Couponing & Goals

I've been working on using coupons for our grocery budget more lately. I had really dropped the ball on this since my son's diagnosis so I knew I was spending more. Right now, I have 45.99 left in my budget for food, but at least there are only 7 days left.

On the other hand, I think Kroger may have a mega sale this week and Big Lots has their 20% off coupon this week so I hate to miss.

I did have a larger purchase at Walmart for food and household items. I had forgotten my coupons so that didn't help matters either. I will work at concentrating my efforts on sales combined with coupons and scratch and dent.

For January, the amount I saved with coupons is at 11%. I hope to improve this to 20% by the end of February.

Happy New Year and Saving on Food Again

I've recently started doing part of my grocery shopping at scratch and dent stores. Here is a page where you might find some in your area http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97055 I know there are more than this in our area, so don't depend o nthis list to be exhaustive. It's not, but it's a start.

I'm also trying to track the coupon savings I do this year. Go to http://www.thecouponproject.com/ and download her program.

Life continues and our home is such a blessing. My older son says things like, "How can you give or get a shot while laughing?!" I guess we're just glad to be living in a time when diabetes can be managed.

I'd love to start making my own mixes again, but haven't found a great deal of info on doing this for a diabetic. I am still looking though. Hope your New Year is blessed.

An Update

It has been some time since I've posted here and it needs to be done. We have now been in our new home for slightly over a year. Getting things like I like them has been a slow process and still evolving.

School is going well and I'm trying to introduce my children to lapbooking. They seem to enjoy learning so much more now than they did one year ago.

My son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August while boys and I were on a trip to Illinois for my niece's wedding. to make a long story short, we ended up at Cardinal Glennon Hospital for 3 days. My husband joined us as soon as he could. The whole thin with 4 shots per day has been a huge adjustment for all of us. The doctor says we are doing well.

With all this, my couponing kind of went to the way side for a while, but now that the bills are coming in, I'm starting again and doing pretty well. My last grocery shopping trip was $130.00 and I managed to knock $30.00 off of that. With better planning, I'd have beaten that!

I liked the picture above so just thought I'd share. I love both cats and chickens!

We are in our new home ....

I never thought I'd be so glad to see an oven rack. Yes, there was a range in the new house, but the oven racks did not fit. We coudn't find anything locally so we ordered via the internet. We had to shop around since the first single one we found was over $45! Yikes! Dh finally found one for $27, but by this time I was ready for one at least so we ordered it and it came yesterday. So far I've made meatloaf, pumpkin pie, brownies and cut-out cookies!

The rest of the house is still not in order, but I'm working on it. I have started homeschooling my 2 sons and realized yesterday we are actually halfway through our math curriculum! Both boys are thriving.

The house is just lovely, except for our moving-in mess. Whomever was here before must have watched a lot of hgtv. My kitchen is red and I love red. I moved here without ever seeing this house. My hubby did a good job. :)

My couponing and refunding is going well and I'm cutting our food costs with every visit to the store. There are many good deals out there if you look! Also, my nieces are getting interested and that helps because they are so excited about cutting their food budget by a third.

I am missing my chickens and hope to get started again soon.

I need to get busy. There's just so much to do in the busy life of a homemaker!

Here is a recipe for dishwasher detergent that actually works! I do not use the essential oils.

1 C Baking Soda
1C Borax
1/2 C Salt
1/4 C Citric Acid Powder

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together. Use one to two tablespoons of detergent per load of dishes, depending on water hardness.

Deer Recipes

It will soon be deer season again. I hope to have a full freezer again soon. This is how I handle deer meat.

First, I prefer my husband get a doe or young buck. It tastes gamier when it's a buck. If he does get a buck, I soak the meat in beef broth to help improve the flavor.

I like to use the crockpot whenever I can. I often chop an onion and put in the bottom of the crockpot. I then add the meat. I then add varying combinations of these ingredients: soy sauce, worcester sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic (powdered or from the garden) , fresh grated ginger and other seasonings. I don't really use a set recipe for this, but my family loves it. :)

One my hubby started making was to put the chopped onion in the crockpot. Then slice the meat and dredge in milk (I use dry milk that's been reconstituted) and then seasoned flour. Fry the meat in a little oil/bacon grease works well too. Place the meat over the onions. Then pour cream of mushrom or whatever soup on the deer meat. I often have made my own cream of soup mix. It's less expensive and has less salt. It works fine in this recipe.

My grandmother always made a deer roast on Sunday. It was similar to a Yankee Pot Roast. I'd go to her house on Monday because she would use what was left to make bbq. It was so good!

You could also use venison for soup, stew or about any other recipe that calls for beef. Remember it is very lean meat and you will likely need to add some sort of fat to it.

HTH

We Are Moving

We are relocating. Realtor is showing our house again tomorrow. I've even heard we already sold it. You'd think we would get an offer first! Such rumors! Anyway, we also have a bid in on a house with 5 acres. We'll see what happens.

I've continued to declutter and I've came a long way. I've even tried to stage some rooms, but it's hard when I'm still here with 2 rough-and-tumble boys. My hubby is already there working. I still have a long way to go.

We have also decided to homeschool our children. We have already started and so far we are doing well. It's exciting to be able to give your kids a Christian education!

Just a quick update. I'm going to go call in some housekeeping help for this evening.

The Big Declutter

I'm truly cleaning out my home. I cannot believe the thing I keep. Actually, I just put off making decisions about things or getting things to where they need to go. I've been diligently working on ridding my home of papers mostly, but in the process, we've manage to clear out some toys, books, clothes and other items that just needed to be tossed out.

I keep reminding myself how much easier it will be to clean when I'm done. I go through decluttering spurts usually end exhausted, but I'm trying to pace myself, take breaks, drink water and get my regular stuff done, too.

My hubby's job is not secure and so a move is probably eminent so that's certainly a motivator. Even my kids are talking about getting rid of things since house is getting lighter! They are not crazy about a move though.

Need to get back to work. Hope your day is productive and dedicated to Him!

And here's another...

Here's another site to check out: www.internetdrugcoupons.com

A Quick Tip...

Thunderstorms rolling in here, but wanted to share a quick site with you couponers. It's a list of brick's coupons you can print. http://www.couponsinc.com/corp/source/cp_clientlist.asp

Enjoy!

I'm shutting down computer for games with family! I think I can beat them at Uno tonight!

These Days....

I've been babysitting tripets! I usually have 2 of the group, but have had all three. It's nice to have the extra income, but hard on my home. The job should be ending in the next few weeks. :)

I will be making laundry soap soon. I've decided to use some other soap instead of making a trip to purchase the fels naptha. I have heard it will do as well.

Lowes has some free classes for kids and mine really enjoy them. We are cutting back on all outside activities with price of gas and economy. We'll have other errands to run while there.

My hubby's job is not secure. I've already been keeping extra staples, etc. on hand for such a time as this which really helps. I've been storing any extra staples (rice, flour, etc.) in the freezer so no critters decide to move into them. I also use the Clorox Anywhere spray on the doors of the pantry. It seems to keep the critters away also.

We have some mixed lettuce up. We still need to plant whatever else we want to plant to eat. :) I did find some bulbs and seeds for flowers at The Dollar Tree cheap. :)

I plan to have to have a garage sale after job ends and before school lets out. Whatever is left I will give to our local thrift store.

I did hatch a few chicks this year. We may have to relocate so I haven't started any more yet. My hens are laying well. I'm trying to keep the price on eggs down, but may not be able to for much longer. The price didn't go up on them, but the size of the bag got smaller. Isn't that happening with lots of things?

With the nicer weather I am trying to hang out laundry as possible. I'm also using a dryer ball in the dryer when I use it. It's supposed to dry faster and soften. I tear dryer sheets in half when I use them and dust the tv with the old ones.

Need to go so that's enough for today.

Laundry Soap Recipe

This came from http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/ . I use more borax and washing soda since we have very hard water here. It will not gel really, but have some white soap pieces in it. You may add scent, but I like the clean scent it has alone.

3 Pints Water
1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap Grated
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Gallon Bucket
1 Quart Hot Water

Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket with hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.

Make Your Own Yogurt

This one is just about as simple as the buttermilk. Simply heat some milk in a pan until it is just hot. Remove from heat. Then add about 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. Again, you will need to hold some back for starter for the next batch every time. Cover your pan and wrap it in a towel or something that will help keep it warm. Let this set up at least overnight and you should have yogurt. You might like to add whatever you like to sweeten, but I like it plain, too. I've used jelly, jam, honey, sugar, applesauce or nuts. You can experiment and see what you like best. I think this yogurt has a richer flavor than store-bought and no high-fructose corn syrup. You may refrigerate at this point.

Make your Own Buttermilk

It's very simple and cheaper than purchasing it from the store. You will need to start with some buttermilk. I know, but you have to start somewhere.
You will need to always hold back 1/4 cup of buttermilk. I simply use the 1/2 gallon container it came in. Fill this with milk. Set this on your kitchen counter for 24 hours and you will have buttermilk. I usually shake it up at this point and return it to the fridge. I use 2 % milk usually so don't really know if 1% would even work.
Prices on just about all grocery items are increasing or the packages are getting smaller or both so I just thought I'd share one small thing we do to save. Will share more later.

More When Ends Don't Meet

1. Keep your bills organized so you do not have to pay late fees.

2. Cut your own and your families hair. I learned this by watching my dear mother-in-law, but you could check out a book from the library.

3. Use your library. It's free! Don't forget they also have movies and such. :)

4. Keep your pantry and refrigerator cleaned out. Once a week would be ideal, but that doesn't always happen around here. Make sure you use up what's in there. Letting it go to waste is a real food budget spoiler too!

5. Learn to darn socks. This is quite simple and will extend the life of your families socks! Mending in general will extend the life of clothing. So many women just replace things these days and wonder why they can't make ends meet or have to go to a job.

6. Shop the thrift stores and garage sales. You never know what you might find! I recent;y bought some flannel for .25 and will be able to make at least 2 rice bags out of each piece!

7. Teach yourself new skills using the internet. Use your internet time wisely and pick up a skill that will benefit your home. Some of my favs are www.hillbillyhousewife.com, www.lainesletters.com and www.recipegoldmine.com .

8. Enlist your children's help. You need your energy to run a household so let them help put away, feed pets, make beds, set table, help cook, fold laundry, etc. These will be valuable skills in their future. This may not sound frugal, but it will help you to utilize your time better to be more frugal.

9. Make your own laundry soap. Recipe coming soon. :)

10. Question each expense in your household and ask yourself,"Is there a way to do this more effectively and at lower cost?"

When Ends Don't Meet

I'm forever working on ways to save money while being here at home. Here are a few things I've learned:

1. Whenever you can find a low price on milk and there is no limit to how many you can buy, freeze it. You need to take some of the milk off the top because it will expand. I usually use the one in the fridge already. This will help if milk will be pricey for a while. When you thaw it, you will want to shake it so it goes back to it's regular consistency. I usually buy 2% and this works fine.
2. Make your own mixes. You can make pudding, cream of soup mix, corn bread mix and a number of others and still have the convenience. You just made it yourself. You will also enjoy the benefits of less salt and extra things you may not want in your family's diet.
3. Use coupons and refunding on any item you can use. I've been cutting my grocery bill in half with this one! What fun! This week I got a free Country Bob's steak sauce, Idahoan potatoes and Coffee Mate!
4. Try free samples. If you can test before you invest, you will know what to expect from the product if you choose to buy it. Hopeflly, you will receive a coupon with your sample!
5. Do as much of your shopping as you can in one day. I can't always do this, but it does save gas and time. Never waste a trip by only doing one thing!
6. Make your own yogurt and buttermilk. Simple to do and so good!
7. If you have them available to you, you may wish to participate in the Share Program and/or the Angel Tree Ministry food packs.
8. Plant a garden. We did not have a great deal of luck with this this year since it was so dry, but it is still producing some. Any bad produce goes to the chickens. :) We will be planting garlic soon.
9. Only run your dishwasher once per day. Do them in the sink when electricity is running too high. Don't use the drying function on dishwasher.
10. Hang clothes on the line. Do full loads. Make your own laundry detergent.

Well, that's a start. I may do this again soon.

This Day,,,,

I got up in the night with a sinus headache and nausea so I guess I'm not staying hydrated enough. In this heat, I guess I need much more water than usual. My hubby told me to take it easy today. I still need to do my dailies, but will probably organize my recipes in a new expandable file I got at the thrift store for a quarter. :) I will probably file and work on couponing stuff. I hope to feel stronger soon.

It's very hot and dry here. My husband hooked up a pump to draw water from our pond which is quite low now anyway. We have been on water restriction already once this summer and I expect it will happen again. The pump is a wonderful way of keeping the garden and animals watered. I will get boys to help me to bring some up to the house in their wagon for my flowers so I don't have to carry it. I watered some yesterday evening and the ground actually steamed!

I subscribed to Refund Cents and have started to do better on grocery budget. I saved $22.49 on my last trip to Kroger. I do go to SaveAlot also. They also take coupons on the brand name items they carry. :)

Here is my daily list:

Kitchen

1. Up and ready for day. Swish toilet after I flush.
2. Breakfast and clean up.
3. Dishes in dishwasher and sink/ washed and put away.
4. Vacuum. Needs done daily at least. I have carpet in kitchen which I hate and would not recommend.
5. 21 pickup 3 x. I simply put away 21 items three times. Helps in keeping counters clearer.

Laundry

1. 2 loads (usually)
2. 21 pickup
3. Sweep

Living room

1. 21 pickup
2. Straighten

Bedrooms

1. Beds made-boys do their own. :)
2. 21 pickup.

Bathroom

1. Sweep
2. Swish toilet
3. Sink and counter.
4. 21 pickup.

Other Daily Chores

1. Meals-sometimes boys help.
2. Table set and cloth-boys help.
3. Animal care-boys help.
4. Checkbook.
5. Mail.
6. Check pending things that need to be done today.

Every other day boys shake out rugs.

Will post weeklies later as I'm moving slow and need to get started. Maybe some music....

Adventures in Couponing

I don't usually use coupons, but I do watch for the especially good ones. Lately, though, with the prices on most everything going up, I've been looking further and further into couponing and refunding.

Yesterday, I went grocery shopping. I didn't deplete my final bill like a real coupon queen, but I was proud of my savings. I used a coupon I printed out from the internet for some lunchmeat i would have bought anyway bringing the price of a variety pack down to $1.29. I got a free box of Kashi Lean cereal. I got this one through Vocalpoint. :) An unexpected deal was at Krogers. I had received 2 coupons for Aim toothpaste in the mail for $1.50. I'm assuming everyone receives these. Kroger had these on sale for $1.99 so that brought my price down to .49 each. I was thrilled to get it. My savings were $7.75.

I signed with Nestle a few days ago. Today they sent me coupons for Juicy Juice which is 100% juice and not cheap. It's amazing that adding stuff to it makes it cheaper. Anyway, I like to get this when I can and it is at a good price.

Anyway, I'm digging deeper into this couponing adventure to help make ends meet. I'm also using refunding more and will let you know more about it soon.

Hope your day is pleasant.

The Dishwasher

Unless something out of the ordinary happens, I only use my dishwasher once per day. When money starts to get tight, I just do the dishes to save on our water usage and electricity. There have also been times when I've used it only every other day. I do love my dishwasher and appreciate the time and work it saves me. :)

Recently I ran out of dishwasher powder, I normally use a cheap brand like Aldi's or SaveAlots. Walmart's own brand works fine too. I decided to question the cost on this item so of course I got on the internet. I found this recipe: equal parts baking soda and borax. Some recipes call for salt to be added to this, but I haven't tried it yet. I simply put one tablespoon of each in the compartment.

I also use dry citric acid in the open compartment and it helps a lot with our hard water. My husband (who is very astute in chemistry) had done some research on lemi shine which we used to buy and found out this was the key ingredient. He ordered a ton of this and started to sell it at his work. He made our money back that he invested plus had enough left over for us to use. How nice!

That Friendly Solar-Powered Dryer

Besides saving electricity, laundry dried on a clothesline smells wonderful.

I keep extra clothespins in a basket that hangs behind the washer and electric dryer. You may also wish to have a clothespin bag. You can make one of these easily. An apron with large pockets for clothespins and of course some laundry baskets. I often make my own laundry detergent, but usually use a store-bought fabric softener. I've not had much luck with the vinegar/baking soda homemade one. My clothesline has 4 lines so I always have room for plenty of items. Some things simply don't dry well outside so sometimes I'll use both the clothesline and dryer at the same time.

I hang shirts upside down with a pin in the middle to prevent as many wrinkles as possible.

I hang underwear by the crotch to hopefully take advantage of the bleaching properties of the sun. I won't go into that one any further!

My husband and children and I especially enjoy sheets dried on the line. Ahhh!