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Archive for October, 2007

Cheating

October 31st, 2007 at 01:56 am

Tonight I saw someone cheat at the gas station. We have a discount station in town. You are allowed to fill up one car on your discout. I saw this young married couple fill up container after container of gas and load them up in the trunk of their car...all at the discounted price. It is plainly labled that you are not allowed to do that. I re-read the signs and everything.....yes it was plainly stated. Yet they went and did it. I was really mad. They drove a very nice car and were nicely attired. I just felt like I try to live my life without cheating anyone and they do it right in front of everyone and get away with it. I really was disguisted to be honest. Gas is high in price....so do we cheat and say well....the gas companies don't need it????? Cheaters never win right? Hmmm I am not sure about that. It bugged me alot to see that tonight. I hate to see things not fair and people getting away with it.
I just hate to see cheaters and all they represent.....

Menus work

October 31st, 2007 at 01:49 am

I planned out my menu this week and have stuck with it perfectly. It really is so helpful to have a menu. There are weeks when I do things off the top of my head and it is so stressful! Menus may take a little extra to plan---but it is so worth it in the end. Also this week I am organized with leftovers and using them.
I have to really work on this. There is too much waste going into America's garbage cans---including mine!

Today I used my thermos and took soup for lunch.....everyone else ate out of the vending machine......yuck. Lunch is so much better eating real food.

Shopping trip

October 31st, 2007 at 01:45 am

I am heading out to do some shopping in Amish country in about two weeks. My girlfriend who knows all the backroads and out of the way shops wants to take me for the day on an outing. I feel I deserve a break so I am going! I have to save some cash to buy some gifts while I am down there. So stashing I am! The deals are great plus they have nice things. I am really excited to head out. Hopefully the weather is not too cold.....thankfully we will be in lots of shops. I am looking forward to being inspired as well. Everything should be decorated for Christmas. Such Fun and such a friend!!!!!

Christmas gifts

October 30th, 2007 at 04:09 am

I need to keep on track for purchasing small gifts here and there on the cheap each week. I got a free bottle of moisturizer at B and B works. That is now a stocking stuffer. I need to use cash as much as possible as well. Yesteday I purchased a gym bag for my dd that she wanted and I had a $10 off coupon....the bag cost $2.11 after coupon use. I am going to hit Michaels and use the Sunday coupons I get free at work. I like to get craft and art stuff so when they are home during the school break they have something to do! Need to get some Halloween candy for stockings as well. I just need to keep stashing it away each week. Girls are with dad this weeekend......I will have more time to scour around town for some deals.

Wal Mart trip

October 30th, 2007 at 04:02 am

I got done with work and RUSHED to WalMart with my detailed grocery list.
Got it all! Got to school on time as well for pick up! When I got home I noticed my ground beef was no where to be found! I am pretty sure the VERY DUMB sales clerk missed a bag! SO BE SURE YOU CHECK TO BE SURE THE DUMB CHECK OUT GIRL OR GUY hands you ALL of your stuff when YOU PAY! I did pay for it as I checked the sales tape. Sorry I normally do not get so fired up but I WAS VERY VERY UPSET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WASTE MAKES ME NUTS!!!!!!
SO always check the spiner-ette of bags to be sure dumbo gives you your stuff that you paid for!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes I am still a little fumed!

I love the box of $1 waffles. gee whiz!

Gas Prices--ugh

October 30th, 2007 at 03:57 am

Opps...our gas by the turnpike went up UP in price! Around 2.93! I am amazed at the hi's and lows we have had. Van is full and little Focus is down about two thirds. Have gas for the mower as well.

Red Box

October 29th, 2007 at 01:13 am

I am thrilled to announce we got Red Box in our town! I have been waiting and waiting for this! It seems like a super invention, one I wish I had thought of.
Do you use Red Box? If so I would like know how you like it. Also can you only use a credit card for purchases?? Curious about that part as well.

Halloween

October 29th, 2007 at 01:11 am

How to save money for Halloween???.....be like me and don't celebrate it! I bought one bag of candy for my kids to share.
Honestly save money by not celebrating it.
Have not done this holiday for about twenty years. Surprisingly my kids are healthy and normal. I am also pretty normal and have no huge glaring mental issues because I do not celebrate it. Also if you enjoy Halloween--- I still like you and very much respect your right to celebrate it. If you are heavy ladden with debt I would implore you to not buy alot of the Halloween garbage they sell.
My two cents that's all...........

Gas prices

October 29th, 2007 at 01:09 am

Again.....low prices near me! 2.49 today!
One station near the turnpike has gas so low for our area. Each time I go to this station it is packed out with cars. How are gas prices out your way?

Wal Mart

October 29th, 2007 at 01:06 am

Today I took my son back to college, He was home for a weekend visit. He was able to see his old high school friends play in a soccer State tournement. He had a lot of fun and really enjoyed himself. On the way back I took him to Wal Mart to purchase some food items. It is always my treat. I just could not believe how many wonderful prices I saw. The store was PACKED! The carts I saw were full to over flowing! Again the prices were so good.
I decided that I am going back on Monday to my Wal Mart with a detailed list of my meals for the week and shop. The hike to Wal Mart is not too bad since it is near school. Again it maybe well worth it!

Prices at the grocery store are now out of this world. I am also sick of the gimicks our store uses to get you to buy.
I mean a can of corn is a can of corn right?

Plan out your menus and stick to your list......and save some money this week.
I truly hope to do so on Monday at WalMart.

Organizing a Bit

October 27th, 2007 at 09:42 pm

This weekend I have done a few organizing jobs. I cleaned out my upstairs linen hall closet. I have a lovely stash of TP and soap. I also threw away some products we do not need anymore. I also went thru the basement and collected a large shopping bag of toys to give to a friends grandaughter who is 2. I have saved some toys for future grandkids. That was nice to get rid of some things that were collecting dust. I also threw away old catalogs, magazines and papers I have found scattered throughout the house.

Next to organize is the fridge and kitchen a bit. My garage is in pretty good shape. I still need to take down the swing set swings and put away all the porch furniture. Because it is so cold and rainy here I was not able to work outside. That will have to wait for the next weekend.

My girls were bored so we went to the library for magazines and books on cats.
We also played Jr Monopoly today which was fun for them. We cleaned my dd's room and re-arranged the furniture....that is so fun for her and it keeps her busy for hours. My girls are used to doing all things fancy and expensive with dad..... so keeping it real and simple at my house is must to keep them somewhat balanced.

I also organized my bed and got my electric pad on my bed. Oh my....if you do not own one I really encourage you to get one. They are simply the best in the colder months. I could not live with out mine....nor my lovely down comfortor.

Sunday I have to take my son back to college. He is in town for his old High School's state soccer tourney which is very very BIG for him and his old school. I have five hours of driving ahead for me on Sunday. I have enjoyed having him home for a bit. Next break for him is at Thanksgiving time. I really hope to keep things organized in the house this weeekend. We will see.

Walgreens

October 25th, 2007 at 05:13 pm

I have gone everyday on my way to dance classes and picked up the toilet paper on sale with a coupon. I have amassed a nice stockpile.
Yesterday I could not find my coupon---the gal checking me out used hers at the register. I thought that was a nice courtesy. I did find my coupon later in my jacket pocket when I got home! ....so now I have another coupon. I really like Walgreens. They are a super place to find deals if you are nicely organized.

Netflix

October 25th, 2007 at 05:12 pm

I belong to NETFLIX did you know you can suspend your membership? I learned that somewhere in blog land. I did that just today. We have had zero time to watch a dvd. We will on Friday ---but I decided to go to the library and see if that is just the way to go from here on out. So I suspended my membership to see if it is really not needed and we can just use the library. We will see!

Prayers to those out in CA.

October 24th, 2007 at 03:25 am

If you are in CA and experiencing the fires my prayers go out to you tonight.
It is a horrible situation. I just feel terrible for those who have lost so much.
Stay safe.

Gas Prices

October 24th, 2007 at 03:23 am

Two gas stations keep the price still at 2.48! All others are up around 2.70! I am so amazed they are not going up! The stations are packed everytime I drive by.
I tend to fill up when I get around half the tank gone....the price seems too good to pass up!

I am trying so very hard to combine trips and not drive unless needed. It is very hard to do. Driving the Ford Focus is huge help....my other car is a big BIG conversion van. I am sorry I bought it four years ago. YET----It is paid for and in GREAT..no WONDERFUL SHAPE and it runs like a dream. It just loves gas alot!!!!The Focus is great on mileage of course.

Collecting free stuff at work

October 24th, 2007 at 03:17 am

I continue to collect may free items at work. So far this week.....

Toilet paper---(unused of course)

Great sturdy cardboard box for Goodwill donations

Gift ribbon
Tons and tons of coupons
Free newspapers of many different kinds
Good Housekeeping magazine--Nov 2007

Food service container of maple syrup-one serving, not touched

Stationary
Time Magazine-current issue

It is simply amazing the things I collect from work as I go about my business!

Use your clothesline

October 21st, 2007 at 05:23 pm

Today it is warm-ish and very breezy. So I am using the line today. So far I have dried four loads. Soon to be five. They dry quickly and it is a snap to dry on the line. If you have two trees you can have a decent line. Clothespins are available at the Dollar Tree for a good size bag. I can not say enough about using the free wind and sun. I like to get out there when the weather is like this....I will not use the line come late November or December......I do not line dry in the harsh winter...I just do not like frozen clothes!

Enjoy yor Sunday!

Toilet paper

October 21st, 2007 at 05:19 pm

Walgreens has their BIGROLL on sale for 39 cents with a coupon. Cheap and lots of it on a roll. I will purchase it thru the week with my spare change. Limit 3 rolls per coupon. I have five coupons.
I always stock up on this item. Enough said. Get a good bargain this week and while you are Walgreens....walk right past all that Halloween candy!

Reminder about Christmas

October 20th, 2007 at 12:54 am

Keep your eye out for small gifts for teachers and others you need to buy for and start your stash pile now for Christmas. Find a sturdy cardboard box--place it in your closet and start stashing away. Buy in multiplies as well and also buy things that are good for guys or gals. It will be such a blessing!
Also try to really cut your gift list down as much as possible. Getting divorced really helped me in this department. I used to HAVE to buy for every relative....now I am free from that bondage.

Just try to do a little stashing each week---you will be so glad you did!

Weird work day

October 20th, 2007 at 12:05 am

Well today I went to work and promptly landed in the emergency room! I was going to do some vacumming for a lady at work when I plugged in my vaccum and had sparks fly out of the outlet and lots of black smoke and I got a slight burn on my hand! Thankfully the nurse at our place was near by. I felt ok, just sorta "shocked" so to speak that something weird like that happened!
Right away all the managers rushed over and the workers compensation paper work came out flying! My boss was told to drive me to the hospital. Part of me felt horrible for all the fuss.....but then reality kicked in! What if it had been really worse or I ended up electocuted! So off I went for a chest x-ray, and EKG, bloodwork and a heart monitor! I ended up being OK.....although I DO have to go back on Sunday to have them re-check me. I wish I could skip that but my boss insisted for workers compensation. I also felt terrible as they just fixed my vacumm IN HOUSE! The guy who fixed it I think felt very very guilty. I tried to let him know that I was fine and that I was not upset at anyone. Still I could tell this guy was feeling badly. Then all the girls I work with were so concerned...in a silly way I felt like I guess they do care about me. In a silly way it made me smile over the whole day! All in all--- a rough kinda of a day.

I am back at work on Saturday and I sure hope no one needs me to vacuum!

I did go out and shopped a bit at the outlet place I love. Fleece jacket in pink for me...$8.00 and jean jacket trimmed in fake black fur....$12.00. Pretty good deals. I also bought some ribbon in pink and also some in white, 600 feet in total for $3.00.

Off to clean up a bit and then heat up some soup, then off to bed. My girls are with their dad and I wish they would call me. He keeps them so busy....it is impossible for them to call me. Days like today I wish they were home with me.
What a day-----glad it is almost over.

Single moms and being frugal

October 19th, 2007 at 12:25 am

I would like to give a shout out to all the single moms who are out there.
I would say for the most part single moms are the queens of being frugal! It amazes me how many of them seem to do it all and never complain. One gal I work with is amazing to me. She is struggling yet I never see her without a smile or a word of encouragment for ME. I decided last week to make her a dinner as she just moved herself and children to a new rental home. I was thrilled to make up a simple dinner complete with side dishes and desert. She seemed so touched to have a dinner that was ready for her and her children.

If you know a single mom who is struggling--there are ways to help her.
Here a few ideas........
* cooked dinner or food basket
* gift card to the Dollar Tree
* gas gift card
* mowing her lawn, offering to clean
* babysitting
* encouraging books
* phone calls, emails that are regular

Some single moms are in great need. Some have had huge obstacles to overcome. Luckily I have a great set of parents and a wonderful sisiter. Some ladies who are single have zero support from any kind souls. God Bless all the single moms.
Keep encouraged!

By passing fun that costs

October 19th, 2007 at 12:14 am

This is one sure fire way to save money!
Bypassing fun. Sometimes it is just so much better to limit the fun factor. Yet not many people seem to do it. At times I purposely will turn down an invite to save some money. I am sure that sounds weird and strange.....but I will do it. I try to balance out the times I do go out and spend with the times I really must hunker down. Truly I do not have to be going out alot to feel satsified and very content with my life. I also can be very happy with things kept simple!

I have learned to be very happy in my home as well since I am paying a mortgage....I need to enjoy my home as
much as possible. I have friends who try to escape their homes. I think that is wrong thinking.

I do not go to many events or big ticket events either. I often wonder if someday I will look back and regret not doing so many activities! I know for now it just not so important to me.

First Christmas purchase!

October 18th, 2007 at 05:58 pm

Today I stopped by my fav outlet store and found a cute wooden praying angel.
It is a total knock off of the wood carved ones you see at Cracker Barrel and gift shops. My daughter has been wanting one. Cost? 99 cents! She is 11 so I think a knock off is OK. So yes...I made my first purchase.

Note to self.....walk by every roll of wrapping paper and gift bag. Even if it is super cheap!!! I am not allowed to purchase one shred of it! I have enough...I have enough! I have plenty!

So I guess I am off and running a bit in the Christmas gift department. I am sure some of you are done and even gift wrapped. I usually start with small stocking stuffers....and then work up to bigger items. My kids love their stockings! Unfortunatly they were made by my mom and she made them so large that it takes a small bank loan to fill them up!
So I have to get some Halloween candy to fill them up a bit! Apples help the cause as well.

Now where to store this angel and not forget about her!

Taking time to work over time

October 17th, 2007 at 10:11 pm

I had an opportunity to work an extra day on Thursday my "normal" day off. It was to work a fun senior fair at our place.
I overhead my boss saying they really needed extra help so I offered to come in. Then I promptly had to say I COULD NOT work! I forgot I have a delivery scheduled on Thursday! BUT I was glad I threw my name out to work extra hours! She knows I am a willing to come in and work if it worked with my kids and their activities. I have been working an extra 30 min each day. So far no one seems to care and they are willing right now to pay me.


I hear alot of girls at my work complain they need more money...yet when asked to work an extra day or stay a little longer....MAN OH MAN do they complain!!! I think we need to be a willing and ready team player as far as jobs are concerned. My job could be cut one day...who knows! So I have to develop the right working attiude NOW. I also am trying to have everyone at my workplace KNOW MY NAME! So the way to do that is to say HI to everyone, help them out or go the extra mile for someone each day. I feel it is important. I consider it a small part of job security. I also have learned to stop whinning and complianing to everyone. One gal is doing that right now...in fact she is trying to land an other job at a different place and she has been flaunting it in everyone's face. She has managed to tell my boss everything about the new job search! Is that NUTS or what? Never become that comfortable with bosses that you would discuss ditching the company openly in front of them. I think at this point the company may just fire her. Not good!
We need to be much wiser in business dealings. Even if you are a lowly housekeeper. If you do not have anything nice to say---well...you know....keep your mouth shut!

If you can work some overtime---it can add up money wise and it can help you get ahead at work.

Big Lots

October 14th, 2007 at 09:08 pm

I did spend some money on some basics on Thursday. I had an internet coupon for 20% off my entire purchase this week at BIG LOTS. If you sign up online at their web site you can get occasionally--- coupons via your computer. So I bought basics for home for around $38.00 and then got 20% off everything at the register. I also found a wonderful night cream for $1.95. I have super super sensitive skin and this stuff is awesome!
I did not turn red or itch!!! So sign up for some coupons at BIG LOTS and save.
They have some nice deals and then some stuff that is not that great price wise.

Two steps forward....three steps back

October 14th, 2007 at 03:02 pm

That is how I have felt these past few days. I cashed my paycheck and used the cash to pay for groceries and this and that.....and now my paycheck is dwindling down. I got so bummed out. I am not sure why. The money I earn seems to fly out the door. My kids just seem to need this or that. A quick trip for this or cash for this at school.....it is really frustrating with four kids to not nickle and dime myself to death. Today we are off to buy some pumpkins. DO we really NEED pumpkins? Not really but my girls love to go every year. So making a memory at the pumpkn patch is important to me.

I guess weekends seem harder because that seems to be when I do the majority of my spending. Hopefully I will gain back more control starting on Monday. Just tough being the single mom sometimes. I feel the weight of the world at times on my shoulders....yet i would not have it any other way. I am truly in control of my destiny as far as money goes. I do have choices and when I choose poorly I only have me to blame.

On the hand I am grateful....I have alot of blessings! Life can be hard but yet I am thankful for everything I have and what I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED in my life.
One day at a time....doing the best I can with what I have.

Dinner with dad

October 9th, 2007 at 06:45 am

The girls are eating out with dad on Tuesday and they have breakfast on Thursday with him before school. This is a such a help to my food budget. Little things add up. Yesterday we did not have school so the girls ate alot yesterday.....since I was not home I could not be as watchful. I now have to head back to the store as I was just there on SUNDAY to do some re-loading. Oh well...they seemed to have eaten all things healthy. I am glad for that.

It was too hot here yesterday. I hope it cools very soon. I need my clothesline to be operating. I did not put away my patio furniture yet for the season. I forgot that I tend to use it to drape wet laundry on it and use the furniture as a super huge drying rack outside! That will stay out till the snow begins to fly.

I love to be frugal that way.....my girls hate seeing their undies out on the patio------ drying in the sun!

Light Bulbs

October 9th, 2007 at 06:38 am

I heard on the radio this weekend that it really saves to switch to the newer type light bulbs. I am not sure what they are called but they are not the ones I use now...the reg old fashioned bulbs. Last I checked a long time ago I will be honest...they were expensive. Now I hear they are much cheaper and it wise to upgrade to these. Is that true? Should I switch and where do you get the best prices? I was very curious. I turn lights off constantly but I want to save more money. I need to do this if this is the case...that they save you money like crazy.

Good weekend

October 8th, 2007 at 08:15 pm

Did not spend too much money this weekend
I did call my mom and we talked for a while, spent $6.00 at the Dollar Tree for a birthday gift and a mop for work. ( yes I buy some of my own work supplies---which is ridiculous I know!)I also bought myself WENDYS for $3.00 on Sunday.
So all in all I stayed cheap for the weekend. I did manage to scrub out the fridge and clean the kitchen really really well. I cleaned out the pantry as well......I had to pitch some food which I HATE TO DO!!! But I had to do it. I also washed all the bedding and mowed. I did have to use the dryer because it was too humid to hang the clothes on the line! I will be able to hang things this week as the weather is to turn cooler and the humidity is leaving finally!!! I did work on my journalling which was relaxing.
I emailed some friends and talked to a girlfriend who just got her divorce finallized. We compared notes and had a nice time chatting.

I had a bad day at work......I got very upset about something. I decided to not talk to my boss the whole day and just let things chill for me. Better to keep my mouth shut a bit. I did speak my peace about something...but now I HAVE to let it go and move on. Hopefully I will have a better Tuesday.

I did buy a frozen dinner for tonight....
It was not cheap but sometimes I like to do it. I bought enough to feed the three girls...I will eat salad and maybe PB and J sandwich. I can not justify buying two frozen dinners....so I eat other stuff or leftovers.

We are eating alot of grapes and apples and carrots. Soup has been a good thing too. We never seem to tire of good soup. Also I made a frozen apple pie on Sunday. It has pecans in it with carmel sauce drizzled on top.....it was a splurge at GF Service. It is simply decandent!!!!! WE have enjoyed the splurge.

Christmas again

October 4th, 2007 at 03:05 pm

For gifts for teachers or a few folks I like to bless....... I have decided to bake cookies. I will get cute plates at the Dollar Tree. Everyone will eat a Christmas cookie even if they are watching their weight I decided. Plus it works for men or ladies. I will bake some when my kids are with their dad and bake others WITH my girls. I will keep the baking simple. I will keep this in the back of my mind as I shop and find good deals.


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