1-18-09

It was a good thing I waited until today to
get Jonathan's medicine. I could have bought
it from the Urgent Care for $30.
It didn't cost me anything at Kroger on Henderson!!
So there was $30 saved.

I picked up a few things while in Kroger.
I saw Campbell's soup was on sale for $1.00
each when regular $1.89.
I got 3 cans of soup for my potato soup
I'm making today.
I saved $2.67.

Then I got 9 loaves of bread marked down to
.39 cents each.
I saved $3.51

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

Got some potato soup in the crock.

Sauted onions, celery and 1/2 pound cut up bacon
in skillet and put in the crock.
Then added a can of cream of broccoli and
cheese and broccoli soup to the crock with
some milk. Added about a teaspoon season salt.
Diced up some of my boiled potatoes from yesterday.

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

Another supper this week will include
"baked" potatoes. I have another can of
cheese soup and a half pound of bacon to use
up that I can use as topping for the potatoes.

And yet another supper will include sliced
and fried potatoes with a pound of leftover
hamburger. So let's call it my own version
of a hamburger helper.

And that should use up all the potatoes I had.
I try to let nothing go to waste around here.

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

I get so tired of remotes missing around here.
I have even thought about getting a couple
of those whistle or clap key locator things
to put on them but
even at half off wasn't willing to pay $10 each
for them. So I'm hunting down some string
and will tie the darn things to my coffee table!
About like a banker's pen chained to the desk.

I don't know why they don't have pagers on them
like cordless phones!!!

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

Today AEP replaced our old electric meter
with a new Smart Meter. Here is more information
about it in case you are lucky enough to get one:

What is a Smart Meter?

A Smart Meter is a digital electric meter equipped with wireless communications technology. Smart Meters are a key part of establishing the smart electric grid of the future. Smart Meters help consumers better manage their use of energy, saving money and reducing their impact on the environment. From AEPOhio.com

What can Smart Meters do for me?

By using Smart Meters, customers can receive information about their daily energy usage and price signals that communicate when they can use electricity at a reduced rate. In addition, AEP Ohio can speed service restoration through better information about the facilities involved and can provide faster response to certain customer service requests, such as meter reading and service connection.

Will every AEP Ohio customer receive a Smart Meter?

For the AEP Ohio gridSMART Demonstration Project, 110,000 Smart Meters will be installed in northeast central Ohio. The project site consists of approximately 150 square miles of urban and suburban neighborhoods, including parts of Columbus, Blendon, Clinton, Gahanna, New Albany, Worthington, Jefferson, Johnstown, Mifflin, Minerva Park, Plain, Reynoldsburg, Sharon, Westerville, and Pataskala. (See the enclosed maps for a detailed view of the project area.)

Will special rates be offered to consumers during this project?

AEP Ohio will explore offering customers in the project area various time-differentiated pricing options that will help customers use energy more wisely by shifting energy use off-peak hours when electricity can be less expensive.

What are off-peak hours?

Off-peak hours refer to the time of day when less energy is being used across the service territory.

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

Kids are off today and have been watching Myth Busters.
They love that show! So here is my experiment for today...

I'm trying my theory again today with the pans of
boiling water on the stove. Today I put the same 2 pots
on the stove with just water and a dash of salt in each one.

Yesterday I had mentioned when I had 2 pots of boiling
potatoes on the stove the temperature in the house went up 3 degrees.
So I want to see if the steam from those pots actually
caused a temperature increase in the house.

Right now the temperature in here is 73
with the furnace kicking on and off.
The weather is cooler at
30 degrees but feels like 20 outside.

Yesterday it was 38 but felt like 34.

So waiting to see if I can get the thermostat
to read higher than what it's set for.
Results to come.

1:30pm - put pots of water on stove. 73 degrees.

2:10 - temperature now 74 degrees. 50 minutes later.

2:30 - no temperature change. Still holding at 74, hasn't fallen.
Turned off pots. 1 hour later.

3:30 - the temperature just dropped down
to 73, so it remained at a steady 74 for for 1 hour and 28 minutes.

4:30 - still 73 degrees and has not dropped below.
2 hours 20 minutes later without furnace kicking on.

5:20 - furnace kicked on for the first time
since 2:10pm, a total of 3 hours and 10 minutes
without the furnace running due to humidity
in the house helping to hold the temperature
at 73.

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

Tonight was hair cut night for two of the boys.
I'm not doing Jonathan's as I don't want to
irritate any ear ache.

CHRISTOPHER






TONY




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

Here's another contest open to girls/women 13 years
and older.
Tampax and beinggirl.com is having a contest.
For the next four weeks they will show
a different picture of Mother Nature and Serena Williams.
You have to fill their talk bubbles with what they might be saying.
CONTEST
Prizes include:
Four finalists:
- $100 Nike.com gift card
- One Year Supply of
Tampax Pearl ONE Grand prize WINNER:
- Wii Console and Wii Fit Bundle
- Photo of YOUR entry signed by
Serena Williams

1-17-09

Weather today...
It's now 38 but feels like 34.
Light rain around quarter inch.
Snow is finally starting to melt, yeah!
It's says high's above freezing for the
next 10 days.
Rain/snow expected.

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

COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Be sure to check out the USA Weekend section.
There are 2 coupons in there for Cottonelle.
$1.00 off a 12 pack and .50 cents off wipes.

Here are what I picked and chose out
of the ads that I thought were the best deals.
It all depends on what your family uses or needs
so it may be different for each household.
If I need things this is what I might choose.

ALDIS

.89 cents a pack of 10 oz. grape tomatoes

.69 cents a pack of 8 oz. mushrooms

.69 cents a pack of 14 oz. green peppers

.49 cents a 12 oz. bag garden salad

$1.19 salad dressing

$1.99 for 16 oz. package meatballs

BIG LOTS

50 oz. 2x's All detergent $2.50 (little over 3 pounds)

32 oz. 3x's All detergent $2.50 (2 pounds)

3 lbs. 12 oz. Surf detergent $2.50

64 oz. Snuggle fabric softener $2.00

75-160 count Scotties facial tissues $1.00

WALGREENS

Suave 14 oz. shampoo or conditioner $1.00

Bayer asprin 24 to 36 count $1.50
with Walgreens coupon. Limit 4

Revlon Colorsilk hair color $1.99
with Walgreens coupon. Limit 3

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

Laundry day for me.

To save money on buying shower curtains
I save the one I have and if it starts
to get dirty I take it down and throw
it in the washer with hot water, detergent
and a little bleach.

I have had my shower curtain for at least 5 years.
It is a thicker kind of curtain, not one
found at a dollar store, so it holds up more
and doesn't tear where the hooks go.

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

Had a 10 pound bag of potatoes I had to use
up before they went bad. Put 2 large pots
of potatoes on the stove to boil them.

If you don't have a vaporizer or humidifier
then I suggest boiling a pot of water on the stove.

I had no vaporizers or the humidifier running
today when boiling my potatoes. The temperature
shot up 3 degrees in the house from the humidity
of the steam and holding steady without the furnace
kicking on!

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

The kids are becoming bored. We may take them over
to Petland on Bethel Rd. To us it's like a free
petting zoo. It's a pretty big place over there
with lots of animals.
They have a turtle that roams the store
and all kinds of fuzzy creatures in open cages
for the kids to pet.
The parrots or Macaws can get quite loud!
And other birds sit on ropes that hang from the
ceiling.
The last time we visited one swooped down and
perched on my head as I was walking by.
Tony thought that was the funniest thing.

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

Here's a video taken at Petland.
The Macaw was taking a nap most of our
time there. When he awoke he was a jabber Macaw!!
He'd make laughing noises and whistle at you.
He was funny with all his different sounds
and movements. He got the other birds in cages
next to him wound up and it got pretty loud
in there!!




Well this evening didn't go exactly as planned.
We did go to Petland BUT afterwards ended
up at Urgent Care due to Jonathan developing
an ear ache.

He did have a 101 degree temp Friday eve but
by Saturday the fever broke then hung
around the 99 mark and he was up and being active.
I knew something was up though to have a fever
out of the blue.

The wait at Urgent Care(in Dublin)was almost
2 hours. Jonathan was crying from ear pain
so Tony left and went to Giant Eagle to
get him some Ibuprofen. I gave Jonathan
some when he got back. By the time
we were seen the Ibuprofen had kicked
in and took his pain away, thank goodness.
Doc said he had an ear infection
in his left ear and possibly starting in his right.
Got a prescription for amoxicillin. But can't get til
tomorrow as the pharmacies are closed.

Ibuprofen seems to take the pain away so will
apply the rotating of Ibuprofen and Tylenol to get
through til tomorrow morning.

For those that don't know how to rotate Ibuprofen
and Tylenol....

start with let's say Ibuprofen.
Then in another 4 hours give them Tylenol.
Then another 4 hours Ibuprofen.
Then another 4 hours Tylenol
and so on as needed.

This is something doctors has told me to
do over the years to keep the pain medicine
flowing in them without wearing off.

There are 24 hour pharmacy but we decided to
wait til tomorrow morning to get the prescription
because we hadn't had supper and it was going
on 8pm. Jonathan is doing much better now
that he has Ibuprofen in him so should make
it through the night with pain meds and a heating
pad on his ear or even the bed warmer.

24 HOURS PHARMACIES that I use

Walgreens on 161

Kroger- Shrock Road, Westerville

Here's a few others I searched...

24 HOUR PHARMACIES IN CENTRAL OHIO

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

Well I am off here for the evening to
watch another Bring It On movie on ABC Family.

Last night they aired-
Bring It On
and
Bring It On - All Or Nothing

Tonight it's
Bring It On - Fight To The Finish

1-16-10

I entered my name in the
name that flower contest.

Here is a little more information
they want you to consider when naming the flower,

"Terra Nova Nurseries invites you to submit a name for one of their newest plants. Suggest your best idea for this new catmint. Keep in mind these naming tips from Terra Nova’s president, Dan Heims. He suggests staying away from people names, avoiding too many syllables and painting a nice mental image overall."

Here is a picture of what Catmint looks like.


And my name I already submitted was.....drum roll please

BLUE LIGHTNING

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

I was checking my Speedway points balance when I
discovered something I did not know.
If you forget your Speedway card you can
still earn those points and here is how.

Get your missed points.
If you were unable to use your Speedy Rewards card during a purchase and if you have your sales receipt, you can Submit Your Receipt information and get the points you should have earned.

SUBMIT YOUR RECEIPT

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

Today I got a chance to try out my new,
free carpet cleaner. I took it out
of the box and had to put together a few
pieces first. I wasn't sure if I would like
it being a smaller version of a carpet
cleaner. I give it thumbs up! The tanks
are smaller but I found myself emptying it
just as much as a larger cleaner.
I like its width because I can get it in
places other carpet cleaners can't.
Before with my other cleaner I had to move
tables. With this cleaner the handle
comes down far enough that I can get under
the coffee table with it. I also like the fact
it doesn't use a lot of cleaning solution.
It's lightweight and isn't as loud as other cleaners.
The carpet dries fast also!
Downside to it, it has no onboard attachments
for upholstery cleaning. I'll save my other cleaner
just for that.

It's a Bissel Quicksteamer. and runs around $90.


Carpet cleaning solutions can be expensive!
I have found ways around buying it.
I have substituted Mr. Clean all purpose cleaner
and it is the greatest and probably my favorite!!
I started using this when the kids spilled RED Hi-C
fruit juice on an almost white carpet! I grabbed
my cleaning bottle and sprayed the spot
and it came so clean you would have never known
there was a huge red spot earlier.
I have also bought a gallon jug of Mean Green
from Dollar general for $5 that says you
can use it in carpet cleaners. That should
last you a long while!!
Oxy-Clean is also great. But if you use the powder
form make sure it is completely dissolved in
water before adding it to your cleaner.
It could clog up your machine.

Here is a photo of my carpet after cleaning.
I think this steamer works just as good
as my other one that has heat and rotating brushes!
Plus it's much easier to empty this ones container.
No lid to remove. Just remove the container
and it has a hole you can pour the dirty
water out of.



You can also see my free humidifier in the photo.
It works great and we have been using it ever since!

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

Dropped the kids of at a friends house for a couple
of hours. Me and Tony went to Walmart to get him
a birthday gift. I can't stand Walmart nor that
area around Easton. Too much traffic and people
Parking and driving through the lots is a chore
in itself! Walmart didn't have my thread I was
looking for so we also stopped in Joann's. Found
3,000 yards of spools of serger thread for $1.99.
Got 2 spools so that should last me a long time.
While in Joann's I saw they had many items
marked down from 25% all the way up to 90%.
But good luck getting in the store and finding
a parking spot!

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

Tonight's supper...

I took the leftover meatloaf and leftover
Teriyaki rice and combined them together to make
meatballs. Then will make a couple packages
of Knorr Teriyaki noodles. Kind of like
a spaghetti and meatballs but different flavor.

Here is a tip to stretch hamburger when making
meatballs:
Add rice to the hamburger.

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

Ahhhhh! Get it outta my head!
I can't get the song from
the last American Idol outta my head!

Pants on the ground, pants on the ground,
lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground.

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

Just got The Bag of ads on the door not long ago.
On the front is an advertisement for Save-A-Lot.
There is a coupon directly on the bag for a
free loaf of Pennington Bread.

Save-A-Lot also has advertised Ramen Noodles
for $1.00 a 6 pack. I think you can get 6 packs
at Kroger for .89 cents so that's not a good deal.
Pretty much all their 5 for $5 items on the bag itself
can be found at kroger for around the same price.

Sales for the upcoming week

KROGER

Lots of $1.00 sales, too many to list.

Gallon milk, white or chocolate $1.88

Kroger 26 to 39 ounce coffee $3.99

Fritos Buy 2 get 1 free or 3 for $4.00 or $1.33 each average.

stock up on Kroger shredded cheese before Monday as their next sale
on 3 cup packages isn't as good!


MEIJER

Chunky Soup $1.25 a can

Jello Gelatin 3.3 ounces 2 for $1.00

Meijer Pot Pies 2 for $1.00

Meijer Chunk Light Tuna 2 for $1.00

Blue Bonnet Spread Quarters 16 ounces 2 for $1.00

Duncan Hines Cake Mix or Frosting .78 cents each

Creamettes Pasta .79 cents

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

Today in the mail from Ipsos I-say surveys
I received an American Express card with $5.00 on it.
Ya just never know what you will find in the mail!
Free $5.00! I'll take it. It'll be like having
$5.00 off my groceries.

Click HERE if you would like to sign
up and do their surveys.

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

I recently seen a commercial on tv for a survey site
called BigSpot.com. I did some research behind it and
don't see it as a survey site you should sign up for!

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

I am currently looking into 10 more survey sites.
Once that I see they are legit then I will post
about each one.
Word of warning...
NEVER EVER PAY ANY MONEY TO DO SURVEYS!!!!

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

Here is a bag of flour I got from Kroger
today for .79 cents.


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

Tip for cleaning a microwave or removing burnt smells:
Fill a microwavable bowl or glass half full of water.
Add 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar.
Microwave 5 minutes.
When done, carefully remove glass container
and wipe down.
The steam from the water helps to remove
built on gunk.
DO NOT USE ANY CHEMICALS OR CLEANERS IN MICROWAVE!!

This web site How To Clean Things
shows you how to clean things naturally without harmful chemicals.

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

I know I am probably a little slow at doing
computer and electronic things but wanted
to tell ya that last night we got the computer
hooked up to the tv and was able to watch movies
from the computer on a larger screen. It
was pretty cool and so much better than sitting
at the desk!


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

Here are a few more things we got free from
an apartment at Tony's work. I'm hoping the
truck is finally unloaded, lol.

1-15-09

Didn't do much this morning other than take
the kids to the bus stop. On my return home
I saw a house that had two Christmas
trees inside still lit up! Come on people,
it's 21 days after Christmas! I know some
people that have family in the military keep
Christmas things up for when they return soon.
But there is no sign of any military banners
or such which would say otherwise.
Conserve that energy from those Christmas lights
and save on those electric bills!
I am still seeing Christmas lights in yards
at night, several of them. I would figure
people would have them down or at least turned
off by the first of the year. I take ours down
the day after Christmas.

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

I let Jonathan use the homemade bed warmer last night
and he just loved it! He was upset it didn't last all night.
I told him if he woke up and wanted it warmed up
all he had to do was wake me up and I would
microwave it for him.
I'm gonna have to get some more thread this weekend.
Christopher now wants me to make him one.

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

Today I am making fruit roll ups.
Never made them before but have them drying
in the dehydrator.
I mixed applesauce with some dry raspberry
gelatin powder (jello).


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

Tonight's supper is meatloaf.
I mixed in an egg, bread crumbs, and a
can of Manwich. I topped it with ketchup.

Throughout the year I save the heels to
all of our bread. I keep them in the freezer
then when I have a good stock up them I cut
them into cubes, add a little veggie oil
and spread onto a cookie sheet. Pop into
an oven and keep watch and rotating them
til browned and crisp like toast.

Either keep as cubes and use as croutons
or put them in the food processor and make
into bread crumbs.

I then put them all back into freezer bags
and put in the freezer until needed.

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


Here's a contest for you and you can only enter once!
How about coming up with a name for a flower?
I found it through Birds and Bloom, the same publisher
as Taste of Home.
Check it out...
Name This Plant

And here is the name of the nursery with this flower.
Maybe by looking through their catalog you can
get inspired for a name...
Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc


Prize is bragging rights to the flower name and
you'll also get that plant free.
Woo Hoo they really went overboard with that one!

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

Gas bill came today and I wanted
to say it is $106.00
I consider that very good considering the
temps we've been having at below freezing!!.
Heat has been set at a steady 73 degrees.

I've had others ask if I am on the budget.
No I am not and here is the reason why.
I figure it all balances out with the
electric and gas over the year.
Winter time the gas goes up and electric
stays about the same.
In the Summer the electric goes up
from the air conditioner, and the gas
goes way down.
I have never had any gas heat assistance.
I know we qualify according to the income
guidelines but just never did it as we get by
on our own.
For those that may need HEAP assistance:
Income Eligibility
Heap and other assistance programs for your gas bill.

-------------------------
Here are videos of the trash hoarder's apartment
at Tony's work. Videos say so much more than pictures do!!!

KITCHEN



BEDROOM/VIDEO



More photos from the apartment.
This really was how this person lived.
The one dark photo is of the bottom
of the closet that had an unreported
water leak that damaged the apartment
and caused mold on the walls.

Oh but you have to click the photos
to enlarge them to see details!!




FYI Those aren't pee bubbles like I thought when hubby
brought home the pics he took. I guess the cleaning
lady thought she had to clean the toilet and put
cleanser in there. The maintenance guys stopped
her from going any further to let her know they
were replacing the toilet.

Also note the black floor, appears to be from
pee build up or either water leaking from the shower.
Pick one as it's all disgusting!!



Oh I also wanted to add that hubby said when he opened the
refrigerator and freezer in this apartment
the person had put empty food boxes in there
as well to store.

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

All this talk about filth makes me want to start
cleaning, lol.
I found a homemade shower cleaner on one
of the Yahoo groups. This lady claims
it works real good at removing soap scum.
She also stated she didn't have to
do a whole lotta scrubbing either.
My kind of cleaner!!

Tub & Shower Cleaner
1 (16-oz) spray bottle
2 cups white vinegar
1/2 cup dawn dish washing liquid (not ultra Dawn...if that's all you got, try 1/4 cup instead)

1. Put 2 cups of vinegar into spray bottle. Add this FIRST or the mix will foam on you.
2. Then add 1/2 cup Dawn dish washing liquid.
3. Replace top and gently shake.

Her Comments: This works better and faster (with less actual scrubbing) than any commercial product I have bought.

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

More pics of things we got free from an apartment.

1-14-10

Went to Meijer with mom while she did some grocery
shopping. I returned the Sketcher shoes I bought
for the kids and got money back. Those were a joke!
The kids couldn't even get their foot through
the opening of the shoe!

While there I noticed they still had a few, but dwindling,
Christmas items. Now 90% off!!

REGULAR PRICE BEFORE....$39.88

PRICE I PAID AFTER...$3.58

This is what I bought:

Sherry snow globe ornament
regular $3.99 now .39 cents

Jon snow globe ornament
regular $3.99 now .39 cents

Marilyn snow globe ornament
regular $3.99 now .39 cents

Lee (couldn't find Tony) snow globe ornament
regular $3.99 now .39 cents

Don candy cane ornament
regular $2.99 now .29 cents

Christopher candy cane ornament
regular $2.99 now .29 cents



Then I found more hair accessories and misc. so I bought
some to add to the bosses daughter's gifts
I have been buying for this upcoming Christmas.

2 Holographic sticker books
regular $3.00 each x's 2 is $6.00
now .15 cents each x's 2 is .30 cents



Package of 2 sparkly head bands
regular $1.99
I paid .19 cents

3 fancy ponytail holders
regular $1.99 each x's 3 is $5.97
I paid .19 cents each x's 3 is .57 cents



1 bobble head Santa pen
regular $1.99
I paid .19 cents

1 bobble head snowman pen
regular $1.99
I paid .19 cents



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

I notice that Meijer doesn't have the greatest
mark downs. Only about 35% to 40% off compared
to kroger's 50% + off.

If you find a mark down and are unaware of the price
before then I would find where the items usually
is in the store to see what it originally cost.

Today in Meijer I saw a rug marked down to $17.99
and it said 50% off. Sounded like a good deal BUT...
when I looked further to see what the other rugs
were priced just like it they said $13.99!!!
So that discounted rug was not actually half off!
It was more than what it was to begin with!!
Gotta watch out for crap like that.
BUYERS BEWARE!


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

Tony called to say he is trashing out the one apartment
today. He keeps finding lots of goodies that have been buried
in the place. Plus I forgot a bag of stuff yesterday when
leaving. So keep watch to see what else we've found
and I'll post pics of everything.
It's like Christmas for mom and dad all over again.
Which we don't buy much for ourselves at Christmas,
it's mainly for the kids.

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

The weather is warming up some. Was 38
when returning home from Meijers.
Snow and ice is dripping and melting off rooftops,
sidewalks, driveways and streets. YEAHHH!!!

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

Today I decided to whip together a bed warmer.
Took a flannel pillow case and cut it completely
apart, well into 2 pieces of fabric.
Then folded those halves in half length wise.
Filled the tubes about 3/4 the way full with rice.
It was something practical that could be used now
since the weather is cold and the bedroom are chillier
than the rest of the house.
So I made it up then put it in the microwave
at 30 second intervals and kept rotating and flipping
it til it got warm. I put it under the covers
in the bed. Then had lunch. By the time I got
to be nappy time my side of the bed was toasty
warm. I even laid on it when sleeping.
So I can actually say these things work.
Probably not for an entire night but to take
the chill off for about the first hour.
I am done sewing for now and can't start a
second one as I am officially out of thread.



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

Tony forgot to take the camera to work today
obviously as I am still posting pics. So
it looks like I might get the chance to send
it with him tomorrow to get more pics
of the one apartment since I don't think
they ended up trashing it out today.
He is the one being left to do it.
Lucky him! Don't know why someone
else couldn't come give him a hand
with that much of a mess!

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

I had a discussion today with my step-dad
who is over 70 years of age and has hearing
aids. I'm not knowledgeable in this field but
figured I'd talk about it anyway.

Why is it, it costs so much for hearing aids.
They can run $4,000 to over $8,000!!!
Then I found out that he gets the so called
"good" hearing aids recommended by the doctors.
Ones that are digital. So why is it that they
only last a couple of years for that ridiculous
amount of money??? Then they quit working
and the doctors want him to come back in for another
set. He has been through at least 3-4 hearing
aids already and I don't even want to know how
much those cost!
If it was me I would learn sign language before
paying those costs.

Then I find out that hearing aids are not
covered at all under any of his health insurance plans.
I don't understand as this is a medical
condition!!

Someone recommended to him about going to the VA
to get free or little out of pocket medical supplies
or services. Don't know much about that either
so here is the website that explains it all:
Department of Veteran Affairs

Like I said I am not knowledgable in hearing aids
or VA and am only going by what I was told.

I don't like doctors! I take my kids to them if
they need it but for myself I couldn't tell you the
last time I've been! I'm still living just fine!!!

This is just my opinion...
While I know there are doctors out there that
can save lives and do you some good, I feel
like they scam you out of your money.
I feel as though I am a guinea pig when
visiting the doctor and they guess at what
is wrong most of the time. If they guess wrong
then you go back in for another visit and another visit,
then keep on getting prescriptions, and those aren't free!
It's not coming out of their pockets!
I wouldn't think it's good to keep popping pills.
Heck look at antibiotics. The prescribe them so
much some are becoming immune to them.

Why in the world are they now advertising prescription
medicines on tv, magazines, radio and newspapers???
Then to hear the list of side affects you could
develope when taking them! I'll pass and suffer
with what I have before having liver failure,
heart attacks, go blind and so on.

Here is another way I think doctors scam you out of money.
I would take the kids to their pediatrician for their
shots and when they got sick. But so help me,
I let a year go by with no visits because they had all their shots
and weren't getting sick, I was penalized for it!!
I get a letter and a couple phone calls stating that if
I didn't bring in each child to get a check up their
medical charts would go in storage. And in order to see
the doctor again I would have to pay $40 each to have
them taken out of storage. I would also have to
physically go get their files myself from another office and bring them
to them. This is crazy BS and a way to make money if
you ask me!!! So needless to say their files are both
in storage. If they get sick I take them to Urgent
Care which is covered partially under our health insurance
until I can get them another doctor, a family doctor.

Even family doctors can be asses. I had one in Ashville
that was so mean to my kids. They were all of about 1 and
2 years old. He was not joyful to talk to and seemed
to have an attitude. He would call my kids fat right to
their faces in a mean way. Get pissed if we waited
in the patients room forever and had nothing to do
but play with his little roller chair. He'd walk
in and yell at them to leave his chair alone.
It's a freakin chair for crying out loud!

I eventually found another pediatrician that was
the best there ever was in Circleville!
She was sooo nice like a
best friend. You never felt like she rushed in and
out in a flash. She spent time with you no matter
how long it took to ask questions. She even got to
know you and about your family and she would
even talk about hers to you. We moved and I still
drove an extra 20 miles for those doctor visits if
that says anything. But unfortunately another move
put us too far away and that is how I ended up with
the "if you don't come in for this check up we are putting
your files in storage" doctor's office.

So to see my step-dad going to the doctors
about 8 times a month for something on
a regular basis disturbs me. And if one
doctor can't find anything wrong, then another
and another and another doctor is referred
for him to go to. The end result is still the
same. Nothing wrong!!
Do you see a pattern here with doctors????

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

Here's a kitchen tip I used today.
When I need a funnel I always cut the
top off of a 2 liter bottle of pop.

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

Do you know that last night while
watching tv I saw a Walmart commercial
still advertising Christmas sales!!
And I'm not talking about after
Christmas sales either!.

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

Businesses have it so bad for customers.
My mom always gets booklets in the mail
from places like Miles Kimball
and Carol Wright. I used to think
it was interesting to go through them
and see what crap was in there.
But after looking at the latest edition
yesterday of Carol Wright I was in shock!!
They have a complete section of sex toys!
And I don't mean basic vibrators that could
pass as a neck massagers! I mean everything
from rabbits, to butterflies, g-spot things
and pumps (won't go into details as to what kind!).
So if you are getting these mail order magazines
DON'T LEAVE THEM LYING AROUND FOR KIDS TO BROWSE THROUGH!!!

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


I swear I have Gremlins sometimes known as
Dirty Laundry Gremlins and Dirty Dishes Gremlins.
No matter how hard I try to keep up with daily
chores I can't get ahead. I think these Gremlins are
coming out when I can't see them.
They are nasty critters that cause so much laundry and dishes
to pile up! One minute I can do all dishes and then turn
around and there's another sink full. I thought
tonight I had laundry caught up only to find these
Gremlins had left another pile of clothes in the
hall. I need a way to transfer all these Gremlins
back into fuzzy, cute and loving Gizmos so they don't
wear mommy out!!

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

One find from Tony's work the other day
was a bottle of Dawn's Power Grabber.
You're supposed to spray it on dishes with baked
on stuff. Let it sit then wash and it comes
off like a charm without
scrubbing.
Wonder how much that bottle cost?
Who needs this stuff when you have things
in your home that can do the same thing!
Fill your pots, pans or baking dishes with
hot water. Then add a dryer sheet to it
and let it soak. No dryer sheet?
Then add about a tablespoon of liquid
fabric softener. It does the same thing
that Power Grabber does at a fraction of the cost!

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

Last week Tony handed me a recipe he found in the
mail from the Hellmans Mayo taste test.
He wanted me to make something called
Disappearing Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Sounded and looked good!
I just hadn't gotten around to making it just yet.

Today while in Meijer I was waiting for mom
to get some produce and was standing by the deli.
I usually don't buy stuff from the deli but today
I noticed a bright orange sign taped to the front
of the case. It said Buffalo Chicken Dip!
On sale at .99 cents a pound when it was
$6.00 a pound regular price.
Well I had to jump on that and got Tony
a pound of it.

For those who don't have that sale at that
price here is the recipe for

Disappearing Buffalo Chicken Dip

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

Also today while at Meijer I had to get some
Meijer baby powder to put in everyone's stinky shoes!
I hated paying the $2-$3 price for it.
Mom got a tub of Meijer petroleum jelly for
around the same price.

Do you know you can go to Big Lots
and pick up petroleum jelly and baby powder for
probably less than a buck! That's usually
where I buy it.

I shop many stores. Where I live there is
every kind of store within about a mile
or two from me! Soooo many shopping centers
now a days. How did we ever get by without them?
In one shopping strip I can get an oil change,
grocery shop, eat fast food, have my hair
cut, get a new outfit, buy a computer or cell phone,
get some fish or buy some lumber. This is crazy!!
All at the same time, due to the stock market crash,
we have empty buildings sitting everywhere from
people going out of business. On ONE
ROAD near here I can count about 6 car
dealerships or used car lots sitting empty that went under.
Do you think we're over doing it just a tad????

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

Mom always goes to the salon to get her hair cut
and colored. And pays around $50+ for it plus tip.
That's for short hair.

Not this chicky babe!!
I find hair coloring manager specials at Kroger
in the mark down bin and use coupons on top of that.
I get them free or for around $1.00 each.

Not long ago I used a Walgreen coupon and manufacture
coupons to get 4 boxes of hair color that would
have cost $16 for only $3.00!!

I do my own hair. I even trim the ends when they
look a little frayed. Tonight I decided to color
my hair because I noticed a few too many highlights
if you get my drift, lol. Still waiting for it to get
done, lol.
I noticed on the directions it says for hair
that is shoulder length you should use 2 boxes.
I have hair clear down the middle of my back and
have yet to use 2 boxes! Just a way to get you
to buy more uneeded things!

I do all the boys and hubby's hair with clippers.
I save lots of money by only purchasing a $10 to $15
hair clippers and can cut many many of hair with them.

1-13-10

Today in the Columbus Dispatch is an article about
the $5.00 Dinner Mom, the book and website
I mentioned not long ago. Well the owner
of them is from Ohio of all places.
You'll have to read the article from the
Dispatch which is available online!
Skip the daily paper and read things online
for free.

Mom wanted to go to the thrift store this morning.
It was freezing cold out! My toes and fingers
were tingly. BRRRR!!! I think the cars said
it was 14 degrees.

I found a few things at the thrift store of interest.
I walked around for a few and put back two things
after really thinking them over.

-Flannel pillow case .59 cents
plan to cut these in half and fold over
and turn into bed warmers for the kids.
Sew tunnels in them and fill with rice.
Then microwave before bedtime and stick under
covers to make their beds warm.



-Lap shelf .90 cents. It had crayon markings
on the top of it but came clean with a MR Clean
Magic Eraser. I got this to use in the evenings
when I want to take the laptop to the bedroom
with me. Now I will have something to put it
on while in bed to watch movies.

BEFORE CLEANING
You'd have to enlarge picture to see all
the crayon markings on it.


AFTER CLEANING WITH MAGIC ERASER


-Lastly, 2 pillow shams .59 cents each.
And here is the story behind this...
I must have found a nice comforter at Tony's work
that I liked, brought home and washed up. I use
it on our bed all the time. Then last year
at a yard sale I managed to find some matching shears
and drapes that match the comforter. The lady
had $7 on them but I offered $5 and she took it.
Now I have the matching pillow cases for $1.18.
I use beige sheets on my bed so it looks like
a matching set. Total cost for my bed set
$3.68. I took of half the price of the curtains
because while I use the shears in my bedroom
the drapes I used in my living room.

SHAMS


SHEERS


COMFORTER


DRAPES


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

I forgot to add another one of
my freebies from mail call yesterday
as I didn't realize what was in it til
I opened it today. I got more free
address labels.

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


I wanted to tell you about one of my favorite
crafting tools, the hot glue gun.
And it's not just used for crafts.

To stretch the life of the kids tennis shoes
I used hot glue on them in thin layers,
not gunked on. I spread the hot glue
around and flatten it out with the hot tip.
Tennis shoes will start to crack or sometimes
come apart. This is when the handy glue
gun comes out to temporarily fill in those cracks.
It is water proof and keeps moisture out of their
shoes on a rainy day providing they are not
jumping in puddles.

I have to buy my kids larger pants and cut
the bottoms off to their size. I hate
getting the sewing machine out for this.
I now get out the hot glue gun and
hem the bottoms of the pants. It has worked
and lasts through wear and tear, through washings
and the dryer.

Mom bought today at the thrift store the bottom
to a dish drying rack. She accidentally got it
caught in the car door and caused a corner of it
to chip off. So this afternoon I will go down
and try to fix it by putting hot glue in the hole.
Like I said it is water proof and should hold
up to put wet dishes on.

When it comes to hot gluing plastic
items I would recommend using
sand paper or a finger nail file to lightly
scuff the surface so the glue will better
adhere to it. Glue will not stick to a flat,
slick surface and be expected to stay on
without roughing it up a bit.

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

Who doesn't like to come home to a good smelling
house. I know I sure do as it acts as a
stress reliever for me at times.

During yard sale season I search for
used smelly candles. You can find them
dirt cheap from .05 cents to .50 cents.
The candle may have burned down and the wick
is covered with wax. This doesn't bother me
and I don't see it as something that can't be used.
I dig a little wax out of the jar and add it
to a miniature electric potpourri crock.
It makes the house smell sooo good and I don't
have to worry about open flames unattended being
left around children as a fire hazzard.
When it looses it smell I add more wax to the pot.
When the pot gets to the halfway point I unplug
it and allow the wax to harden then scrape it out
into the trash with a knife and start all over
again.
If you've ever priced scented candles you know
they can be very expensive! So this is my
cheaper way of still enjoying those candles
at a fraction of the cost.


Or you could find a cheap mug warmer and use
that to sit a small glass candle on top of.


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

Tony just called. He's getting off work
early today. He says he found me some goodies, YEAH!
He found a box of dishwasher detergent and
bottles of new cleaner for one of those mop
thingies that spray out onto the floor.
Having a brain fart at the moment as to what
they are called.

That sucks he just found the dishwasher detergent
because I just bought a box.
I had a good supply of detergent but finally ran
out. At one time I think I had 4-5 large boxes
from his work that he found.
Hey I ain't too good for freebies, bring 'em on!!

Yesterday he brought home a full bottle of spray
cleaner for the kitchen.
Very rarely do I ever have to buy cleaners due
to what he finds and brings home from work.
Residents leave them behind.
This saves me on a ton of money!!!

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

DISCOUNTED OR SALVAGE GROCERY STORES

Don't know if anyone has ever heard of
these before. I just discovered one
last year. It was called
Downtown Discount Grocery
in Lakeview (Indian Lake), Ohio.
For example I got a 20 pound bag
of rice for $2.00.

I found a list of them throughout Ohio.
So maybe if you are planning a trip
you could stop in one and check it out.
Salvage stores might offer scratch
and dent items. Or have items that
were acquired from stores
who went out of business.
They sell food and non food items.
Just be sure to watch expiration
dates!

Plus as you all may know Big Lots
sells cheap grocery items.

OHIO

Applecreek
D & S Discount Grocery, 8828 Dover Road, Ph 330-698-0137

Bellefontaine
Stites Grocery, 3524 County Road 130, 937-593-9223

Burton
Shedd Road Salvage, 15067 Shedd Road

Circleville
Discount Grocery Outlet, 900 South Pickaway Street, Ph 740-474-6501

Dorset
T & M Surplus Grocery, 2760 SR 193, Ph 440-858-2250

Hartville
R Grocery Outlet, 254 Market Avenue, Ph 330-294-0876

Kinsman
Kinsman General, 6416 Kinsman-Nickerson Rd., No Phone number presently available

Lakeview
Downtown Discount Grocery, 155 North Main Street, Lakeview, oh 43331-9463
Phone: (937) 842-5880

Lima
Daly’s Discount Groceries, 506 North Main St., Ph 419-225-2907
Stites Grocery, 8100 Harding Hwy, Ph 419-225-9710

Middlefield
B & K Salvage, 5515 Kinsman Road (SR 87)
Kurtz Salvage, 16777 Shedd Road
Nature's Nook Grocery & Salvage Store, 12960 Bundysburg Rd., Ph 440-272-5079
The Surplus Outlet Store, 15240 Shedd Road, Ph 440-834-8311
Triple M Salvage, 16029 Nauvoo Road, Ph 440-632-0554

Minerva
Overholt's Bargain Grocery & Variety, 912 East Lincolnway, Ph 330-868-6644

Orwell
M & L Salvage, 640 East Main Street, Ph 440-437-5714
Tower Salvage, 4652 SR 322

Plain City
Dings 'N Dents Grocery Outlet LLC, 228 Gay Street, Ph 614-634-6626

Rome
Dodgeville Food Salvage & Grocery, 1293 Dodgeville Road, Ph 440-294-3805

West Farmington
Bontrager Salvage Grocery, 172 Second Street, Ph 330-889-3678

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

Well it's lunch time. Our family
doesn't eat out too often if we can help it.
It's not too often that hubby has off work
when the kids are in school and when it
does happen we like to share the moment
together and go out to eat.
I'm thinking Arby's as I sit here
looking through my saved fast food coupons.
They have pretty good subs. But I wait
for their 2 for $4.00 coupons before
I consider getting them. I'm not sure
you can find a sub in Columbus for $2.00.

You can get exclusive promotions
and offers if you become an
Arby's Extra's Member by registering
at arbys.com

We got an Italian sub which was regular $4.00
and a swiss and dip sub which was regular $3.80
So we saved $4.80 by using the coupon!!

A small drink was $1.49 which we shared
and got free refills.

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

After all this talk about finding things
in apartments today was a good day for it!

Tony got a call from a coworker just after
we ate lunch saying they just got clearance
for leftovers in an apartment. So the
maintenance men could take whatever they wanted.

So we went back up to his work and came home
with a truck full of goodies.

Remember me saying earlier today that I don't
hardly ever have to buy cleaning supplies.
Well here is an example of what I got today...











And that's it for cleaning supplies.

Oh yeah I did find a new bag of flour.
I needed flour as I was almost out so this was a plus.



Now onto other goodies that you won't believe!

PLAYSTATION 2
Tony's already playing it, LOL.
Works great, had controller, memory card, wires
and him and other coworkers split whatever games they found.


BRAND NEW CARPET CLEANER IN BOX NEVER OPENED!!!


HUMIDIFIER


20" TV


EXTENSION CORDS


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

Remember me talking about Hoarders the
other day? Well I am awaiting photos
to show you of an apartment I was in today.
You will not believe what I will show you!!!
This is reality and could be in your neighborhood.
This is not from the tv show Hoarders!!!
Houses you walk past may hold hidden secrets.
And here is one with it's secrets about
to be discovered.

I did not have my camera with me so have to wait
for Tony's coworker to send his pics via
cell phone. I would have had a ball if I had
my camera!!

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

Sometimes I have good days while others are so so.
Today I'm sure you can tell it is good by the amount
I post, lol.

So here is something else I found that I am sure everyone
can use.

Go to Coupons.com.
On page 9 is a printable coupon for
up to 75% off a prescription drug to
use at your pharmacy.
I haven't printed it out to see
exact details but figured I'd give
everyone a heads up on it.

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

Ok got some pics in from the trashy apartment.
I will be sending the camera with Tony to
work tomorrow to get more pics as everything
was not seen in the ones I received.
Could you imagine living this way.

I thought the resident left food in the
cupboard. Come to find out when Tony
investigated it further, the resident
had put the empty food cans back in the
cupboard! Trash was everywhere. It
didn't look like he ever took trash out
of the apartment!
You just can't understand the overall view
I had today of this apartment! The pictures
aren't clear from a cell phone to express how all
this person lived! That mess you see is trash,
not clutter!


These pictures don't show how disgusting this
bathroom was!! Do you see the discoloration in
the sink, well that's how the bathtub and toilet
looked. The toilet will need replaced.
The floor around the toilet was black!


This is a bedroom which I think the resident used as
an office. Trash everywhere! He really like Choco-cakes
as there was TONS of those wrappers everywhere.
They were a smoker and cigarette butts were all over.
There were cups filled with butts on the floor.

This is the kitchen floor. It's not a very
large kitchen! Due to all the trash
there is no way they could have access to the
cupboards or even to oven as it blocked them.

This was the first thing I saw in the apartment
and was just blown away! This heaping pile of
trash overflowed the sink basin in the kitchen.
Most of it was tea bags! There had to be about
a thousand of them piled up in there among
other trash!


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

Tonight supper was Stroganoff.

I had leftover mashed potatoes from
last night's supper of crunchy potato
balls.

I then made up some hamburger, mixed in
a can of cream of chicken soup (didn't have
mushroom soup) and it called for sour cream
and chopped onion which I didn't have either.
So instead I used sour cream and onion chip dip.

Made this up and poured over the mashed potatoes.

Leftovers from this will go for Tony's lunch.
I make his lunches in a plastic bowl/plate that is
divided into three sections. They come with lids.
Then store them in the freezer like an entree.
When he needs a lunch it's ready to go to work
with him. Come lunch time all he has to do is
microwave it. Sometimes the guys get jealous
because he gets a home cooked meal for lunch, lol.
But hey it saves on money and is better for you
than buying fast food.