May Meal Plan

1- chicken thigh stew

2 - Giada's mac n cheese muffin cups

3 - Italian Style Tater Tot casserole

4 - brown sugar chicken, rice

5- pierogies with chicken sausage

6 - Cheddar Chicken Spirals

7 - pancakes and sausage

8- spaghetti/meatballs

9- visiting Grandpa

10 - visiting Grandpa

11 - takeout

12 - frittata

13 - kid's choice

14 - spaghetti/meatballs

15 - chicken parm casserole

16 - rotisserie chicken in crockpot

17 - french toast, bacon

18 - spaghetti/meatballs

19 - takeout

20 - leftovers

21 - pizza

22 - eggs, toast, fruit

23- kid's choice

24 - spaghetti/meatballs

25 - visiting family

26 - visiting family

27 - visiting family

28 - visiting family

29 - taco pasta

30 - pizza

31 - leftovers

Looking for that Silver Lining

The weekend was chaotic, which is why I haven't posted. I have been dealing with J and his antics, which culminated in the police taking him to jail yesterday (the bugs and I are fine) and my good friend's decline in health, which has ended this morning in her passing. Peace to you my dear friend.

I am so sad today...

All You Magazine and Ebates 52% off!



Today only (4/201/2) Ebates has a deal with magazines.com for 12 issues of All You magazine for only $19.95. You'll get 52% cash back in your ebates account, making the subscription only $9.58. That's $0.80 an issue!

I love this magazine because it has great tips for moms, and also the fabulous coupons each month! This one definitely pays for itself.

Here’s how:

■Head over to Ebates & either sign up for an Ebates account or sign in to your account

■Then once you are directed to the Magazines.com site, search for All You.
 
 
Thanks Freebies2deals!

Cheap Stonyfield Yogurt

$2.00/3 Stonyfield yogurt printable coupon. Makes them cheap at Walmart.

Yougurt is one of the boys favorite snacks so I'll be buying these!

Tell it Thursday

The picture from yesterday's Wordless Wednesday is of the boys and their Aunt Stef. She has come up to visit and help out a few weeks back when our daycare provider had her baby and took vacation. We needed to bring Aunt Stef back to the airport to get back on the Blue Jet, as Landon refers to it.
We left early so that we could stop at the playground and also have lunch out. It was a beautiful spring day - in fact we were actually having some summertime-like weather with temperatures in the 80's that day.
We had lunch at a great place called Hyde's where they have some pretty awesome hot dogs, with meat sauce and onions. Yum!
Then we played in the chaotic playground for about an hour and a half. When we were ready to leave, we had to bribe the kids with ice cream to get them out of the playground. It worked, and we enjoyed an ice cream cone before heading to the airport.
We had a great time with Aunt Stef visiting - we always do - and always look forward to her coming back to spend time with us again.

Wordless Wednesday

Cheap Neosporin (for all our cuts and scrapes)

There is a coupon available for $2.00 off Neosporin. With two boys I go through this stuff quickly. Print now as prints reach their maximum limits quickly.

$2.00/1 Neosporin Coupn

Thanks Freebies2deasl!

Shopping for Free and Cheap this week 4.15.12

My shopping for free or cheap plan for this week includes Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Tops for their coupon-matchup deals. Plus I always fill in remaining grocery/household items Aldi’s. Items in RED are super deals!


Rite Aid:
Transaction #1—
Revlon Cosmetics, Beauty Tools, and ColorSilk B1G1 50% Off
Buy 1 Revlon Lip Butter $7.49
Buy 1 Revlon 16 Hour Eye Shadow Quad $7.49
Buy 2 Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffers $3.49 each
Total After B1G1 50% Off Sale = $16.48
Use (2) of the $1.00 off Color Cosmetic coupons from the 03-11-12 SS (expires 4/15!) or 04-01-12 SS
Use (2) of the $1.00 off Beauty Tool coupons from the 04-01-12 SS
Use the $2.00 off Lip Butter coupon from the April RAV Coupon
Use the $2.00 off Eye Shadow coupon from the April RAV Coupon
You Pay $8.48, but receive a $6.00 +Up Reward when you buy $15 worth (limit 2 offers)
Plus, Submit for (2) $1.00 SCR’s #26 when you buy Revlon Beauty Tools (limit 2 rebates)
Total Cost $0.48 for all! (Thanks Hip2Save!)

Transaction #2 –
Halls 20-25 ct. or Defense 30 ct. 2/$3.00
Buy 2
Use the $1.00 off 2 Halls Drops, any 20, 25 or 30 ct. from the 03-25-12 SS
Plus, use the $0.50 off Halls April RAV Coupon
Total cost $1.50 for 2 or $0.75 each!

Bodiheat Therapy patch 4ct. $2.99
Submit for SCR for $2.99
Total Cost – FREE

Airwick Aerosol $0.89
Use $1.00 off Video Value coupon
Total Cost – FREE

Nivea Body Wash $4.99
Use (1) $2.00 coupon from 4/15/12
Get $1.50 UPR
Total Cost $1.49

Lysol Neutra Air fabric Refresher 2 for $5.00
Buy 2
Use $1.50 Video value Coupon
Use $1.00 coupon from 4/15/12
Total cost - $2.50

Use $6.00UPR from 1st transaction
You Pay $3.98, but get $1.50 UPR from Nivea Body wash and submit for $2.99 SCR from Bodiheat patches.
Total cost $0.51 MONEYMAKER


Walgreens:
1st Transaction -
NasalEase Allergy Relief Spray $9.00
Use $5.00 coupon from 4/15/12
Total cost $4.00
Get $9.00 RR

Similisan Nasal Allergy Spray $6.00
Use $1.50 coupon from 4/15/12
Total $4.50
Get $6.00 RR

Aquafresh Kids Toothpaste $2.00
Use $1.00 coupon
Use $1.00 store coupon found in April's Coupon Booklet
Final: FREE
You Pay $8.50, but get $15.00 RR returned. Final Cost $6.50 MONEYMAKER!

2nd Transaction --
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaners 2 for $3.00
Use $1.00/2 from 4/15/12
Total - $2.00

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes 2 for $6.00
Use $1.00 coupon from 4/15/12
Total $5.00
Get $2.00 RR

Pepsi Next 20oz. $0.99
Total $0.99
Get $0.99 RR

Gas-X 18 or 20 count $4.99

Use the $1.00 off of one Gas-X Product Coupon from the 4-15-12 SS
Plus, use the $2.00 off of one Gas-X Coupon from the Walgreens April Booklet
Total cost $1.99


Purex 2X Liquid Laundry Detergent 30 Loads or UltraPacks 18 count $5.99 (B1G1 FREE)

Use 2 of the $1.00 off of one Purex UltraPacks Detergent Coupon from the 3-11-12 RP
Total cost only $2.00 each when you purchase 2

Softsoap hand soap $0.99 with in ad coupon
Buy 2
Total $1.98

Use $15.00 RR from Transaction #1
Final Cost $0.96, but you get $2.99 RR back, $2.03 MONEYMAKER!


Tops
Wise Cheez Doodles B1G1 FREE 6.25 - 9.25 oz. bags - $3.29

$0.75/2 Wise Cheez Doodles printable
Final price = $1.79 for 2

Marie's Yogurt Dressing - $2.50
$0.75/1 Marie's Yogurt Dressing printable
Final price = $1.00

YoKids Greek Organic Yogurt 4 pk - $2.00
$1/1 YoKids Greek Organic Yogurt printable
Final price = $1.00

Dannon Danimals Crunchers - $2.00
$0.50/1 Dannon Danimals Crunchers, exp. 4/30/12 (SS 03/18/12)
Final Price= $1.00

International Delight Creamer 16 oz. - $1.66
$0.55/1 International Delight Creamer printable
$0.55/1 International Delight Product printable
Final price = $0.56
Buy 2

Marcal Small Steps Paper Towels 8 Roll, 12 Roll Double Roll Toilet Paper - $3.99
$1/1 Marcal Small Steps Towel, Bath, or Napkins printable
$1/1 Marcal Small Steps Towel, Bath Tissue or Napkins, exp. 5/31/12 (RP 04/15/12)
Final price = $2.99
Buy 2

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 2 ct. - $2.00
$1/1 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (Home Made Simple)
Final Price = $1.00
Buy 2

12" Fresh Baked Pizza B1G1 FREE - $6.99

Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs per lb. - $0.99

Tops Individually Wrapped Cheese Singles B1G1 FREE - $3.99

Cantaloupe or Mini Seedless Watermelon B1G1 FREE - $3.99

Tops Sherbet 32 oz. B1G1 FREE - $2.99

Buy Big Pack 80% Ground Beef - Get all 8 items FREE: (depending on cost of beef)
Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix - FREE
Hunt's Tomato Ketchup 24 oz. - FREE
Tops Hamburger or Hot Dog Rolls - FREE
Pepsi 1.5 Liter - FREE
Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper Bonus Pack - FREE
Tops Premium Ice Cream - FREE
Tops 6" Soft Tortillas - FREE
Tops 8 oz. Shredded Cheese - FREE

Dole Frozen Fruit Single-Serve Cups - $2.00
$1/1 Dole Frozen Fruit Single-Serve Cups printable
$1/2 Dole Frozen Fruit Package, exp. 6/30/12 (SS 04/15/12 #2)
$1/2 Dole Frozen Fruit Single-Serve Cups, exp. 6/30/12 (SS 04/15/12 #2)
$0.75/1 Dole Frozen Fruit Single Serve Cups, exp. 6/30/12 (ALL YOU Apr '12)
$1/2 Dole Frozen Fruit Packages, exp. 5/4/12 (RP 03/04/12)
Buy 4


Dole Fruit Smoothie Shaker - $1.66
$0.50/1 Dole Fruit Smoothie Shaker, exp. 6/30/12 (SS 04/15/12 #2 R)
$1/2 Dole Fruit Smoothie Shaker, exp. 6/30/12 (SS 04/15/12 #2)
Buy 2
Get $3.00 OYNO catalina (dole products final cost $0.63 each!)  

Total cost +/- $60.00

Final Cost =/- $82.00 - leaves $68.00 for fill-in grocery/household items.

Thanks to Livingrichwithcoupons.com, Iamthatlady.com, and freebies2deals.com

Labeled: Fragile

I got a call today about a friend who has been ill recently. She’s both my co-worker and my friend. She is someone who is intelligent, loyal, and funny. She is kind and thoughtful. And, this girl can keep a secret. When I found out I was pregnant, she is the only one I told, outside of my immediate family. She was my confidant at work and helped me through my first trimester, having another miscarriage fears, without telling another soul. For a whole 14 weeks. She has brought me food when I’m having a family crisis, has been a great listening ear and sounding board, and has numerous times offered her help in whatever way she can to me- a single, stressed out Mom.


My friend was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian cancer. This morning they told her that the cancer has aggressively spread, despite surgery and a futile attempt at chemotherapy (which only served to make her nauseous and unable to do anything). There is some sort of blockage now due to the cancer and she’s now unable to eat except through a tube they will put into her stomach today.

They are sending her home in the next few days. They don’t believe there is any long term solution. They are offering her palliative care.

She is 46 years old and has a 6 year old son.

I am scared for my friend. I am scared for her partner. I am scared for her little boy – who will be so affected by this. It sickens me to think of what he will go through.

The fragility of life scares the shit out of me.

Free eBook - Deal of the Day

I try to post my favorite deal that I've found each day. Today is a free ebook from Amazon. The Everything Grow Your Own Vegetables book.

Download a free copy of The Everything Grow Your Own Vegetables Book from Amazon.com.


Please note that the price is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time. Be sure to check the price before checking out to verify that it is still free.
This ebook is specifically for Kindles, but you can download a free application that enables you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

Calgon and other bath remedies

Well J came up for a short visit on Monday afternoon. Monday evening he took my credit card to pick up the pizza and proceeded to use it to buy legal substances at a gas station that are undetectable in a drug test. I didn't know at the time because, of course he hid the receipt.
On Tuesday, he called me at work and told me some story about how his old friends had called and he had to go make a statement at the police station about some items he had sold them last year - apparently the husband and wife were fighting over it. When I questioned him about why his old friend knew he was at my house since they hadn't called or stopped by since he left he had no answer. So, I immediately knew he was lying.
When I got home I found he had taken about $50.00 of merchandise out of my house (items consisting of tampons, shampoo, laundry soap, etc) that he was, I believe, planning on returning to the store and attempting to get drug money that way. He also left a note that said he was sorry and just doesn't know how to change.
He called late last night asking to stay at my house over night as he had no where to go. I told him no.

This morning as I was driving to work he flagged me down. I stopped and he asked for a ride. I gave him a ride and all the while he was asking to stay at the house just one more day, just to see the kids one more time, just for a few hours to take a nap, yadda, yadda, yadda. I repeatedly told him no and that he has stolen from me one too many times. He was wigging out and appeared to be higher than a kite. He had slurred speech, couldn't talk normally, disoriented thinking, couldn't get words out of his mouth, crying, agitation, anger. He claims he just can't sleep and felt like he was having a stroke. I offered to bring him to the hospital but he refused. He called the local crisis center but they don't have any beds available. They told him to call back every morning until they do.
When he finally realized I wasn't going to give in and let him come to the house, he got out of my car and left. he mumbled something about "Thanks - I thought I could count on you. Doesn't matter if I live or die. I never wanted it to be like this." Then I drove away.

I feel awful. I hope that he wasn't actually having a stroke, or other medical emergency. I feel guilty but I know that if I keep helping him his issues will never be resolved. And how many times do I allow him to steal from me?
I'm afraid too, that he will show up at the house when the kids are at home. How can I explain to them why Daddy is knocking on the door and I am calling the police and not letting him in??

I hate that his addiction has done this to our family.

I LOVE Free!

Today I already found two great deals!

The first is a B1G1 sub at Quizno's good through the month of April. That will make for a cheap lunch! Find it at their facebook page.

The second was a free hydro-massage (valid at participating locations) good during the week of April 16-20. Check out Money Saving Mom to find the link. That is going to be awesome! Even if it's only 15 or 20 minutes of complete relaxation - which I've not had for, oh I don't know, about 3 1/2 years now. I hope the location near is participating.

Have you found any great deals lately?

Pack it up

Getting ready to head out to Grandpa's for the Easter holiday this weekend means doing all the laundry, packing and getting weekend chores like trash and recyclables done before leaving. I thought it would be a good idea to have the boys help me pack their clothes last night. Didn't.go.as.planned. Landon was helpful and willing to do everything I asked but for whatever reason Alex had a meltdown because the jammies he wanted were not in his drawer. Even though I tried to reason with him that i would have time for laundry tomorrow and his jammies would be clean then he was screaming and crying for near 15 minutes. Complete tantrum. So, instead of calmly packing Landon and I got to listen to hysteria and of course that makes my blood pressure go up.
Plan for today. In between working get laundry done and pack suitcase while boys are at daycare. Pick up boys after work and go to playground. Don't involve testy 3 year olds with packing process late in evening. Live and learn.

On another note: J wants to come to visit for a week again. He is still trying to find a facility that will take him and is still working on getting a referral to said facility. Not sure if it's a good idea - I hate these decisions. I know he wants time to spend with the boys but it is nervewracking for me because I feel I constantly have to be on guard and watching what he's doing. trying to steal from me. And it's exhausting to put on the happy face so the kids don't have to know, see, feel that daddy has issues. I know that one day they will begin to realize, but for now, they only know that Daddy stays at their aunt's house so he can "fix" some things. And  that's all they need to know right now.