Joy of Frugal Living

Birth Announcement!

2009-07-21T19:15:00.002-04:00

Our little boy was born on July 16th. We are all doing very well and having the most fantastic time.

It was a scary birth in the end. After a fantastic labor, we had an emergency c-section because his heart rate was falling dangerously with the contractions. It turned out his cord was coming out first. We are so thankful for good medical care right now.

I will send out an email to those who sent me their addresses, but it may be a week or so. We are having a lovely week off together as a family, and the c-section recovery is definitely slowing me down a bit. But I wanted to share our wonderful news, and say thank you again for your prayers.

Best wishes to all!

Good News, Not Quite So Good News, and Blogging

2009-05-21T18:02:00.005-04:00

The good news - my husband passed his dissertation defense! We are thrilled. I am so thankful that this is finally done, and before the baby arrives.

The not quite so good news - I'm not quite on bedrest, but approaching it. I'm having too many contractions if I do too much. Fortunately, I have been able to keep it under control by resting, and haven't needed any nasty drugs or a hospital stay. Hopefully it will stay that way!

This is forcing me to take prioritizing to a whole new level and to outsource some things I can't do anymore. I've hired out the cleaning and I'm ordering more things - including groceries - online. It's quite a change, but I think the experience may be useful as I consider what is best in the future.

Now to blogging - if I honestly consider my priorities, where does blogging fall? It has to fall very low on the list. It is fun, I do enjoy being part of the community. But I've got tons of things I've been meaning to write about for six months and haven't gotten to. I've got even more real life tasks I want or need to do. Finishing the PhD project has just given us more energy for our other endeavors - things that will truly build a better future for our family. It doesn't seem right to write about spending time and money well, and yet have that writing actually be an example of the opposite.

So I think I must do what I know is best and spend my time on other, more important things. I'm going to leave the blog up for the time being, and will certainly let you all know when the baby arrives safely. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your prayers and well wishes through this pregnancy. I'm still reading blogs, so it's not like I'm disappearing entirely. Who knows, maybe I will change my mind and come back to it in the future. With the exception of posting about his birth, I definitely plan to take now through the first few months of the baby's arrival off.

Anyway, best wishes to all. I will see you around. :)

Best Buys of Last Week

2009-05-12T12:11:00.004-04:00

I got a couple good deals last week. It was something fun to do while my husband finished writing his dissertation! :)

Walgreens

First, they paid me a dollar to take home some toothpaste - it was free after Register Rewards and I had a dollar coupon. Then I picked up my free 8 x10 photo (used a coupon code to order online). I also picked up a card for a wedding we attended over the weekend and some store brand Tums - both very much needed. This used up the Register Rewards immediately. Normally I like rolling them into the next week, but given our somewhat unpredictable life right now, I'm trying to just spend them on things I need anyway, right away.

CVS

I did the cereal deal, where three cereals (Special K was my choice) were $5 after ECBs. I also had two $1 off coupons, so this made it a dollar a box (could have been better if I had printed out the right third coupon - oops). I also picked up the free toothpaste (after ECBs) that they were offering. I immediately spent the ECBs on Mother's Day cards for our moms, and a package of baby wipes - on sale with a coupon they were a great deal.

Hallmark

I also needed a Mother's Day card for my grandmother. That one I picked up for free online using a coupon code I learned about at moneysavingmom.com.

The deals mostly don't look quite as exciting for this week, at first glance, but I'm going to see what I can come up with. I am enjoying doing a little stocking up with drugstore items and as I food shop. I hope I can make it so we don't need to buy too much when the baby first arrives.

Another Little Break...

2009-05-07T07:08:00.002-04:00

I feel I am being totally inconsistent with posting here, but my life is pretty inconsistent right now too. The next few days the computer will be used almost exclusively by my husband, and hopefully at the end of that time his doctoral dissertation and defense presentation slides will be DONE!! The defense is about two weeks, so it will be good to be finished in advance.

So I'll see you next week. If you have a moment, pray for us that all will go well. This has been a long time coming through some really hard years.

I can barely imagine life in a few months - a healthy baby out here with us, and a husband who comes home and doesn't have to spend weeknights and Saturdays writing. I can't wait!

Diapers...

2009-05-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

So far, I've stocked up on disposables as I have seen excellent sales - my most recent purchase was Huggies for less than $4 a pack. Not only am I happy to get these good deals now, and spread out my spending on baby items, I think it will be great to have a supply in the house - no need to run out and buy them.

We are generally into environmentally friendly choices and seriously considered cloth, but my primary support people (MIL and SIL) and REALLY not into doing cloth. I know I will want the help, so I figured I might as well go with the convenience and just do disposable. Also, from some of what I have read, it is unclear whether cloth, which require a lot of resources in washing, are actually better for the environment than disposables.

But I was reminded the other day of what I had originally wanted to use - gDiapers. These seemed like the perfect balance between the convenience of disposable (the icky part breaks up and flushes) and cloth (reusable outside part). Someone I know is using them and just loves them. So I am tempted to give them a try.

As I mentioned this to my husband yesterday, I remembered the other reason we had opted to go with disposable - we only have a bathroom on the second floor. I plan to have a diaper changing station (part of the pack and play) downstairs in my living room, to make life easier. I'm not sure planning to have to go upstairs for every diaper change is a good plan - especially given my increased C-section odds.

Right now, I'm going to keep looking for good disposable deals - I'm sure we'll use them when we're out, and perhaps overnight, even if we do try the gDiapers for regular use. Any thoughts from the more experienced moms on this? I know this is an issue people have strong feelings about - don't worry, you can't offend me on this!

Giant - Double $1 Coupons

2009-05-05T07:10:00.000-04:00

This week's Giant flyer came with four $1 coupon doubler coupons. You can use each of these plus a $1 manufacturer's coupon to get $2 off an item. This can be a great opportunity to pick up free or near free items.

The details: "With any purchase of $15 or more (after all discounts have been subtracted and before sales tax has been added, where applicable.) Limit one item per manufacturer's coupon. Coupon excludes tobacco products, lottery tickets, milk and pharmacy items. Limit 4 coupons per household." This promotion goes from May 3 through May 9.

There is sometimes variation among Giant stores, so it is possible this promotion will not be this week at your Giant.

Losing My Fear of the Sewing Machine

2009-05-04T12:15:00.003-04:00

I've always thought being able to sew was a good and useful skill to have. My mother made sure I had basic hand sewing skills, and certainly let me try her machine - but somehow the machine and I never got a long well. My sister has had trouble with it too, so I'll hope it's not just me. I've made a few things over the years - mainly simple curtains and even a very basic dress once. But it's always something I have felt uneasy about trying - not at all sure I'll succeed.

Last year, one of our good friends moved to Europe and left us many of his electric appliances, figuring they probably wouldn't last too long with the difference in electricity there (he was right - the few things he took burned out fast despite being good quality). This included an old sewing machine he had inherited from an aunt and seldom used. So now, instead of borrowing my mom's sewing machine, which doesn't like me anyway, I can use his equally old but somehow much more friendly machine. So far I've done just a few little projects, but I have had absolutely no problems with it.

First, I made a little pillow to support my pregnant tummy. I already had the fabric (actually recycled from an old piece of clothing) and the stuffing, and I like the small size - the ones you can buy in the store are pretty big. The fabric I picked goes with our bedding, so I actually leave it out as an extra little decorative pillow too.

Next, I decided to use up more cloth from recycled clothing and some of the dried lavender I've had for way too long. I guess I must have stored it well, because it still smells wonderful. I made little sachets for our bed, and it really does help make our bedroom even more relaxing. Natural scents are definitely the best.

Inspired by Anne Marie's plans to work on using her craft supplies (rather than buying more), I'm going to try to do the same this month. I need to make some pillowcases for the daybed in the baby's room. I need to finish our travel scrapbooks - I'll need some new supplies for this, but will do what I can with what I have first. I am gradually working on my painting skills (mostly oils and acrylics), and I have lots of supplies I can use for that stuff. I've had some oil pastels sitting around for a while that I haven't really given a fair try - definitely on the list for this month. I have fabric for at least two simple skirts, which I really should make as soon as possible. (Edited to add - I keep forgetting the baby blanket I really want to have done before the baby gets here. It is a beautiful - but slow - cable knit pattern. I really need to get going on that too!)

I definitely feel like I'm slowing down a little as I approach 30 weeks, so staying home more and having fun with what I already have is just my speed!

Another Goal Accomplished!

2009-05-01T21:59:00.002-04:00

My husband and I just got back from celebrating the accomplishment of our latest big goal - a fully funded "big" emergency fund. We now have enough that we could live simply for a year with no income, or much longer with some kind of lesser income. It's not exciting in the same way as paying off the debt was - but it is freeing and relaxing.

Next goal - paying for a house in cash. This one is huge, but we are excited about it. The only way to get there is to start working on it and be consistent. When I think of the kind of example this could be for our kids, it is really inspiring.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

(P.S. - My apologies for the infrequent postings. Between my husband working on his PhD and the crazy hot weather keeping me out of the room where our computer lives, I just haven't had the time. Hopefully next week will go better.)

Hot Weather!

2009-04-27T11:06:00.002-04:00

It is SO hot here, totally crazy for April. It was over 90 yesterday. There is no question that I feel hotter being pregnant than I normally would. We even put an air conditioner in our bedroom window to help me sleep, and it is making a big difference. Other than that, I'm opening the windows when it is cooler in the evening and closing them up in the morning before it gets too hot. Our many ceiling fans help out too.

I'm glad I have some leftovers and salad stuff for us to use up in the next few days. It will be a lot better than cooking new hot food.

I hope you are enjoying lovely weather, wherever you are. :)

Swagbucks

2009-04-23T13:42:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you've all heard about Swagbucks by now - the site that pays you in gift cards and prizes to do your searches there. You randomly win points based on your searches, and there are other ways to earn points as well - shopping through them, and through codes sometimes placed on their blog. I've stuck with searches for the most part, as I'm not inclined to put much effort into this sort of thing, but I'm happy to earn for something I'd do anyway. I have earned and used my first gift card, for amazon.com - so it definitely works. The search results do have sponsored searches among them, but these are clearly marked and the other results come from Google and ask.com, so they are good quality.

If you haven't tried this yet, I would encourage you to do so. It's way easier than taking surveys, and in my opinion, way more fruitful for your time (especially since it takes almost no extra time to use). I have basically stopped doing surveys because the payout for my time is so incredibly low, but this is not a bother.

(If you sign up through the link above, I'll benefit from your searches too, just to let you know. If you do this, thanks!)

Library Marketing

2009-04-22T17:52:00.002-04:00

As I drove by our local library yesterday, their digital sign displayed the following message:

Buy none, they're all free!

I thought that was cute. I have been using the library so much lately. I think I may be afraid I'll never get to learning some of the stuff I want to if I don't do it now. Of course, you can check out 25 books at once, but it's still unlikely you'll read them all. Anyway, I love the library, and I love it more than ever now that I don't work there. All the fun, none of the problems. :)

Planning

2009-04-20T13:30:00.003-04:00

I think I'll be doing only a loose menu plan this week too. Things are very busy around here. My husband has been taking days off and working on finishing up his dissertation. The lack of computer time has probably been a good thing for me, and he's nearly done. We are SO excited by the idea of him being done with this. My only advice about PhDs - only ever pursue one if it will get you to work you really really want. In my husband's case, he did need it to do what he does - and even then it has been tempting to not finish since he already has the good job from it. I am looking forward to moving on to other challenges.

I'm working on a list of baby preparations I'd like to do. I want to be done a month before my due date, due to the concerns about a possible early induction (though I'll be trying to avoid that too). I have just under 13 weeks until my due date.

I'm planning to start cooking larger batches of food and freezing some in about a month.
After my shower, I'm going to hopefully fill in whatever else I want at garage sales - realistically I am already doing pretty well in terms of needs.
I want to get back onto decluttering, and do a thorough cleaning.
I'm already starting to stock up on thing - paper products, toiletries, diapers. I want to avoid having to shop as much as possible for a while after the baby gets here.
In general, I'm taking care of anything I can now - appointments, working on our yearly goals. Some things, like purchasing a new computer (ours is five years old) will happen post-PhD. I should have my garden going pretty well by the end of May - my husband has been happy to help a little with that on his rest days.

Any suggestions? What am I missing?

Menus and Other Plans

2009-04-13T15:58:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. We definitely enjoyed ours.

My menu plan for this week is going to be loose. We brought a bunch of Easter leftovers home and I want to eat these things first. Plus, my husband will be home doing dissertation work at the end of this week again, which always throws things off. One thing I am sure of - we will be having pizza this week. Pizza was what my husband gave up for Lent and he is ready to have some again!

I'm also working on planning and preparing for baby. I learned recently that I will not be allowed to go past my due date and will have a lot of testing to see if they want to induce me toward the end - all thanks to the gestational diabetes. I have kept it under control really well, but there is just no way around it being quite a nuisance. My doctors appointments alone will be like a part time job in another month or so. Plus, the chances of our little guy getting here early seem much higher than I would have previously anticipated. So I am going to get to work on the rest of our preparations. I think we're at a good point right now, and I'll post more later about my specific plans.

And now a random question for you moms out there: Did you have any problems with feeling like you are going to pass out during pregnancy? I have had this many times over the last few months. I have wondered if it is related to the naturally lower blood pressure of the second trimester. Oddly, it happens almost exclusively at church. There is a lot of standing up, going back down, but I'm able to do such things as jog even during the week. Maybe it's the lack of air circulation and so many people around? Maybe I'm allergic to something there? Maybe being first thing in the morning doesn't help? I made it through Good Friday there - in the afternoon - with almost no problem. I'm thinking about trying our Saturday afternoon mass instead, but I rather like doing church on Sunday. Any suggestions would be very welcome!! It leaves me feeling wiped out for the rest of the day.

Happy Holidays

2009-04-08T09:32:00.003-04:00

I will be taking off of blogging for the long weekend. Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all!

I'm planning to use my days of no computer (due to my husband working extra on his dissertation) to get a lot done around the house. Hopefully I'll return with many projects crossed off my list.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-04-06T11:07:00.003-04:00

This week our schedule is a bit unusual, with my husband home extra days and several family meals. I also want to use some things up.

Monday - Leftover New Orleans Rice and Beans from last week (this was very yummy!), salad

Tuesday - Leftover Sausage and Peppers with Rigatoni, salad

Wednesday - Packaged channa masala and a pea dish, basmati rice

Thursday - Lunch (husband will be home) - Turkey and cheese sandwiches

Dinner - Spaghetti with meatballs, salad

Friday - Lunch (husband will be home) - vegetable soup, bread

Dinner - With family

Saturday - Lunch - leftover soup

Dinner - Egg salad sandwiches on homemade bread

Sunday - family meals all day

I should only need to buy salad and bread (or maybe I'll make bread) for this week, plus probably some items for snacks. I am SO hungry lately!

For more menu ideas, head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Frugal Friday - Fragrance-Free Hair Care Alternatives

2009-04-03T08:32:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted about how I replaced regular lotion to avoid fragrances, because I've had such a problem with smells during this pregnancy. This week I thought I would share how I have eliminated shampoo, conditioner and most styling products too.

In total desperation, as I kept almost throwing up when I took a shower due to the fragrances, I turned to the internet to look into the whole no-shampoo thing. I had tried this before, after reading the book Curly Girl (which has many good ideas, worth a read if it's relevant, it taught me how to do my own haircuts), but found my hair got greasy using her system - just conditioner, used both on the scalp and the ends in different stages. I needed to try something different this time anyway, since using just conditioner wouldn't eliminate the smells.

My new system is simple. About once a week, now that my scalp has adjusted, I shampoo with a paste of baking soda and water. In the beginning I did it every few days and slowly spaced it out as my scalp stopped pumping out so much oil. In place of conditioner, I rinse with diluted lemon juice. I pour a few tablespoons in the bottom up a plastic cup, then fill the cup the rest of the way with water when I'm ready to rinse. You would have to experiment with the best technique for your hair here - I do it in sections and comb through with my fingers to get any knots. On non-shampoo days, I just do the lemon juice rinse.

This was great, but I still had a problem - I needed gel or leave in conditioner to help my curls set up. Finally, I had to give this up because of the smell. Amazingly, after a little time using the baking soda and lemon juice I found that styling products were no longer necessary. I think it is because I'm not stripping the oil from my hair in the same way, so I don't need anything artificial to help hold it back down. Now I simply comb through my hair and let it air-dry, and it comes out looking as good as it ever did with products. I know, this is hard to believe if you are used to products, but believe me - I have curly hair and deal with frizz all the time. I actually find this works better than any product I have tried, after the initial adjustment.

While baking soda and lemon juice are cheap, they are not as cheap as free shampoo and conditioner from the drugstore game. Vinegar, which most people use, would be even cheaper than bottled lemon juice (don't use fresh - you can get pulp in your hair - yes, I have done it), but I don't like the smell. However, eliminating styling products, which I had to be pickier about to look good, more than makes up for that small cost. Plus, this system is healthier for me and the environment and is actually easier. I just love it and I'm never going back.

I know the idea of this stuff scares people, because it sounded scary to me. But I strongly recommend trying it. I've been doing this since November. I wanted to really give it a good test before writing about it.

Head over to Life As Mom for more frugal ideas.

Maternity Clothes Shopping

2009-04-01T12:47:00.003-04:00

Until this week, all but a few of my maternity clothes either came from thrift stores or were hand-me-downs. I had purchased a few things at Old Navy last time I was pregnant, on a major sale. I have been very happy with the assortment of things I have, and really haven't felt very restricted for choice at all - getting things inexpensively has allowed me to have plenty.

I found that I had two needs that were not getting met by my thrift store items - a nice dress for an upcoming wedding and some jeans that my expanding belly wouldn't push down (the under the belly kind are great early on - not now - and I can't deal with tights for skirts as I normally would). So I headed to Destination Maternity, which is a combination of A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity, and the only maternity store nearby.

I did find just what I needed, and at a pretty reasonable price for new. I got two cute dresses, which will work for the wedding, my shower and my husband's graduation events. I got some over-the-belly jeans that are MUCH better. But part of the shopping experience really surprised me.

I had been thinking that the only downside to thrift store clothes shopping was that sales were final - no returns. As it turns out, Destination Maternity does not do returns for any discounted item (however small the discount) and other items can only be returned for store credit within 10 days. An extremely limited return policy. I got my stuff anyway, as I was confident I wanted to keep it.

But it was funny, when I made my next stop - the thrift store - I felt a little happier about my shopping experience. I had been imagining that regular retail would be much better, but actually it wasn't.

The important thing, for me, is that I have kept well within my small clothes budget and I'm totally happy with what I have. I know everyone says you'll be sick of your maternity clothes by the time the baby arrives, but I'm really not feeling much frustration after about three months in these clothes. I'm excited about the seasons changing so I can wear all of the great skirts with stretchy waists that I have found. And maybe it's just me, given the trouble we've been through to get here, but I am enjoying my pregnant shape. (I do realize I am probably at the best point here and it will get harder as I get bigger.) Maternity clothes shopping has been lots of fun for me - and I've spent less than $150 for a nice wardrobe.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-03-30T10:36:00.005-04:00

This week I'm try a few new things with cooking meat. I haven't been impressed by the pre-made meatballs I've purchased, so I'm going to try making my own. Touching raw meat sounds scary, but I'm sure I'll get over it - I did it when I was younger. I'm also trying a yummy sounding slow cooker dish with beans and sausage thanks to Anne Marie.

Monday - Rice and spicy tomatoes, beans, salad

Tuesday - Leftovers or a sandwich - husband out to dinner with former co-workers

Wednesday - Spaghetti with homemade meatballs, vodka sauce (leftover to use up), salad

Thursday - New Orleans Red Beans and Rice (slow cooker meal for a busy day)

Friday - Salmon pasta (new recipe to try), cooked carrots

Saturday and Sunday will likely be meals with family.

Head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menus.

Favorite Frugal Recipe - Baked Custard

2009-03-26T13:32:00.000-04:00

We love this baked custard recipe from Hillbilly Housewife. It is nutritious, relatively inexpensive and easily made with stuff we always have on hand. It even used powdered milk in a way you totally don't notice. We've been having it at least once a week for the past month or so, though I first tried it over a year ago. I'm trying to include more foods with protein and calcium for the baby, and this is a good one.

I reduce the sugar amount a little (you could try a substitute too if this is an issue for you), and I add extra vanilla and cinnamon because we like those things. I usually serve it with a small amount of some kind of fruit, such as blackberries or blueberries. For a simple, no-sugar-added sauce, mush up some of your berries and also include some whole ones. This looks like a fancier restaurant sauce, but is very quick and easy, with no extra sugar.

My grandmother used to make custards like this when I was growing up, and even though I didn't like them that much at the time, it still seems like a comfort food now. I'm going to try to branch out and try some variations on this going forward - if anyone has a suggestion, let me know!

Gestational Diabetes Update

2009-03-25T14:15:00.000-04:00

Things are going very well. With the exception of the day I decided I was eating my birthday cake whether it was good for me or not, my blood sugar numbers have been excellent to low. While I still don't like the process of doing the testing, I love having the information it gives me. I determined that while my drastic cutback in carbs made me feel much better than having too many, I was a little lower than optimal for having energy through the day. With some adjustments, I'm figuring out how to balance things better.

I think the most significant change was one I would not have guessed - I stopped eating fruit in the morning. Most days I started with what seemed like a healthy meal, including some fruit. When I stopped this I felt SO much better, and the dietician said this is very common, so they recommend this change to everyone with GD. I'm still managing to eat some fruit by having it for dessert with a lower carb meal. I am very happy to have figured this trick out - I love fruit.

I almost ran out and bought a glucose meter and supplies myself, but after I realized how much the test strips costs - more than a dollar per strip - I held off and waited for the doctor to prescribe it. As a prescription, it's not too expensive.

At the same appointment, I had another ultrasound which showed us that our busy little boy (still a boy, figured we might as well check!) is right on target for weight. Hopefully, if I keep things under control, it will stay that way.

Last, I learned something very helpful for me in terms of treatments, and since I do get a bunch of visitors from search engine hits, I figured I'd share it here and hope it helps someone. If you are allergic to sulfa antibiotics, you should not take glyburide. These things are closely related enough that if you have a strong reaction to sulfa (as I do) you should not try it. While I don't need it now, the doctor did say that some might suggest combining glyburide with my metformin, if things get worse. He wanted to be sure I knew it was dangerous, in case whatever doctor I saw that day didn't catch my sulfa allergy - this sort of thinking is why he is our favorite perinatologist. It's a little extra motivation to eat right too, since this means I have no other treatment option before adding insulin, which with my PCOS I am extremely reluctant to consider.

Hopefully we won't have to get to that decision though. I'm feeling SO much better, and I'm getting a lot more done these days. I am able to feel the baby move more and more often as he gets bigger, and I just love it. It's very reassuring and it's fun to interact with him in some way. Getting to the point of "viability," should he be born early, was a big goal in my mind, and I'm so happy we've passed it without any sign of trouble. As I feel more relaxed I just keep having more and more fun with it - despite the increasing discomforts. It's a small price to pay for something so wonderful.

Wear It Out, Make It Do...

2009-03-24T14:10:00.000-04:00

I have one of those foam-cushioned little rugs you stand on in the kitchen, at the sink or at the stove. I find it really helps take the stress off my hips, back and feet. I've had the same one for at least three and a half years.

The manufacturers were clever and used a sort of worn looking image for the top to begin with - so that part isn't looking too bad. What happens from time to time is that the corners of this layer with the image begin to curl up away from the foam layer. Then it looks awful and ready for the trash.

My quick fix is to take my hot glue gun and glue the corners back down. This lasts many months, and I've done it several times now. I just did it again, and it's such a quick little job it's ridiculous. I figure that save $15 - $20 on a new one, plus it's one less thing in the trash, and one less trip to the store.

Making Your Home a Haven - Morning Routine

2009-03-23T15:36:00.004-04:00

As I try to get my act together, now that I am feeling better with my gestational diabetes, I'll try to follow along with the re-started Making Your Home a Haven, now at TammysRecipes.com. This week we are writing out a morning routine. Mine has changed a bit lately, so here are my five things:

- Test blood sugar
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- 30 minutes of exercise bike or walking
- Shower
- Dress

I still hope to spend some time helping my husband out in the morning and spending time together, and often I'll do that in between breakfast and exercise, but this covers all days, including those that I sleep in past when he leaves. (Trying to be realistic!) Staying healthy is the most important thing I can do for all of us.

After this stuff is done I get into my homemaking routine. There is a danger in putting off exercising and doing housework first, as I bet many of you have also encountered. It's most likely to be done if I do it first. I enjoy listening to a Dave Ramsey podcast while using the otherwise boring bike, and time seems to fly.

Menu Plan Monday - Use It Up

2009-03-23T13:54:00.006-04:00

This week I am aiming to use up some food items that I have around already.

I'll do a gestational diabetes update sometime soon, but basically I am finding I cut back a little further than I needed to in the beginning. Using my glucose meter, I'm finding I can add back in some more carb foods, carefully, and that my energy is a little higher if I hit neither too high or too low. It's experimental, but I'm feeling much better!

Monday - Rice and pinto beans (previously slow cooked, in freezer), sour cream, guacamole (leftover); salad with red bell pepper (leftover from yesterday's lunch with guests), pepper jack cheese, ranch dressing

Tuesday - Sundried tomato pesto (will use up parsley from yesterday's lunch), Dreamfield's pasta; salad

Wednesday - Indian food - channa masala from canned items, some prepared stuff we have sitting around, and basmati rice (not too much for me!)

Thursday - Dal (using channa dal) and rice and yogurt; any leftovers from Wednesday; salad

Friday - Salmon pasta dish; salad with goat cheese (using up leftover here too)

Saturday - Homemade pasta sauce and ravioli (leftover from last week - don't want to let them get freezer burned); salad

We'll probably have Sunday dinner away from home, so that should do it!

The only things I'll need to buy this week, including for breakfasts and probably lunches, are salad, yogurt and sundried tomatoes. I'll use the extra room in my budget to stock on up some other things, as we prepare for baby.

Head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie to see more menus.

Super Savings Saturday - Diapers and Walgreen's

2009-03-21T12:56:00.000-04:00

I began my baby supplies stash this week. I used the great coupons Crystal posted and went to Giant. In the end I think I paid more than I'd like for the size 3s, but I hadn't really done my homework before this trip. The size 1s were about $5 each and the size 3s were about $10 each I think. On average this isn't awful, but I won't pay that much in the future. Even just the convenience of having them already is worth something to me - I'm planning to stock up on everything I can before the baby arrives. I'm saving the receipt to use at Caregiver's Marketplace for cash back. Sign up here was easy, and since I also buy Depends for my grandmother this will be useful for me.

(By the way, the diapers are photographed on a cute and free crib sheet in my free crib. As I've said before, one advantage of having 4 pregnancies to get one baby is lots time to acquire free items along the way. I am really looking forward to getting to use this stuff!)

Next I hit Walgreen's. I started by getting 8 bars of Dove soap, which is one of the only kinds of soap my husband's sensitive skin can tolerate. I paid $10.10 with tax, and I got a $10 RR coupon. In my second transaction I got three boxes of tissues at 89 cents each and two packages of Charmin toilet paper for $3.59 per six rolls - both of which we needed. I threw in a roll of paper towels to make it over the $10 RR coupon and paid 76 cents. Since this was all stuff we needed, I was really happy with this trip.

My plan for stocking up before the baby includes getting canned and dry goods and especially paper products. I had just stocked up on toilet paper before I got pregnant, and that supply lasted us into the second trimester. I was so happy to have that stash when I was feeling so awful. I just know it will be comforting to have a good supply before the baby arrives, so I'm planning to start getting these sort of items when I see good opportunities. I'm so happy to be feeling well enough to shop again - finding out I have gestational diabetes was such a gift, since now that I'm watching my blood sugar I can reliably feel well enough to get things done!

As of right now, Super Savings Saturday is not up at Money Saving Mom, and this may be my only chance to post - so I probably won't link in. Still, head over there and hopefully you'll be able to see what other people have been doing to save money.

Giant - Double $1 Coupons

2009-03-20T14:20:00.001-04:00

Next week's Giant flyer came with four $1 coupon doubler coupons. You can use each of these plus a $1 manufacturer's coupon to get $2 off an item. This can be a great opportunity to pick up free or near free items.

There is sometimes variation among Giant stores, so it is possible this promotion will not be next week at your Giant.