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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.