A Momma and the Boys Living on a Budget

Frugal Dinner planning Mar 30th

2008-03-31T01:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday Dinner over my mom

Mom Steak stir fry ( I didn't realize I got stir fry steak on marked down we usually do not do stir fry)

Tues Chicken, veggies and roasted potatoes

Wed Pork chops (I picked up a ton of thin cut pork chops that were on meat marked down-good deal)

Thurs Fish sticks and roasted potatoes

Fri Layered Ground beef crockpot

Sat Pizza

CVS weekly extra care bucks deals 3/30-4/5

2008-03-30T04:41:00.000-07:00

Here are the CVS starting today Of course check your coupons to see if you can match any up. I

ECB Specials
$5 ECB WYB $15 of the following: Fantastik, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout,
Windex$.2.99, Palmolive Dish Soap $0.99, Suavitel Fabric conditioner 2/$7.00 – Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB 3 Kiss or Broadway Artificial Nails - Limit 1
$4.99 ECB WYB Softsoap Spa 12 oz - $4.99
$5 ECB WYB $15 Maybelline cosmetic item - Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Zantac 150 (24 ct) or Zantac 75 (30 ct) - 9.99 - Limit 1

$10 ECB WYB Accu-Chek Diabetes Monitoring Kit (Avia or Compact Plus) $19.99 Limit 2

$3 ECB WYB Bowl Appetite or Fiber One Bars 2 pk - $6.99 – Limit 5
$1 ECB WYB Gold Emblem Roasted or Smoked Almonds 21.6 oz - $7.99 – Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB Three (3) Essence of Beauty Cosmetic Accessories or Bath Products – Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB $15 Neutrogena Skin Care – Limit 5
$10 ECB WYB 24.7 Skin Care products – Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB $15 of any Caress, Dove, Lever Bar Soap or Dove Body wash – Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB $15 Garnier items – Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB $15 Clean & Clear - starting at $4.29 – Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB any University Medical Acne or Skin Care with regular retail price $19.99 or more – Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB $15 of Jergens Moisturizer, natural glow (excludes 10 oz and trial sizes). John Freida Collection shampoo, conditioner or styler, Biore, Curel – Limit 5
$3 ECB WYB Two (2) Mennen Deodorant - 2/$6 – Limit 5
$3 ECB WYB Colgate 360 degree Micro Sonic toothbrush – Limit 5
$2 ECB WYB $10 Abbott Nutrition product – Limit 5
$10 ECB WYB CVS/pharmacy One-Time-Use Video Camcorder - 29.99 – Limit 5
$10 ECB WYB CVS/pharmacy Digital One-Time-Use Camera - 19.99 – Limit 5
$3 ECB WYB Photo Book - 12.99 – Limit 5

$5 ECB WYB $15 Nivea, Nivea for Men or Eucerin - Limit 10

Buy ONE Get ONE FREE
Natures Bounty Vitamins or Supplements
Colgate Toothpaste or Toothbrush
CVS Alkaline Batteries
All L’Oreal Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer or Lipcolor
Olay Body Wash
Twizzlers
CVS Fish Oil or Coenzyme Q10
CVS Calcium Supplements
Life Fitness

Buy ONE Get ONE 50% off
Adult of Childrens Sunglasses
All lumene
Styli-Style or prestige cosmetics
Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Tommy, Ralph Lauren or Liz Clairborne
All L’Oreal Mascara, Eye Shadow, or Liner
Ellin LaVar Hair Care
Marc Anthony Hair Care
Optimum Care Relaxer or Oil Therapy
Scunci Kids or Fashion Ornamentals
CVS Baby Care
Bic Disposable Razors
Reading Glasses by magnavision
All Icy Hot products
CVS Food Storage Bags or Wrap

Friday Freebies and coupons

2008-03-28T03:04:00.000-07:00

The Baltimore Life Companies - Freebie For Baby

Take the Unisom 8-Day Challenge

Ultra Antacid by Zicam sample

Estroven: Special Offers and Promotions by Estroven $3.00 off coupon

KnowMenopause Inside & Out DVD, featuring Cheryl Ladd.

Fiber One® Cereal

Gerber baby food sample

ZingiberRx - Topical joint and muscle pain relief cream for arthritis sufferers. sample

- Request Form for Food Allergy and Intolerance Survival Guide

Free t-shirt from ohshot.com

GoldBond

freebie newsletter

Frugal Spring Lawn care tips

2008-03-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Now that we are in the early stages of spring, there are plenty of things to do to prepare your lawn for the coming weeks. For the month of March, we will focus on several lawn care topics of interest: Compost, Irrigation, and Mowing

Compost

Organic compost is one of the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to treat your lawn. At this point in the season, you should take great care not to apply any fertilization too early, which can lead to overwhelming growth while the weather is still cold and can cause stress to the turf. However, compost comprised of clippings from mowing your lawn can be gathered together and applied to your lawn later in the month or even at the beginning of April. Besides grass clippings, virtually any organic material can be used for compost.

The two key points when using compost are: 1.) Apply the compost so that it can make its way down into the turf and does not remain on the grass blades 2.) Water your lawn after you've applied compost, to activate the compost microbes and wash them onto your soil.

Irrigation

Have you ever wondered why your neighbor's lawn looks so green all the time while it's a struggle to maintain your own lawn? Perhaps your neighbor has a permanently in-ground irrigation system. Irrigation is key to maintaining a constantly green lawn and can help move your lawn to its greenest potential, especially during the growing season. Irrigation, if done correctly, can help you save time and even conserve water because of the control you have over the amount of water, and when and where your lawn will receive water.

Installing an irrigation system yourself is definitely a doable project if you plan accordingly and acquire the right equipment. However, it will be a lengthy project that can consume several of your weekends, depending on how large your lawn is. For irrigation equipment and drip irrigation supplies, you can either purchase or rent them from any modern hardware store.

If you are unfamiliar with irrigation systems or it will be your first time to install one, the best thing to do would be to contact a professional to guide you through the irrigation system process. A badly installed irrigation system can cost you over the next several years on needed repairs or revisions to the system.

During the planning stages for your irrigation system, it would be a good idea to get some advice from a knowledgeable person on the topic. For high-pressure systems, it is very difficult to plot exact spray patterns. Having a consultant on hand can help you determine specialized sprinklers and emitters for specific lawn needs. The technology of drip irrigation is constantly changing and it would be a good idea to talk to someone who knows the trends.

For March, you should irrigate your lawn about twice a week (unless it has been raining). Lawns are that over-irrigated can be more prone to pests, lawn diseases, or even promote a shallow root system.

Mowing

Once your lawn turns green, it is time to mow. Make sure you have the lawn mower blades set at an appropriate height from 3/4 to 1 inch, keeping in mind that it may vary depending on the type of lawn you have. How often should you mow? For March, mowing your grass once a week should do the trick.

Keep in mind that cutting your grass less than once a week while the grass is actively growing can result in the immediate loss of a large quantity of leaf. This can come as a shock to the grass and may encourage an open turf prone to moss and weeds. Maintaining a consistent mowing schedule is also beneficial.

If you find that your grass has grown tall after coming back from a trip, you should tip it at the first cut and reduce the height at the next cutting a few days later. After that, you can resume your normal and recommended height for cutting.

March is the best time to begin mowing your lawn and by starting now, you can cultivate your lawn and keep the grass blades looking fine.

Fran Phalin is a homeowner and freelance editor/writer on things that work and is based in Austin, Texas. Fran has worked successfully with the guys at ABC to get her lawn care problems resolved.

ABC Pest & Lawn offers a comprehensive solution for lawn care service for you which includes mowing and edging.

Frugal Dinner planning Mar 23

2008-03-24T01:11:00.001-07:00

Sunday Easter dinner

Mon Chicken, broccoli and stuffing casserole

Tues Chili

Wed Spaghetti and meatballs

Thurs Breakfast for dinner

Fri Clean out the fridge night!!

Sat Pizza

CVS weekly extra care bucks deals 3/23-29

2008-03-23T03:58:00.000-07:00

Here are the CVS starting today Of course check your coupons to see if you can match any up. I

ECB Specials 3/23 Limit 1 unless otherwise noted! Holiday week so slow week!
$2 ECB WYB Nilla Wafers, Chips Ahoy or Fig Newtons 12-16 oz 2/$5.00 – Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB Two (2) CVS Highly Defining Skin Care: 1.7-5 oz PSA $8.49 – Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Bengay Pain Relief $6.99 – Limit 1
$3 ECB WYB Clear Care Contact Solution $7.99 – Limit 1

$3 ECB WYB Two (2) Russell Stover Private Reserve Triple chocolate mousse or vanilla bean brulee 4.5 oz – Limit 5
$2 ECB WYB any (1) new Revlon item shown: Colorstay Mineral Eye Shadow $7.99
Colorstay Mineral Foundation or Blush $11.99, Custom Creations Foundation $9.99 - limit of 5
$5 ECB WYB $10 TRESemme Hair Care – Limit 5
$2.99 ECB WYB Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste Whitening, gel or advanced fresh 4-4.2 oz – Limit 5

Buy ONE Get ONE FREE
All Maybelline Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer
Move Free
CVS Cleaning Pads/Cloths (swiffer type)

Buy ONE Get ONE 50% off
Got2B Styling Products
Neutrogena
All Wet N’ Wild
CVS Pharmacy Razor Blades
All Sally Hanson Hair Removers
All CVS Suncare or Sunless tanners
All Milani Cosmetics
All Adult & Childrens Sunglasses
All papermate pens, highlighters, sharpies
All CVS Spectravite
All Life Fitness Vitamins or Supplements
All Ocuvite, Preservavision Vitamin & Mineral Supplements
All CVS Frames/Albums

Other deals
Irish Spring 3 pack $0.97
Softsoap Liquid Soap $0.97
Kellogg’s Cereal 2/$3.00
$0.88 Specials – ANY For $0.88 – Kleenex tissues, Colgate Toothbrush, Colgate Toothpaste, CVS Bagged Candy.

Abbreviations:
ECB = Extra Care Buck
PSA = Prices starting at
CRT = Cash Register Tape
WYB = When You Buy

Helpful websites!!!
http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/extracarehome
http://deals.families.com/cvs,f533
http://www.terismessageboard.com/showthread.php?t=13237
http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums...splay.php?f=62

Freebies and coupons

2008-03-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

Dove deorderant free sample

Free Comic Book Day

Glad flex force garbage bags

Vasoline skin care lotion

Purell Hand santizer

Colgate toothpaste

Serentiy pads

Doggy Delightz - sample

Clinque mascara

Free wildseeds

Mercury Magazines - get 3 free magazines

Glade® Wisp® Flameless Candle $5.00 off coupon

Free Blood Glucose meter for diabetics

March Madness Plasma tv survey

Frugal Five Meet Mary

2008-03-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Mary is a frugal mom from Pennsylvania in her late 30s

What is your financial life?
I am married have been for 10 years. My husband and I have 1 son age 8. We have recently remodelled our kitchen and bathroom in the house we bought a few years back. Luckily it is a 30 year fixed mortgage with a good rate. My husband works the family business which is commmerical painting. I work part-time in a local insurance office for the past 2 years.

What is your budget buster?
Groceries, utilities and gas . Both are getting higher and higher. Seems no matter how I try to cut back, conserve, etc. I am spending more and more.

What is your favorite money saving tip?
Bring your own lunch to work! This is a huge money saver for my husband and me. You can easily spend between $6.00-$9.00 on lunch a day.

If you had an extra $1000 what would you do with it?
Since we have recently remodelled, I would like to add the finishing touches.

What is your best resource for frugal living?
My favorites places for saving money are www.hotcouponworld.com and www.savingadvice.com

If you would like to be profiled send an email to info @ budgetdial.com

13 frugal uses for Peroxide

2008-03-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

I received this in my email and I thought I would share the benefits of peroxide! I think I will be buying some the next time I hit the market.

'I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole
bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store.

My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and
most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled
bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!! Why? Because it smells, and it is
not healthy! Ask the nurses who work in the doctor's offices, and
asked them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know
better!

Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40's? It's
chlorine, folks! And it was used to kill our troops. Peroxide was
invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help
cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals.

Please think about this:

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the
bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it
out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores , and your teeth
will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of
mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them
free of germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill
germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag
when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide
on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture
of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and
let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten
minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would
not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and
water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming
your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50
mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and
help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow
your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist
right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it
for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair,
spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it
through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blond hair like the
hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a
light brown, faddish, or dirty blond. It also lightens gradually,
so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils,
fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a
load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on
clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a
minute,
then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing,
which is why I love it so much for this. I could go on and on. It is
a little brown bottle no home should be without!

With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way
to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner!

Frugal meal planning Mar 16th

2008-03-17T01:13:00.000-07:00

My full pantry is helping keep my food bill down this week. I only needed to pick up some milk, bread and bananas plus a package of juice boxes.

Sunday Steak (got it on the marked down aisle) roasted potatoes, green beans

Monday Lasagna

Tuesday Chicken drums sticks, mashed potatoes, veggie

Wed Leftover lasagna

Thursday Taco Bar I got 4 boxes of tacos for 75 cents each because they were a little crushed! I will probably use two here

Friday Clean out the fridge night or ravoli if no leftovers

Saturday Homemade pizza

Simplest ways to save money

2008-03-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

Saving money lately has not been easy for most. The more people I talk to the more I realize that no one can save money for themselves and most people are driving themselves further into debt with credit cards and loans. Being able to save money for various things is key to lowering stress and increasing your quality of life.

The first step to saving is to evaluate where all your money goes. If you stop at Starbucks everyday for that coffee or like to shop, there is an easy way to cut back expenses. Most people have habits whether they like to admit it or not. Personally, I buy myself an energy drink everyday and found that I spend $60 a month on them. So instead of stopping at the corner store everyday, I started buying them in bulk and save a about a dollar a day. This may not seem like much but if you can do this with three items, it comes out to over $1000 a year.

Also, 90% of the people out there plan on saving but never get the chance because they spend all of their paycheck before they put money aside. It is crucial to PAY YOURSELF FIRST! Even if you just put $25 aside per paycheck you are on your way to creating a very nice buffer of money to be used how you see fit. Don't wait till after everything is paid to save. Save before and you will find that it is much easier to be diligent.

Next, to avoid using that ominous credit card or cards, leave them at home and hide them from yourself. If you have to, have your spouse hide it so you do not use it on a regular basis. I don't know how many times I have gone and seen something I want but not had the money to buy it so I use credit. The problem is you don't have the money so why spend it. Use your savings plan to do so, it may take longer but in the end it is worth it. You will not have to pay interest and you will save even more by doing so.

Finally, the easiest way to save a large amount of money at a time for those who get paid every two weeks is to realize that you have two extra pay check a year. So if you make $2000 a paycheck, plan ahead and figure out which paycheck goes to which bills and you will find that two months out of the year the is an extra $2000 to save. So in the end you have $4000 extra dollars a year.

These are very basic but simple ways to save and if you look at your expenses and income on a personal level you will find many areas you can save money in. Don't fall behind and stay as regular on your bills as possible and pay them off as quick as you can. Hopefully if you follow some of these tips you will find yourself saving $2000 - $10000 a year without changing much in your lifestyle. DON'T BE AFRAID TO LET THAT SAVINGS ACCOUNT BUILD. Forget what is in there and check it only a few times a year so you don't get the urge to spend it.

Check out more simple ways to save money

for even more ideas.

CVS weekly extra care bucks deals 3/16-3/22

2008-03-16T03:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the CVS starting today Of course check your coupons to see if you can match any up. I am going to Easter stuff today!! Also perfect timing this week as we need to pick up more Omega 3 from Lifestyle!!

2 Day Sale Sunday & Monday Only – FREE’s after ECB’s!!!
$.99 Plastic Eggs Large 12ct or Extra Large 6ct $.99 ECB Limit 2
$.99 Confectionary Lane Jelly Beans 9oz $.99 ECB Limit 2
$4.99 Hershey's Pot Of Gold Premium or Nut Asst. 7.7-12oz $4.99 ECB Limit 2

ECB Specials Limit 1 unless otherwise noted!
$8.99 ECB WYB Maybelline Superstay Lipcolor Or Gloss $8.99
$1 ECB WYB Two (2) Coke 12pks 2/$6.00
$6 ECB WYB Venus Embrace Razor $9.99
$3 ECB WYB Schick Intuition Razor or 3pk Cartridges $8.99
$2 ECB WYB Two (2) M&M's Chocolate Candies 11-14oz 2/$6.00
$12 ECB WYB Two (2) Olay Definity $24.99
$3 ECB WYB Two (2) Russell Stover Private Reserve $3.29
$3 ECB WYB Lens or Eye Care Clear Care Twin Pack, Zadiator 5ml, or Genteal drop 25ml $14.99
$5 ECB WYB Claritin 30ct $18.99
$5 ECB WYB Buy Any 24/7 Skin Care Product
$1 ECB WYB Viva 8pk Paper Towels $6.49
$5 ECB WYB Buy $15 of Dove Products
$3 ECB WYB Buy $8 of Band Aid or Neosporin
$5 ECB WYB Buy $20 Easter Seal Products – shown Bayer $4.99, Aleve $2.99, Phillips MOM or Alka Seltzer PSA 4.19, Aleve-D $4.99, Alka Seltzer Plus $3.99, One a day/Citracal/Flintstones Vitamins B1G1 50% off PSA 6.79

$2.99 ECB WYB Listerine Smart Rinse for Kids $2.99 - Limit 2
$4.99 ECB WYB Oral B Cross Action Pro-Health or Vitalizer Toothbrush $4.99 - Limit 2
$10 ECB WYB Buy $25 of Maybelline or Garnier – Limit 2

$3 ECB WYB L'Oreal Preference Dream Blonde $12.99 - Limit 3

$3 ECB WYB L'Oreal HIP Eye Makeup $9.99 - Limit 4

$1 ECB WYB Two (2) Mars 8pk Fun Size $1.29 - Limit 5
$1 ECB WYB Two (2) Hershey's Extra Large Bars 2/$3 - Limit 5
$1 ECB WYB Benadryl Allergy 24ct, 4oz liquid or quick disolve strips 10ct $4.99 - Limit 5
$3 ECB WYB Sudafed/Sudacare Sudafed 10-24ct or Sudacare Shower Soothers 3ct $4.99 - Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB CVS Digital One Time Use Camera $14.99 - Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB CVS One Time Use Video Camcorder $24.99 - Limit 5
$3 ECB WYB 6x8 10 Page Photo Book $12.99 - Limit 5
$1 ECB WYB All Mennon Deodorant (excludes 24/7) $1.99 - Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB Buy $15 of Clean & Clear - Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB Buy $10 of Tresemme' Hair Care - Limit 5

Buy ONE Get ONE FREE
Kodak Power Flash Camera $9.99
Vive Pro or L’Oreal Studio
Dove Hair Care
All CVS Vitamins, Minerals, or Herbals
Sweet N Low $2.39
Progresso Soup $2.79
Revlon Lipcolor
Covergirl TruShine, Incrediful Lip or ALL Advanced Radiance Foundation, Powder or Concealer
Move Free, Dietery Supplement Knox Nutrajoint, CosaminDS

Buy ONE Get ONE 50% off
Adult or Childrens Sunglasses (some exclusions apply)
All Reading Glasses by Magnavision
Scotch Packaging Tape
Life Fitness Energy Supplement
All Covergirl Cosmetics (some exclusions)
All Physcians Formula
All CVS Cotton Balls, Pads, Squares, premium Rounds or Ovals
John Frieda
Essence of Beauty Hair Accessories
Let’s Jam, Ampro, Eco Styler, or Isoplus Syling Gel
Cristophe Beverly Hills Hair Care
Neutrogena Mens Skin Care
CVS Pharmacy Hosiery by L’eggs or Trouser socks
Playskool Baby or Toddler Accessories

Other deals
Hersheys Kisses, Robins Eggs, or Miniatures 2/$3.00
Buy 2 Air Wick Oil Refills get a Free Warmer
Buy a Revlon Foundation at $9.99 get a free Revlon Age Defying Face Primer
Pampers Mega Pack 13.99
Contour Ascensia Glucose Monitor Free after MIR $30.00
Fab Laundry Soap $1.99

Friday Freebies and coupons

2008-03-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

Garnier Nutriste skincare sample

Jergens skincare

Dove shampoo

Metamucil: Berry Burst! Metamucil Free Sample

Astroglide Free Sample

Free diapers or wipes for babies

Trojan Brand Condoms

Get a Free Sample of Head & Shoulders - headandshoulders.com

Coffee Break Free coffee at Starbucks Sat Mar 15

Print grocery coupons from your computer Free where to retire magazine

REACH® ACCESS™ FLOSSER

Get Paid Cash or Sweepstake Opportunities for each survey you complete about movies, sports and products!

Get a FREE 12 cup stainless steel programmable coffeemaker, FREE stainless steel coffee scoop and FREE shipping and handling when you order 2 boxes of Gevalia Kaffe. Free coffee maker

Frugal Five Meet Patricia

2008-03-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Patricia is a frugal mom of 2 and 1 on the way from Virginia.

What is your financial life?

I'm a stay at home mom to two boys aged 4 and 2, with a baby due in June. My husband brings home a reasonable income but we have a lot of credit card debt and also have to run two cars because we live in the middle of nowhere. This makes life pretty expensive and things are tight at the moment. We have some considerable expenses coming up related to the new baby - like a bed for the 2 year old, car maintenance issues, and a double stroller. At the moment, these look impossible.
I also need to continue to menu plan and keep a tight rein on groceries/other household expenditure.

What is your budget buster?

My weakness is picking up little treats when on school run etc. This needs to stop. Last month I did it almost every day.

What is your favorite money saving tip?

Menu planning has been very helpful to me! I actually enjoy making menus. It keeps me from running to the grocery stores!

If you had an extra $1000 what would you do with it?

Right now it would go towards the new baby expenses.

What is your best resource for frugal living?

I am still learning about being frugal after many years of spend spend spend!

Frugal Dinner planning Mar 9th

2008-03-10T01:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday Dinner at my mom's

Monday Layered Ground beef crockpot

Tuesday Creamy chicken and pasta in crockpot

Wednesday Pork chops

Thursday Leftover buffet

Friday Rotisserie Chicken ( I have been dying to try this and it might be cheaper than the cooking whole chicken)

Sat Leftover pizza from my son's birthday party

CVS weekly extra care bucks deals 3/9-3/15

2008-03-09T04:25:00.000-07:00

Here are the CVS Of course check your coupons to see if you can match any up

ECB Specials
$2 ECB WYB Dove Chocolate Easter Eggs, 2/$6 - Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Two (2) Pond's Towellettes or Cold Cream - Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB $10 of St. Ives Skin Care - Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Maybelline XXL Curl or Define a lash Mascara for $5.99 – Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Perfect 10 Hair Color $11.99 - Limit 1
$6 ECB WYB Venus Embrace Razor, $9.99 - Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB $10 of Irish Spring Bar Soap, Deodorant or Body Wash - Limit 1
$1 ECB WYB Oral-B Power Toothbrush $5.99 - Limit 1
$3 ECB WYB Alavert Non-Drowsy allergy relief 12-15 ct, $6.99 - Limit 1
$3 ECB WYB Miralax 30 ct. $20.99 - Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Alcon Systane Eye Drops, $14.99 – Limit 1
$10 ECB WYB CVS Pharmacy Brand Blood Pressure Monitor - Limit 1

$10 ECB WYB Dual Action Cleanse w/Green Tea Fat Burner - Limit 2
$2 ECB wyb Garnier $2.99 limit 2 (incl. shampoo, cond., and stylers)

$3 ECB WYB CVS Photo book 6 x 8, $12.99 - Limit 5
$10 ECB WYB ROC Products – Limit 5
$2 ECB WYB Loreal Wrinkle De-Crease, $17.99 - Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB $10 of Tresemme Hair Care - Limit 5
$3 ECB WYB Be Fine Skin Care - excludes trial size. Includes Cleanser, mask, toner, scrub, moisturizer, eye treatment, serum, exfoliator .5oz., sample kit, cooling kit, peeling mask kit. PSA $15.99 – Limit 5

Buy ONE Get ONE FREE
All L’Oreal lipcolor
Nature Made/Nature’s Resource or Olay Supplements
M&M Easter Chocolate $3.49
Hershey’s Miniatures
Russell Stover Chocolates $7.99
Sprint Prepaid phone card
Campbell’s soup or Swanson chicken broth
Doritos (excludes baked)
Essence of Beauty Bath
Stridex
Freeman Shampoo/Conditioner $3.99
Mentadent Twin Pack or Arm & Hammer Toothpaste
CVS Fish Oil or Coenzyme Q10

Buy ONE Get ONE 50% off
Photo frames/albums
All L’Oreal Face or Eye
All Almay Cosmetics or Skincare
Adult or Childrens Sunglasses
All CVS notebooks
CVS Alkaline Batteries
Preventin-AT
Select Fragrances
Futuro Support or Therapeutic Hosiery
All Bausch & Lomb advanced eye relief
Atkins Advantage or EAS Advantage Shakes
Iceland Health Omega-3 or Joint Relief Dietary Supplement
Liquid Dietary Supplement
CVS Glucosamine Chondroitin

Friday Freebies and coupons

2008-03-07T03:41:00.000-08:00

Meow Mix sample

Purina Cat Chow® brand Cat Food®: Get Sample

Covet Sarah Jessica Parker sample

Gerber Baby product

Playtex Sport Tampon sample

nutbella sample

Free 1 yr subscription to Bridal Magazine

Gardening magazine

Free Samples of Baby Formula - Nutramigen LIPIL, Enfamil Gentlease LIPIL, or Enfamil A.R. LIPIL

Taster Choice free sample scroll down

Panda Research Get Paid for your opinion, Up to $5 to $35 for every survey and offer completed. Make your opinions

Frugal Five Meet Gina

2008-03-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Gina is a frugal momma to be from Nebraska

What is your financial life?

I am 28 and pregnant with my first baby due in early July . I currently work from home part time My husband has a full time job in construction where he makes good money in warmer months. My husband and I have been stupid about using credit. We have totally paid off our credit cards several times in the past few years with big bonuses that he gets and then we charge them right back up again like idiots! We both know what bad deals credit cards are, we just get greedy about wanting something right now, I guess. Well, I have seriously had enough. We make a very nice income and I'm tired of feeling "Where the heck did our money go?". I want to be spending less then we earn, saving !

What is your budget buster?

It has been the credit cards! Hopefully we now got it under control!

What is your favorite money saving tip?

Stay at home! My plan is to not go out. While I do plan to get out of the house (walks around the neighborhood, maybe trips to the library), when I am out, I spend. I also plan for me and dear husband to eat all homemade meals. I also plan to put away the credit cards I have and only carry my debit card, I am also going to have my husband put away his credit card. We actually do not use our credit cards that much but we do not need them, I don't want the temptation.

If you had an extra $1000 what would you do with it?

If I had an extra $1000, I would use it to put aside to use when I have the baby in the summer.

What is your best resource for frugal living?

The internet is so full of money saving ideas. However my favorite place is www.savingadvice.com

Frugal Dinner planning Mar 2nd

2008-03-03T01:11:00.000-08:00

Sun Steak, potatoes and green beans

Mon Spaghetti and meatballs

Tues Mexican Lasagna

Wed Ham and cheese roll-ups

Thurs Pizza out for cub scout fundraising night

Fri Clean out the fridge night

Sat Pizza

CVS weekly extra care bucks deals 3/2-3/8

2008-03-02T03:05:00.000-08:00

Here are the CVS sale starting today. I am not impressed with any of the deals right now. Of course check your coupons to see if you can match any up

The toothpaste deal is really good!!

ECB Specials
$2 ECB WYB Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Foundation or Blush – PSA $11.79 – Limit 2
$2 ECB WYB Tylenol or Motrin IB 80-100ct. $8.99 - Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Bounce or Downy Lint roller or refill, Fabric Softener liquid 34 oz or Sheets 45-80 ct. 2/$7.00 - Limit 1
$4 ECB WYB Keri Moisture Therapy Lotion 15oz or serum 4oz $4 - Limit 1
$6 ECB WYB Gillette Venus Embrace Razor $9.99 - Limit 1
$6 ECB WYB Gillette Fusion Phenom $9.99 - Limit 1
$10 ECB WYB Rogaine Triples - Limit 1
$10 ECB WYB Alli $59.99 - Limit 1

$2.99 ECB WYB Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste, Advanced Clean Whitening Paste or Advanced Fresh 4 oz. 2.99 - (limit 5)
$5 ECB WYB Gillette Mach 3 Razors 3ct. $7.99 - limit 5

$2 ECB WYB $10 of New CoverGirl products CoverGirl TruBlend Makeup foundation, powder, concealer or blush $6.99, Outlast All-Day Lipcolor $6.99, Lashblast Mascara $6.99 - Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB $10 of All Garnier Nutritioniste PSA $5.99 - Limit 2
$5 ECB WYB $20 of Neutrogena Skin Care - Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB $10 of Any Tresemme product - Limit 5
$5 ECB WYB $15 of John Frieda
$5 ECB WYB $10 of these Febreze - Noticeables starter kit, dual refill or candle $6.99 - Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB $15 of any Duracell Batteries - Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB $10 of Hershey's - Limit 1
$10 ECB WYB $20 of Novartis Pain Relief - excedrin, bufferin, doan's, nodoz or Ascriptin, prices starting at $3.99 - Limit 1
$10 ECB WYB $20 of Maalox, Gas-X, Ex-Lax, Benefiber or Perdiem –
Limit 1

Buy ONE Get ONE FREE
Nature's Bounty Vitamins or Supplements
All Maybelline Mascara
Twizzlers $2.29
Russell Stover Gift Box $11.99
All L'Oreal HIP Lip, Eye or Face
Arizona Tea $.99

Buy ONE Get ONE 50% off
Wrigley's Multi-Pak Gum $2.49
Noxzema Disposable razors, Shave Gel, Shave Cream
Olay Cloths, Cleanser, Scrub, Day or Night Cream
All Neutrogena Eye Makeup
Maybelline Minerals
Maybelline Volume Seduction Lip Gloss
All Essence of Beauty Cosmetic Accessories
All Physicians Formula Organic Face Cosmetics
Almay TLC Foundation, Intense Eye Shadow or Mascara or Makeup Remover Pads
Revlon ColorStay foundation, eye shadow, blush, Limited Edition cosmetics or Custom Creations foundation
Johnson's Baby Care - Buddies, powder, lotion, oil, wash, shampoo, balm, bedtime washcloths, or Desitin original
Reading Glasses by Magnivision
Life Fitness Heart Health Supplement
CVS/Pharmacy Glucosamine Chondroitin

Freebie Friday and coupons

2008-02-29T03:59:00.000-08:00

Baskin robbins buy 1 get 1 free coupon

Historical Figures Bookmark Series - Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Free Maybelline Volume Mascara

General Mills food service coupons

The Fiber35 Diet FREE FitSmart Bar Rebate Coupon

Tide with Dawn StainScrubbers

free t-shirt

Purina Cat food sample

Garnier Ultra lift deep wrinkle treatment

free key chain

Upromise - Support your child's school AND save for college

Print Free Coupons Online

Free online classic games-win ipods and more

Free and cheap lattes

2008-02-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

Starbucks is closing for a few hours of training today so take advantage of the free or cheap offers coming from it competition.

Dunkin Donuts 99 cents latte between 1-10pm on Tuesday. Free in Chicago area

Houston area McDonalds will be giving away free iced coffees.

Here are some other great free coffee today

Frugal Dinner planning Feb 24th

2008-02-25T01:31:00.000-08:00

We went to the Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquet on Saturday night and go to take home a ton of leftovers. Chicken parm and ziti from a local resturant-s0 that is giving us several dinners this week. I don't like freezing pasta.

Sunday Chicken Parm and ziti

Mon Chicken parm subs

Tuesday Chicken Parm and ziti

Wednesday Meatloaf, baked potatos, green beans

Thursday Turkey, broccoli and stuffing casserole (this is really simple a box of stuffing mixed in with cream of mushroom soup, broccoli and turkey. You can add some cheese-Swiss or cheddar works really well here)

Fri Clean out the fridge night or soup. I was able to pick up a great deal on Progresso soup

Sat Pizza

2008-02-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here are the CVS sale starting tomororw. I am not impressed with any of the deals right now. Of course check your coupons to see if you can match any up

ECB Specials
$5 ECB WYB $10 Assorted Nestle products – Limit 1
$5 ECB WYB Schick Titanium or Trimmer $7.99 – Limit 1
$6 ECB WYB Gillette Venus Embrace or Fusion Phenom $9.99 – Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Two (2) Stayfree Pads/Carefree Liners 2/$10 – Limit 1
$2 ECB WYB Tylenol RR PM/Extra Strength (20/24 ct) $4.99 – Limit 1
$1 ECB WYB Softsoap or Irish Spring $1.79 – Limit 1
$1 ECB WYB Softsoap Bodywash $3.99 – Limit 1

$10 ECB WYB $20 Revlon Cosmetics or Beauty Tools – Limit 3

$2 ECB WYB Johnson's Lotion – Limit 5

Buy ONE Get ONE FREE
All CVS Vitamins, Minerals, or Herbals
Gold Emblem Nuts
CVS Power Flash Camera
M&M’s
CVS Alkaline Batteries
L’Eggs Tights or Leggings
Nature made Heart Health
Osteo Bi-Flex

Buy ONE Get ONE 50% off
CVS Food Storage Bags
All Artificial Nails
Select Designer Fragrances
Maybelline Minerals
Organix shampoo, conditioner, mousse, coconut oil or serum
Christophe Beverly Hills Hair Care
Ocuvite PreserVision Vitamin Supplements
All One A Day, Citracal, or Flintstones Vitamins
Special K Protein Bars
Bic Disposable Razors
CVS Foot Care Beauty Tools

Friday Freebies and coupons

2008-02-22T03:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some great freebies and coupons to enjoy

Campbell's Soup at Hand Coupon

RAINFOREST TREASURE TEA FREE SAMPLE

L'oreal Lipstick sample

Colgate kids toothbrush

Gas-X thin strips

3M Post-it® Super Sticky Notes FREE Sample Offer

Derek the Dinosauer coloring book about lead

Yoplait kids coupon

Free baby wipes

Bertolli | Coupon $2.00 off

Fiber One® Cereal

$1.00 off coupon on any one (1) Glucerna® weight loss shake