First off, thanks for the info about taking food on the plane....I knew you couldn't take liquids (until passing security) so I have no idea why I thought you couldn't take food. Our last few vacations have been long flying times and I can't believe I didn't know this.....this really helps a lot and I am excited to be able to bring some healthy snacks and food!

I received an email awhile back from Barnes and Noble about a settlement and that I would be receiving a credit soon. It has something to do with the Nook (and possibly other e-readers) so I was pleasantly surprised to receive my credit this weekend of $16.00! I loaded it on my account along with a $25 gift card from my birthday so I have $41 to spend. Obviously, this comes as a great time with several long planes rides coming up. I found a couple of books I loaded last night and have a few more in mind to finish up the credit. Yipee!

I got an awesome deal on a pair of boots for DD2 for Christmas. She had a pair of black boots (the kind that go up to the knee) and she just loved them. She took them to college and the zipper on one of them broke about a month into school.

I was at Fred Meyer on Saturday and they had their boots for 60% off....plus an apparel coupon for an extra 30% off.

Score!

A $70 pair of boots for $20!

I did text her a picture of them though, because I wanted to make sure she liked them. She is kind of picky and I didn't want to buy a pair she didn't like...now I just hope they fit her

I did get a gift receipt but if she has to take them back, I am not sure what she will find...they were clearing out their stock of boots so fingers crossed they fit her well!

We hit Costco today....we usually end up going there about every 6 weeks. They had a lot of good coupons (for once) so we took this opportunity to stock up on a few things....DH was paid on Friday and it was a full check with a few overtime hours. We will probably see the reduction on his next check from the time he had to take off at Christmas.

We used this opportunity to stock up on mainly cleaning supplies. I don't think I will have to buy these items for at least 3 months...hopefully more.

Sometimes you have to spend to save.

As I mentioned in a previous post, DH's work is having a shutdown from the 24th through the 1st. We are not sure what will happen in the first quarter of the year...rumblings are happening that business will be slow.

So, we are preparing a bit for a possible furlough.....my bonus check of $1400 went directly into the savings account. DH's $750 bonus that will come sometime in January will also go into savings.

I have been slowing stocking up on things....mainly toiletries....we do not have a CVS so those awesome deals people get, well, they just don't happen here. However, I have been keeping my eye out for sales and when they happen, if I have a coupon, I am buying things such as bodywash, toothpaste, make-up, toothbruhes and the like. This way, if anything does happen, we will not have to run to the store if we run out of something like that. Spending can be kept to a minimum. I always have a small stockpile of these things, but it will be nice to have a bit extra just in case.

And hey, if it doesn't happen, well, all the better...we will still be able to use that stockpile...it certainly won't go to waste

DD2 had her semi-winter formal this past Saturday night....we gave her a budget of $100....this covered:

$39 dress
$25 tickets
$23 shoes
$8 boutineer
$3 earrings
$2 nail poish

I sprung for the "formal" pics at the highschool...$22 and her boyfriend paid for dinner. Another "last" in our household and I am mourning the days gone by....DH and I also headed out to dinner with another couple who's daughter also attended the dance with her boyfriend.....this girl does not go to our highschool, but is dating one of DD2's and her boyfriends friend....since they live about 30 min from us, they asked if we wanted to have dinner since they were coming out our way....of course we said yes! I've only seen my friend once since club soccer ended in the Spring (that's how we met). The husbands get along well so we had a great time....well worth an evening out.

DH and I also hit Costco to the tune of $183...stuff we all needed...well...except for the M & M's

We also hit Kohl's.....Got DD2 a fragrance set she wanted and I got 2 pairs of much needed jeans....we had a coupon for 20% off and if you spent $100, 25% off....well the total came to $99.73 and Kohl's was nice enough to give us the 25%! We also had $15 in Kohl's cash.

DD2 had her soccer banquet on Sunday night at a local restaurant....MUCH better than last years's AWFUL dinner at the country club....coach paid (out of team funds) for the girl's dinner and beverages and we adults and any other family members had to pay $12, plus our drinks....I spent $14 total for a much better dinner than last year...very well worth it!

We also went shopping at Fred Meyer's for the family my office adopted for Christmas....again had some great coupons....I've talked about the employee discount card my parents have, and that they let me use it whenever I want....Fred Meyer occasionally sends out a pass where you can save like an associate....it is the same discount employee's and retiree's of the company. We were able to get some good deals with the pass and also the coupons they had in the paper....even though the pass is expired now, I am hoping to get my parent's card and head back to get a few more things. It's a great feeling to be able to help a family in need...their greatest wish? Things to stay warm.....our office will definately help this family to have a brighter holiday season!

DH and I went out today and ran a few errands. We headed to Kohl's as we had a 15% off coupon. He had a leftover gift card from his b-day in Aug so he put that towards a new pair of jeans. I got a sweater and we also purchased a Vera Wang "Princess" perfume set for DD1 for Christmas....it was on sale and we were also able to use the 15% off coupon on that too.

We then headed to Fred Meyer and got DD1 a pair of yoga pants that was on her wish list. We got a terrific deal! Originally $38.00....40% off sale, 20% off employee discount card (from my mom) and an extra 15% off coupon from the paper....ended up paying $16.18....not too bad I say!

Paid the MasterCard bill today....ugh! Approx $3000.00. Most of it was from the new tv that we purchased before we went on our cruise. Picture was having some issues and the tv was about 5 years old. DH cannot live without his beloved tv, so a new one is ours. It is pretty nice....a smart tv....can view YouTube on it (yeah...oh wow) and NetFlix is on it too as well as the internet. We did not however, get one with 3D. A co-worker has one of those but she has small kids. I am not a huge fan of 3D and neither is DH so we opted out of a tv that had that.

Anyway, May had 3 family birthday's with gift cards at $25.00 each.

Mother's Day had us buying some pretty flowers for our Mom's. DH asked what I wanted but I said nothing....we had our cruise and I got some stuff then.

We relaxed over the long holiday weekend but ate out a few times. We went and put flowers on my grandparents graves. My mom gave me some money to defray the cost. My maternal grandparents are buried on somewhat of an incline and there is no way my mom and aunt can navigate that...especially since the ground was wet and muddy. My paternal grandparents are buried on flat land, but my dad has a degenerate muscle disease that makes it very hard for him to walk....it is getting worse and worse and he is finding it harder and harder to get out. My sister, nor my brother and sil offered to go so it fell to DH and I....no bother though, we were happy to do it. We also went out and purchased some flowers for our yard and pots. Almost forgot to add....2 baby shower gifts for the girls at work.

It was a long and busy May, but we had some good times spent with family and friends

Hopefully June will find us spending a little less money! I didn't really realize until I typed this out, how much spending we really did!

Finally feeling like I am back to the land of the living....the 3 hour time difference really kicked my butt! Have done nothing this past week except work, make dinner, dishes, and watch tv! It did help however, that ALL of the housework was done before we left....that was the plan! And it worked beautifully!Now I am feeling up to normal and the house needs to be cleaned this weekend.....

Anyway, May is shaping up to be busy....the weekends at least....I don't think we have one free weekend this month except Memorial Day. This weekend dd2 has the SAT....have to be there at 7:45am about 30 min away....ugh! Sunday she is getting her hair cut and colored. Next Friday, we are having a baby shower at work for the 2 gals that are expecting....brunch at my bother and sil's house on Sunday. The following weekend we have a family birthday celebration for 3 of dh's family.

Gift's that need to be purchased:

2 baby shower gifts (both girls)!

3 b-day gifts/gift cards for dh family (mil, bil and nephew)

1 b-day gift card for my aunt....normally don't buy for her but she did get me something on my b-day and both the girls last year....feel somewhat obligated.

Flowers for memorial day....will take and put on all of the grandparents.....my dad's parents are burried next to each other and my mom's parents are too, though at different sites....we missed last year so we really need to get there this year....plus since my grandmother passed in Feb, it is a must.

I think that it is......goodness....I hope so!

I don't wear alot of dresses....just not my "thing". However, I felt like I needed a dress for my grandma's memorial, and I suppose, it is always good to have a "little black dress" on hand.

I found a dress at Fred Meyer's that was originally $70, marked down to $49.97. It was also on the clearance rack which was 40% off the lowest marked price ($49.97). I also had an additional 20% off making the dress a grand total of $24.00.

Not too shabby if I say so myself.

was wonderful and blessed. Hubby spoiled me as usual even though I asked him not to. He got me a small diamond necklace, $25 to B&N, perfume, new lunch tote, and a pedometer to replace the one I leftin a bathroom stall at Universal Studios in July of 2009

Received a fun foodie gift basket from brother and SIL, a new SnowBaby and some knitting things from my mom and dad....I don't know how to knit but I will be learning (I expressed an interest), and cute reusable tote that my mom made (cc free....you would be impressed) with coffee cups on the front and coffee beans lining the inside. MIL gave gift cards to Kohl's, and SIL (on dh's side(who had my name) gave me a card with a promise for lunch and a mani/pedi....that should be fun! My sister decided last year not to exchange with my brother and me....she doesn't like SIL and doesn't want to buy for her and therefore thought their feelings would be hurt if she exchanged with me. My girls gave me some Tree Hut body scrub and lotion....coconut lime....to get me in the mood for the Carribean! My grandma gives everyone a $100 every year for Christmas and their birthdays.

We headed out to Fred Meyers, Kohl's and Target yesterday...found a few tops at Kohl's and bought a couple of organizing things from Freds...other that than, not much spending.

Had last Thurs and Friday off from work (pto time) and also Monday (holiday) and today (pto time)....spent some time taking down the decorations, organzing, cleaning house, and doing some cooking for freezer meals (another post).

Not really ready to head back to work but it is a short week and next week will be too.

Looking forward to posting some goals for 2012!

I realized this morning (after all of the shopping and wrapping these past few weeks), that I was one gift short for DD2.....we always make sure that the girls have an equal amount of gifts....both number and dollar wise. For some reason, I was thinking about it this morning and quickly did a "count". I am glad I did...would hate to have had any hurt feelings. Stopped by and got a gift card for her which she will enjoy (both the girls got 2 gift cards) plus the wrapped gifts they have under the tree. Stockings are usually most of the same things but in a different color or shape ect.

DH and I headed out and braved Costco....ugh....he had to bribe me with a coffee from Tully's. I didn't need to worry.....it wasn't as packed as it usually is. We were in and out pretty quickly. For some reason, shopping at Costco really stresses me out....any time of the year. My office pays for my membership so it is nice to have it. We usually try to get there when the doors open. We were going to go on Friday but by the time DISH left, it was about 1:30 and I thought by the time we get down there, it would be crazy so I am glad we went today. Now I don't have to go back for about 6 weeks. The line for gas however, was pretty long.....$3.23 for regular unleaded. Not bad!

Did you read about the lady in LA that was pepper spraying other shoppers to keep them away from stuff she wanted?

Absolutely disgusting!

After our very stressful Friday night, the weekend ended up being very enjoyable. The weather was very nice, although it was very chilly but sunny....2 beautiful Fall days.

Paid the water/sewer bill and the garbage bill. Both of these bills are paid every other month.

Groceries and gas were also purchased.

Breakfast out with DH Sat morning. Coupon we were going to use ended up not being good for the weekend...bummer. Quick, fast dinner out on Sat night at Wendy's before DD2's state soccer playoff game.

$12 to get into said playoff game. Oh! And they won too!

$40 (on sale) to boots at Big 5. I really was in need of a pair of warm fuzzy boots. DD2 plays soccer year round and it was very cold Saturday night! Tennis shoes did not cut it at all.

Also spent $89.00 at Kohl's this weekend. That included 2 pairs of pants for DH off of the clearance rack. I ended up getting 3 shirts/sweaters and 2 cami's. I don't know why, but I can never seem to find anything good off the clearance racks at Kohl's....DH always finds great things.

Anyway, I can't remember the last weekend we have gone out and "spent" money like that on clothes or stuff.

I guess that's why the bank account has been looking pretty good!

Today is DD1's 20th birthday! Hard to beleive she is leaving her "teens" behind.

We went down to her college on Saturday and took her out to lunch and ice cream. Also brought her presents down. It was weird because this was the first year (ever) we didn't have a family party. It just didn't work out this year. She didn't take her car this semester to college and her boyfriend had something else so they couldn't drive up here. No matter, we had a nice time anyway. Family just sent her gifts to her. It is always fun to get that kind of stuff in the mail isn't it?

DD2 had plans both Friday and Saturday night so it was a bit late as I had to drive her and pick her up.

DH was not feeling well most of the weekend and ended up going to bed at 7:30 on Saturday night

Sunday was spent catching up on housework, laundry and grocercy shopping. Made a lovely roast chicken for dinner.

Tonight DD2 has an away soccer game so after we drop her off, dh and I are meeting mil for a quick bite to eat and then she is coming to the game with us..

I took today off from work as I still have a ton of vacation time to burn. I have several more days in the near future planned off too. Spent some time with my mom....we had coffee, did some "craft" shopping and she treated me to lunch.

It is a beautful day here today and should be a great night for soccer though a bit nippy.

All in all, a very nice 3 day weekend.

Back to "reality" tomorrow

I was really pleased today with the items I was able to get for free....around here, we do not have a CVS and it is very hard to get really super good deals alot of the time. We only have 1 grocery store that doubles 4 coupons per week which is Safeway but I don't shop there because they are so expensive.

I have a ton of vacation time to use so I took today off. I planned my shopping stops out before I met my sister for lunch. I was able to get all of the items except for 1 which both stores I went to were out of that item.

Here are the items I got:

1 dozen eggs from Target
1 liter of Dr Pepper Ten
1/2 gallon ice cream from Safeway
1 Schick Hydro Razor
1 package Idahoan potatoes
1 travel size body wash from Bath and Body Works

I also took advantage of a promo they were having at Bath and Body Works. They had a buy 3 get 3 free. In addition to the travel size free coupon I had, I also had a coupon for 20% off the entire order, plus a gift card that still had $8.20 on it. I ended up getting 6 full size items for $17.40. Not bad! I am saving 3 of the items for dd2 for Christmas and keeping 3 for myself

Ugh....I've been draggin these past couple of weeks....been super busy at work and with the time change and all I will be glad to see this Friday.

Financially things are back and forth....last Friday dh and I hit Costco...$257 later we left......Saturday we took a short road trip to vist dd1 at college...went to an Air/Space Museum but only got to see the Air part....Space part was closed due to a food and wine festival....it was nice though that the admission was discounted since part of it wasn't open but we sprung for the IMAX movie so all in all I am not sure it really saved us any money...had breakfast (just dh and I) and lunch out but used a BOGO coupon on both...for lunch dd and I just split the sandwich and shared the drink.....we are cheap like that We also hit the college student store before we left.....dropped $85 on a couple of sweatshirts (50% off) a t-shirt for me, hat for dh and a couple of bumper stickers. Sunday dh and I went to a movie....had a free movie ticket (Regal rewards) and a coupon for $2 from the Entertainment book for the second ticket.....did spring for popcorn and a water though....absolutely cannot resist the popcorn.....I know.....bad, but oh so good All in all, a very fun weekend alebeit a spendy one.

Work has been crazy busy these past few weeks.....we have been short staffed for various reasons....staff members kids sick...vacations....someone was moving....ect....ugh! I am just exhausted.

I am looking forward to this coming weekend....dd1 will be home from college for Spring Break....I am taking Monday and Tuesday off and am spending it with my girls....we will try to find some free or cheap stuff to do but mainly just spend time together.

My last paycheck was a 9 day one...I hate those...most are 11 days with a 10 or 12 day one thrown in there here and there....I am so glad dh gets paid every other Friday no matter what....mine are the 15th and the last business day of the month...either the 30th or 31st.

I have more to write but at this point I am just ready to sit down and relax...have a nice evening!

Does anybody have any suggestions on where to purchase coupons off the internet that is safe and reliable? I get the Sunday inserts and my mom usually saves me hers after she goes through it. I am looking to supplement my stash which is pitiful at the moment

Thanks in advance!

Yep, I've been doing too much lurking and not enough posting! And too busy spending money!

This past weekend ended up on the spendy side. Some items were necessities (gas and groceries) and others, well, you know how it is.

We are getting ready to go on vacation and I was lacking in the clothing department. Why is it that mom is always the last one to spend money on herself? So, I decided I needed a few things. I ended up at Kohl's, Target, and Fred Meyer. Got some great deals though and I am set for quite a while. Alot of my clothes do double duty for work and play. We are allowed to wear capri's to work as long as they are nice. I now have a pair in black, white, tan, and brown. Also have 2 pairs of jean capri's for casual Friday's at the office (we only work 1/2 day) as long as they are not ripped, torn, frayed ect. Actually, our whole dress code is pretty casual but we can wear jeans on Friday if we like. Also bought a couple of cute "dressy" casual tops and a couple of tank tops for vacation.

Tried not to buy too many groceries as I want us to eat up everything in fridge before we leave.

Paid bills tonight to mail tomorrow. I want to have everything "cleared" before we leave so I can better track our money when we are gone.

I need to fill my gas tank as I am on 1/4 tank. That will last me the rest of the week. We will fill the tank or top it off Friday night before we leave Saturday morning.

Not eating out at all this week, meals are all planned....we will be doing enough eating out on vacation.

That's it for now.....have a great evening!