Monday, July 13, 2009

Meijer school supply deals!

Meijer, in an effort to one-up Walmart, is offering some great deals on school supplies! Through the end of July:

Crayola 24 crayons...$0.19
Elmer's School glue...$0.19
One subject notebooks...$0.05

On Saturday (7/11) I found,

Crayola 8 count washable markers...$0.79
7 pack of pencils...$0.39
Elmer's glue sticks (2 pack)...$0.79
Pens (8 pack)...$0.89

I don't know if those deals are still on this week or not, but it's worth checking into! Keep in mind not just your immediate needs, but if you're going to make a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, you can stock up now while the savings are great!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Um, yeah...so I took quite the break

I've taken a 6-month blogging break without even meaning too! I've been shopping and saving, but have really pared down on the amount of shopping I do, so there hasn't been much to write about. I've written some recently on my other blog, Radiance of Joy, if you'd like to check it out.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Another snow day

Well, I was stuck at home again. I didn't accomplish nearly as much as yesterday, but I cleaned out the hamster's cage and made and froze a batch of Hamburger Helper. Of course, I didn't wash the dishes I created so...Well, there should be work tomorrow. It's about time!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Baking/Cooking day again!

Well, due to a "large" amount of snow which came overnight (large in Cincy is nothing compared to Rochester, where I grew up), the roads were yucky this morning. So, I worked from home today. Except, I didn't have a lot of work. So, I got things done!

1. I started with working out for 10 minutes, not much I know but for me, it was quite the accomplishment.

2.Then, after dawdling away the morning, I did 2 loads of laundry,

3. Next, I baked brownies, a batch of muffins, a batch of Chicken Helper (which I freeze in individual portions--my own tv dinners!), and some biscuits. Most of the muffins, brownies, and biscuits get frozen for later. I pull out just what I want/need when I'm ready to eat them.

So, I've mostly re-stocked my freezer. Yeah! With musical rehearsals coming up, it's good to have quick dinners available. That's all for now.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Financial goals for 2009

Over 2008, I attended Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and did great for a whole, um, month. But it is now a new year and I have a new chance to rein in my finances and hold myself accountable. This is especially appropriate as I recently changed jobs and now earn less and travel a bit further for work. So, here are my goals:

1. Create a monthly budget

2. Stick to monthly budget!

3. Save at least $100 a month

4. Re-pay parents (at least 50%): I have no debt to any companies, just to my parents. I owe them a few thousand though and feel the need to get it paid off.

5. Ask myself if I really need something before I buy it.

Those are it. They may seem really, really basic, but as I haven't done a good job, it's about all I can handle right now (esp. 1 and 2). Good luck to all who are trying to be more fiscally responsible. With God's help, I know it can be done.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Drinking milk

Over the past two weeks, Kroger's had 1/2 gallons of milk on sale: 10/$10! To take full advantage, I'm drinking more milk than normal (I usually only drink about 1 glass a day) and am going to try freezing one carton. I figure if I decide I don't like the freezing thing, at least it's only $1 wasted. I even splurged and got a carton of O.J (also in the sale)! Great deal!

Otherwise, I really haven't done much shopping. I find one of the best ways for me to save money is to simply stay out of the stores! Seems simple, but once I started paying attention to sales, it became really hard to pass up great deals. But, I was buying more than I need to stock up and that just used money I didn't currently have. I'm still not good about sticking with my food budget, but it's better.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Oops! and Baking Day

It's been a while.....Okay, so all my baking was from mixes, but still…today, after church, I hit Kroger. There I bought eggs (and $1 half gallons of milk!). I came home and got baking. First up, a pan of brownies which I will cut into servings and freeze for future chocolate cravings. Next, Jiffy blueberry muffins (only makes 6). Then, Jiffy corn muffins (2 boxes), yielding 15. A great way to warm up the apartment on a cold day! By the way, Jiffy mixes are only $0.39 at Walgreen's this week with in-ad coupon.