Monday, December 31, 2012

Frugal Meal planning week of December 30th



The end of the year! Check out my 2012 year in financial review  I think I really need to stretch my dollars more.    In other words we will be  'eating in" more.  I am going to do an eating in challenge again for January.  I got a little off track the last 2 weeks of December. 

Sunday Steak, eggs, green beans and oven roasted potatoes 

Monday   We will do Chinese food and watch the ball drop.  I am not much of party animal. 

Tuesday   Turkey dinner.  I bought the turkey  at Thanksgiving.  I always make a big Turkey dinner on New years Day.   Leftover turkey will be used for sandwiches and any extra will go into the freezer for future casserole etc. 

Wednesday  Turkey gobbler wraps  these are very yummy  

Thursday  chicken bruschetta bake will make it with turkey 

Friday  spaghetti and meatballs (making a double batch for the freezer)

Saturday Homemade pizza 


Please follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/MommaAndTheBoysLivingOnABudget 

Are you looking for even more menu ideas check out  Monday meal plans at organizing junky  And if you a frugal blogger please join thrifty thursday linkup!

2012 End of Year Financial Review


Here is my 2012  financial review!  We are debt free except for our mortgage so we are focusing on retirement and college savings.  I do have 6 months in the emergency fund but my security gland is large.  I follow Dave Ramsey plan of advice so we are currently doing steps 4  Retirement (I need to step this up) and Step 5 college at the same time. 

While not a goal our Net worth did increase $22,000 this year in saving, retirements, college funds, and mutual funds!  This doesn't include our house. 

Here are the goals that I set-up for ourselves!

1. Continue funding DH 401k at 12%
We did this-I really need to make sure we increase that this for the upcoming year. 

2. Continue to deposit $400 a month into a Roth IRA for me.
 This is done through automatic deduction
$4,800 funded

3. Save $5,000 outside of retirement and college saving plans. 
I really wish we had we only had $3k saved this year.  
My son who has some learning disabilities we have him in some extra programs that can be quite pricey to the turn of $300-$500  a month.  That is one reason we were not able to save  $5000 but is well worth it. 

4.  Save $100 a month for college for our 3 boys 
Two of my sons have a 529. My 3rd has learning disabilities  and I am not sure if he will go to college. I have money in a balanced fund for him. 


5. Excess tax return money (and money saved via self employment) will go towards our drive way
We used the excess tax return money towards a down payment on my oldest son braces and in our emergency fund plus doing some of my son's autism services.  We didn’t do our driveway that will be our home maintenance goal in 2013 

My husband and I will be setting down for a budget meeting for the upcoming year.  I think I need to work a little bit more in jobs especially as college is now 4 years away. Yikes. 


How to become a regular exerciser


Is one of your New years resolutions to start working out on consistent basis?   
I am a life long exerciser - I can   say that I have been exercising all of my adult life some 25 years  and for a fair amount of my childhood too. During that time, my efforts have been consistent, regular and productive.  When I was younger I played soccer, softball, basketball.   During high school I stop doing regular sports but started with Jane Fonda exercise video tapes.  
The one thing that has been a constant companion throughout this long training career is I have always needed to find ways to motivate my self.  It was hard some days , but somehow, almost every time, I have done it.   When I have had a family, I started putting them ahead of my exercise and  I gained a few pounds.   
Without realizing it, I made exercising a lifelong habit .People often say to me "oh but it's so easy for you!" but I can assure you it isn't. Working out  never gets any easier - that's false ! You merely get fitter and work harder. I feel the same discomfort as a beginner exerciser, get out of breath in the same way a unfit person would and weights feel heavy to me as they would to a person with less strength. I just have a greater work capacity that allows me to work at higher levels of output - however, it's still as hard as the first time I ran around the block as an eight year old training for my first sports day. And yes - that feeling of sore muscles beginners get after starting a new exercise routine (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS) - I get that too... at least a couple of times a week! (I love DOMS)
Everyday, there are things I would rather be doing than sweating in the gym or panting out on the road, like watching TV,  surfing the net, reading, sleeping, meeting my friends or just chilling out eating junk food...but the difference between me and a non-exerciser is that I "just do it" to quote Nike. Exercise has become a habit and a vital part of my day just like eating, sleeping and breathing.
The hardest part about working out  is getting off the couch, or getting out the front door, or away from whatever place you are drawn to. Once you've broken away from that place - the rest is easy...or relatively anyway!
So - how do we establish a routine that will eventually become a habit? Well, I have a number of suggestions which may help.
Remember, it takes 3-6 months of concerted, regular effort for something to become habitual, so don't go expecting any quick fixes but with some application of effort and, dare I say it, discipline, exercise adherence is a real possibility and developing the skills to be self motivated are yours for the taking...we just need to get through that first few months...
Set goals. Why do you want to get fit? Is it to lose weight, look good on the beach, drop a clothing size, be healthier? get stronger? What ever it is, write it down. Show it to people, tell people about you goal, explain what you are trying to achieve. The point of this exercise is to give you focus. Every workout missed or every day off your healthy eating plan puts you a day further away from achieving what you want from your time spent exercising. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable in a reasonable time frame. If necessary break your main goal into "micro" goals that you can tick off on a regular basis, e.g.
Write a pro and con decision list. What have you got to gain versus what have you got to lose. If you ever feel your resolve waning, revisit this document and remind yourself what you have given up in return for all the benefits you are working towards, e.g.
Pros & Cons 
o Look better
 
o Half an hour less sleep
 
o Lose weight
 
o Have to be organized
 
o Feel fitter
 
o Drink less alcohol
 
o Have more energy
 
o Eat clean foods
After reviewing the above lists it should be apparent that the minor cons are outweighed by the greater pros and should serve as a reminder that the decision made is a worthwhile one.
 Make a plan and stick to it. Getting fit is a journey, and to successfully complete a journey you often need a map. By planning how to get from A to B, we can prepare for change and give ourselves a route to follow which will allow us to progress along our chosen path without having to worry about losing our way or getting distracted. Remember the old adage - "prior preparation prevents poor performance!"
I will often plan a  90 day rotations. I get a weird joy of setting up my workouts in excel and know what workout s I am doing.    I just finished a hyrid of Supreme 90/ Cathe’s Muscle Max and walking/running  for 90 days. 
o Plan your workout times - treat them as appointments and stick to them. 
o Have a back up plan in case you are unable to exercise at the time you wanted to - if you cant go to the gym, what can you do instead? If it's raining, where else can you workout? Cover your bases! Have alternatives ready to cover as many eventualities as you can envisage.
 
o Plan your weekly food intake and shop accordingly. One of the truths of diet and nutrition is that if you have junk food in your cupboard, you will eat it. As a result, make sure that you have plenty of healthy food in your cupboards and that includes snacks.
 
o Make sure you carry adequate food and water with you so you don't have to rely on grabbing a snack at work - prepare much of your days food the night before
 
o Tell other people about your plans so they don't accidentally interfere with your efforts to adopt a new healthy lifestyle.
 Keep accurate training and diet logs.  I keep my exercise  log in excel and have been doing this since 2004.   I track my food in my fitness pal atleast during the weekdays.  Write it down! Nothing motivates like success...but to judge success we need to see where we started. By keeping track of workout performance, dietary trends and physical measurements we can see when we improve. Sometimes we fail to see our improvements because they are, on a day to day basis, so small but overtime, these small improvements will add up to noticeable changes in body composition, bodyweight, fitness levels etc. Often, someone who hasn't seen you for a while will comment on your dramatic weight loss or improved muscle tone - they haven't seen you in a while so the changes seem great whereas to you, seeing yourself in the mirror on a daily basis may not have spotted much in the way of changes at all.
 Don't be afraid to fall off the wagon. Even with the very best planning, goal setting and support network sometimes things just go wrong - life gets in the way. The key when this happens is to not let it phase you for too long and to pick up where you left off as soon as possible. These disruptions in routine are not failures, nor are they enough to undo all of your previous good works but unless you jump back on the wagon as soon as possible, they can be the start of the slippery slope back to our previous physical state and a lot of hard work wasted. Learn from whatever caused this disruption to your planned routine and take measures to try to minimize the chances of a similar disruptions happening again. Its kind of cheesy but some say that to FAIL is the First Action in Learning and so long as we take something positive away from a failure, then it was not a wasted opportunity.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Huggies Giant Diapers Less Than $30 at Target!


This offer for Huggies  Diapers  is valid through this coming Saturday January 5th, 2013!
Huggies Giant Box Diapers  $34.99
Use the $3.50 off TARGET STORE COUPON for any Huggies Diaper
and stack it with  the $1.50 Huggies Diaper coupon that you can print here 

Curves Fitness Center Offer

Sign up today 

You’re just three quick steps away from burning more fat than diet alone! A happy healthy mommy equals a happy family because if momma is not happy no one is happy.   
Take the steps to get healthier Every day, moms who thought they couldn't get fit find out that they can at Curves. Burn up to 500 calories with their  30-minute workout, which combines strength training and cardio for a workout that works your entire body–from head to toe. It works every major muscle group and gives you results that last. Now’s the time to take the first step toward YOUR success.  Also weight loss is not only exercising but diet 
  • The consult is absolutely FREE!
  • Your personal information is PROTECTED.
  • Curves Complete is the ONLY whole solution to weight loss.
All you need to do is fill out the form on their website and they will be in touch.  This offer will expire 1/31/13 so act quick.

Don't Buy Stuff you can not afford -simple enough advice



Saturday night live skit with Amy Pohler and Steve Martin.   Funny but very true!

Don't buy stuff you can not afford

If you do not have any money, you should not buy anything

Buying expensive stuff  with SAVED money


Saturday, December 29, 2012

Cepacol coupon $1.00 off coupon

The nice $1 off Cepacol coupon is available again, so make sure to print it before it’s gone!
Print out today 
 
 I’m  a huge fan of Cepacol products. When I have had a terrible sore throat and cough and these cough drops were the only thing that provided me any real relief.

Free Slice of Sbarro’s NY Style Cheese Pizza!


Free Slice of Sbarro’s Pizza! 



Sign up for Sbarro Rewards eClub and receive printable coupon for a Free Slice of Pizza from Sbarro.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Frugal Five Meet Melissa from Arizona


Melissa   is a wife, mom   of one and works at home living in Arizona. 

What is your financial life?
I am married  for 2 years  with a one year old girl. I stay home full time but also work at home doing call center work. My husband is a painting contractor right now and picks up odd jobs.  We have a bit of credit card  debt that we are trying to pay off with some really high interest rates. My work at home job is primarily to pay off the credit cards 

What is your budget buster?
The credit card debt is hurting us-we have over 15k of debt that I am trying to pay off. I am trying to use Dave Rasmey baby steps. We have 1k as our baby emergency fund and are currently on step 2 right now.

What is your favorite money saving tip?
My   most important money saving strategy is to buy secondhand. When I  need something, first I check to see if we can get it secondhand, and if we can't, then we get it new. I shop at a large consignment  store and also at several thrift stores. In my opinion, privately owned stores tend to be too expensive on many items, charging almost as much for used things as they would be new on sale. I get almost all of our clothes used, the only thing I won't buy used is underwear or socks .  My daughter has brand names at really good prices and I hope to be able to “sell them them back.

If you had an extra $1000 what would you do with it?
I would take $1000 and put it towards the credit card debt. I have one debt that I can completely wipe out.

What is your best resource for frugal living? 
When I decided to quit my job to stay home with my daughter   I started searching the internet for tips and websites like thefrugalmom.net and savingadvice.com  were a big help to me.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Children’s Place Sale: Up to 75% off- Many Items for Under $10



The Children’s Place is having a huge Monster Sale where you can get items at up to 75% off. Go HERE to print out your 20% off Children’s Place coupon or shop online with coupon code: P4k713
Items Include:
  • Graphic Tees $3.19+
  • Fleece $4.79+
  • Sweater and Hoodies $6.49+
  • Basic Denim $7.99+
  • Shoes  $10 + 

shop through Ebates to score an extra 5% cash back added to your account.


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Kohls After Christmas Blitz and Clearance Sale


Kohls.com where they are having their After Christmas Blitz &  Clearance. They have so much on sale!  Start stocking up on your Christmas decorations  for next year! 

Christmas decorations  on sale 

St. Nicholas Square 7-ft. Pre-Lit Christmas Tree sale $120.00 original $399.99
St Nicholas Square Monogram Stocking Ornament – $1.50 – $2.10 –reg $6.99
St Nicholas Square Holly and Berry Pillar Candles – $3.90 – $4.80 — reg $12.99 – $15.99

St Nicholas Square 2012 Plush Dog, Moose, Bear, Horse,  or Polar Bear only $7.50 — reg $24.99

Clothes and Boots on sale! 


SONOMA life + style Suede and Shearling Midcalf Boots - Women  sale $32.99
Chaps Solid 1/4-Zip Sweater sale $27.80  original $69.50
Say What Openwork Marled Sweater sale $16.99  original $44.00





Old Navy After Christmas sale 50% to 75% off


The holidays aren't over yet! Old Navy has up to 75% off throughout the whole store! Get deals like Peacoats for $20 and Kids Jeans for $10, so you can keep the gifting going.


Moms need to treat themselves
They have Women’s Frost Free Quilted Jackets on sale for just $19.97 (reg. $49.94) and Women’s Softest Cowl-Neck Sweaters for $15 (reg. $32.94). There are many other items and styles to choose from during this terrific Old Navy sale.
This sale will be going on through 12/31/12

Free RedBox game rental over Christmas vacation


Get a FREE Redbox Game Rental if you text JUSTDANCE to 727272 on your cell phone. Expires 12/31.

You can also text message RENT to 727272 for a Free  Video Game Rental at Redbox. Expire 12/31/12
You can get yet another Free Video Game Rental at Redbox when you text message PLAY to 727272 on your cell phone.
You can also try these codes:  TRYGAMES, TRYITOUT, SCREEN or TRYREDBOX –they expire 12/31/12 as well.

Kindle Fire Accessories on sale

I got my oldest a Kindle Fire for Christmas! He loves but now he needs some accessories to keep it safe and in good condition. He can sometimes be like a bull in a china shop so it needs a little protection.


Luckily Amazon knows that most people will be buying accessories including cases for people that got kids and they have them on sale!

Artisan Series Egyptian Leather Hard Shell Case for Kindle Fire, comes in Black, Red and Purple
Regular $40 now on sale for $29.99   Red is on sale for $24


The Made for Kindle Artisan Series of genuine leather Kindle Fire hard shell cases and sleeves from Tribeca is stunning in design and feel. Each one-of-a-kind case and sleeve combines old world crafting and innovative modern design, delivering a superior quality product. This hard shell case in red combines genuine leather over a durable shell to protect your Kindle Fire from bumps and scratches, keeping your Fire looking new and working great. This case, which snaps onto your Fire easily, is slim, lightweight and will not add bulk in your bag or during your travels. There are openings on the sides of case allowing for easy access to all buttons, controls and ports without having to remove the case.




Kindle Fire Lightweight MicroShell Folio Case Cover by Marware, comes in different colors black, pink, white and graphite 


Compatible: Amazon Kindle Fire The MicroShell Folio Kindle Fire cover is a sleek, lightweight cover othat enhances your Kindle Fire experience through the sophisticated engineering of a hard polycarbonate back shell fused to a foldable, rubberized front lid. Created with a thin plastic interior, the front lid doubles as a flexible stand and is designed to minimize weight while maximizing protection. The back shell is made of durable polycarbonate and protects against scratches, bumps, and mild impact. The weight of the Kindle Fire engages the stand feature of the lid function - fold the lid back and into the groove on the back of the polycarbonate shell for hands-free reading or viewing. The elastic strap is heat-fused to the back shell and secures the MicroShell Folio open for convenient one-handed use, or keeps the lid closed for added security when not in use. Performance:- Soft front lid folds to function as a stand for viewing- Convenient elastic strap holds the protective lid in the open or closed position- Allows access to all ports- Designed specifically to be lightweight and slim-fitProtection:- Hard polycarbonate back piece for protection against scratches and mild impact- Protective lid lined with soft felt for protection against scratches- Reinforced corner protection

GreatShield Ultra Anti-Glare (Matte) Clear Screen Protector Film for Amazon Kindle Fire (3 Pack) 

reatShield Screen Protectors can keep your portable touch screen devices looking as good as the day you bought them by helping to prevent scratches, nicks, and scrapes. Why do our products offer superior protection to your average screen guard? Simply put, GreatShield Screen Protectors are made from a much more durable film which is imported from Japan. The material is made from clear thermoplastic urethane-based film, which is slightly thicker than regular screen protectors. Even so, by measuring in at only 0.008 inches the film is hardly noticeable once installed.


Saturday, December 22, 2012

Walgreens: 15% Off Your Entire Purchase Coupon Dec 22nd only!

There is a coupon to print to get 15% off your entire purchase at Walgreens on Saturday, December 22, 2012.




Top Weekly Deals at Walgreens

$5 off 2 Schick Xtreme3 Disposable Razor Packs Printable Coupon

$5.00 off 2 Schick Xtreme3 Disposable Razor Packs 


 There is a new coupon to print for $5.00 off 2 Schick Xtreme3 Disposable Razor Packs!  Hopefully there will be some razor sales again .



Enter to win $500 PayPal

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Everyone can use a little cash right? We’ve teamed up with some other amazing bloggers to bring you a Paypal $500 cash giveaway! We need a new storm door that will cost a few hundred plus I would use the rest for my son's 8th grade field trip. Maybe you are planning a 2013 vacation an extra $500 would make it much nicer.   We’re giving away $500 cash via PayPal to one lucky person.

Enter to win $500 Cash via PayPal.

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
Open Worldwide.
Starts 12/22 12:01am EST on December 30th, 11:59pm EST
  Hosted by: Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | S.O.S Mom | Swank Savings | Route 249 | Twinkle Monkey | She Informed | Country Stew | The Deal Fanatic | My Vegan Gluten Free Life


Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.  Momma and the boys living ona budget  is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Huggies diapers printable coupons

Two great Huggies coupons to print out! Save $1.50 on any one pack of HUGGIES diapers

Huggies Little Movers Slip on Diapers $2.00 off coupon

Thrifty Thursday Rewind December 20th

Welcome to this week's Thrifty Thursday.  I continue to pray for the families in Newtown as I know many other good folks around the country are doing.   The Holidays are really for reflecting and keep it about families and the children. 

Remember happy moms make happy families.  While my "rewind post" this week isn't really about money  I think it is important to take care of yourself and not get stressed!  Taking care of you during the holidays



Also stop by our co host for  A Life in Balance blog! 


HOW DO YOU SAVE MONEY?

Please remember to follow the Thrifty  Thursday Rewind  linkup  
  1. Link up an old  money saving  idea post (we want to give love to some of your older posts)
  2. No giveaways or deals posts.
  3. Recipes are allowed, but share how it is thrifty! 
  4.  A link back is nice but not required 
  5. Visit the other links and share a comment 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Kellogg’s Family Rewards-sign up


Sign up for Kellogg’s newsletter and receive the latest news,  coupons special offers and exclusive savings from Kellogg’s.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Win a Kindle Fire from Brad's Deals


Don’t miss this HOT  Giveaway  Brad’s Deals is giving away a Kindle Fire HD!! Hurry over and enter for your chance to win, this contest ends on 12/19!   

After you enter your email, scroll all the way down to the lower right hand side of the page. You will see “Holiday Kindle Fire HD Giveaway”. Just click there and you will be taken to where you enter this awesome giveaway!  You can easily sign up through facebook as well. 
You can enter one time each day through 12/19 when the contest is over! Wouldn’t it be amazing to win yourself this sweet little Christmas gift??

Roku LT Streaming Player $39.99 Shipped from Amazon

Last year we dropped down to basic cable and got a Roku player.  It was a very good decision financially for us as we have saved over $1000 on our cable bill since doing that.   The Roku is so easy to use.


Amazon has the Roku LT Streaming Media Player for $39.99 with free shipping.   The Roku LT streams 600+ channels in 720p HD resolution to virtually any TV easily and wirelessly, all at an amazing price. Watch movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU, and HBO GO, plus live sports, music, news, international, and more.


Frugal Meal planning week of December 16th

This past weekend I kept my boys close to me and they got so many  hugs and kisses. I just really needed that after the horrible events in Newtown CT at the elementary school.  My prayers go the families there. I can't imagine the pain.

I have seen a number of Facebook and other social media sites asking for donations for the victims  I am not sure if they are legit so be careful.  United Way of Western Connecticut is accepting donations and from their pages look like the money will go right back into the community.

Here is my menu plan for the week

Sunday Steak, eggs, french fries and green beans

Monday  Chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli

Tuesday  Layered ground turkey  in crockpot

Wednesday  Cheesy broccoli soup with ham sandwiches

Thursday Layered ground turkey leftovers in burrito wraps

Friday  Christmas party I will be bringing in some White chocolate chips chex mix plus an easy appetizer.  any suggestions

Saturday We may go to eat with some good friends for a date night.  Boys will get frozen pizza or hot dogs



Are you looking for even more menu ideas check out  Monday meal plans at organizing junky  And if you a frugal blogger please join thrifty thursday linkup!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Free Christmas Cookie eBook

 

I love a good cookie swap.
You bake tons of one kind of cookie and come home with all different kinds of cookies. Along the way, you hang out with good friends and have a kid-free night. 


 How many Christmas Cookie Exchanges are you doing this year? Here's a Free Christmas Cookie eBook. Enjoy!

Starbucks: Buy One, Get One Free Holiday Drinks


Grab a friend and head over to Starbucks through Sunday, December 16 to get Buy One, Get One Free Holiday Drinks from 2-5 p.m.!  .
The offer is good on Caramel Brulee Latte, Gingerbread Latte, and Peppermint Mocha, and they sound absolutely delightful to me. 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Famous Footwear Coupons December 2012 – EXTRA 20% OFF SALE!


I have a HOT Famous Footwear Printable Coupon and Coupon Code for you all!  Starting this Saturday  12/15/12, you can save an extra 20% off of their  Buy 1 Get 1 50% off sale!  
My oldest and I  need some new boots  for the snowy , so I’m grabbing this for sure and heading over there this weekend!
Just click on the link above and it will take you right to Famous Footwear where you can print this coupon OR do your online shopping.  For online shopping use the Coupon code below.  This coupon is valid 12/15/12 – 12/25/12!

Wendy’s $1.99 Kids’ Meal Coupon + Toys R Us Gift Card Offer


Wendy’s and Toys”R”Us have teamed up to give your wallet a break this holiday season.  Get a $1.99 Wendy’s Kids’ Meal with this printable coupon. Inside the kids’ meal you’ll not only find a fun holiday themed toy for your child, you’ll also find an offer for a $10 Toys”R”Us gift card with a $75 purchase at Toys”R”Us.


Print your Wendy’s Kids’ Meal coupon today and let Wendy’s and Toys”R”Us help you save while you’re out shopping for gifts.

Thrifty Thursday Rewind December 13th

Welcome to this week's Thrifty Thursday. I got all of my Christmas shopping now. I just now need to wrap them and stay out of the store.   I don't need to BUY anything else! 

Did you stuck to your budget and not use any credit cards to buy gifts.  How to Survive Christmas on a budget

Also stop by our co host for  A Life in Balance blog! 

HOW DO YOU SAVE MONEY?

Please remember to follow the Thrifty  Thursday Rewind  linkup  
  1. Link up an old  money saving  idea post (we want to give love to some of your older posts)
  2. No giveaways or deals posts.
  3. Recipes are allowed, but share how it is thrifty! 
  4.  A link back is nice but not required 
  5. Visit the other links and share a comment