• took the recycling
• put away dry dishes
• washed a load of dishes
• cleaned under my computer desk in the kitchen
• organized for the February cooking challenge
• went to Lowe's Food
• went to Rite Aid
• went dumpster diving
• went to church (and taught the lesson)
• had lunch with mom and dad
• cleaned our bathroom
  

At some point I quit listing things, sometime around midnight I think. That's a pretty good haul for one day, especially with a baby, and it's not often I have such an accomplished day. Take today for example. Same idea... results may vary...

• went to Family Dollar
• went to Lowe's Food
• went to Walgreens
• lunch date with Jenn and Claire
• went to work
• clipped coupons
• completed and mailed two rebates
• read two cooking magazines
• organized for another Walgreens trip in the future
• cleaned the dining room
• did one load of laundry
  
• packed five new bags for Fifi's and one new bag for the Coalition
• sent out one newsletter for Fed By Faith
  

Not nearly as much as yesterday but today I was also gone from the house from about 11am till almost 6pm. So not as much opportunity to get things done around here. And I am still working, technically, getting things cleaned up around here.

This week I've gotten a lot done after Brianna's bedtime. One night I was able to reorganize my entire closet and hope chest. I also reorganized the bathroom. We had all of our cleaning supplies in the lower cabinet but now that Brianna is crawling, I was worried she would open the cabinet while I'm in the shower (she loves to open the drawers already, but nothing hazardous in there but Q-tips!) and get into some of those supplies. So I cleaned it all out and they're now on the handy shelves that were built in above our bathtub. It looks neater and now I don't have to worry about Brianna swallowing bleach while I'm scrubbing away my odor.

Okay, I'm off of here. I still want to clean the kitchen before I go to bed. Thank goodness for a baby who sleeps in - otherwise I'd be draggin' the floors every day!!

December Pictures

I thought I had a ton more pictures to post from December, but it turns out most of them were too dark or blurry. So this is all you get.

Blessed

So, today I was going to Walgreens with one intention - get the RR from the Vicks deal. The only glitch is that I really needed four $2.00 coupons to use on the Day/Nyquil products. And the problem there is that since I only get one newspaper, I only had one of the $2.00 coupons from the latest P&G insert. I've been dumpster diving several times since then but never got another of that specific insert. I spent sooooo long going through the coupons I hadn't organized yet, double-checking them, and spreading my soon-to-expire coupons all over my dining room floor. Brianna loved that part. Finally, I gave up. I was irritated, practically sweating, and had messed up my entire kitchen and dining room just looking for coupons. It was at that point that I thought, "Good grief, do I have a problem???" I didn't really need the medicine, I was just getting it to stock up at a great price. I dug out my old $1.50 coupons. It was still going to be a good deal, after all, and I was starting to feel a little mentally insane.

Then I walked outside, still aggravated. I was going to check the mail.

And there it was.

A huge envelope from Tracey. And a stuffed envelope from Crystal. I knew then that I was an idiot.

Upon opening the envelopes of coupons from these two lovely ladies, I had three more $2.00 Vicks coupons - exactly the amount I had just spent all morning looking for. And I just stood at my kitchen counter, shaking my head.

Why do I constantly forget that God is in charge? Why do I constantly need reminders that He is over everything - including my grocery shopping? I can afford to stay at home with my incredible daughter because God has given me the gift of saving money (passed down from my mother). I completely believe that God throws coupons and good deals at me, He puts things on sale just when I've run out or absolutely need them. If that sounds ridiculous to you, then you don't understand God. Everyone's searching for miracles - miraculous healings, statues crying real blood, blah blah blah. We overlook miracles every single day because of looking for the big ones. It's a miracle that I'm able to buy enough groceries every month for my family and another family in Moore County. It's a miracle that the day after my husband runs out of coffee, the brand he uses goes on sale for half price.

God cares enough about us to provide for our needs - even if it is coffee!!

I've been down to one roll of toilet paper, wondering if I should just give in and buy some, and then the next thing I know I get a new coupon that matches up with a sale. Don't even tell me that's not God watching out for my household.

God is in the small stuff.

I hate the times when I realize how "human" my thinking is. I'm just glad God takes the time to remind us He cares, even when we've forgotten what He just did for us the day before. And I thank God for giving me the opportunity to laugh at myself. I just hope I won't forget this lesson by tomorrow.

By the way, I ended up giving away almost all of the items I got on that special. I really felt like it wasn't mine to keep. I knew there was someone else who needed a break as much or more than we did.

More Pictures

Okay, so here are the pictures from our family gathering in Georgia this year (my side of the family, that is). I never take a lot of pictures because I'm so wrapped up in talking, listening to music, singing, and eating. This year was no exception. But I still did take a few!

Okay, I am NOT trying to be vain. If you can click on this picture and blow it up, though, look at my eyelashes! Remember, I am product testing L'Oreal's lash boosting serum and mascara. I wonder if it's working.... Look for pictures of my au naturale lashes coming soon!

Nine Months... And Two Days

Belly laughs and DA DA DA DA DA DA. Standing up by herself and crawling over objects (including my legs) to get to what she really wants. Sleeping 12 glorious hours. Long naps twice a day. Starting to reach for people, including church members she doesn't see frequently and random grandparents in Chick Fil-A. Tastes everything. Eats everything. Turns pages in books. Squeals, kicks and bounces when in front of a mirror. Lovingly places her hands on my face and stares at me. Rarely cries. Naps in the bathroom. Loves to keep moving. Refuses to cuddle. A complete stinkerette, drama queen, whiner.

One of my all-time favorite people.

Yet Another

Remember Jenn's post about how she has too many blogs?

Add me to the list.

At risk of keeling over under mom's infamous eye roll, I have started yet another blog. I know this one can get cluttered easily under all my shopping trips, and there are many people who aren't interested in that aspect of my life.

Enter: The Frugal Report.

Okay, so I'm not very original but at least all of my blogs have a pattern. I hope to post even about my embarrassing, over-spending trips, give shout-outs to people who made my shopping easier, and just make you think, "Hey, I'm pretty sure I have that coupon somewhere around here..."

I may also start a budget in February and try to stick to the budget. I have always had a semi-budget but it's very loose - I can spend anywhere from $100-$200 during the month, but I feel like I really don't need to ever spend $200. Even when I save over $600 (December). So I'm going to start somewhere in the middle probably, close to $150, and then I'll be held accountable by the blogosphere to stick to it. And if not, hey, we give March a shot.

You're welcome to follow me over there....

Mail Call

Does anyone else like Purell hand sanitizer? I love their fruity smelling products. So I wrote them, telling them that, and I got these in the mail. How nice! Just a heads up for you readers.

Christmas in Georgia

I know, I'm pretty sure it's a sin that I haven't even blogged about Christmas yet, and stores already have their Valentine's Day things out. So here are my first set of pictures from Brianna's first Christmas in Georgia! These are with Stephen's family.

Brianna, you can't be tired! We're not even there yet!

O'ma, let me show you how to play with this toy.

Just a moment, let me pose for my close-up.

It's a present!!

First, let me see if I can guess what it is just by feeling it.

What!?!? No... it can't be!!!

Booties with bells!!! My favorite!

Look at my feet, O'ma!!

Whoa, I can stand on this present!

Let me help you, O'ma.

Back to work. No rest for the weary.

I didn't even get a picture of what the big present was... a swing for Brianna! It's already warming up here in the South. By our next visit perhaps Bri will be able to put that swing to use!

Rite Aid 1/13/10

Just when you thought I was done blogging about shopping trips. Well, I did tease you yesterday and say I was done. But it's so much easier to blog about that than real life! I'll get back to real life soon, I promise.

Rite Aid 1/13/10

GE light bulbs (2-pack)
RP $4.99. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 coupon. Minus $2.00 rebate. FP - Free

Mach3 disposable razors (3-pack)
RP $8.99. SP $5.99. Minus $3.00 coupon. Minus $1.00 rebate. FP - $1.99

Theraflu
RP $6.49. SP $4.99. Minus $2.00 coupon. Minus $3.00 rebate. FP - Free

Contac
RP $6.99. SP $4.99. Minus $2.00 coupon. Minus $4.99 rebate. FP - Free

Ramen Noodles (x3)
RP $0.49. SP/FP - $0.33

Chapstick
RP $1.99. SP/FP - $0.49

Cottonelle toilet paper (4-pack)
RP $3.99. SP $1.99. Minus $0.50 coupon. Minus $0.50 store coupon. FP - $0.99

Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice
RP $3.49. SP $1.74. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.74

One A Day women's vitamins
RP $0.99. SP/FP - $0.24

Final shopping total - Paid $15.18. Saved $10.00. Will receive $11.00 back in rebates, so spent $4.00 out of pocket.

Super Doubles Round 7 (Holy cow!!)

I'm not sure I really got any new stuff today, so I'll condense my shopping trip for y'all. Also, they're out of tons of stuff now and it looks like some of it isn't going to be restocked, so I guess I'm out of luck for some things!


Special K bars (x4) = Free

Lance crackers = Free

Wet Ones = Free

Gillette shaving cream = Free

Stayfree pads (x2) = $0.25 each

Reach floss (x2) = Free

Smart Balance sour cream (x2) = Free

Final shopping total - Spent $1.55. Saved $40.43. Will probably go out tonight to see if they're restocking...

Super Doubles Round 6

Those of you who don't coupon are probably thinking, "When is this stupid coupon event going to be over so Amanda will get back to her irregular infrequent blogging about her mundane life????" Well the answer is, tomorrow. Tomorrow will be my last trip. But for today, that's all you get. P.S. They were still out of most everything really good. So today wasn't a great day either.


Cream of Wheat
RP $3.99. SP $3.69. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.69

Rubbermaid tupperware
RP $4.59. SP $3.67. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.67

Marzatti fruit dip
RP $3.49. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.49

Airborne
RP $6.65. SP $2.34. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.34

Skinny Water (x3)
RP $1.25. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00/3 doubled. FP - $0.33 each

Bayer aspirin (x2)
RP $6.79. SP $2.44 and Buy One Get One Free (eVIC sale). Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.22 each

Beech-Nut baby food (x12)
RP $0.88. SP $0.44. Minus $1.00/6 doubled. FP - $0.11 each

Special K cereal bars (x4)
RP $3.29. SP $1.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. Minus $5.00 off when you buy 4 products. FP - Free

King Hawaiian rolls
RP $1.39. Minus $1.00 coupon doubled. FP - Free

Final shopping total - Spent $11.70, saved $50.49. Definitely mediocre. Let me say my excuses though. I splurged on the Cream of Wheat. I haven't had this since I was little and mom used to make it for me for breakfast. I bought it as a comfort food and I suddenly had a craving when I saw the coupon. The tupperware was a splurge but a necessity. The fruit dip was a splurge but I have a ton of apples to go with it, so it will be useful and delicious. Okay, that's all.

Super Doubles Round 5

Today was crazy in Harris Teeter, at least when I was there. They were out of stock of everything free (of course) so I didn't do as well today as normal.


Crisco olive oil
RP $6.99. SP $3.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.99

Listerine (x2)
RP $6.59. SP $3.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.99

Earthgrains bread
RP $3.49. SP $2.50. Minus $0.55 doubled. FP - $1.40

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter sticks (x2)
RP $2.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.99

Ziploc bags (x2)
RP $3.49. SP $1.75. Minus $1.00/2 doubled. FP - $0.75 each

Progresso Panko bread crumbs (x2)
RP $2.89. Minus $1.10 doubled. FP - $0.69

Grande tortilla chips
RP $3.49. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.50

Pasta Roni (x3)
RP $1.55. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00/3 doubled. FP - $0.33 each

Skinny Water (x3)
RP $1.25. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00/3 doubled. FP - $0.33 each

Bananas and Pears
RP $1.36 and $0.81. Minus $1.00 on any produce when you buy Earthgrains bread doubled. FP - $0.17

Idahoan potatoes
RP $1.39. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Yakisob dinner
RP $1.00. Minus $0.50 doubled. FP - Free

Tony's pizza
RP $1.49. SP $0.99. Minus $0.50 doubled. FP - Free

Smart Balance sour cream
RP $1.79. SP $0.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Oikos yogurt
RP $1.89. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Final shopping total - Spent $15, saved $50. Not as good as previous trips but I still got some stuff we can really use around the house.

Super Doubles Round 4

Another round of Super Doubles today at Harris Teeter. Got a couple of new things but a lot of things I'd gotten before too that were just too good to pass up.


Listerine mouthwash
RP $6.59. SP $3.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.99

Seventh Generation baby wipes
RP $3.69. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.69

Dawn detergent
RP $2.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.99

Electrasol tablets
RP $5.99. SP $2.99. Minus $2.50 coupon. FP - $0.49

Nature Made Vitamin D
RP $4.59. SP $2.29. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.29

Stayfree maxi pads (x2)
RP $3.49. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 doubled. Minus Buy One, Get One Free. FP - $0.25 each

Beech-Nut baby food (x12)
RP $0.88. SP $0.44. Minus $1.00/6 doubled. FP - $0.11 each

Tony's pizza (x2)
RP $1.49. SP $0.99. Minus $1.00/2 doubled. FP - Free

Lysol wipes (x3)
RP $3.19. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Special K cereal bars (x4)
RP $3.29. SP $1.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. Minus $5.00 off when you buy 4 products. FP - Free

Campbell's Select Harvest soup
RP $2.45. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Wet Ones
RP $2.89. Minus $1.50 doubled. FP - Free

Sun Crystals
RP $3.79. SP $1.80. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Lip Smacker chapstick
RP $1.99. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Bic pens
RP $1.97. SP $1.47. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Final shopping total: Spent $10.01. Saved $73.08.

I almost had a heart attack when the cashier handed me my receipt and said, "You saved $33.12." I honestly thought I was going to pass out. But then I realized she had circled my VIC savings, not my total savings. Whew!!

Fed By Faith Super Doubles Trip

I was so fortunate to receive a monetary donation for Fed By Faith a few months ago. I told the person that I was going to wait and use the money at a Super Doubles or Triples event so I could get much more stuff for that amount of money! So today, I went shopping for Fed By Faith. It was so much fun!! I hope you realize just how much stuff this really is, and how easy it is to buy cheap items that are great for donating. It also proves how much coupon donations are needed, so I can do this. And it proves that if all you can do is donate money, it will be put to GOOD USE!! Remember, all these coupons will double up to $1.98.



Rice-A-Roni (x3)
On sale for $1.00 each. Purchased 3 and used a $1.00/3 coupon which doubled. Final price - $0.33 each.

Bounty paper towels (2-pack)
$3.99. Used a $1.00 coupon. Final price - $1.99

Blue Diamond almonds
On sale for $3.99. Used a $1.00 coupon. Final price - $1.99

Vanity Fair plates
$3.19. Used a $1.00 coupon. Final price - $1.19

Beech-Nut baby food (x10)
On sale for $0.44 each. Used a $1.00/10 coupon. Final price - $0.24 each

Seventh Generation household cleaner
$3.49. Used a $1.00 coupon. Final price -$1.49

Listerine (x2)
Usually $6.59, on sale for $3.99. Used a $1.00 coupon. Final price - $1.99

Arm and Hammer toothpaste
$3.69. Used a $1.00 coupon. Final price - $1.69

Crest toothpaste (x3)
On sale for $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. Final price - $0.50 each

Gillette shaving cream
On sale for $2.49. Minus $1.00 coupon. Final price - $0.49

Vaseline lotion
$3.89. Minus $1.00 coupon. Final price - $1.89

Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo
On sale for $3.00. Minus $1.00 coupon. Final price - $1.00

Herbal Essence shampoo (x2)
On sale for $2.49. Minus $1.00 coupon. Final price -$0.49

Playtex cleansing wipes
On sale for $3.14. Minus $1.00 coupon. Final price - $1.14

A&D Diaper Rash Cream
$2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. Final price - $0.99

Band-Aid
On sale for $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. Final price -$0.50

Final shopping total - This is $90 worth of groceries. I paid just under $30 for all of this. That means each item was less than $1. And every item will go to Fed By Faith (along with a bunch of other items from other shopping trips I and other people have made this week!!) Thank you so much for all those who donate, no matter how it is that you give.

Super Doubles Round 3

Today was my best day so far at Super Doubles. This is probably my peak day - will only go downhill from here!


Lysol disinfecting wipes (x3)
RP $3.19. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Special K cereal bars (x4)
RP $3.29. SP $1.99 for three. SP $0.99 for one (VIC special). Minus 2 $1.00 coupons doubled. Minus $5.00 off entire purchase when you buy 4 Kelloggs products. FP - Free (actually, about -$2.00!)

Peter pan peanut butter (x3)
RP $2.59. SP on one $1.49 (VIC special). Minus $1.00 doubled. Minus Buy 2, Get 1 Free coupon. FP - $0.69 each

Beech-Nut baby food (x6)
RP $0.88. SP $0.44. Minus $1.00/6 doubled. FP - $0.11 each

Polaner preserves
RP $3.29. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Lance crackers
RP $2.99. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Sun Crystals (x2)
RP $3.79. SP $1.80. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Seventh Generation baby wipes
RP $3.69. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.69

Gillette shaving cream
RP $4.29. SP $2.49. Minus $1.50 doubled. FP - Free

Stayfree maxi pads (x2)
RP $3.49. SP $2.50. Minus $2.00 coupon. Minus Buy 1, Get 1 Free coupon. FP - $0.25 each.

Bic pens
RP $1.97. SP $1.47. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Nyquil cold (x2) (One liquid, one caplets)
RP $5.79 and $5.29. SP $3.99. Minus $1.50 doubled. FP - $0.99 each.

Puffs tissues
RP $2.19. Minus Free coupon when you purchase 2 Vicks items (the 2 Nyquils). FP - Free.

Final shopping total - Spent $8.48. Saved $73.30. Gotta be one of the best I've done!!

P.S. That comes out to just under $0.30 per item. :)

Super Doubles Round 2

Round two of Super Doubles at Harris Teeter brought a few new items today.



Rice-a-Roni (x6)
RP $1.59. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00/3 doubled. FP - $0.33 each

Hunt's tomatoes (4)
RP $1.35. SP $1.20. Minus $1.00/4 doubled. FP - $0.70 each

Ivory soap (x 2)
RP $1.45. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Beech-Nut baby food (x6)
RP $0.88. SP $0.44. Minus $1.00/6 doubled. FP - $0.11 each

Uncle Ben's rice (x2)
RP $2.29. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.29

Lance crackers
RP $2.99. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Sun Crystals (x2)
RP $3.79. SP $1.80. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - Free

Northland juice (x5)
RP $3.98. Sale - Buy 2, Get 3 Free. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $1.19 each

Gillette shaving cream
RP $4.29. SP $2.49. Minus $1.50 doubled. FP - Free

J&J baby soap bar
RP $2.29. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.29

Herbal Essence conditioner
RP $3.95. SP $2.49. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.49

4-Way Saline Spray
RP $3.59. Minus $1.50 doubled. FP - $0.59

Band-aids (x2)
RP $3.29. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 doubled. FP - $0.50 each

Final shopping total: Spent $11.07. Saved $69.17.

Super Doubles Round 1

Yes, it's that time again - Super Doubles at Harris Teeter! I don't get quite as excited about SD as I do about triples, but I'll take what I can get. So here is what I came up with today:


Endust
RP $4.49. Minus $1.50 coupon doubled. FP - $1.49

Dawn foaming dishwashing soap
RP $2.99. Minus $1.50 coupon doubled. FP - Free

Ivory soap
RP $1.45. Minus $1.00 coupon doubled. FP - Free

Marie Calendar dinner
RP $3.85. SP $3.00. Minus $1.50 coupon doubled. FP - Free

Lance crackers (x2)
RP $2.89. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 coupon doubled. FP - Free

Sun Crystals (x3)
SP $1.80. Minus $1.00 coupon doubled. FP - Free

J&J baby soap
RP $2.29. Minus $1.00 coupon doubled. FP - $0.29

Bic pens
RP $1.97. SP $1.47. Minus $1.00 coupon doubled. FP - Free

King Hawaiian rolls (x3)
RP $1.39. Minus $1.00 coupon doubled. FP - Free

Bayer aspirin caplets (x3)
RP $6.79. SP $2.44. Minus $1.00 coupon doubled. FP - $0.44

Bayer Quick Release
RP $4.99. Minus $1.50 coupon doubled. FP - $1.99

Final shopping total: Spent $6.49. Saved $58.63. If our darn sales tax wasn't so high I could have spent even less! Oh well!!

P.S.

Also, since I am doing the reading challenge of 100 books in 2010, I started a list on the side of my blog (over <--------- there) so you can see which books I've read. If I read any particularly good ones, I'll let ya know.

Christmas in Moore

Sadly, I took hardly any pictures at our family gathering on Christmas Day. But here are the few that turned out:






Brianna was highly entertained by her daddy in this video. You may have to watch it more than once to pick out her laughter - there is some background noise - but it was so funny!!

New Year, New Blog Post

I almost forgot to blog today. I'm not attempting to blog every day in January, but I might as well at the moment. I just finished writing an article and Stephen and Jenn are sitting here playing Mario Kart so I'm going to blog while I wait for them to go to bed. Stephen bought Mario Kart for the Wii with some of his Christmas money and we've played it every day since he bought it. It came with a steering wheel which is really cool. The other thing we've done almost every day since being here is called The Game of Things. I'm not sure if I've previously blogged about it or not. It is SO COOL and was my birthday present from my in-laws. It has become a pattern for them to buy me a game for all of us to play together.

This one, one person reads the question. For example, "Things you don't want to say to a police officer." Each player comes up with answers and then you try to match the phrase to the person. People come up with some crazy answers. Like, "What's the occifer, problem?" "Want a donut?" Or one question was, "Things you shouldn't play catch with." Some of the answers were, "Newborn babies", "Stevie Wonder", and "Testicles". The game is pretty rowdy!! I wish I had written some of the funniest ones down because my stomach hurts from laughing during this game. Sooooo funny.

Okay, I'm ready for bed. I'll blog more later. We decided today that we want to stay an extra day in Georgia so we're not leaving tomorrow after all! We'll drive home Sunday now - unless we get snowed in. :)