What? Don't tell me. You've never heard of "dishes in the tub"? Well, I have lived in many places. Most of them, because of spacial issues(a.k.a. too little space), do not have much counter space. I mean, we are talking MINISCULE. I have about 2 feet of use-able counter space. I have no dishwasher, nor is there space for one. I am also not a dishwasher. (Read, my husband does most the dishes when he has time.) Well, he is insanely busy at work this week and I have been insanely busy and we have 3 days of dishes piled up. With a family of 5 that is ALOT of dishes.
What I discovered the other year is that if you put your dishes and bowls(no silverware, cups, or sharp knives) in a clean tub, fill with hot soapy water, and let sit, it is much easier to wash dishes.
They sit there while I wash a few dishes in the kitchen, PRETENDING I am almost done. It is so much easier to wash dishes without a pile threatening to topple over on you. While the dishes soak in the bathroom I wash the cups and silverware. Once they are dry I start bringing piles of dishes to the kitchen. Much easier to wash after they have soaked!!!
Only problem? I want to take a shower and the dishes aren't done. *SIGH*. And after they ARE done I will have to clean the tub.
My husband will be happy though. He won't have to wash dishes and his wife will look (and smell) much better.
Oh, and one last tip? Soak the silverware in a pan of hot soapy water. Loosens anything stuck to the silver and soaks the pan, all at once. :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
My Trip to NYC
I know some people likely thought I was crazy, taking a 5 hour train ride to NYC to meet AND share a hotel room, with people I had never met in real life. Maybe if it wasn't myself, but a close friend doing so, I possibly would have thought the same thing. I worked pretty darn hard the last few months, earning the money for this trip. It was amazing, holding the cash in my hand to go on this trip, knowing I hadn't cheated my family out of something by going. I know that may only make sense to me but that's ok.
Thanks to my family for not telling me I was insane. We all have pretty big mouths and generally no one is afraid to tell the other if they are making a horrible mistake. I fully expected trepidation and doom to escape their mouths but it didn't. You see, I knew I wasn't making a mistake. In fact, it was one of the best things that has happened in a long time. As you read this, you may sometimes wonder how I can say it was so great. I warn you, I am pouring my heart out and being quite transparent. This will be long because this is something I need to do for me.
I was going to meet someone who I owe so much to and could never possible repay, some one who I met in one of the darkest moments of my life, and then proceeded to walk with her through one of my brightest moments, someone who teaches me constantly that a soft answer DOES turn away anger, someone whose political and religious views tend to be quite opposite mine, but in all reality, I see a lot of myself in her, and to meet other women who were icing on the cake.
My sister asked me if I was nervous the day before I left. I asked her what I was suppose to be nervous about. I seriously had no clue. I wasn't nervous until the evening before. Thoughts of, will I be good enough, will they like me in person, will I be comfortable around these "strangers"?
My trip went incredibly smooth, shorter then planned, even though I started an hour late due to the fact that the credit card we pulled out for this expedition(safety with less cash, and not wanting to risk our bank card being stolen), hadn't been used in well over a year, and my over-cautious self that checked and re-checked the expiration date failed to see the card had expired 11 months ago. It's 2010??? For real??? Thanks to my brother and my dad going out of their way and bringing me money, I had enough for my trip. They were even nicer then usual, not pointing out my stupidity, and my brother bought me Starbucks!
At train station #5 I anxiously waited for Alisa to pick me up. ACK!! What was I doing? Would this be awkward? Nope, when she pulled up I couldn't help but smile, she was exactly like I pictured, and we started talking almost immediately. We got to the hotel where I met Cori, the "girl" I have known through the worst moments of our lives, and now some of the best. I know, some of you are saying "Thank God she wasn't an ax murderer" lol.
That evening we met more lovely women as they arrived. We had fun over pizza and cannoli. We stayed up way too late but went to bed happy to have spent time together.
The next day we hung out and met another women who arrived from California, with her kids - brave woman doing the red-eye with 3 little ones. Then Alisa and I went to pick up the sweetest ray of sunshine - Mary, and her daughter.(This woman also happens to make the most amazing hats.)
It was great getting to know Alisa better on the way there and both of them on the way back. In the evening we went out for Chinese food, which is where the learning lessons start. It was quite humbling to have someone else take the bill for the whole group yet again. I hated that I couldn't do the same thing. My pride is one of my weaknesses:(. That started the whole train of what comes next.
We got back to the hotel later that evening, with even more cannoli AND cheesecake ahead of us. I had handled cannoli well the night before and these ones were smaller so I had 2 delicious authentic cannoli and an itty bitty slice of cheesecake, way too late at night. I fell asleep around midnight but woke up an hour later, sicker then you want to know.
I spent the rest of the night in the bathroom, so sick, and at that point, just wanting to be home. The next morning I had to make the decision to head home early, fore-going the trip to NYC with everyone. One of the things I anticipated most. My insecurity assumed that no one would want me around, that they would be more worried that I actually had a virus rather then the fact that my food had simply not agreed with me. Well, Cori was really sweet and hurried to get all ready and took me to the station. I felt better right away(isn't that how it always is??)
When I got to Penn I grabbed a bagel and after that stayed down without a queasy stomach, I decided to meet up with everyone when they got to the city. Well, I had an hour and a half before they would be there and way too much time to think. I really started doubting whether they really wanted me there, whether I was fun enough, etc. Were they talking about how they didn't want me to stay because they were afraid I had a virus and would get them sick? Add to that the lack of sleep, and I was a mess.
Then, if you have never been to NY Penn station.....it is horrible. There is nowhere to sit unless you have a ticket and are waiting for the train, so I found a spot to sit in against the wall in the corrider, like other people were. I shoved my purse behind me so no one could see it and sat on my back pack. Some guy came over and asked me for $.50. I just shook my head and said sorry. He tried peering behind me, so apparently he knew I had my purse back there. Thankfully he went off without a fight. I am a people watcher by nature so it was interesting sitting there. It was also scary. I watched all these people walking through, their eyes darting as they looked for a victim. No, I am not making assumptions or stereotypes. I saw and heard many people muttering crazy things to themselves, many of them most likely were homeless, and many of them not completely coherent, whether drunk or crazy, I don't know. It made me sad.
A couple that I will presume was homeless decided to make their seat next to me. I noticed he walked off and came back with a beer. Well, a little later I saw him meander across the corrider again, and this time I noticed that the Taco Bell stand had already stocked their end cap with ice, soda, and beer. Don't ask me why they can sell beer when there are signs all over NY Penn that you can't drink beer in the station. And don't ask me why there was no one there to WATCH their products so they didn't grow legs. Well, after beer number 2, this couple decided to move locations, They had eyed me a few times before that and I realized after they saw that I had noticed his new "freebie" is when they decided to head on out. Don't judge me for not saying anything to them. I suffered a little guilt over it but there was no one at Taco Bell to mention it to and it definitely would have been dangerous to confront this man. He was quite obviously a little dangerous looking.
No sooner did they leave then this crazy lady walked up. She started yelling horrible things throughout the station then proceeded to mutter my way. She said "I hope you know sign language b****. You know why? Because I am going to punch a hole in your face, and when I am done with you, you will never talk again." I was in a bad spot. I was sitting on my back pack, purse behind me, watching her out of the corner of my eye. When she turned around and started ranting to the rest of the station again, I moved position and grabbed my things. She turned again and repeated what she had said to me before. A station employee walked by and said "Ignore her." I kind of nervously laughed and said, "Oh trust me, I am." Again, she turned to the rest of the corrider, ranting. I stood as fast as I could and walked off - SCARED OUT OF MY MIND!!!!
With all the thoughts that had been running through my mind, and finally this last "threat", I had had enough. Close to tears I called Alisa and said I was headed home. I was so sad, so tired, and I just couldn't take 45 more minutes in the station. I fought tears as I went down the elevator to a train 15 minutes later and started my journey home.
It went smoothly and my husband drove into the city to keep me from having to wait for an hour in the Philadelphia Station until I could catch the last 25 minute leg home. I was so grateful.
I met some amazing women. I am so thankful to have them in my life. They come from every part of the Unites States, every religion, every walk of life, and every political view, yet our friendship is the glue that helps us see past the differences to the "alike-ness". I learned that the insecurities I thought I had put behind me are still there, looming, and that I will always have to deal with them. And this time, instead of trying to hide my flaws from my friends, I am going to be open. This is who I am and the mask isn't going to hide that.
Thank you ladies for all you have done for me. I could never re-pay you, but hope you know that no matter what, I am here to offer what I can - an ear, a hug, and friendship.
Thanks to my family for not telling me I was insane. We all have pretty big mouths and generally no one is afraid to tell the other if they are making a horrible mistake. I fully expected trepidation and doom to escape their mouths but it didn't. You see, I knew I wasn't making a mistake. In fact, it was one of the best things that has happened in a long time. As you read this, you may sometimes wonder how I can say it was so great. I warn you, I am pouring my heart out and being quite transparent. This will be long because this is something I need to do for me.
I was going to meet someone who I owe so much to and could never possible repay, some one who I met in one of the darkest moments of my life, and then proceeded to walk with her through one of my brightest moments, someone who teaches me constantly that a soft answer DOES turn away anger, someone whose political and religious views tend to be quite opposite mine, but in all reality, I see a lot of myself in her, and to meet other women who were icing on the cake.
My sister asked me if I was nervous the day before I left. I asked her what I was suppose to be nervous about. I seriously had no clue. I wasn't nervous until the evening before. Thoughts of, will I be good enough, will they like me in person, will I be comfortable around these "strangers"?
My trip went incredibly smooth, shorter then planned, even though I started an hour late due to the fact that the credit card we pulled out for this expedition(safety with less cash, and not wanting to risk our bank card being stolen), hadn't been used in well over a year, and my over-cautious self that checked and re-checked the expiration date failed to see the card had expired 11 months ago. It's 2010??? For real??? Thanks to my brother and my dad going out of their way and bringing me money, I had enough for my trip. They were even nicer then usual, not pointing out my stupidity, and my brother bought me Starbucks!
At train station #5 I anxiously waited for Alisa to pick me up. ACK!! What was I doing? Would this be awkward? Nope, when she pulled up I couldn't help but smile, she was exactly like I pictured, and we started talking almost immediately. We got to the hotel where I met Cori, the "girl" I have known through the worst moments of our lives, and now some of the best. I know, some of you are saying "Thank God she wasn't an ax murderer" lol.
That evening we met more lovely women as they arrived. We had fun over pizza and cannoli. We stayed up way too late but went to bed happy to have spent time together.
The next day we hung out and met another women who arrived from California, with her kids - brave woman doing the red-eye with 3 little ones. Then Alisa and I went to pick up the sweetest ray of sunshine - Mary, and her daughter.(This woman also happens to make the most amazing hats.)
It was great getting to know Alisa better on the way there and both of them on the way back. In the evening we went out for Chinese food, which is where the learning lessons start. It was quite humbling to have someone else take the bill for the whole group yet again. I hated that I couldn't do the same thing. My pride is one of my weaknesses:(. That started the whole train of what comes next.
We got back to the hotel later that evening, with even more cannoli AND cheesecake ahead of us. I had handled cannoli well the night before and these ones were smaller so I had 2 delicious authentic cannoli and an itty bitty slice of cheesecake, way too late at night. I fell asleep around midnight but woke up an hour later, sicker then you want to know.
I spent the rest of the night in the bathroom, so sick, and at that point, just wanting to be home. The next morning I had to make the decision to head home early, fore-going the trip to NYC with everyone. One of the things I anticipated most. My insecurity assumed that no one would want me around, that they would be more worried that I actually had a virus rather then the fact that my food had simply not agreed with me. Well, Cori was really sweet and hurried to get all ready and took me to the station. I felt better right away(isn't that how it always is??)
When I got to Penn I grabbed a bagel and after that stayed down without a queasy stomach, I decided to meet up with everyone when they got to the city. Well, I had an hour and a half before they would be there and way too much time to think. I really started doubting whether they really wanted me there, whether I was fun enough, etc. Were they talking about how they didn't want me to stay because they were afraid I had a virus and would get them sick? Add to that the lack of sleep, and I was a mess.
Then, if you have never been to NY Penn station.....it is horrible. There is nowhere to sit unless you have a ticket and are waiting for the train, so I found a spot to sit in against the wall in the corrider, like other people were. I shoved my purse behind me so no one could see it and sat on my back pack. Some guy came over and asked me for $.50. I just shook my head and said sorry. He tried peering behind me, so apparently he knew I had my purse back there. Thankfully he went off without a fight. I am a people watcher by nature so it was interesting sitting there. It was also scary. I watched all these people walking through, their eyes darting as they looked for a victim. No, I am not making assumptions or stereotypes. I saw and heard many people muttering crazy things to themselves, many of them most likely were homeless, and many of them not completely coherent, whether drunk or crazy, I don't know. It made me sad.
A couple that I will presume was homeless decided to make their seat next to me. I noticed he walked off and came back with a beer. Well, a little later I saw him meander across the corrider again, and this time I noticed that the Taco Bell stand had already stocked their end cap with ice, soda, and beer. Don't ask me why they can sell beer when there are signs all over NY Penn that you can't drink beer in the station. And don't ask me why there was no one there to WATCH their products so they didn't grow legs. Well, after beer number 2, this couple decided to move locations, They had eyed me a few times before that and I realized after they saw that I had noticed his new "freebie" is when they decided to head on out. Don't judge me for not saying anything to them. I suffered a little guilt over it but there was no one at Taco Bell to mention it to and it definitely would have been dangerous to confront this man. He was quite obviously a little dangerous looking.
No sooner did they leave then this crazy lady walked up. She started yelling horrible things throughout the station then proceeded to mutter my way. She said "I hope you know sign language b****. You know why? Because I am going to punch a hole in your face, and when I am done with you, you will never talk again." I was in a bad spot. I was sitting on my back pack, purse behind me, watching her out of the corner of my eye. When she turned around and started ranting to the rest of the station again, I moved position and grabbed my things. She turned again and repeated what she had said to me before. A station employee walked by and said "Ignore her." I kind of nervously laughed and said, "Oh trust me, I am." Again, she turned to the rest of the corrider, ranting. I stood as fast as I could and walked off - SCARED OUT OF MY MIND!!!!
With all the thoughts that had been running through my mind, and finally this last "threat", I had had enough. Close to tears I called Alisa and said I was headed home. I was so sad, so tired, and I just couldn't take 45 more minutes in the station. I fought tears as I went down the elevator to a train 15 minutes later and started my journey home.
It went smoothly and my husband drove into the city to keep me from having to wait for an hour in the Philadelphia Station until I could catch the last 25 minute leg home. I was so grateful.
I met some amazing women. I am so thankful to have them in my life. They come from every part of the Unites States, every religion, every walk of life, and every political view, yet our friendship is the glue that helps us see past the differences to the "alike-ness". I learned that the insecurities I thought I had put behind me are still there, looming, and that I will always have to deal with them. And this time, instead of trying to hide my flaws from my friends, I am going to be open. This is who I am and the mask isn't going to hide that.
Thank you ladies for all you have done for me. I could never re-pay you, but hope you know that no matter what, I am here to offer what I can - an ear, a hug, and friendship.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cleaning Day 2 (Day 1 was nothing)
Day 2 of cleaning. I woke up this AM with a terrible hacking cough, stuffed up nose, pounding head, and just feeling miserable. You know, a stay in bed day. I anticipated a 4.5 hour day to finish off my deep clean job. Sherwin Williams kindly offered me the use of their in-store 4 ft. ladder so I wouldn't need to pay $65 for something I only needed for one day.
I got to the job at 7:30 AM. Great!! Early start, early finish. I hauled my one million and ten cleaning supplies in, dreading the 9 blinds still awaiting me. I started on the hallway blind, going over each slat one by one with a wet paper towel-TEDIOUS!!! I decided at that point I was going to ATTEMPT to clean the kitchen blind, which was smaller, in the bathtub, like everything suggests you do(This is why people only charge $29 for a houseful of mini blinds, I will assume). MESS, MESS, MESS....and in my opinion, it didn't clean so hot either. Nowhere near as good as my painstaking slat by slat routine that was slowly killing all muscles and joints in my arms.
I took a break and started back on the master shower that I hadn't been able to finish the day before, as I had run out of a certain cleaning supply. QUICK TIP: for an exceptionally scummy shower use Lysol Deep Reach or lime and rust toilet bowl cleaner. Squeeze on, use a scrub brush to lightly work it in, then let sit 20 minutes. When you go over it with a rag it comes off like a charm.
Back to work on the blinds, I decide to take the dining room blind DOWN to clean it on the floor. Great, it only took 30 minutes versus 1 hour. Climb my ladder to put it back up. As it snaps back into the runner the bottom swings out and I look down as in slow motion this beautiful blue wine glass starts teetering. I held my breath as I moved towards it, praying I would catch it in time. Just as it looked like all would end well, with a final second, it shattered.
I did the professional thing and called the homeowner. At this point I was somewhat unprofessional as I was close to tears and trying to fight them back. I offered to pay for it and she insisted that no, I didn't need to as she has broken one already and they had them for 8 years. I felt HORRIBLE. Mind you, this is after yesterday where I needed to call her and let her know that her toilet seat somehow snapped off in my hand. (She had forgotten to tell me it was broken.)
Fast forward to 3:30 PM. I am rushing, trying to get everything accomplished by 5 PM. Ran out to the car to get my mop bucket, checking to make sure the door wasn't locked behind me. Apparently I pulled it shut from habit, and apparently it is one of the doors that even though it is locked from the outside you can still go out it...you just can't get back IN it.
Lovely....just lovely. I was wearing bummy clothes because I didn't intend to see anyone and was working with bleach. Like, clothes NO ONE sees me in....EVER. My hair was a mess all over the place, and, even worse, I was SHOELESS. I was ready to mop the floor so I took my shoes off a few minutes earlier. I ran around the house, looking for an unlocked window. The ground was SOPPING wet from the nice weather(read 40 degrees) we have had the last few days. Of course!!! No unlocked windows. I locked them as I cleaned them. GENIUS!!!
My last ditch effort was to run to the neighbor's house. My phone, keys, EVERYTHING, was inside and I had no way to contact the owner at this point. Of course, they don't know their neighbors so I called my husband to see if he could help me brainstorm....oh, out of the store for 15 minutes.
Well, I spied the realty sign in the homeowner's yard with a phone number on it. That's right, there is a lock box on the door!!! Decided maybe I could call them, they could call the owner and get the ok to 1)send someone out to let me in (owner works 40 minutes away), 2) give me the combination to the lock box. I called the realtor's and told them my dilemma. She didn't even hesitate, and after verifying who lived there, GAVE ME THE COMBINATION!!!!! Dead serious. I did have to wait in between for her to take a few calls. I am hoping one of the calls was to verify that I was indeed SUPPOSE to be getting into her home.
I finally finished Day 2 with 1 bathroom break and no food again...at 5 PM.
I came home to sick children and a sick self, and very little sleep last night. I am very thankful that the job is done, my vacuum is paid for, and my husband is coming home early to take care of us all.
And by the way, $200 wasn't enough.
Good day!!!
I got to the job at 7:30 AM. Great!! Early start, early finish. I hauled my one million and ten cleaning supplies in, dreading the 9 blinds still awaiting me. I started on the hallway blind, going over each slat one by one with a wet paper towel-TEDIOUS!!! I decided at that point I was going to ATTEMPT to clean the kitchen blind, which was smaller, in the bathtub, like everything suggests you do(This is why people only charge $29 for a houseful of mini blinds, I will assume). MESS, MESS, MESS....and in my opinion, it didn't clean so hot either. Nowhere near as good as my painstaking slat by slat routine that was slowly killing all muscles and joints in my arms.
I took a break and started back on the master shower that I hadn't been able to finish the day before, as I had run out of a certain cleaning supply. QUICK TIP: for an exceptionally scummy shower use Lysol Deep Reach or lime and rust toilet bowl cleaner. Squeeze on, use a scrub brush to lightly work it in, then let sit 20 minutes. When you go over it with a rag it comes off like a charm.
Back to work on the blinds, I decide to take the dining room blind DOWN to clean it on the floor. Great, it only took 30 minutes versus 1 hour. Climb my ladder to put it back up. As it snaps back into the runner the bottom swings out and I look down as in slow motion this beautiful blue wine glass starts teetering. I held my breath as I moved towards it, praying I would catch it in time. Just as it looked like all would end well, with a final second, it shattered.
I did the professional thing and called the homeowner. At this point I was somewhat unprofessional as I was close to tears and trying to fight them back. I offered to pay for it and she insisted that no, I didn't need to as she has broken one already and they had them for 8 years. I felt HORRIBLE. Mind you, this is after yesterday where I needed to call her and let her know that her toilet seat somehow snapped off in my hand. (She had forgotten to tell me it was broken.)
Fast forward to 3:30 PM. I am rushing, trying to get everything accomplished by 5 PM. Ran out to the car to get my mop bucket, checking to make sure the door wasn't locked behind me. Apparently I pulled it shut from habit, and apparently it is one of the doors that even though it is locked from the outside you can still go out it...you just can't get back IN it.
Lovely....just lovely. I was wearing bummy clothes because I didn't intend to see anyone and was working with bleach. Like, clothes NO ONE sees me in....EVER. My hair was a mess all over the place, and, even worse, I was SHOELESS. I was ready to mop the floor so I took my shoes off a few minutes earlier. I ran around the house, looking for an unlocked window. The ground was SOPPING wet from the nice weather(read 40 degrees) we have had the last few days. Of course!!! No unlocked windows. I locked them as I cleaned them. GENIUS!!!
My last ditch effort was to run to the neighbor's house. My phone, keys, EVERYTHING, was inside and I had no way to contact the owner at this point. Of course, they don't know their neighbors so I called my husband to see if he could help me brainstorm....oh, out of the store for 15 minutes.
Well, I spied the realty sign in the homeowner's yard with a phone number on it. That's right, there is a lock box on the door!!! Decided maybe I could call them, they could call the owner and get the ok to 1)send someone out to let me in (owner works 40 minutes away), 2) give me the combination to the lock box. I called the realtor's and told them my dilemma. She didn't even hesitate, and after verifying who lived there, GAVE ME THE COMBINATION!!!!! Dead serious. I did have to wait in between for her to take a few calls. I am hoping one of the calls was to verify that I was indeed SUPPOSE to be getting into her home.
I finally finished Day 2 with 1 bathroom break and no food again...at 5 PM.
I came home to sick children and a sick self, and very little sleep last night. I am very thankful that the job is done, my vacuum is paid for, and my husband is coming home early to take care of us all.
And by the way, $200 wasn't enough.
Good day!!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
New Year's Resolutions
I have never been a real fan. I have composed my LISTS throughout the years, but I never got the point. I mean, you screw up your PLAN all year long, then beat yourself up over it, then make a new one, and the vicious cycle starts all over. There is sooo much more to life then that....at least I think so. I prefer to set goals through out the year, rest them, revamp them into more realistic ones, and not discourage myself with my many failures.
I prefer to set new goals every day, week, month. So much in life changes day by day that it just doesn't seem realistic to set a goal at the beginning of the year and expect to make it happen...or...this mommy brain to REMEMBER it.
So this year I have 2 goals. One, to remember each day is just a stepping stone and to continually challenge myself to grow closer to God and my family. Two, to save all my receipts of what I get with grocery money, and every month or so re-evaluate what the grocery budget is buying and where it is going.
I think I can handle that. The rest of it? I will take one day at a time and work on things as they come along. I refuse to set myself up for failure and then, at the end of the year, see how miserable I did.
Have a wonderful and Happy New Year, and whatever YOUR resolutions....I hope you meet them.
I prefer to set new goals every day, week, month. So much in life changes day by day that it just doesn't seem realistic to set a goal at the beginning of the year and expect to make it happen...or...this mommy brain to REMEMBER it.
So this year I have 2 goals. One, to remember each day is just a stepping stone and to continually challenge myself to grow closer to God and my family. Two, to save all my receipts of what I get with grocery money, and every month or so re-evaluate what the grocery budget is buying and where it is going.
I think I can handle that. The rest of it? I will take one day at a time and work on things as they come along. I refuse to set myself up for failure and then, at the end of the year, see how miserable I did.
Have a wonderful and Happy New Year, and whatever YOUR resolutions....I hope you meet them.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
More then .50
Yesterday some one said to me " I would rather shop at one store and spend .50 extra then shop around." Please take no offense if you are reading this. NONE is meant. It just made me think about what I spend, save, and "extra travel".
As a whole I really don't travel extra. All stores are within 7 miles of me. In fact, I could hit them all up on my way to church, community group, or my parents and only travel ONE mile out of my way. Or, I could hit two of them up on the way home from taking Dave to work or picking him up. TRUST ME, after picking him up is the FAR better option. 3 children and shopping is NO FUN. It isn't so much the "can we get this? Can we get that?" It is racing to the blinky machines(coupons in store) to see who can get it first, then getting mad if someone else captured more. It is the "Are we almost done yet?" It's the pulling the cart from side to side, OR EVEN WORSE.....walking IN FRONT of the cart when I simply cannot stop in time and run over a little body. Then, to top it all off, Rohanna grabs at candy bars, or thinks she is for sale and attempts to crawl onto the grocery belt, as the boys are on the other end either trying to bag groceries, or checking out the little button that makes the little spinny that the groceries sit on at the end(ACME), go round and round. How fast CAN it go mom??? Or investigating RedBox..."It's ONLY a dollar mom."
Ok, ok, where was I? Oh yes, savings, etc. If you want to see just totals scroll down to the bottom lol.
I think the best way to describe WHY I exclaimed FIFTY CENTS??????? would be to give you my totals for the week....and what I purchased. Then you might see just why I go to THREE grocery stores(yup, 3).
You will see that meat is not on my list. That is because I stocked up last week. Same goes for milk and eggs.
ACME:
**4 Ragu(emergency dinners): 2.99 - sale price - 1.69 - .88 IF YOU BUY 4 - used 1.00/2 coupons (2 coupons)
***3 Pillsbury bread mix: 2.79 - sale price - 1.67 - .40/1(double coupons= .80/1 -had 3 coupons)
*** Smuckers jam: 2.95 - sale price - 2.00 - .25/1 (doubled - .50/1)
*** Smuckers jam - 3.39 - sale price - 2.00 - .25/1 (doubled - .50/1)
*** 1 Crisco cooking oil - 4.99 - sale price - 2.50 - 1.00/1
*** 6 Pillsbury brownie mix - 2.49 - sale price - 1.00 - .40/1 (doubled - .80/1 - had 6 coupons)
*** Eagle condensed milk - 3.49 - 2.00 sale price - .55/1 (doubled - 1.10/1)
*** 1 Pillsbury Frosting - 2.19 - 1.50 sale price - .40/1 (doubled - .80/1)
** 10 Cheese - 2.99 - sale price - 1.00
Total: Regular price - 82.18 - sale price - 37.76 - manufacturer coupons doubled(12.10) - $15.00 coupons for a deal they had last week that gave $15 of next order, AND those coupons took .90 off in tax = TOTAL PAID 6.52 PLUS I received another $5 of my next order. The items with *** added up to $20(a little over) before coupons so I got the $5 coupon.
Giant: I did 2 deals. They only double one like coupon in an order AND I was waiting on today's coupons so I could get the rest of the stuff.
#1:
Buy 8 of these items get $5 off instantly*:
*8 Green Giant frozen veggies - 1.79 each - sale price - 1.00 - .60/3(doubled - 1.20), and .60/3 (not doubled)
Uncle Ben's Long grain and wild rice - 1.95 - 1.67 sale price - .75/1 (doubled - 1.50)
3 Phila. cream cheese - 2.09 - sale price 1.25 - 1.25/3
TOTAL - Reg. price - 22.54 - sale price - 13.42 - manu. coupons - 4.55 - inst. savings - $5 TOTAL PAID - $3.03
#2
Buy 7 save $4 inst.*:
*1 Betty Crocker frosting(BC) - 1.49 - sale price 1.39 - .50/1 (doubled 1.00/1)
*2 BC cake mix - 1.29 ea. - sale price 1.00
m and m's - .79 - sale price - .50 (Dave was starving!!!!)
*2 Bakers Chocolate - 2.59 ea. - sale price 2.00 ea - 1.00/2
*McCormick peppercorn - 2.29 - sale price - 2.00 - .50/1 (doubled 1.00)
Uncle Ben's Rice - 1.79 - sale price 1.67 - .75/1 (doubled - 1.50/1)
*Keebler graham crust - 1.69 - sale price - 1.50 - .30/1 (doub. .60/1)
Hot dog relish - 1.29
4 Disposable bread tins - clearanced - .50 ea
1 wilton crayola candles - .35 (clearance)
1 squiggly candles - .67 (clearance)
TOTAL: Reg. price 20.12 - Sale price - 17.37 - manu coup. - 5.10 - minus $4 inst. saving TOTAL PAID - 8.45
Superfresh
Herr's Tortilla chips - Reg. price 3.79 - sale price 1.89
2 Nesquik choc. milk - reg. price 2.19 ea. - sale price 1.00 - 1.00/2
Sorrento Mozzarella(1 lb) - reg. price 4.99 - sale price 1.99
2 helluva good cheese - reg. price 3.29 ea - sale price 1.64 - manu coup. 1.00/2
4 Hunts tomatoes (28 oz) - reg. 1.69 ea - sale 1.00 - manu 1.00/4, store coupon .25/1
1 A and P rootbeer(4 pk - reg. 3.99 - sale - 1.49
1 marcal toilet paper 4 pk - reg. 1.49 - sale - 1.29 - manu 1.00/1
Turkey Hill Icecream - reg. 5.99 - sale 2.99 - when you buy $15 in groceries sale 1.89 - manu - 1.00/1, store coup. .50/1
AC butter - 1.99 - when you buy $15 groceries sale 1.49
TOTAL: Reg. price 39.96 - sale price 19.32 - manu coup. 5.00 - store coup - .75
TOTAL PAID: 13.66
Earlier in week went to food auction for "vacation outting"- $20.50 - 1 mum(plant), some baskets for .25, 10 lb cabbage, box with 4 loaves pepperidge farm whole grain breads, 2 bags hearth baked rolls, 7 bags hot dog rolls, 1 bag whole wheat mini bagels, 1 bag whole wheat sandwich rolls, 3 # organic oranges, 3# bag apples, 25# box organic apples, 4 acorn squash, peach juice
Newark Farm Market - 13.50 - 1 doz XL eggs, 3 romaine hearts, 4 lb, bananas, large soy sauce, 6 # onions, bunch leeks, 1 pomegranate, 4# baking apples, 2 jalapenos
I think I save more then 50 cents.......
My trick is I stock up when things are cheaper because they only run sales on some things at certain times of the year. This way I rarely am stuck going out and buying things at full price. My cabinets are full at a fraction of the price....and I can tell you, it has saved us!!! With Dave's job change earlier this year we have no room for extras and this way we have some leeway-an occasional McDonald's run comes out of groceries.... in fact all extras do. Our grocery budget is now $70 a week and somehow it always works out.
ALL TOTAL:
Reg. Price: 164.80
Sale Price: 87.87
Manu coup - 26.75
Store coup - .75
Off next order coup - 15.00 (+.90 tax break)
TOTAL PAID: 31.66
PLUS: Earned $5 off my next order coupon
This does not include the totals for the vegetables listed above.
As a whole I really don't travel extra. All stores are within 7 miles of me. In fact, I could hit them all up on my way to church, community group, or my parents and only travel ONE mile out of my way. Or, I could hit two of them up on the way home from taking Dave to work or picking him up. TRUST ME, after picking him up is the FAR better option. 3 children and shopping is NO FUN. It isn't so much the "can we get this? Can we get that?" It is racing to the blinky machines(coupons in store) to see who can get it first, then getting mad if someone else captured more. It is the "Are we almost done yet?" It's the pulling the cart from side to side, OR EVEN WORSE.....walking IN FRONT of the cart when I simply cannot stop in time and run over a little body. Then, to top it all off, Rohanna grabs at candy bars, or thinks she is for sale and attempts to crawl onto the grocery belt, as the boys are on the other end either trying to bag groceries, or checking out the little button that makes the little spinny that the groceries sit on at the end(ACME), go round and round. How fast CAN it go mom??? Or investigating RedBox..."It's ONLY a dollar mom."
Ok, ok, where was I? Oh yes, savings, etc. If you want to see just totals scroll down to the bottom lol.
I think the best way to describe WHY I exclaimed FIFTY CENTS??????? would be to give you my totals for the week....and what I purchased. Then you might see just why I go to THREE grocery stores(yup, 3).
You will see that meat is not on my list. That is because I stocked up last week. Same goes for milk and eggs.
ACME:
**4 Ragu(emergency dinners): 2.99 - sale price - 1.69 - .88 IF YOU BUY 4 - used 1.00/2 coupons (2 coupons)
***3 Pillsbury bread mix: 2.79 - sale price - 1.67 - .40/1(double coupons= .80/1 -had 3 coupons)
*** Smuckers jam: 2.95 - sale price - 2.00 - .25/1 (doubled - .50/1)
*** Smuckers jam - 3.39 - sale price - 2.00 - .25/1 (doubled - .50/1)
*** 1 Crisco cooking oil - 4.99 - sale price - 2.50 - 1.00/1
*** 6 Pillsbury brownie mix - 2.49 - sale price - 1.00 - .40/1 (doubled - .80/1 - had 6 coupons)
*** Eagle condensed milk - 3.49 - 2.00 sale price - .55/1 (doubled - 1.10/1)
*** 1 Pillsbury Frosting - 2.19 - 1.50 sale price - .40/1 (doubled - .80/1)
** 10 Cheese - 2.99 - sale price - 1.00
Total: Regular price - 82.18 - sale price - 37.76 - manufacturer coupons doubled(12.10) - $15.00 coupons for a deal they had last week that gave $15 of next order, AND those coupons took .90 off in tax = TOTAL PAID 6.52 PLUS I received another $5 of my next order. The items with *** added up to $20(a little over) before coupons so I got the $5 coupon.
Giant: I did 2 deals. They only double one like coupon in an order AND I was waiting on today's coupons so I could get the rest of the stuff.
#1:
Buy 8 of these items get $5 off instantly*:
*8 Green Giant frozen veggies - 1.79 each - sale price - 1.00 - .60/3(doubled - 1.20), and .60/3 (not doubled)
Uncle Ben's Long grain and wild rice - 1.95 - 1.67 sale price - .75/1 (doubled - 1.50)
3 Phila. cream cheese - 2.09 - sale price 1.25 - 1.25/3
TOTAL - Reg. price - 22.54 - sale price - 13.42 - manu. coupons - 4.55 - inst. savings - $5 TOTAL PAID - $3.03
#2
Buy 7 save $4 inst.*:
*1 Betty Crocker frosting(BC) - 1.49 - sale price 1.39 - .50/1 (doubled 1.00/1)
*2 BC cake mix - 1.29 ea. - sale price 1.00
m and m's - .79 - sale price - .50 (Dave was starving!!!!)
*2 Bakers Chocolate - 2.59 ea. - sale price 2.00 ea - 1.00/2
*McCormick peppercorn - 2.29 - sale price - 2.00 - .50/1 (doubled 1.00)
Uncle Ben's Rice - 1.79 - sale price 1.67 - .75/1 (doubled - 1.50/1)
*Keebler graham crust - 1.69 - sale price - 1.50 - .30/1 (doub. .60/1)
Hot dog relish - 1.29
4 Disposable bread tins - clearanced - .50 ea
1 wilton crayola candles - .35 (clearance)
1 squiggly candles - .67 (clearance)
TOTAL: Reg. price 20.12 - Sale price - 17.37 - manu coup. - 5.10 - minus $4 inst. saving TOTAL PAID - 8.45
Superfresh
Herr's Tortilla chips - Reg. price 3.79 - sale price 1.89
2 Nesquik choc. milk - reg. price 2.19 ea. - sale price 1.00 - 1.00/2
Sorrento Mozzarella(1 lb) - reg. price 4.99 - sale price 1.99
2 helluva good cheese - reg. price 3.29 ea - sale price 1.64 - manu coup. 1.00/2
4 Hunts tomatoes (28 oz) - reg. 1.69 ea - sale 1.00 - manu 1.00/4, store coupon .25/1
1 A and P rootbeer(4 pk - reg. 3.99 - sale - 1.49
1 marcal toilet paper 4 pk - reg. 1.49 - sale - 1.29 - manu 1.00/1
Turkey Hill Icecream - reg. 5.99 - sale 2.99 - when you buy $15 in groceries sale 1.89 - manu - 1.00/1, store coup. .50/1
AC butter - 1.99 - when you buy $15 groceries sale 1.49
TOTAL: Reg. price 39.96 - sale price 19.32 - manu coup. 5.00 - store coup - .75
TOTAL PAID: 13.66
Earlier in week went to food auction for "vacation outting"- $20.50 - 1 mum(plant), some baskets for .25, 10 lb cabbage, box with 4 loaves pepperidge farm whole grain breads, 2 bags hearth baked rolls, 7 bags hot dog rolls, 1 bag whole wheat mini bagels, 1 bag whole wheat sandwich rolls, 3 # organic oranges, 3# bag apples, 25# box organic apples, 4 acorn squash, peach juice
Newark Farm Market - 13.50 - 1 doz XL eggs, 3 romaine hearts, 4 lb, bananas, large soy sauce, 6 # onions, bunch leeks, 1 pomegranate, 4# baking apples, 2 jalapenos
I think I save more then 50 cents.......
My trick is I stock up when things are cheaper because they only run sales on some things at certain times of the year. This way I rarely am stuck going out and buying things at full price. My cabinets are full at a fraction of the price....and I can tell you, it has saved us!!! With Dave's job change earlier this year we have no room for extras and this way we have some leeway-an occasional McDonald's run comes out of groceries.... in fact all extras do. Our grocery budget is now $70 a week and somehow it always works out.
ALL TOTAL:
Reg. Price: 164.80
Sale Price: 87.87
Manu coup - 26.75
Store coup - .75
Off next order coup - 15.00 (+.90 tax break)
TOTAL PAID: 31.66
PLUS: Earned $5 off my next order coupon
This does not include the totals for the vegetables listed above.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Over scheduled and insane!!
I hate Saturdays with a passion. Dave always works on Saturdays...EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!
I try to keep busy and boy did I today!!!
Apparently I have blonde hair, and really? What can I say? "My hair made me do it?"
I made plans with my mom to meet at Babies r Us to get a shower gift. Um, yeah, real smart with THREE kids in tow. They love toys, books, clothes....EVERYTHING!!! Oh, and Kieran said, "Hey mom. They sell beds. I need a bed. My bed is getting old." Good try. No go.
If you have ever shopped a Babies r Us registry you KNOW it is not all warm fuzzy feelings with brisk efficiency. Did I ever mention I love shopping?? BUUUUT, I love shopping when I know where it is, I get it, AND LEAVE. Oh no, not with this store. First they confuse you with Umpteen numbers. "You will find this in section 42." Oh great. Oh lovely....and where may I FIND section 42??? And finally, after reading a MILLION bar codes. I found it!! I hit the jackpot!!! It's on the registry AND cute!!! "Thank God!" I loudly proclaim. I know, I am pathetic. I truly WAS begging God to just help me match those numbers so I could get the heck out of there. Another shopper looked up with a grin on her face and Starbucks in her hand. "They don't make it easy, do they?" Really, all I wanted to do at that moment is rip that Starbucks out of her hands and RUN!!!
We finally get to leave......oh wait, the girl ahead of us got a THOUSAND(you can only say million so many times) jars of baby food....ALL shoved in a bag. She needed to return something else, then buy the food and a few other things... really?? WHO buys food at Babies r Us??? Not even at a good sale price. Well, besides, obviously, her. (No offense meant if you do BTW.)
Next was WalMart to get tissue paper, bows, and a card. Then the Dollar Store since we needed a cute bag, Wawa for a sub, the zoo(whole other story), lunch on the run, and a 12 mile trip that took AN HOUR!!!! Baby Shower for 30 minutes, then off again so my mom could get my sister from work and I could get Dave from work(only 5 minutes late I might add.)
You know what makes me even crazier???? I made cornbread(from scratch) and apple crisp tonight when I got home. Dave can wash the dishes(Actually, he is awesome - he already is.)
I try to keep busy and boy did I today!!!
Apparently I have blonde hair, and really? What can I say? "My hair made me do it?"
I made plans with my mom to meet at Babies r Us to get a shower gift. Um, yeah, real smart with THREE kids in tow. They love toys, books, clothes....EVERYTHING!!! Oh, and Kieran said, "Hey mom. They sell beds. I need a bed. My bed is getting old." Good try. No go.
If you have ever shopped a Babies r Us registry you KNOW it is not all warm fuzzy feelings with brisk efficiency. Did I ever mention I love shopping?? BUUUUT, I love shopping when I know where it is, I get it, AND LEAVE. Oh no, not with this store. First they confuse you with Umpteen numbers. "You will find this in section 42." Oh great. Oh lovely....and where may I FIND section 42??? And finally, after reading a MILLION bar codes. I found it!! I hit the jackpot!!! It's on the registry AND cute!!! "Thank God!" I loudly proclaim. I know, I am pathetic. I truly WAS begging God to just help me match those numbers so I could get the heck out of there. Another shopper looked up with a grin on her face and Starbucks in her hand. "They don't make it easy, do they?" Really, all I wanted to do at that moment is rip that Starbucks out of her hands and RUN!!!
We finally get to leave......oh wait, the girl ahead of us got a THOUSAND(you can only say million so many times) jars of baby food....ALL shoved in a bag. She needed to return something else, then buy the food and a few other things... really?? WHO buys food at Babies r Us??? Not even at a good sale price. Well, besides, obviously, her. (No offense meant if you do BTW.)
Next was WalMart to get tissue paper, bows, and a card. Then the Dollar Store since we needed a cute bag, Wawa for a sub, the zoo(whole other story), lunch on the run, and a 12 mile trip that took AN HOUR!!!! Baby Shower for 30 minutes, then off again so my mom could get my sister from work and I could get Dave from work(only 5 minutes late I might add.)
You know what makes me even crazier???? I made cornbread(from scratch) and apple crisp tonight when I got home. Dave can wash the dishes(Actually, he is awesome - he already is.)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Deals, Steals, and Headaches
Starting off....I have a massive headache. You would think all my dealing today would override a headache, and yes, I have an over abundance of painkillers to choose form to ease this thing BUT I hate taking meds....any meds.
So, on to the stealing and dealing. I love taking my husband grocery shopping etc. when I get exceptionally good deals. His common remark when we leave is "Are you sure no one is following us out? It feels like stealing." Don't worry - it isn't.
Today I hit up Superfresh. I am sure their preferred goal was to get me in and get me buying other things....like meat(oh wait, I did), dessert, etc. Their deal was if I buy 1 ragu($2, 1 can't believe it's not butter($2- by the way, I LOVE their cooking/baking sticks), and 1 wishbone salad dressing($2) they would GIVE me 1 loaf italian bread, 1 fresh express salad mix, and 1 box of pasta. You got it - $6!!!!!! So I had coupons for the three "purchase" items - 1.00/2(2) and 1.25/2. I also grabbed a 2# roast marked down to 3.50. Including my extra purchases of sauce, butter, and dressing I came out $12.84. No dessert....OOPS!!!
I know what's for dinner tonight!!!
For lunch I am utilizing my ACME steals - campbells soup at hand and cinnabun snack bar. YUM!!!! I bought ten kelloggs items and 10 soup at hands for $8.40.
So, on to the stealing and dealing. I love taking my husband grocery shopping etc. when I get exceptionally good deals. His common remark when we leave is "Are you sure no one is following us out? It feels like stealing." Don't worry - it isn't.
Today I hit up Superfresh. I am sure their preferred goal was to get me in and get me buying other things....like meat(oh wait, I did), dessert, etc. Their deal was if I buy 1 ragu($2, 1 can't believe it's not butter($2- by the way, I LOVE their cooking/baking sticks), and 1 wishbone salad dressing($2) they would GIVE me 1 loaf italian bread, 1 fresh express salad mix, and 1 box of pasta. You got it - $6!!!!!! So I had coupons for the three "purchase" items - 1.00/2(2) and 1.25/2. I also grabbed a 2# roast marked down to 3.50. Including my extra purchases of sauce, butter, and dressing I came out $12.84. No dessert....OOPS!!!
I know what's for dinner tonight!!!
For lunch I am utilizing my ACME steals - campbells soup at hand and cinnabun snack bar. YUM!!!! I bought ten kelloggs items and 10 soup at hands for $8.40.
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