1-6-10

Happy 10th Birthday to Christopher today!!!

I got most of his cake made yesterday.
Got it in the freezer filled with ice cream
All I need to do now if frost and put candles on it.

For his birthday supper I decided to make
macaroni and cheese pizza like they have at Ci Ci's Pizza.
Red Barron pizza was on sale at Meijer for $2.99
so picked up 2 four cheese pizzas.
Then got a box of Kraft Delux macaroni and cheese to
put on top of the pizza.
Weird I know but it was pretty good at Ci Ci's.
But hey if the kids like it, it's all good.

Today I stopped in Meijer to get things for
my upcoming cookie baking. I have about 4-5 ideas
so far for the Betty Crocker Cookie Contest.
I don't reveal my recipes til after the contest over.
But I can post photos of what I make.

------------------------------

COOKING/BAKING CONTESTS

It never hurts to enter any recipe contest!
Takes all of a couple of minutes.
Who knows you may be the next winner!!
Even if you don't think you are the
greatest cook. That is what I thought!

One is Betty Crocker
Due by January 31st.
Prize- $100 to $5,000
http://www.downy.com/en-US/designyourdowny.jspx

Taste of Home magazine has 8 different contests going
at the moment: Casseroles, Christmas Cookies,
Slow Cooker, Holiday Dinners, Make it Healthy
From Scratch, Citrus and Cheese.
Prize- $500 to $600

OTHER CONTESTS

Then there was the Downy scent contest which ended not long
ago. Winners will be announced sometime
between February 8-26th.
I submitted 113 scents!!! So will keep watch on that.
http://www.downy.com/en-US/designyourdowny.jspx

---------------------------

Christopher's 10TH Birthday








--------------------------------

FORECAST FOR TOMORROW FROM CHANNEL 10's JIM GAHNAL...

CENTRAL OHIO An Alberta Clipper is on track to come through Ohio.

These are consistent compact little storms that always bring gusty winds, especially in the wake of the storm.

I expect us to top out at 30 mph NW winds Friday into the weekend.

Temperatures always go up a bit ahead of them, even at night, then fall afterward—dramatically.

Clippers move quickly, but the effects of this one will exceed 24 hours.

Snow has been falling for 11 straight days in Central Ohio, and with the cold this will be another fluffy snowfall that will allow for considerable blowing and drifting afterward.

Solid 4 inches of snow tomorrow all day, some may areas hit 6 inches. Another inch on Friday coming off the lakes again.

Wind chills will be near -10 by Friday night as lows drop to 0. Record low for today though is -20 here.

Snow starts at the end of the morning rush Thursday morning then tapers to snow showers after midnight. This will put us 2/3s of the way to a normal winter snow season total with about 100 potential snow days left in the winter.

-------------------------------

1-5-10

Walgreens is running a very good sale on men and women's sock.
10 packs of either crew, ankle or footie socks are $3.99.
You save $2.01 off the regular price of $6.00.

I purchased a bag this morning for the boys and they seem pretty good
as I just opened them and checked them out.

You can't beat .40 cents per pair of socks!!

If you don't receive the weekly ad for Walgreens you
can check it out here...

http://walgreens.shoplocal.com/walgreens/default.aspx?action=entry&pretailerid=-99389&siteid=434&storeID=2565745

The socks are on page 14 for those interested.

While there I notice they have Christmas items 50% off.
Mom got some Christmas potholders.
Normally 3 for $2.00
NOW 3 for $1.00
cant's beat .33 cents for a new potholder.


------------------------------------

I'm gonna start on Christopher's birthday cake today.
He'll be turning 10 tomorrow.

I'll be making a Devil's Food ice cream cake with
Dean's Candy Bar Overload ice cream.

I'll be using one of those Betty Crocker
Bake'n Fill pans. I picked mine up from the thrift
store for around $4.00 still in the box unused.
They probably run about $20 plus shipping
unless you find it in stores.
There are 4 pieces in the box along with directions,
insert pan, tall pan, base pan and dome pan.
2 different size cakes can be made with this kit.

For those that happen to find this set at a yard sale or
thrift store without directions here is a web site
that has them. It also includes some recipes with it.

https://media.primetimesolutions.net/images/bakenfill.com/downloads/booklet.swf



----------------------

I keep reading about people getting good deals at Target.
I'm gonna have to try it soon.
Mom pointed out when at Target they have a grocery section.
They have many printable store coupons which can be
combined with manufacture coupons.
Just a note-
I don't think Target doubles coupons so those
are used at face value.
There are 8 pages of coupons to print.

http://coupons.target.com/mcp/pd.cfm?encp=bw3Edh8NsU3vzmfu%2BCqxk1gE5kAdfbx6dC45DH8m6FuvNQDwYVl3xOH31DkRj79yzb%2BSNmiA400O%0D%0ABmnS5K0e6cYTtzrdUNC2

----------------------

Here are other deals I have found at stores.
They are in store AND online deals.

KOHLS.com

Has Gold Star Clearance and Final Clearance
on some items from 60% to 80% off.

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/clearance/homestore1.jsp

--------------------

TARGET.com

Has clearance items 15% to 75% off.

http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/?node=1038626&ref=sc_iw_ss

--------------------

KMART.com

Clearance items:

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/sbh_10151_10104_Clearance?adCell=WH

-------------------

BIGLOTS.com

50% Off Entire Christmas Stock*

* Wrap, Bows, Tissue, Ribbon & Boxed Cards
* Light Sets
* Outdoor Light Sculptures
* Trees, Wreaths, Garland & Floral
* Plush & Animated Figures
* Décor, Tree Skirts & Stockings
* Ornaments & Tinsel
* Party Goods
* Dinnerware
* Table Linens
* Rugs
* Kitchen Textiles
* Music CDs
* Candles & Candle Holders
* Pet Toys
* Watches & Jewelry
* Fitz and Floyd Items
* NBA Christmas Figurines

* Limited to Christmas themed merchandise only. Selection varies by store.

30% Off On Christmas Gift Sets*

Includes:

* Food, Bath, Fragrance & Cosmetic
* Popcorn Tins

* Limited to Christmas themed merchandise only. Selection varies by store.

More great clearance items include...

* iRobot® Roomba®
* Select Frame Sets
* Select Camcorders
* Select Toys
* Select Apparel Items
* Select Books
* Select Video Game Titles

Check with your local store for assortment and availability while they last!

-------------------

MEIJER.com

75% off all Christmas items

online clearance items:
http://www.meijer.com/catalog/section.jsp?categoryId=1110&N=4320&Ns=PRODUCT_HAS_IMAGE|1||PRODUCT_SALE_PRICE|1&icmpid=TNSeasonal

-----------------------------

Tonight's Supper...

I had to make a space in my freezer to be able
to put the ice cream cake in there.
(currently cooling as I type awaiting
the ice cream filling)
Took out a bag of chicken wings and
had those for supper.

BBQ Wings- kids
Hot Wings-adults
3 Cheese Ranch Dressing Dipping Sauce
Scalloped Potatoes
Creamed Grean Beans with Mushrooms
Cantelope, Honeydew and Watermelon chunks

---------------------------------

Do you know what I consider a luxury in this house...
A Hot...Realaxing...Quiet...Bath!!
I don't think that is possible for moms!

I have to keep the bathroom
door unlocked because I have little boys that
seem to have to pee every 5 minutes. If I lock it
they would bang on the door continuously till I had
to get out of my hot bath water to unlock it or they'd
be threatening to pee elsewhere and we only have one
bathroom!
When the door is closed the dog goes nuts wanting
to be near me. So I can hear her sniffing and scratching
at the door out in the hallway.
I'm sitting in my hot bath and close the shower curtain
to put up a privacy screen for all those who may enter.
In all reality that's great
when taking a bath because it holds the hot steam/air in!
Also helps to break up any congestion you may have.
It's like when the kids hear water running they have
an instant instinct to have to pee!
I hear the door open. In comes one kid to pee. Tagging
not far behind is the dog who's been waiting patiently
for the chance to come in. She sniffs at the shower
curtain and pokes her head around the side. She pants
happily because she found me, but
the dog breath near the hot moist air in my bath
isn't what I want to be smelling! Yuck!
They leave and in walks another kid to pee who thinks
it's funny to turn the bathroom light off when leaving.
I yell for him to turn it back
on. He does but walks out not shutting the door all the way.
Now the cat comes creeping in to see what I am doing.
This is a cat who likes to prop her front paws up on the
toilet to watch the water swirl down when
flushed. She now has them propped
up on the side of the tub. I sit in fear of the cat
wanting to walk around the sides of the tub, threatening
to fall in with claws out ready to give me a bunch of
shots all at once. I yell for the kids to come get her.
Now it's a family affair as hubby has to come see
what all the yelling is about.
The dog again following behind him. So now I have a cat, dog,
hubby and two younger kids in the bathroom with me while
taking my hot, relaxing bath. They all leave except for
one kids who thinks he's sneaky but I can hear him moving
around on the other side of the shower curtain! Next thing
I know from under the shower curtain comes a fleet of boats
into the tub and some giggling. So here I sit in my hot
bath with a kid who wants to play boats in the water.
He eventually gets bored and leaves me with all these
colorful ships to play with, how nice of him.
The other kid returns to the
bathroom for a second pee and sees the boats in the tub.
He gets the idea to strip naked and wants to join me in the
tub to play with them! This is when I decided my bath time
is over with and get out.

This is the result of my so called hot..relaxing...bath!!!
Calgon take me away!!!

1-4-10

Went to Meijer today. They had their Christmas items
marked down to 75% off.

I'm going to start buying Christmas things throughout
the year this year, or even birthday gifts.

A 2 liter bottle of pop fell off the conveyor belt
and popped me in the ankle.
Then when I got home I slipped on the step getting
in the door falling into the house banging my shin.
Almost fell on my mom's deck but caught myself
before going down.
So be careful out there today, it's very slippery!!

After purchasing everything below I got a $5.00
catalina off of $25 general merchandise. Wish I had
one of those before buying all this!

I spent $80 today which seems like a lot for me.
But when you break it down as to what I got
it looks better.

-2 birthday gifts for 2 different birthdays.
-5 Christmas presents to put back for 2010 Christmas
-2 pairs of Skecher tennis shoes

Plus whatever groceries I bought below along with:
gallon of milk
8 two liters of pop
tub of frosting
1/2 gallon of ice cream
betty crocker sugar cookie mix

Betty Crocker's cookie contest has started. Seems
they have changed a few things. I'm reading the
contest starts today and runs til the end of the month.
I thought in the past they ran it a couple months.
Now it says:
10 honorable mentions get $100
4 runners up gets $500 (in the past it was 15.
I know I was one of them)
1 grand prize is $5,000

TIME TO GET BUSY WITH MORE HOMEMADE COOKIES OR BARS!!!
Need ideas quick! Having brain fart!
http://www.bettycrocker.com/baking/cookie-contest.aspx

Oh yeah my Betty Crocker recipe from 2008
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/boston-cream-dessert-cups/5d8028de-5096-4f46-be9f-a8d55a4d2a75



Here are my deals found today...

10 pound bag potatoes
regular $3.00
sale $1.49

------------------

Tony and Damien love BOD body sprays.
These were included in the 75% off sale!
I bought all they had to put back for their birthdays
and Christmas.
There was actually another set of BOD
that was missing a bottle. I asked a salesperson if
they could mark it down even more due
to the missing bottle. I was told they
could not sell it that way and never saw
the set again. Told mom it will probably
end up in the mark down bin tomorrow or
be thrown away!

Regular price for all cologne sets
bought today was $42.00!!
I paid $10.50
saving $31.50!!


BOD man cologne set
-Fresh Blue Musk body spray 3.4 oz
-Fresh Blue Musk deodorant spray 4 oz
-Fresh Blue Musk body wash 5 oz
Regular price $9.00
75% off price $2.25
I saved $6.75

BOD man cologne set
-Black body spray 1.8 oz
-24K body spray 1.8 oz
-Really Ripped Abs body spray 1.8 oz
Regular $7.00
75% off price $1.75
I saved $5.25

BOD man cologne set
(bought 2 of these sets that's why there
is a double listing)
-Black body spray 1.8 oz
-24K body spray 1.8 oz
-Really Ripped Abs body spray 1.8 oz
Regular $7.00
75% off price $1.75
I saved $5.25

BOD man cologne set
-Black body spray 1.8 oz
-Really Ripped Abs spray 1.8 oz
-Fresh Blue Musk spray 1.8 oz
Regular $7.00
75% off price $1.75
I saved $5.25

BOD man cologne set
-Black body spray 1.8 oz
-24K body spray 1.8 oz
-Really Ripped Abs 1.8 oz
-$$$ body spray (new scent with dollar signs) 1.8 oz
-Fresh Blue Musk body spray 1.8 oz
Regular $12.00
75% off price $3.00
I saved $9.00


4 bags Cinnamon Imperials
regular .99 cents each x's 4 is $3.96
75% off .25 cents x's 4 is $1.00
I saved $2.96

4 Meijer Candy Cane Chocolate Cremes Cookies
Regular $2.38 each x's 4 is $9.52
75% off price .59 cents x's 4 is $2.36





Then I found these girlie items for 75% off.
Picked these up for the bosses daughter for next Christmas.

2 sets beaded pony tail holders
regular $2.oo x's 2 is $4.00
75% off .50 cents x's 2 is $1.00
I saved $3.00

Cupcake Bake Shop Lip Gloss
was $3.49
75% off .87 cents
I saved $2.62

----------------

Found these items in the scratch and dent bin:

Betty Crocker Pumpkin Spice cookie mix
$1.29

29 oz can Yellow Cling Peach Slices
.97 cents

Meijer New England Clam Chowder 18.5 oz
.94 cents

Progresso New England Clam Chowder 18.5 oz
$1.29

Campbells Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder 18.8 oz
$1.22

Meijer Naturals Italian Style Stewed
Tomatoes with oregano and basil 14.5 oz
.58 cents


-----------------

And found these items marked down in the produce:

Large bowl of mixed melon chunks
regular $4.90
marked down to $2.94
I saved $1.96

1/2 Watermelon
regular $2.16
marked down to $1.30
I saved .86 cents



-----------------

There was clothes and shoes marked down everywhere.

I got 2 Sketchers Tennis shoes for the boys.
Well one will be considered a birthday present.

Was $30 x's 2 is $60
marked down to $15 x's 2 is $30
I saved $30 on 2 pair shoes


------------------------

Anyone seen the Pepsi Throwback on the shelves yet?
It's Pepsi and Mountain Dew that has real sugar in it like the past
instead of corn syrup. I haven't tried any yet.
It says they will start coming out May-June this year.
I know I saw it at Speedway already but couldn't remember which one.
It was sometime this past weekend so had of either been in Hillard
or one on Cleveland Ave.
It will only be out in 20 ounce bottles or 12 packs from
what I read about it. What I saw was the 20 ouncers.


----------------------------

I think tonight I will make goulash for supper.
I haven't had that in awhile and it's easy enough to make.
Well at least my version is.
Macaroni and cheese,
diced tomatoes,
diced onions
and ground meat

Then I picked up 4 pounds of deer burger from mom's.
Going to make some more jerky. This time
around I am going to use teriyaki with garlic
instead of the soy sauce.
I'm sure you can make it different ways.
I also thought about hot sauce and bbq sauce versions.
I think I have some hickory powder somewhere I could
throw in also to give it a smoked flavor.
You could also add in worchestershire sauce.

-----------------------------------

Woo Hoo! Today I got my $20 rebate from Kraft in the mail.
I like those days when I get other things in the
mail besides bills!

Need to head to the bank tomorrow to deposit my
rebate check and other checks from surveys.

It's a good day!


-----------------------------------

Last week I bought one of those bags of cinnamon
pine cones from Kroger when they were discounted.
I love the smell of them but don't like the
price of $5 for them at Christmas so wait til
after Christmas to buy a bag cheaper.
They kind of lost the strong smell of cinnamon.
I put the whole bag on one of the registers
and now when the furnace kicks on it blows hot air
into the bag heating up the cinnamon and scenting the air.
It smells real good in the bathroom since
it's a small space!

------------------------------------

Due to the dry air in the house I have 2 vaporizers running.
Helps keep the house humid and warmer.

A good way to maintain them and keep them clean and
disinfected is to pour about 1/4 cup vinegar in them
and run them.

Sometimes I like to spray a few pumps of a
smelly body spray in the water to give the
air a smell.
If I have no perfume then I have poured a tablespoon
or two of vanilla extract in there. Or what
about a small amount of liquid potpourri.

1-3-10

Sitting here browsing the sales fliers. Here are some deals I see this week...
I don't have coupons to match to the sales included as I am a little
behind with those due to the holidays.

KROGER

-Buy 3 participating Kellogg's products get 2 gallons of milk free.
So be on the lookout for coupons for those cereals and bars.
They are 3 for $8.00 or $2.67 each.

If no coupons are used then it would cost $8.10 for 3 cereal and 2 gallons of milk.

Big K 2 liters are .59 cents, regularly .79 cents so save .20 cents

12 packs of Kroger Macaroni & Cheese $3.99, making it .33 cents a box

Kroger peanut butter $1.00

Rice-A-Roni $1.00

Gorton's Fish Fillets $3.49 ($4.99 at Meijer)

---------------------------------

MEIJER

Milk $1.79

Pork Shoulder Bone in .99 cents a pound

Campbell's Select Harvest Soups .99 cents

Coffee Mate Flavored Creamer .99 cents

Fresh & Soft White Bread .78 cents

Buy any 4 General Mills Get $4.00 off at register

6 Double Rolls Cottenelle Toilet Paper $2.79

--------------------------------

ALDI

Milk Gallon $1.59

-------------------------------

WALGREENS

10 pack socks $3.99 regularly $6. Makes each pair .39 cents

------------------------

Here are some sites for cheap cooking...

THE 99 CENT CHEF

He takes food found in dollar stores and creates recipes with them.
http://the99centchef.blogspot.com/

$5.00 DINNERS
I have also found this book at the library.
http://www.5dollardinners.com/recipes/recipe-index

-----------------------------------

And some books that may be of interest.
Now's the time to catch up on the reading during the Winter month's
with being cooped up indoors.

When everything gets back to normal around here
I might make a trip to the library to catch up on some reading.
All can be found at the Columbus Public Library...Reserve the books
as they are not all found at one location! By reserving them they
will find the books at different locations and gather them up for you.
Then they will drop them off at the location of your choice for
you to pick them up.

-Frugal Families

-Frugal Gardener

-Shop, Save, and Share

-Square Foot Gardening

-Frugal Living For Dummies

-Cheap Talk With Frugal Friends

-The Use-It-Up Cookbook

-Extraordinary Meals From Ordinary Ingredients

-Baking Soda, Over 500 Fabulous, Fun and Frugal Uses

-The Complete Tightwad Gazette (great book!)

-Miserly Moms

-Miserly Meals

-Cheap, Fast, Good

-America's Cheapest Family

-Shop Smart, Save More, Learn the grocery game

-Cook Once, Eat For A Week

-Once-A-Month Cooking

-Living Well On Practically Nothing

-Make-A-Mix

-The Complete Cheapskate

-Clean House, Clean Planet

-The Starving Student's Cookbook

-Make It Last

-Help It's Broken, A fix-it bible for the repair impaired

-Yankee Magazine's Living Well On A Shoestring

-Thrift Score

-Greatest Secrets of the Coupon Mom

-How to Save Money Every Day

-$5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

-$3 Meals

-Bargain Hunters Secrets To Online Shopping

-Good Deals And Smart Steals

______________________________

MY thoughts for today.

One thing I can't stand...

People who go over and beyond their living expenses to pretend to be
someone they are not. So many people I know are like this!
Don't make enough money to afford things but yet want to act like
they make lots of money. They have luxury items while bills go
unpaid, you can't eat a decent meal and so on.
How can you really be happy to pretend
to live a fantasy life. Never judge a book by it's cover!
And just because you don't have the funds to buy those
extra fancy outfits or game systems doesn't make you a lesser person.
Life is not about what you own. Those are material things.
It's about how you live life!
If people don't like you because of the true you then it's time
to move on and find real friends!!!
It's when you try to be something you are not and lead others into thinking
you are something completely different that pisses me off. In a way it's like
lying to people.

And here is another thing....

When parents cater to their kids helping them out every time they need something.
I'm talking about grown kids, out on their own. Sometimes there are legit situations that do need help.
I've seen this situation too many times. Kids run into situations at fault of their
own, whether it's run ins with the cops or buying stupid crap and can't pay their bills. It's ok to do it the first couple of times. It's when you constantly do it that they are solely relying on their parents to help them out every time. That's when you need to cut back and stop it altogether!! They will never learn to figure out problems on their own if you don't! It's a hard thing for parents to do because they want to still feel wanted by their children. Ever hear the saying children learn what they live. Well if they live off your money even when grown then they'll never learn to be independent. If you can ween them off the bottle when they are babies you sure as heck can ween them off your money.

--------------------------------

Vacation time for kids is almost over with! Woo Hoo. Time to get back to normal.
I'm so tired. Mom called and asked if I had a grocery list because she was going to Meijers tomorrow. I don't have a list but will tag along to see if there are any mark downs left from the holidays.

Right now I'm not doing any major grocery shopping. I'm trying to eat from the pantry and freezer. While you can get a good stockpile going you don't want things to go out of date and to waste. So being the first of the year would be a good time to rotate your stock and use up the older things. Right now I'll only buy what I need to, to use up what I have.

I think it's almost been a full year since I started couponing, woo hoo, I survived sticking with it. There have been times I have stopped doing it like over Summer break and Christmas break.
----------------------

Tonight's supper consisted of leftovers. We had ham and bean soup with cornbread and the kids had shredded pork over bread.
Any leftovers from these two are going in the freezer.

----------------------

For all you crafters out there here is an idea of what to do with all those
t-shirts that are either outgrown or you have way too many of.
Make a t-shirt quilt. Use up those old t-shirts you got from
vacation, of your favorite sports team or ones from your
child's events at school. It will be something special
that could be passed down and held onto throughout the years.
It doesn't really have to be made with just t-shirts, use
any other clothes such as kids or baby clothes to remember
those special moments of when they were little!

Here is a twin quilt I made with t-shirts-- OSU, gray and red ones.
The underside is made from a twin sheet in gray and red colors.

Jonathan received it as a Christmas present this year.

While I cut and sewed it all together, mom took it to have a lady put in batting,
a binding and have it quilted altogether on a machine.




I'm still on the kick of watching all these advertisements on tv.
I saw a new one the other night. It was called Mister Steamy for
$19.99 plus postage and handling. But if you act now they will
double your order!
LMAO!!
What is a Mister Steamy you ask, well check it
our here for yourself
https://www.mistersteamy.com/?mid=570590
Mister Steamy is a dryer ball you add water to, to steam
the wrinkles out of your clothes.

In order for water to steam it has to reach 215 degrees.
A dryer can get up to a maximum of 140 to 180 degrees.
So as you can see on Mister Steamy you need to use
those bottles of Fresh Shot
that creates the steam. That's where they get you.
You would have to continuously buy those bottles to keep
Mister Steamy going.
I wonder what ingredients are in those bottles to make
it steam like that?
I had a Caruso hair setter that in order to get it
to steam I had to add salt to it. So maybe that is
the secret ingredient, I don't really know.

Save your money and don't waste your time with something
like that!
Try this home remedy instead and it's so simple to do.

Get a large towel, or even a wash cloth and dampen it with
water. Not too much water that it is sopping wet but wrung
out really good. Throw it in with your laundry that's been
sitting in your dryer forgotten about. Run the dryer
15 minutes or so and the wrinkles should come out.

Or what about a couple of damp tennis balls? They would
do the same thing.
Or what the call dryer balls.

Don't overload your dryer is another hint. Allowing the
clothes room to tumble properly without twisting around
one another keeps them from wrinkling too much.

They say dryer sheets are not good for your dryer.
They could cause a fire over time. A natural fabric
softener to use is vinegar in your rinse cycle.
You can also add drops of essential oils to it to give
it a smell.

There have been times when I would pull out a wrinkled
shirt or pants out of the closet. I would have a spray
bottle filled with water and lightly mist the garment
and run a hair dryer on it to loosen the wrinkles.

1-2-10

The day seems to be starting off pretty well, woo hoo!
Me and Tony got to sleep in which doesn't happen too often.

The bad, the mailman came early today so will have to
stop by the post office while running errands to get all my bills out.
Got those all filled out and ready to mail first thing this morning.

He did drop off a couple things of interest:
-$25 gift card for Kroger. You got two $25 gift cards when signing
up for a pharmacy research study. You get $25 now and $25 when it is over.
-a free 2 year subscription to More magazine. Don't know how I got this
but I like free.
Here is More's website...http://www.more.com/

Got lots of running to do...
-go pick up the 2 extra tires for the Suburban in Hilliard.
-Take game system back to Walgreens
-Take 3 in 1 printer back to Big Lots
-Go to Microcenter to see if they have the $33 printer.
-Drop bills off at post office
-Pick up prescription at Kroger
-----------------------------------------------

We've been looking around for a hood and fender for the Suburban. Our
favorite place to look for used parts is the junk yard called...
Pick N Pull
picknpull.com
2716 Groveport Road
Columbus, OH 43207
They are open 7 days a week from 8am to 5pm.
Sometimes they advertise on the radio half price weekends Friday to Sunday.

They list specials they have for each week. This week is 20% off all fenders.
Something we need but it can wait. I'm not walking around a junk yard
in freezing cold temps! Will watch Craigslist for one or will wait for warmer
weather.

Other junk yards we use are on the West side of Columbus:
Cantly's on Little Ave.
Edison's on McKinley Ave
Woody's on Mckinley Ave.

------------------------------------

When you go somewhere such as Microcenter or any electronic store
don't assume that the sales people know everything.
Do any research yourself before shopping for certain items!!

I went to Microcenter and asked the salesman questions about the printer I wanted.
I wanted to know if the cartridges were refillable. He had no clue.
I asked if it was equipped with the computer chip that once you
ran out of ink and tried to refill it yourself it would not register
as full and you had to buy a new cartridge. He said they all had computer
chips on them so the printer could read them. Well no shit Sherlock I knew that
but what about this new chip that doesn't allow you to refill your own ink.
He had no clue or was bluffing me into thinking that he knew nothing about it.

They all were trying to sell me these 3 in 1 printers. Those are the culprits with
those cartridges that you can't fill no matter what due to the chips in them.
The 3 in 1 printers are dirt cheap now starting at $30. And the reason is that you'll end up spending another,$50 if not more, for the ink cartridges for it.

So why not go with the basic, plain Jane inkjet printers for around $35 then go to Big Lots and find an ink refill kit for $7.99 that should refill your cartridges 4-6 more times.
It's either $7.99 to do it yourself 4-6 x's
OR
$200 to $300 for the cartridges 4-6 x's.
If you are looking to save money do what I recommended!
I don't print too many photos and basically need my printer for coupons and rebates.
So it fits my needs well.

If you would like to read more about the non-refillable ink cartridges...

http://reviews.ebay.com/Lexmark-Inkjet-Printer-SCAM-Can-apos-t-Refill-Your-Own-Ink_W0QQugidZ10000000006653779

This seems to be a major problem with Lexmark.

This time around I bought a basic HP inkjet printer.


--------------------------

For all my Ohio friends...This song came to mind tonight and I had to change
the lyrics some so we could all relate to it...

Don't Let It Snow by Sherry

The weather outside is frightful
The ice is not delightful
And since we have places to go
Don't let it snow, don't let it snow, don't let is snow.

It doesn't show signs of stopping
crushed snow under tires is popping
The headlights just barely show
Don't let it snow, don't let it snow, don't let is snow.

When we finally kiss the ice
When we slip on it in the storm
I'll hold you really tight
pulling you down by grabbing your arm.

The car is slowly driving
as we are a slippin' and a sliding
But we are idiots in the snow
Because we live in o-hi-o.

1-1-10

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

--------------------------

We stayed up to watch the ball drop at midnight then headed off to bed.

THEN wanna know how my morning started off!! Not good!
Banging my head on wall.

Ok if anyone knows my step-dad you know he's a little out there.
He doesn't know how to word things and takes everything a little too serious.
He doesn't get jokes and is a little slow.

He must have called from work, which is an auto parts store.
He knew we were wanting to sell our Expedition in the near future
and must have found a guy at work or a customer that was somewhat interested in it.
So my step-dad calls this morning and Tony answers. He asked how much we wanted
for it then the other guy wanted to know what was wrong with it.

Ok...now here is what I would have said....
We recently purchased another vehicle and the reason for selling this one
is that we wanted a vehicle that was more simpler than an Expedition which
is too fancy for us. We aren't familiar with the Tritan V8 motors and
wanted a simpler motor such as a 350 that we could do maintenance on ourselves.

Sounds plain and simple doesn't it when selling a vehicle. And I am telling
the truth!!!

When my step-dad asked what was wrong with the Expedition, Tony made the comment
that it was a money pit. AND DO YOU KNOW MY STEP-DAD TURNED AROUND AND TOLD
THE GUY INTERESTED IN IT THOSE EXACT WORDS!!! If you want to sell your vehicle
those are not the words to use!! Needless to say he hasn't called back saying the
guy wanted to come look at the truck. I WONDER WHY!!!! He should have just given the guy our number and let us do the talking. We could have stressed the good points of all the parts we replaced on the truck and made that one selling point.

Do you feel my pain as my head is banging against the wall??????!!!!!!

Anyone want to buy a money pit??? Hurry while you can!! I got people lined up!!
Perfect ride for the recession!!

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

We have invested approximately $1,000 in it since owning so that is the reason for Tony's comment. Hey someone out there could be getting a good deal in all reality
since we would be taking that much of a loss for repairs. We've already spent the money to repair it and are asking only what we paid for the truck to begin with.
And the truck sets on chrome 20's. That's rims for those that don't know about what I call hoopty mobiles. Those things are worth $1,000 plus alone! I'm sure my step-dad didn't mention those.



----------------------------------

Had to make another run to Kroger today.
They have their Christmas things marked down to 75% off.
I even saw a few items more than that such as ceramic
serving plates that was $15 marked down to $3.
Wrapping paper, wrapping tissue and gift boxes were .50 cents.
This was at Karl Rd. so it may vary from each store.

Remember that place I said yesterday was a madhouse?
Well it still is! I swear we stood in line behind this lady that was checking out for what seemed like 30 minutes. I was able to catch up on all the star gossip and find out who's gay, who's gaining or losing weight and who's cheating who by reading them all from the magazine rack!!

Anyway she was Latino, had problems with speaking English and understanding what the cashier was telling her, was using food stamps and what appeared to be WIC. She didn't buy the correct bread and other stuff so the bagger and her younger daughter made about 3 trips around the store to find what they needed while we waited and waited in line!! AHHHH!!!

The Kroger at Karl is the only Kroger I know that sells PIG HEADS at times. You heard me correct, a freakin pig head!! I saw one, one other time and it was so gross to look at. Today they had 3 in the refrigerated case in the middle isle. Then the butcher brought out his rolling rack and had about 3 more getting ready to put them out. I know there are a lot of foreigners in Columbus that probably would swoop that up. But please tell me what you do with one such as cooking or eating it.
I'm not cooking anything that appears to be looking at me while basting it!!
I could see Tony's look on his face when he asks, what's for supper? And I say swine flu stew with a big ole pig head in the pot.

-------------------------------

I got my boneless pork ribs with a can of kraut and a can of turkey graving
brewing in the crock on high. I'll let it cook for about 6 hours. Enough time to break down the meat fibers so it will be falling apart to the point you won't need a knife to cut it. Here in a bit I'll get a pot of potatoes boiling on the stove.
I threw in some extra meat to have leftovers for lunches for the next couple of days.
And I also have an extra can of gravy I left out of the crock. Kids don't like kraut so I will use that extra can for their gravy.

Watch these newer crock pots!
Most older recipes for crocks will say 2-4 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. I have noticed my crock pots are cooking much quicker than those times.
I love my crocks and have had 3 at one time. I've had 2 different meals cooking at once in 2 of them. Planning ahead for meals and sometimes freezing precooked meals makes life sooo much easier. Plus having multiple crock pots going around the holidays to keep things warm is so nice for those dinner events.
-------------------

Was cleaning and tidying up cupboards and kitchen drawers when I found my all time
favorite icing recipe. It is quick drying, dries hard and be tinted with food coloring. I separate icing into small bowls and add different colorings to each one.
If I want to get detailed with cookies, I'll use a new small paint brush and brush on the icing.


WILTON'S QUICK POUR COOKIE ICING

5 cups sifted confectioner's/powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup light corn syrup
food coloring

Place sugar and milk in bowl. Stir until mixed thoroughly.
Add corn syrup and mix well. Add drops of food coloring, stir.

Let dry completely 1 hour. Excess icing can be reheated in
microwave for a couple seconds.
-----------------------------

It's 6:00pm and I got dumplings in the crock and potatoes boiling.
Supper is smelling sooo good.
-------------------------------

I erased everything I wrote earlier as I guess it wouldn't pertain to what
my blog is about, how we go about our daily lives of being frugal.
What I wrote earlier should be left personal with family and friends.
So if you wonder where it went, my dog ate it.

---------------------------------

So here I am getting back on track with frugality....

Today we realized we were out of dishwasher soap. Had tons of dishes to
do with a full house. I grabbed a box of washing soda and added a couple
tablespoons of that to the tray in the dishwasher. It seemed to work until I go to the store to get some more. So if you are in a bind give this a try if you have any. And oh, if you are out of rinse aid, use vinegar instead.

I think I will head to bed. My body has been aching lately. I hope I'm not getting sick as it's only my back, hips, neck, and where your legs attach to your hips in your crotch area. Don't know what is up with all that but I keep moving trying to not let it bother me. Advil and the electric blanket helps! But ya gotta watch putting heat on some aches as it may only intensify your injuries. Read whether you should use ice or heat it may make a difference. For years I have collected a bunch of Home Remedy books from yard sales and thrift stores. They come in handy when you can't get to the doctor or don't have the money for one. They even have ones for pets. You can also search home remedies online.
Here are few you can explore:

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/

http://www.grannymed.com/

http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/

http://kitchen.robbiehaf.com/PetHomeRemedies.html

12-31-09

I hear, but have not been myself to see, that Target is offering 75% off Christmas items.
----------------------------

I saw on Big Lots website more clearance items from Christmas at 30% off.

"30% Off Our Already Low Prices On Christmas Gift Sets*

Includes:

* Food, Bath, Fragrance & Cosmetic
* Popcorn Tins

* Limited to Christmas themed merchandise only. Selection varies by store.

More great clearance items include...

* iRobot® Roomba®
* Select Frame Sets
* Select Camcorders
* Select Toys
* Select Apparel Items
* Select Books
* Select Video Game Titles

Check with your local store for assortment and availability while they last!"

Also at Big Lots be sure to sign up for their Buzz Club member card.
I know yet another little plastic card to carry around, don't ya just hate those things!

Here is how the Buzz Club works"

Just have the cashier scan your Buzz Club™ Rewards card every time you shop. Make 10 Qualifying Purchases of $20 or more within a 12-month period and earn a 20% discount on a future purchase. Discounts are good for 60 days from the date you earn them.
---------------------------

I've been doing the Pinecone Research surveys online and getting my $3 checks for each one. I think I made about $15 this past month by doing them. Not much but puts some gas in the car!

This morning AC Neilson sent me a $5.00 survey. That was the first time they sent
me a paid survey like that.

Do your research to find the legit surveys.
-------------------------------

Think I'll head back to bed for a few before kids get up. Then have to go
get a temp tag for the truck. It snowed overnight and covered the roads so
thankfully I won't have to go very far to do it.

--------------------------

I can't seem to get motivated. Don't know if it's the cold weather or what.
Sitting here trying to figure out what to fill out on the title before
getting a temporary tag. You'd think with as many vehicles we've had over
the years I would know how to do this. What worries me is if you fill out
any blank spaces wrong it voids the title out completely. You can't scratch
nothing out and correct it. I hope I'm doing this right.
Well time to get ready and head out. It's 11:41am. Time to also get a lookie
at the Burban in the daylight for the first time. Hope it doesn't scare me, lol.

-----------------------

It's 2:33pm and we just got home. Mom went with us.
It's the last day of the month and a holiday tomorrow. Not a very
good day to go places! Stopped by the BMV on Morse Rd. and kept on rolling
through that parking lot as that place was packed!! Decided
to head over to the one on Henderson Rd. It was busy but nothing like
Morse Rd.
Mom brought along her Entertainment coupon book so we could go out to lunch. We decided upon Donatos pizza since it was right by the BMV. I've been keeping watch as to how many coupons it takes to use from that book before it pays for itself.
It cost $20. So far here are the coupons we used and what we saved:

TACO BELL
$3.50 saved with these items free (buy 1 get 1 coupon)
2 Chalupas, 1 regular taco and a large drink

SUBWAY
$3.50 saved with buy one 6" sub get one free

Donatos Pizza
$2.00 off any large pizza

So far by using 3 coupons $9 has been saved.

------------------------------

Had to stop by Kroger today, ahhh. Didn't realize tomorrow was New Years
day as it snuck up so fast. I plan on making pork and kraut tomorrow but
realized I was out of potatoes.
First of the month at Kroger is a terrible time to go! It's so packed
full of people who are cashing welfare checks or getting food with stamps.
I assume that as the lines were long with overflowing carts and the service
counter line was long also unlike the rest of the month.

I will admit I have been on food stamps many many years ago so know what it's like.
But please tell me why the first of the month is such a busy time for stores???
I realize people get food stamps at the first of the month. Do people not
plan out their grocery lists well enough to last all month or more that there is a sudden urgency to have to go to the store when the stamps are issued again. Do you get what I am saying?
------------------------------

OTHER COUPONS AND DEALS FROM STORES

In Speedway I found coupons for
Buy 1 Get 1 Free (up to $1.49) Trident Layers

Kroger had a flier saying you get $5 off when your purchase $25 or more
in participation Proctor and Gamble items all in one transaction. Check yellow tags!
Good til 1-10-10.

-Tide - Bounce - Downy - Charmin - Bounty - Puffs - Dawn - Febreze - Swiffer -Iams - Pringles - Pampers - Luvs -Duracell - Pur - Braun - Crest - Oral B - Scope - Glide Floss - Align - Vicks - Metamucil - Prilosec - Pepto - Clearblue - Pantene -
Head & Shoulders - Herbal Essence - Aussie - Gillette - Nice 'N Easy - Perfect 10 -
Root Touch Up - Natural Instincts - Secret - Old Spice - Tag - Olay -
Cover Girl - Always - Tampax - Zest - Ivory - Safeguard - Venus
------------------------------

I finally got a few pictures taken this morning of the Suburban
before hurrying off to do things.
We paid $3,450 BELOW Kelly Blue Book value so got a heck of a deal!
I just realized today that 3 of our vehicles are 1999, lol.
It needs a good cleaning on the inside. The guy
even gave us a new can of cleaner for it, lol.
Told you it looked like a 4x4 limo.







-------------------------------

Oh my goodness! If you can find your own backyard mechanic to work on vehicles I would highly suggest it. Or get ya a repair manual and learn the basic things yourself. Tony said his work took in a company truck to Goodyear to get front brakes repaired along with a brake line. Cost $2,200!!! It's not my truck but it's the thought. Where do these companies get off charging you these outrageous prices!!!
We took our truck there to get 4 coil packs put on. The charged us $90 a coil pack times 4 is $360!! And that didn't include labor! I found new coil packs on Ebay from Canada for $80-$90 with shipping for all 8 coil packs. Who's screwing who in this world!
If you can find a mechanic that will allow you to buy the parts and put them on then all the better. Not too many of those though. But look how much you could save!!
ALOT!