Happy New Year

Happy New Year! It's 8pm central time, so I still have a few hours to reflect, work on some needed goals, and consider what 2009 will bring.

I do, however, have a challenge ready to go, and I want to share it all with you!

We have a household size of five, including three children (my son turns 7 on new year's day, my daughter will be 6 on Valentine's Day, and my youngest daughter will be 3 next August) and two pets (a dog and a cat).

My goal for 2009 is to spend no more than $1800, for the entire year, on groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and on dining out (when it comes directly from my account)! This means a target of just $150 a month, and includes items such as: food, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, diapers, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, dog & cat food, cat litter, etc.

Clothing, shoes, and other school necessities will NOT be taken from this $150 target, and if anyone is gracious enough to bring us dinner or take us out (ie: grandma), that also will not come out of this budget.

However, because I am a couponer, I often pay for coupons and/or trade for coupons I can use. That money WILL come out of my budget because it's essentially going to net more items we need.

In the right hand column there will be an update each time I spend money, either on specific items, or on coupons, with a continual tally to see how we're doing!

Also, because I've been doing this for a long time, I do have some stockpiles that we'll use. We do not have a stockpile, though, of dairy or meat, which will consume a large part of our budget. I also have good friends who coupon like I do and have stockpiles, so we'll be able to buy and/or trade for items we need, as well, which also helps with the budget.

If you'd like to join me in this challenge, I welcome you! Just leave a comment, let everyone know your goals!

Free Batteries at Target

Rayovac batteries are in the dollar spot at target, which have gone 50%! So, every pack of batteries is ringing up 50¢.

In the November 23rd Sunday paper, there is a coupon for Rayovak batteries for $1 on every two packages! This makes for FREE batteries!

I purchased 18 packages today, using 9 coupons, and only paid tax of 68¢!

Green Giant Steamers

These are around $1 at most Wal-Marts, but rumors are they are on sale for $1 right now. With the $1 coupon from recent Sunday papers, they'd be free!

Walgreens: Free Hair Dryer MONDAY Only!

Monday, 12/22 ONLY

Conair Gel Grips Ionic Styler Dryer is $10!
Purchase one, and receive a $10 Register Reward!

*Register Reward (RR) is a coupon given you after you make your purchase. It may be used, like cash, on your next order! Please note: At Walgreens, you may not use a register reward just earned on another like purchase. If you buy the hair dryer, you'll receive a $10 RR. If you buy another hair dryer using the $10 RR, you will NOT receive another one. If you pay cash, however, you would. I am unsure of any posted limited, so this may be limit of 1.

FREE Coffe-Mate at Meijers

I'm in central Illinois, so this may vary by region. Meijers has all varieties of liquid coffee-mate creamer on sale for 99¢. There were recent 50¢ coupons, which doubled, makes for free creamer! At our store, there is a limit of two identical coupons doubled, so only purchase two at a time to make this the best deal!

Vistaprint Goodies

I'm a huge fan of Vistaprint, and use it for almost all of my printing needs, including business, as well as personal and fun gifts!

Vistaprint - Holiday Gift OfferMany Gift items available here.
Calendars, Cards, Caricatures, T-shirts, & more.

Alyssa's Version of "This Little Piggy!"

This is Alyssa (2 years, 4 months old) showing us "This Little Piggy!"

2009 Entertainment Book

It's hard to believe 2009 is almost here! The new coupon book is packed with coupons for up to 50% off at local restaurants, movie tickets, sporting events, travel and more!

Buy now and get $5 off and free shipping!

Betty Crocker Holiday Recipes!

I am LOVING these newsletters! They are all free, and have the cutest ideas, especially for the kiddos!

If you make these, come back and comment, and tell us how much fun you had!

Isn't that snowman adorable?!

Pillsbury Freebie

Pillsbury Holiday Fun! These look awesome for the kids to do (and mommy, too!) Free to sign up! Have fun!

K-Mart is Doubling Coupons

Hi, everyone! K-Mart is doubling coupons. It's supposed to be nationwide, and is up to and including $2. So, for every $1 coupon, it'll double to $2. And, for every $2 coupon, it'll double up to $4!! And, everything else in between, too!

Although many people are getting amazing deals, I played it very simply this time around, and went after stocking stuffers, including bags of life savers! They are $1.79, and with recent $1 coupons, they are completely free! So, happy kids at Christmas, and happy mom at the register!

"The Mom Song"

A friend sent this to me from http://blogs.northlandchurch.net/2008/08/11/the-mom-song/. I realize it has nothing to do with a great deal, but for those of us who are moms, and for those of us who heard these things from our moms, you will laugh out loud! Enjoy!

The Mom Song from Northland Video on Vimeo.