Tuesday, April 29, 2008

SALSA PIE

Here it is the end of the month again. Since I'm still out of work and have been living on sixty percent of my salary for the last year and now only get paid once a month, this time of month I pinch my pennies the hardest and try to eat up whatever I have left in the house from my earlier shoppings.
I had a pound of ground beef left and had taken that out earlier in the day to defrost knowing that I would figure something to make for supper with it later. I also found half of onion, half of orange pepper, whole green pepper, and half bag of shredded carrots, three small tomatoes and a bag of Mexican cheese in the fridge. I also had four tortillas and some salsa leftover. OK, no problem I can figure out something to make using all the stuff(most of the veggies only had a day or two left on their lifespan and I hate throwing away food).
I decided a would try a Salsa Pie. I have never made this before or even seen a recipe. I thought I would just wing it and be creative. I browned up the burger and found a taco seasoning pack in the cabinet I then added to it. I chopped up all the veggies and threw them in with the meat added a cup of water and brought to boil. I reduced the heat and let simmer for about five minutes just to reduce liquid a little and cook down the veggies some. In a casserole dish I layed down a tortilla and then some salsa, meat mixture and cheese. I repeated until everything was gone and topped with rest of shredded cheese. I baked it at 400' for 20 mins and took out and let cool for 5 mins.
Let me tell you what a tasty dish this was and had fast and easy it was to make. I tried to take a pic to show you but it kinda looks like a blended together mess but trust me it was real good!!

M&M COOKIES

Now I love M+M's as much as the next person and with the great ECB deal CVS has been running lately I've bought alot of them. Most I've given to my niece Nevaeh, who absolutely loves them, and the rest I've been munching on but how many M+M's can 1 person possibly eat??!!
Today I went to the fridge and grabbed all the ones I had left, some plain, some peanut butter and some wild cherry and I made a batch of cookies and threw them all in together. It's a yummy treat and a great way to use them all up.
Boy will Nevaeh love these!!

Monday, April 28, 2008

GREAT OFFER

I just read about a great offer at ArtsCow.com for 400 credit(200 4x6's and 200 5x7's) if you sign up. From what I read nobody seems to know if shipping is free or not. If your interested please click on my link as a referal will give me additional credits!

http://www.artscow.com/default.aspx?Ref=338963

CVS

I plan on making at least one more trip on Thursday to get some of the May monthly deals but here's what I got today....
2 Thomas English Muffins $3.19Each
2 Flag Its Post It Notes $2.79Each
2 Lint Rollers $4.99Each
2 Command Hooks $3.59 Each
2 Colgate Max Toothpaste $2.99Each
4 Palmolive Dish Soaps $1.69Each
1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush $6.99
1 Bic Soleil Razor $6.99
1 Bic Soleil Cartridge $6.99
Total $62.83
Sales -$18.95
Coupons/Ecb - 39.96
Total OOP $3.96
Earned 14ECB



Sunday, April 27, 2008

WEEKEND UPDATE


My weekend was very nice. On Friday night alot of my friends and family got together at my sister Danni's house to celebrate my birthday and my friend Andy's. My sister threw a great party for us. She cooked some homemade chili and made hard and soft tacos, kinda like a fiesta party! It was nice to relax and have a few drinks and just hang out with everyone. We played some X-Box Scene-It and of course half way into the first round my controller didn't want to work right, then it would start working and then stop again. Needless to say I lost the first round. The second game was a little better, I still lost but at least it was my own fault that time hahaha. Towards the end of the night my neck and shoulder started to really throb. I think it was just a combination of playing with the kids and picking up my niece Nevaeh(on my good side of course) and then trying to hold out the controller straight ahead of me to reach the sensor. I got home around 2am and just crashed until 9 the next morning. Well I shouldn't really saw crashed, sure I went right to bed but then the pain acted up so I got up and got an ice pack and took some Motrin and layed back down. I don't normally use ice packs but my physical therapist suggested I try to use them more at home so once again I got nothing to lose but trying. Eventually I fell asleep and then slept pretty good most of the night.
Saturday I just layed around the house, did some laundry and watched some baseball. I wasn't hungover at all but was extremely tired from being out late. I tried to nap on the couch but as tired as I was my body wouldn't give in. I actually didn't even go to bed until 1am, I tried much earlier but ended up just watching TV in bed.
Today I did my CVS run and now am going to spend the rest of the afternoon watching baseball and clipping coupons. There hasn't been anything super exciting to report around here lately.

SUNDAY MORNING RUN

Yeah I just love Sundays!
All of next weeks deals start at most stores today. I've gotten into the habit of getting up on Sundays and running into CVS to pick up the paper and anything else that I know for a fact I want plus I like to briefly look over the store and check prices of items I know I'll be purchasing later in the week. Saturday nights I try to briefly look over the CVS one and check a few websites I use that usually post next week deal scenarios ahead of time....
A big thank you to all of you that do this for us!!.
After making my initial purchase I then head home to clip my coupons and plan any other deals I may wanna get during the week. I also go through the grocery flyers and pair up my coupons and try to plan my meals for the week. My grocery shopping hasn't been that frugal yet however I only started seriously clipping coupons about three weeks ago so the more I clip the cheaper the groceries will be in the long run. I'm trying to lessen my grocery and haba items so that I can use the money to pay down some of my credit card debt. It's not that I have that much debt but it's still something hanging over my head every month. I also only have four car payments left so once that's done I'll have an extra $400 month to put towards other things. The faster I get everything paid off, the faster I can get out of this apartment and into a house of my own!
So here's what I picked up this morning.....
TRANSACTION 1
2 BIC SOLEIL RAZOR(4CT) $6.69EACH
1 SOFTSOAP BODYWASH(18OZ) $5.49
2 ALL SMALL + MIGHTY LAUNDRY $6.49EACH
2 SUNDAY PAPERS $1.50EACH
1 LUMENE FIRMING BODY LOTION $1.99
TOTAL $36.84
SALES - $7.89
COUPONS -$12.50
ECB USED -$10.00
TOTAL OOP $6.62
EARNED $16.49ECB + $3/15 COUPON
TRANSACTION 2
4 SOFTSOAP BODYWASH(18OZ) $5.49EACH
1 WRIGLEYS GUM $1.19
TOTAL $23.15
SALES -$0
COUPONS -$6.00
ECB USED -$16.49
TOTAL OOP $0.66
EARNED $21.96ECB + $3/15COUPON

DAYS TOTAL $59.99
SALES -$7.89
COUPONS/ECB -$44.99
TOTAL OOP $7.28
SAVINGS 89%
As I've said in the past I've been keeping track of all my purchases because I really wanted to see just how much money I've wasted in the past. In about a months time of clipping and planning this is what I've already saved!!!
YTD TOTAL = $843.62
YTD SALES = $271.49
YTD COUPONS/ECB = $396.28
YTD OOP = $173.64
SAVINGS 80%

Thursday, April 24, 2008

SHOCK ME

I had another session of Physical therapy today. It was most of the same as on Monday except today she worked more on my Rotator Cuff muscles versus my neck ones. The were really sore, so much worse than any of the others. I had no idea where the majority of my pain comes from since its spread out through out my neck, shoulder, and upper back area but when she started her manual massage there... Yowzers!! It was killing me, I'm not sure how I didn't end up crying it was that bad.
The girl kept asking me if I had metal in there. After the forth time I was like I'm positive there is no metal unless they accidentally left something in there, Why do you feel something?? She wasn't sure what she was felling but that that something still isn't right in there. She suggested a anti-inflammatory patch that was applied by using a different type of electricity machine. I said sure, why not?! I've got nothing to lose at this point and am willing to try anything. When she came back she placed a medicated patch on the area she had just been working on and I noticed what looked like one half of a metal snap button. Then she placed just an ordinary patch with a metal snap thing further down my arm above my elbow and hooked one up as positive and one as negative. I guess the concept was the med would enter my body and be pulled down through the affected area as the electricity flowed. This concept intrigues me and I'm interested to see if it works, so far its been four hours and I still feel my same old everyday soreness.
The day following therapy is usually bad since the aggravated all the muscles the day before so I decided when I got home to bake some Pecan, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies just in case I was sorer that normal tomorrow and aren't able to do it. Tomorrow night all the family and some of my friends are getting together at my sisters house for my(and my friend Andy's) birthday celebration and even though it's my party I love baking treats for others and the family especially like my cookies.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

TURNING 31

Today's my 31st Birthday... YIKES!! Turning 30 last year was no big deal for me but this year all of a sudden "I'm in my 30's". Wow I don't know where the time has gone. I haven't even come close to achieving some of the things I had planned to do before turning 30, I really need to put a step on it... Hahaha!!
So call me a Liar if you want but I really didn't have any intention of shopping anymore this week at CVS or anywhere else. I'm in pretty good standing with all my HABA and Food products and being that its close to the end of the month my funds are terribly low, not that I should complain because I really do feel blessed with all the stuff I have now. However this morning I realized that I was almost out of water and yes I'm a bottled water drinker. I know this is a huge waste but I just don't think my home water tastes good. I'm kind of picky about my water and usually drink Dasani. I know water is water but some of the brands have a slightly different taste(and no it's not just in my head). I remembered that CVS had their brand on sale and it was giving ECB so I thought what the heck I'll give it a shot, who knows maybe it'll become my new favorite. Also I originally thought the Alavert had a limit of 3 but after reading many blogs I saw that it was 5 so I picked up a few of those as well.
Here's how it worked out....
2 CVS Bottled H2O(24ct) $4.99each
2 Alavert(12ct+ 6Free) $11.99each
TOTAL $33.96
SALES -$12.00
COUPONS -$19.99
TOTAL OOP $1.97
SAVED 96%
Earned $10ECB

(and additional $3ECB that I had to call
CVS on after not getting last week
From purchasing 2 M+M‘s)

Monday, April 21, 2008

YUCKY

Last night there was a retirement party for a co-worker. It was a lot of fun since I rarely get to hang out with my work friends. I had a few drinks and defiantly paid for it today. I think part of the problem was I only ate a half of bagel in the morning and I was so busy talking with everyone that I never sat down to eat. Having a completely empty stomach mixed with the fact that I rarely drink these days made the alcohol hit me hard. I never got sick just felt nauseous all day and I had a killer headache when I woke up. I slept as long as I possibly could but luck would have it I had a Physical Therapy appointment today.
Therapy wasn't that bad. I had a girl today and she gave me a deep tissue ultrasound massage and then gave me a manual massage and then I used the electricity machine for 20 min. When I was all down I asked her if there was any exercises that I could do at home that may help. She showed me a few and gave me some paper diagrams but made sure to say to not overdue it and if I felt any pain with the stretches to stop doing them. I'll give them a shot and see if the work, I've got nothing to use. Next week I'm meeting with a representative from the Electricity Machine Company to see about getting one for my house. They say most insurances pay for it. I've heard they're quite expensive so there's no way I'd be able to afford one on my own.
I plan on just resting the rest of the night since I still feel kinda sluggish and my neck is killing me.

CVS TRIP

Today I finally had time to go through the flyers and coupons and see what else I may want. It turned out to be a lot more than I thought but I knew I wanted to make Mother's Day gift bags for my Mom and Sisters so a few of the things I got today are for them. I spent a little more than I originally thought I would but since most of it is going towards gifts and the other stuffed was priced to good between the sales and coupons I couldn't pass it up. It should be my last trip this week, so here's what I got....
TRANSACTION 1
1 Alavert D(12ct) $10.99
3 Jergins Natural Glow Firming Lotion(7.5oz) $7.99each
Total $34.96
Sales -$10.00
Coupons -$24.96
Total OOP $0
Earned $9ECB
TRANSACTION 2
3 Curel Aging Lotion(13oz) $7.99each
1 Softsoap Spa BodyWash(12oz) $4.99
Total $28.96
Sales -$3.00
Coupons -$20.50
Total OOP $5.73
Earned $9.99ECB
TRANSACTION3
1 Colgate Total Whitening(5.8oz) $3.99
1 Sunlight Dishsoap(12.6oz) $1.39
2 Airwick Scented Oil $3.49each
1 Airwick Oil Holder $1.79
1 Tylenol Sinus(24ct) $7.29
1 Softsoap Spa BodyWash(12oz) $4.99
1 Herbal Essence Shampoo(10.1oz) $4.29
1 Herbal Essence Conditioner(10.1oz) $4.29
2 M+M’s $3.49each
Total $41.99
Sales -$8.19
Coupons -$19.53
Total OOP $14.63
Earned $7.99ECB
TOTAL $105.91
SALES -$21.19
COUPONS -$64.99
TOTAL OOP $20.36
SAVINGS 81%


Sunday, April 20, 2008

SUNDAY PAPER RUN

This morning I wanted to just run out and grab the paper. I knew there was a few things I defiantly wanted to get at CVS this week and already I've figured out that the sale products go extremely fast in the stores that I shop at so I headed there to do a fast shop. I paid a few dollars out of pocket and in return have $18ECB and a $4 off $20 Coupon to use to complete any other shopping this week. I did scan the flyer real quick and am not sure there is anything else I want this week so I may just save the ECB's till next week.
I've also decided to make some Mother's Day bags for my Mom and Sisters with some of my great finds. Even though I got most of this stuff cheap I don't feel bad giving it as gifts because I do still spend a lot of time organizing and clipping coupons so my effort is still there and besides all woman like to receive "Beauty Bags".
Here's what I got so far this week....
TRANSACTION 1
1- Alavert D(12ct) $10.99
1- Skin Effect Face Scrub(5.5oz) $6.99
1- Mennen 24/7 Deodorant $3.99
1- Tampax Pearl(20ct) $4.89
1- Sunday Paper $1.50
Total $28.36 + tax
Sales -$4.00
Coupons -$19.50
Total OOP $4.86
Earned $13ECB + $3/$15Coupon
TRANSACTION 2
1- Alavert D(12ct) $10.99
1- Skin Effect Face Scrub(5.5oz) $6.99
1- Mennen 24/7 Deodorant $3.99
1- Skin Effect Face Cleaner(6.6oz) $6.99
Total $28.87 + tax
Sales -$4.00
Coupons -$23.00
Total OOP $2.06
Earned $14ECB + $4/$20 Coupon
(plus have $3.99ECB not used from trans #1)

TOTAL $57.23
SALES - $8.00
COUPONS -$42.50
TOTAL OOP $6.86
SAVINGS 88%

Saturday, April 19, 2008

STRETCH ME GOOD

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Thursday I went to Costco to talk to a few of the managers about my medical stuff and I also had an interview for a Assistant Front End Manager position. While I haven't been cleared to go back to work yet I figured I might as well apply and one of our managers actually called my house and asked me to apply.
The new position is actually equivalent to the one I hold now pay wise but it's a more main stream job versus a side department. Although I know the lifting limits are the same, I was kinda thinking that up Front you are always working with other people and I would have a lot of help lifting if I needed it versus working in the Photo Lab were usually only one person is scheduled and the lifting falls all on them. I also realize that if I do plan on staying at Costco and want to continue to be promoted this is a move I need to make. At the store level, my current position is the highest you can achieve in that department so in order to continue to be promoted I need to switch to a more main stream area. This of course comes with a lot of cons versus pros. Right now I write my own schedule and work basically 9-5 and have two set days off(if someone requests one of my days I am flexible and have no problem working) and the new job would mean going back to working days and nights(mostly nights 2-11) and someone else writing the schedule so I would get random days off and every week they would be different. Also no-one bothers me at Photo, I've been over there so long that they assume I know what I'm doing and rarely check on me but being up front I'll be under constant supervision. This isn't a problem for me since I just do what I'm told anyways, it'll just be a big change compared to what I'm use to. I have no idea how soon they need to fill the position so in reality it may be filled before my next Dr appointment were I will find out exactly what kind of restrictions I have and if I can even do it. I just have to wait and see!
Friday I officially started my physical therapy. The guy was real nice and did a whole lot of stretching me and I have to say it felt good.He was putting pressure on various points and it was kinda like having a massage and I didn't want him to stop! He felt a lot of different areas in my neck, shoulder, and back and thinks that I have some things that are twisted and real tight muscles and knots but they seem to have a game plan. I have to say that guy felt more of the injured area versus anybody else I have gone to. He thinks the type of pain I'm having is correctable but says that unless you kick all the problems its one of those things that will return again and again. I'd like to be optimistic but I've been through all this before and it didn't help so it's just another wait and see situation.
Massage and Spa Treatments
After I was done being stretching they hooked up the electricity machine to me(still don't know name). They place patches in pain area and then the machine zaps the muscles over and over. That was all I did yesterday but the say next week I'll start Deep Tissue Ultrasounds. I was in pain when I left and it continued all day and sleeping was bad last night but that's the norm for me anyways. The guy said I would be in pain since they aggravated all my muscles but eventually with more and more treatment he claims they will settle down.
Friday night I was excited to get together with my friends form high school. Only Angie showed up though(Jenn-Where the heck were you?!). It was great! We just sat and gossipped and caught up after ten years of not seeing each other. Unfortunately Angie wasn't feeling that well and we had to cut our night short but now we're going to try to hang out much more often!
The weather has been so nice the last few days and I have been taking full advantage of it. I love pulling out my Capri's and flip flops! Today seems like it will be just as nice so I opened all the windows in the house to allow some fresh air in and plan on just hanging out today enjoying the sunshine and catching some baseball! It's a great weekend to start celebrating my birthday which is on Tuesday. Since it falls in the middle of the week I plan on taking full advantage of it and partying this weekend and next!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Today was my first day of Physical Therapy. Once we started I realized that it was basically a consultation appointment and the real exercises wont start till Friday. They measured my mobility and strength both of which are fairly decent. I could have told them that though. My weakest points are reaching across with my right arm touching the left shoulder and my back shoulder blades are apparently very weak. After the evaluation we went over the Dr's medical notes from my visit last Friday and wouldn't you know that after he had another look at my MRI he did find a small herniated disc in the C5-6 area. The Dr still wants me to continue with the new med and Physical Therapy 2x week for 4 weeks and they are also getting me a machine to use at home. I'm note sure what the name of it is but you hook the patches up to where it hurts and turn the machine on and it sends zaps of electricity to the area. I will also be receiving deep tissue ultra sounds during my sessions. Dr says if all else fails then at my next appointment we can discuss Cervical Facet Injections. I'm not sure what that is either but it doesn't sound fun.

QUICK CVS TRIP

Although I thought I was done this week at CVS I ended up making one more trip today for two reasons 1)I forgot trash bags the other day and 2)there was a mistake on my receipt over a week ago and I didn't get a $10ECB I had earned and after calling customer service I was told the problem would be fixed by weds and if I came in my ECB would print on the bottom of my receipt. So while I was there I picked up a few more things that were on sale and that I also had coupons for.
1- Trident Gum $1.19
2- Softsoap BodyWash(12oz) $3.50 each
1- Hefty Trash Bags(80ct) $8.49
1- Reese’s Cup(8pk) $1.29
Total $17.96
Sales -$3.10
Coupons -$14.00
Total OOP .86 Cents

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

ALL STOCKED UP

Yesterday after I was finished with my bargain shopping I decided a needed to clean and organize all my stuff. I had been just throwing things under the sink which is basically all the storage I get in an apartment. I wanted to get it all organized so that I could see what I actually have and what things I need.


COCONUT PINEAPPLE BARS

I baked some Coconut Pineapple Bars today. They came out all right just not what I expected. After I mixed together all the ingredients and I went to get my 13x9 pan I remembered that I had used it to make something for a party and it hasn't been returned yet so I was forced to use my 11x7 pan. This threw the estimated baking time way off. It seemed like the edges were down almost 20 mins before the middle. They ended up tasting OK but I'm not sure I would make them again.

M&M'S

In case any of you are wondering why I buy so many M+M's....
It's my niece Nevaeh, She's a little M+M freak!!


Monday, April 14, 2008

OCD

I just realized that I've been so excited about all my great CVS finds that I haven't really written a crazy life blog or some other nonsense that you guys all know that I can come up with. You might wanna say that lately I've had a little OCD
(Obsessive Cvs Disorder) Hahaha!
0CD
Don't have much to say nothing really new around here. I've been taking my new medicine and so far so good. I'm not allergic to it which is a plus since I'm allergic to like twenty different meds and and anti-depressants aren't messing me up. The dr promised they wouldn't since the dose was so low. Pain wise I'm still the same, the new meds take about three weeks for them to work for the pain(probably due to the incredible low dose). I start PT on weds, so I'm anxious to see if it works and can fix me for good!
Something I am excited about is getting together with an old friend on Friday night. We haven't seen each other in almost ten years so it should be alot of fun. Can't wait Ang!! Hopefully Jenn will be able to join us!
Sunday I think I have a surprise retirement party to go to for a friend from work. My sister is suppose to find out the date for me, if its not this Sunday then it's next. Either way it will give me a chance to hang out with my much missed co-workers!
OK.... I think that's it for now, I'm trying to post this fast since I'm also making dinner and don't want it to burn. I'm trying to make mini pizzas for the first time with English muffins. They should be good since they look delicious!

AWESOME SAVINGS

Today was my best day yet! I went to a few different CVS in my area, Walgreens, and Geissler's. I made out Awesomely and am completely stock up on a variety of things. I did forget to buy trash bags :( The only things I really didn't stock up on are Shampoo, Conditioner, and Shaving Cream but hopefully they'll have some good deals next week on these items!
So here's how it worked out...
CVS
TRANSACTION1

1- Precision Xtra Glucose Kit $77.99
Total $77.99 + Tax
Sales -$58.00
Coupons -$17.99
Total OOP $2.10
Earned $19.99ECB
TRANSACTION 2
1- Airwick Fresh Matic Kit $9.99
1- Nivea Men’s Body Wash(16.9oz) $4.99
3- Soft Soap Spa Body Wash(12oz) $4.99each
1- CVS Pain Relief(24ct) $4.69
Total $34.55 + Tax
Sales -$6.70
Coupons -$26.99
Total OOP $1.00
Earned $18.96ECB
TRANSACTION 3
1- Airwick Fresh Matic Kit $9.99
1- Nivea Men’s Body Wash(16.9oz) $4.99
1- CVS Pain Relief(24ct) $4.69
1- Colgate 360 Toothbrush $6.99
1- Nivea Men’s Revitalizing Lotion(1.7oz) $8.99
Total $36.65 +tax
Sales -$6.70
Coupons -$26.96
Total OOP $2.09
Earned $11.99ECB
TRANSACTION 4
1- Airwick Fresh Matic Kit $9.99
Total $9.99 + Tax
Sales -$5.00
Coupons -$4.00
Total OOP $1.04
TRANSACTION 5
2- Arm + Hammer Laundry Detergent $5.99each
1- Cascade Action Packs(20ct) $5.49
1- Downy Ultra Fabric Softener $5.79
Total $23.26 + Tax
Sales -$5.99
Coupons -$12.99
Total OOP $4.49
WALGREENS
1- Bic Soleil Razors(4pk) $5.99
1- Bic Comfort 3 Razor(4pk) $5.99
Total $11.98 + Tax
Sales -$2.00
Coupons -$7.00
Total OOP $3.13

GEISSLER’S
2- Scrubbing Bubbles Auto Shower $4.19 each
1- Scotch Brite Toilet Wand Kit $4.29
Total $12.67 + Tax
Coupons -$5.79
Total OOP $7.51
TOTAL $207.09
SALES -$84.39
COUPONS -$101.72
TOTAL OOP $21.36
SAVED 90%!!
I have been tracking all of my purchases since I started this a few weeks ago. All I can say is if you haven't jumped on the band wagon yet, you defiantly need too!
YTD TOTAL = $568.57
YTD SALES = $219.31
YTD COUPON = $209.81
YTD OOP = $136.31
YTD SAVINGS 76%

Sunday, April 13, 2008

DRUGSTORE SAVINGS

Today was my first day of my new coupon clipping and money saving mission. After all the great deals last week at CVS I was even more anxious to get started. I knew I could do even better since many friends and other bloggers are using the program and coming away spending only a few dollars out of pocket each week. I had also heard that Walgreens and Rite Aid have pretty good deals and can usually be matched to manufactures coupons and you can save even more!
My first step was to go pick up a Sunday Paper to get the flyers and coupons. I was told that with all the money I could save on coupons that it would be well worth it to pay the $1.50 for the paper. After that I stopped at Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and noticed that all their papers were sold out however someone had bought a paper and threw all the flyers/coupons back on the rack so I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask if I could have them. The lady said sure...
SCORE DOUBLE COUPONS!!
My next step was to go home, clip everything and scan the flyers and try to make a game plan. I scanned through various blogs as well that post the best deal scenarios for the week and alot of them have links to online printable coupons. So I spent the afternoon doing this and watching some baseball. I'm sure it'll go faster in the weeks to come but for right now I'm trying to soak in all the info I can get about the various stores and their programs.
After supper I wanted to go check out CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, all of which are conveniently located within 1-3 miles of me. I had noticed that they had products advertised on sale but the flyer didn't say what the price was, just how much you would save so I wanted to go out and compare prices. I only did a small amount of shopping in order to earn ECB to help with the rest of the stuff I need to get this week. My goal is to not spend anymore money out of pocket(OOP) this week. I will continue to post as I shop and we'll see just how much I can actually save!
So far this is what I got...

CVS
1- Ascenia Glucose Kit $79.99
2- M+M’s $3.29 Each
Total $86.57 + tax
Sales -$68.69
Coupons -$3.00
Total OOP $15.88
Earned $14.99ECB + $3/$15Coupon
***My Dad has Diabetes so I figured I would pick him up a kit since the price was so great and the $14.99ECB it earned me will in turn help with the shopping for the rest of the week

RITE AID
2- Glade Aerosol $1.69 Each
Total $3.38 + tax
Sales -$.80
Coupons -$1.59
Total OOP $1.04

WALGREENS
1- Bic Comfort3(4pk) $5.99
1- Bic Soleil(4pk) $5.99
1- Zantac(8ct) $5.49
Total $17.47+ tax
Sales -$2.00
Coupons -$12.00
Total OOP $3.64

DAYS TOTAL = $107.42
SALES TOTAL = $71.49
COUPON TOTAL = $16.59
TOTAL OOP = $20.56
SAVINGS 81%

Friday, April 11, 2008

INFLATION

I needed new bras the other day and having big boobs isn't all it's cracked up to be. I have very limited stores I can shop and am forced to pay high prices. I went to a different store that someone had recommended to me and since I hadn't had a professional bra fitting in a while I figured I'd get that done too just to make sure I was wearing the right size. I had heard that more than half of all women are wearing the wrong size or something like that. With all my shoulder and neck issues I wanted to make sure and get a good fit to try to eliminate the bra strap pulling down on and digging into the shoulder. I was fairly close to my size, I was wearing one size too big in the band and two sizes too small in the cup but the lady says compared to what she usually saw this wasn't bad. They only had three different styles that fit me so I didn't have much of a selection and they were all the same price. Can you believe $58 each?? I was able to purchase two thanks to the generosity of my sister Danni whom had given me money to shop for clothes for my birthday. Thanks Danni, Luv Ya Girl!!
My main reason for posting this is the funny thing my friend said after I told him the price.It made me and Danni crack up and I'd thought I'd share it with you
"Wow that's like $30 a breast... Talk about inflation!"
boobs

MEDICAL UPDATE

Many of you ask how I am feeling on a daily basis so I figure it's easier for me to just post it here instead of saying it over and over.Thank you all for all the prayers and daily emails I receive. It means alot to me knowing that my friends really do care how I'm doing!
Today I had an appointment with a new specialist but before I get into that let me just back up a bit. Last December I received a new MRI on my shoulder because I was still in pain 7 months after Rotator Cuff Surgery. The MRI came back clear and the shoulder was said to be technically healed but I was still experiencing pain so they were then thinking it had to be my neck. The neck, Shoulder, and arm are obviously all linked together so sometimes it's hard to tell where the actual pain is coming from since especially in my case everything hurts. I was sent for a neck MRI to rule out herniated discs in my neck and today was the follow up from that. Good news the Neck MRI did come back clear as far as disc problems go but he did see alot of muscle spasms. At this point the Dr believes my pain is all muscle related. I was given a new prescription and am being sent through vigorous Physical Therapy for at least the next four weeks. The Dr has also ordered a nerve test on my arm thinking that I also have a pinched nerve in my elbow.
Hopefully this will work since I'm at my wits end. Costco wants me to return or resign, so I really need to be fixed fast. I do alot of stretching daily at home and not sure if the PT will help but I have nothing to lose at this point. The new medicine scares me a little too, it's actually a anti-depressant but it can be used to treat pain and nerve issues if given in smaller doses. I'm most defiantly stressed out but not depressed so I'm hoping this med doesn't make my moods go all fluky. My next appointment isn't until May 16th so in the meantime I'm just gonna have a little faith and keep my fingers crossed that this will all work out!
Prescription For Chocolate

Thursday, April 10, 2008

THIS AND THAT

During my last transaction last night at CVS there was a problem. They were advertising a deal where if you bought $25 worth of specified baby products you could earn $10ECB. Even though I don't have kids of my own I do have a 23 month old niece that still uses the stuff. Danni and I both watch out for products that we known the others uses and pick up whatever may be on sale. So I decided I would get her some Pull Up's for Nevaeh. The were originally$11.99 each on sale for $8.99, so I figured if I bought 3($26.97) I would reach my total goal. Well the receipt only credited me one towards the deal so I asked the cashiers and they said sometimes the system doesn't catch up right away and if I came back the next day and have my card scanned the $10ECB would print. OK fine, I wasn't going to argue with them and if worse came to worse I would just return the Pull Up's and get my money back.
When I got up this morning I figured I would head down to CVS and try to get the problem straightened out. I didn't have any shopping I needed to do but I wanted my $10ECB to use towards next weeks deals. Once I walked out of my apartment I heard the dryer running and was curious to see if whoever was washing was the thief of my laundry basket and sure enough there was my basket sitting on top of the dryer that was running. What an idiot! Not only is he a pathetic thief but then is stupid enough to use the basket in plain site where the original owner may see it. What a fool! I of course took my basket back and after taking a look at what cars were in the parking lot I'm pretty sure I know how did it. I'm still in shock over the whole incident!
laundry basket:)
So now that I got my basket back I was off to CVS to tackle the next problem. The first cashier who I talked to told me basically that it was just too bad and I was out of luck. I asked for a manager, showed him the flyer and my receipts and he too in turned told me there was nothing he could do. What poor customer service and false advertising. I insisted I wanted my $10ECB and he made a call to the CVS customer service people and the lady I talked to says this happens everyone in awhile and if I gave her all my transaction numbers she would confirm I had spent my total goal and then she would reset the system and if I came back in 48hrs the $10ECB would print on the bottom of my receipt. So we'll see what happens in a few days!
Show me the money

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

CVS TRIP 3

There were still a few more things I needed at CVS, so this is what I got today!
I saved approx. 30% and at the end of all my purchases I still have $10ECB to use towards my next trip! Granted I didn't need most of these things right now but the deals were too good to pass up and I even got 3 packages of Pull Up's for my niece. I'm sure my sister will be excited since these are so expensive!
TRANSACTION 1
15- Gift Bags $1.49each
1-Excedrin Migraine(24 ct) $5.69
Total $28.04 + $1.12tax
Sales -$3.70
Coupons -$2.00
Out of Pocket $23.46
Earned $26.00ECB + $3/$15 Coupon
TRANSACTION 2
1- Pepcid Complete(26ct) $10.99
1- Aleve(24ct) $4.99
1- Excedrin Back+Body(24ct)$4.79
3-CVS Extra Strength Pain Relief(24ct)$3.99each
Total $32.74 +.60tax
Sales -$7.80
Coupons -$25.00
Out of Pocket $0.54
Earned $12.97ECB $3/$15 Coupon
TRANSACTION 3
1- Pull Up’s(29ct) $11.49
1- Johnson Melt Away Body wash(20.3oz) $5.99
1- SoftSoap Hand soap 3 pack $4.99
Total $22.47
Sales -$2.50
Coupons -$19.97
Out of Pocket FREE
Earned $4.00ECB
TRANSACTION 4
2- Pull up’s (29ct) $11.49each
Total $22.98
Sales - $5.00
Coupons -$14.78
Out of Pocket $3.14
Earned $10.00ECB
DAYS TOTAL $107.95
SALES $19.00
COUPONS $56.50
OUT OF POCKET =
$28.06
+$10 ECB to use next time!


Tuesday, April 8, 2008

MISSING ONE LAUNDRY BASKET

This afternoon I was doing some laundry. When I went back to move my clothes from the washer to the dryer I was shocked to find that my laundry basket was gone. Are you kidding me??!! It was an old beat up, half cracked, missing a handle white laundry basket. Who would want this thing is beyond me. I usually drag it because 1)If you try to pick it up something else always cracks and it tries to fold itself in half and 2)I can't lift anyways. The laundry room is only two doors down so it's not an issue to drag it. Like I said the basket has defiantly seen better days but is still serving a purpose so until I was forced to I wasn't going to purchase another but now I'm just pissed off. Who would steel from a neighbor? I ran into the guy next door and he said for laughs I should post signs around the building so I did!

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE FENWAY

The Red Sox are finally back home again! Today is Opening Day at Fenway and it couldn't have been any better. I got up early to do the errands I had so that I could make sure to get back home to watch the Ring and Opening Day Ceremonies. The show was awesome and the weather was gorgeous! And what could be better than a winning shut out(5-0) on Fenway Opening Day
Welcome Home Boys!
Lets have us another phenomenal winning season!!
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!


CVS TRIP 2

My second day at CVS was just as successful as my first and hopefully they'll continue to get better and better. There was a few more things that were on sale that I needed so I went back today and got the rest of the stuff I hadn't gotten yesterday. I break everything into separate deals so that I can make the most of the coupons I currently have and purchase items that will yield more coupons in return. Today's saving were approx 41%!
TRANSACTION 1
3- Duracell AA(8pk) $7.99each
Total $23.97 + .39tax
Sales -$8.10
Coupons -$8.00
Out of Pocket $8.26
Earned $5.00ECB
TRANSACTION 2
1- Excedrin Back+Body(24ct) $4.79
1- Excedrin PM(24ct) $5.29
1- Shick Razor(8ct) $12.99
1- J+J Shower/Shave Body Wash(18oz) $5.99
1- J+J Melt Away Body Wash(20.3oz) $5.99
Total $35.05 + $1.12tax
Sales -$12.59
Coupons -$5.00
Out of Pocket $18.58
Earned $6.00ECB
TRANSACTION 3
1- Bounty Paper Towel(8Roll) $9.99
1- Crest Pro Health Day Toothpaste(4.2oz) $3.49
1- Crest Pro Health Night Toothpaste(4.2oz) $3.49
Total $16.97 + .24tax
Sales -$6.09
Coupons -$6.00
Out of Pocket $5.12
DAYS TOTAL = $77.74
SALES TOTAL = $26.78
COUPONS TOTAL = $19.00
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET =
$31.96

Monday, April 7, 2008

CVS TRIP 1

As to follow up on my post earlier today I have totalled up everything I got today and I have to say I think I did fairly well(my total savings was approx 49%). It required two separate visits because the first store I went to didn't have one of the items I wanted. I live close to a few different stores so this type of thing isn't a big deal. I've also noticed that multiple transactions during the same visit is very beneficial. Its all about planning and organizing. I'm going to continue to post my findings and savings. I want to track this for a year and see if it really will save money!
TRANSACTION 1
2- Febreze Air Effects(9.72oz) $3.29Each
1- Excedrin Migraine(24ct) $5.69
1- Febreze Candle $7.00
Total $19.27 + .93tax
Sales -$6.28
Coupons -$4.00
Out of Pocket $9.92
Earned $6.00ECB + $3/$15
TRANSACTION 2
2- Dove Deodorants(2.6oz) $2.99each
1- Dove Body wash(24oz) $8.39
1- Dove Body wash(12oz) $5.49
2- M+M’s $3.49each
1- Shick Razors(8ct) $12.99
Total $39.83 + .70tax
Sales -$9.87
Coupons -$9.00
Out of Pocket $21.66
Earned $3.00ECB + $3/$15
TRANSACTION 3
1-Dove 6pk Bar Soap $7.49
Total $7.49 + .15tax
Sales -$1.50
Coupons -$3.00
Out of pocket $3.14
Earned $5.00ECB
DAYS TOTAL = $68.37
SALES TOTAL = $17.65
COUPONS TOTAL = $16.00
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET=
$34.72

CVS SAVINGS

I decided I'm gonna start shopping at CVS for all my health and beauty aide items. An old friend from high school does it and saves tons of money. She gave me the blog address(Thx Sarah!) so I could learn how to do it. It seemed a little complicated at first but now after just one trip I fully understands how it works. It does take a few minutes of looking over the flyer and organizing yourself but I think it will work! My first trip went well. I knew I would have to pay out of pocket today but would in turn get coupons to use towards my next visit. The idea is to roll over your Extra Care Bucks(ECB) over and over again. I believe if I really plan well and buy everything I can at CVS I will really be making out in the long run. I'll keep everyone updated as I shop!
CVS

Sunday, April 6, 2008

INFERNO

Here we go again... basically another blah weekend, weather wise it was only so-so. Saturday was nice but today it's really cold. However, I live in a brick apartment building on the second floor with people above, below, and on both sides of me so no matter what it's doing outside my home remains extremely warm. The absolute worst is sleeping. This may sound crazy but ever night(dead of winter or not) I have to sleep with a circulating fan on high and the windows open. Friday night was awful, it was an inferno in my bedroom. I claim it was 108' in there. No matter what I tried I couldn't get cool enough to be comfortable so I could get some sleep. I'm not sure what was going on in there, at first I just thought I was too "Muy Caliente" for the room but now I'm not so sure....hahaha!
hot stuff
Another nights sleep lost tossing and turning, what else is new?!
My biggest disappointment this weekend is my Red Sox. We lost Fri and Sat to Toronto and the way its looking we're gonna lose today again. As an old found friend just said "I hope the Sox can beat these Canadians today. Shameful. Losing to anyone in powder blue uniforms is a tragedy!"
I completely agree Alisha!
believe in boston
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!

Friday, April 4, 2008

HELLO...REMEMBER ME??

And it rains again!
Another blah day at home doing nothing in particular. I know this kind of day kinda sets the mood for everyone to feel a little depressed and cranky but what I just experienced I thought was just plain mean. I live on the second floor of an apartment building that has a security door at the main entrance. I had to bring the trash out so as I was walking down the stairs and I noticed a elderly female standing at the door looking out. Since I've lived in the building for 5 1/2 years and have seen this woman numerous times I knew she was waiting for her ride. I've observed various people and taxis picking her up and knew she didn't drive. I said Hello(like I do to everyone) and she responded and then we made light talk of the weather as I was passing her dragging my trash bag behind me. After bringing it out back and returning to the building I saw the women was standing directly in the doorway still waiting for her ride and do you know she just stood there and made me take out my key to open the door. I actually had to say excuse me so that she could move out of the way and I could walk through the door. I know we have a security door but get real lady I just walked out passed you and have seen you numerous times and you know I live there. Is it me or is our older generations becoming less caring and just plain meaner and ruder??

Thursday, April 3, 2008

RIGHT STUFF??

I found this article this morning on my local news station web site. I totally remember listening to these guys as a teen but now I'm not so sure I would be interested. I mean come'on is it really necessary to make a come back. Their main fan following was teenage girls and teens today defiantly won't be interested and how many of us thirty year old women are gonna be buying their new CD or concert tickets??!! Just thought this was kinda funny and I wanted to share with my former NKOTB friends!
new kids on the block
80's BOY BAND NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK TO REUNITE
Associated Press - April 3, 2008 9:54 AM ET
BOSTON (AP) - They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block. The Boston-based boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in its heyday, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour.
The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multi-platinum album, "Hanging Tough."
The group released a new photo yesterday and will reportedly appear on NBC's Today show tomorrow morning.
Band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald the fan response to the reunion has been "incredible."
Wahlberg says he was convinced to get back together with his former bandmates -- Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood -- when they decided to record new music.
Wahlberg assures fans, however, they will also play the old songs on tour.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
NKOTB

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

SNIP SNIP


Today I had an appointment to have my hair cut so I went and did that. I've been going to the same woman for twenty years and I love the way she cuts. I have the type of hair that grows extremely fast and because I also put myself through Cosmetology school I love to experiment with the latest styles. I always go and just tell her to do what she wants and if I don't like it oh well, in a month its gonna be grown out anyways. She took about 6-7 inches off of it and made it more "springy" and I think it came out great. So I was thinking that since I was looking half way decent today compared to my usual wash and go look, I would take the opportunity and get my drivers licence renewed even though it doesn't expire till the ends of the month. I was up for a new mug shot since I hadn't had one taken in ten years. The registry surprisingly was not busy at all and I was in and out within twenty minutes and then I was off to Walmart to pick up a case of water and a few other things battling the wind as I went. My poor new haircut has been blown in every which direction and I'm surprised it wasn't all knotted up by the time I got home!



Tuesday, April 1, 2008

APRIL FOOLS

Happy April Fools Day Everyone!!
Curious as to how this day came about I did a little research online this morning. All though I'm not much of a prankster, I still think this is a funny quirky holiday that only involves having fun and doesn't require gifts, cards or an expensive night out to dinner. I believe that these days a holiday like this reminds us of our inner child and to have some fun in life!
April Fools Day Pic
Unlike most of the other non foolish holidays, the history of April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally clear. There really wasn't a "first April Fool's Day" that can be pinpointed on the calendar. Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring.
The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the new year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.
However, communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the new year on April 1. These backward folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes.
This harassment evolved, over time, into a tradition of prank-playing on the first day of April. The tradition eventually spread to England and Scotland in the eighteenth century. It was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international fun fest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families.
In Scotland, for example, April Fool's Day is actually celebrated for two days. The second day is devoted to pranks involving the posterior region of the body. It is called Taily Day. The origin of the "kick me" sign can be traced to this observance.
Mexico's counterpart of April Fool's Day is actually observed on December 28. Originally, the day was a sad remembrance of the slaughter of the innocent children by King Herod. It eventually evolved into a lighter commemoration involving pranks and trickery.