We are at 37 days out!
So lets check savings! I can tell you right now, it's no where where it needs to be. But pretty close. We changed a few things around as well.
We are staying at the swan thanks to a family member instead of at Disney. (Still Disney property). So that saves $1016, but adds a couple other expenses. We're also taking a couple days to visit family. So here's what the trip looks like now:
Disney Tickets:
~ $1406 for 4 of us. We're not exactly sure how many days we'll be going to the park yet. 7 days was $1533, but I think we'll be going 5 days now.
$400 for food
$100 for the kids to spend.
$200 for me and my husband to spend
$735 for plane tickets (paid)
$225 Resort fees
Total: 3066.
735 is already paid. So 2331.
Currently I have:
$580 in Disney cards
$330 saved up waiting for Targets 10% off deal.
Still need: $1421.
I saved $910 in 43 days without selling anything except 14 socks. I have a ton of the kids toys to sell and some other merchandise before Christmas.
Right now we're at $38.41 a day or $268.84 a week.
I will be including my Black Friday sales as well into my savings which will increase as well. My black friday savings are: $205. That's almost an extra week ;)
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Couponing to Disney!
Our family are a bunch of Disney geeks. We love everything about Disney! (As most of you probably reading this blog are) but like any other low income family, finding the funds to go to Disney are pretty slim to none when you live paycheck to paycheck.
So I asked myself, how can I put money aside? We've already cut cable, have a 24% discount on cell phones, get a rebate for internet (we homeschool so internet is a requirement), make coffee at home. There isn't much wiggle room.
Couponing!
I love couponing! Have been known as an extreme couponer but have gotten out of it over time. So what better time to get back into it right?
We decided to book for early January. CRAZY right?! But I think I can do it.
Heres our trip plans:
Hotel - All star music - Disney is offering their normal fall deals for the New Year. Up to 25% off. So we're going for 9 days at $1016.
Tickets - We're a family of 4. Two adults, two children under 10. Cost for tickets for 7 days: 1533.
Flights: We got a great deal on Southwest, $92 each way. $735 round trip! Book as soon as the day OPENS up to public.
Food we're planning on bringing a suitcase full of snacks and breakfasts including an insulated bag full of deli meat and other fruits and veggies as well as bringing some on the plane. We plan on only doing 2 character meals, one for my sons birthday as we'll be down for both my son and my husbands birthdays. As this will already be part of my normal weekly budget, I am only calculating the character meals with "some wiggle room" I expect around $400 for food.
So I asked myself, how can I put money aside? We've already cut cable, have a 24% discount on cell phones, get a rebate for internet (we homeschool so internet is a requirement), make coffee at home. There isn't much wiggle room.
Couponing!
I love couponing! Have been known as an extreme couponer but have gotten out of it over time. So what better time to get back into it right?
We decided to book for early January. CRAZY right?! But I think I can do it.
Heres our trip plans:
Hotel - All star music - Disney is offering their normal fall deals for the New Year. Up to 25% off. So we're going for 9 days at $1016.
Tickets - We're a family of 4. Two adults, two children under 10. Cost for tickets for 7 days: 1533.
Flights: We got a great deal on Southwest, $92 each way. $735 round trip! Book as soon as the day OPENS up to public.
Food we're planning on bringing a suitcase full of snacks and breakfasts including an insulated bag full of deli meat and other fruits and veggies as well as bringing some on the plane. We plan on only doing 2 character meals, one for my sons birthday as we'll be down for both my son and my husbands birthdays. As this will already be part of my normal weekly budget, I am only calculating the character meals with "some wiggle room" I expect around $400 for food.
Souvenirs: Being so close to Christmas and going for my son and husbands birthdays, we're actually not doing much in terms of souvenirs. But I'm still budgeting for $300. $50 for each of the children, $100 each for my husband and I. We're not buying anything for anyone else during this trip like we normally do because we buy for Christmas or birthdays. Seeing as they'll all be over, I'm saving my pennies (more like hundreds)
So total cost: 3984 Round up to 4000 just because I like even numbers.
Paid to date:
735 - Airline tickets
So total cost: 3984 Round up to 4000 just because I like even numbers.
Paid to date:
735 - Airline tickets
125 - deposit
25 - Disney Gift card
Total remaining: 3115.
Total put in savings this week: 205
Total put in savings this week: 205
Total remaining: 2910
Here's how I'm going to save almost 3000 in 84 days.
Essentially thats 34.64 per day or 242.50 a week I need to save. (Smaller goals work better for me)
I stopped putting Federal taxes in because I calculated, based on my income to what I've already paid in (25% for the year) and what my husband has paid in (also 25%) we've MORE than paid our share. So that's an extra $50 in my paycheck every week.
That brings my total down to 192 a week or 27.5 a day.
Now we turn to selling items and couponing.
For couponing:
Anything I buy I will use coupons. I'm a huge Target shopper, so I want to make sure I get my totals as close to 0 as possible, saving at least 47.50 each trip! 47.50 you say? Why such a funny amount.
Here's my logic. If I save 47.50 each trip, I can buy a $50 Disney Gift Card and use my Target Debit Card, bringing the $50 down to 47.50. Essentially paying "full price" for these products. Anything I save goes TOWARDS my Disney Total.
So say I need to buy Huggies Diapers. I have $4 off 2 packs of diapers from my newspaper, Plus 5% off AND $15 gift card promotion (a promotion that is currently active) That's essentially saving me 21.50. I can take that 21.50 and put it towards my Disney savings. (How I've saved the 205 in a week thus far)
Selling Items:
I sell on Ebay, local facebook boards and through friends and family.
I have a lot of childrens items, "stock items" and Harry Potter items (Harry Potter fan right here)
So far this week I have sold 47.50 and the week isn't over yet. Between my savings at Target and my selling on boards I have saved $205 this week, surpassing my $192 goal.
Think I can beat my challenge? Let me know what you think! Other than crazy ;)
Here's how I'm going to save almost 3000 in 84 days.
Essentially thats 34.64 per day or 242.50 a week I need to save. (Smaller goals work better for me)
I stopped putting Federal taxes in because I calculated, based on my income to what I've already paid in (25% for the year) and what my husband has paid in (also 25%) we've MORE than paid our share. So that's an extra $50 in my paycheck every week.
That brings my total down to 192 a week or 27.5 a day.
Now we turn to selling items and couponing.
For couponing:
Anything I buy I will use coupons. I'm a huge Target shopper, so I want to make sure I get my totals as close to 0 as possible, saving at least 47.50 each trip! 47.50 you say? Why such a funny amount.
Here's my logic. If I save 47.50 each trip, I can buy a $50 Disney Gift Card and use my Target Debit Card, bringing the $50 down to 47.50. Essentially paying "full price" for these products. Anything I save goes TOWARDS my Disney Total.
So say I need to buy Huggies Diapers. I have $4 off 2 packs of diapers from my newspaper, Plus 5% off AND $15 gift card promotion (a promotion that is currently active) That's essentially saving me 21.50. I can take that 21.50 and put it towards my Disney savings. (How I've saved the 205 in a week thus far)
Selling Items:
I sell on Ebay, local facebook boards and through friends and family.
I have a lot of childrens items, "stock items" and Harry Potter items (Harry Potter fan right here)
So far this week I have sold 47.50 and the week isn't over yet. Between my savings at Target and my selling on boards I have saved $205 this week, surpassing my $192 goal.
Think I can beat my challenge? Let me know what you think! Other than crazy ;)
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Cheap Groceries/Produce!!!
Everyone is always trying to save a buck, especially when it comes to groceries and even more so...PRODUCE! I mean really, the cost of product has SKY ROCKETED. It's so expensive eating healthy!
Well I'm writing this blog today to help you, me and all of your friends!
Here's what you do: Go here:
https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/1559204-20-to-spend-on-organic-fruit-and-veggies?ref=share-undefined-copy_box-web-deals&rui=41153584&rpi=204806746
Buy this coupon. $9.99 for $20 worth of organic produce (you can also get diapers and honest products on there as well) I've used this site many times. It's like Groupon.
Yes, this is my referral. When 3 people order this I get mine refunded, same thing will go for you :D
DO NOT go to grub market from their website. Use my referral link to sign up. Here's why: You get $10 AND I get $10. We both make out.
https://www.grubmarket.com:443/referral/60293
^^ Use that one!
Ok, now that you've bought the living social coupon, signed up on Grub Market, now go shopping! The minimum to date for free shipping is $59. When I did this my $10 credit for signing up under someone didn't come through under the $59 and checking the referral area of Grub Market it says: Give your friends and family $10 to try out GrubMarket. When they order over $59, they'll get $10 off and you'll get a $10 credit!
Now ultimately you've only gotten $20 off because the spending 10 and the getting 10 counteracts each other.
But you get free groceries shipped to your door!
Well I'm writing this blog today to help you, me and all of your friends!
Here's what you do: Go here:
https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/1559204-20-to-spend-on-organic-fruit-and-veggies?ref=share-undefined-copy_box-web-deals&rui=41153584&rpi=204806746
Buy this coupon. $9.99 for $20 worth of organic produce (you can also get diapers and honest products on there as well) I've used this site many times. It's like Groupon.
Yes, this is my referral. When 3 people order this I get mine refunded, same thing will go for you :D
DO NOT go to grub market from their website. Use my referral link to sign up. Here's why: You get $10 AND I get $10. We both make out.
https://www.grubmarket.com:443/referral/60293
^^ Use that one!
Ok, now that you've bought the living social coupon, signed up on Grub Market, now go shopping! The minimum to date for free shipping is $59. When I did this my $10 credit for signing up under someone didn't come through under the $59 and checking the referral area of Grub Market it says: Give your friends and family $10 to try out GrubMarket. When they order over $59, they'll get $10 off and you'll get a $10 credit!
Now ultimately you've only gotten $20 off because the spending 10 and the getting 10 counteracts each other.
But you get free groceries shipped to your door!
Friday, July 24, 2015
Fanspirations - A geeky subscription box!
Fanspirations is the box you want if you're looking for a specific fandom or a collection of fandoms!
They have Potterhead, Whovian, Heroes, Demon Fighters and coming soon, Walker Stalker.
You can also choose a collection of all by choosing the Fanspirations box.
Check it out at http://fanspirations.cratejoy.com
Use code SEPT for $3 off.
They have Potterhead, Whovian, Heroes, Demon Fighters and coming soon, Walker Stalker.
You can also choose a collection of all by choosing the Fanspirations box.
Check it out at http://fanspirations.cratejoy.com
Use code SEPT for $3 off.
Homeschooling through Public School k12 - First year review
We started our journey with K12.com at the beginning of September 2014. While it took many hurdles with immunizations as my daughter has a legit fear of shots and the doctor lost her records, we got approved and started on September 2nd; over a week behind everyone else.
As a public school, K12 sends you everything you need. If you qualify for reduced lunches they even send you a computer and printer (I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to use the printer, so I used my own). We received books, paints, musical instruments, science tools (like a beaker and magnifying glass) as well as teachers books and student activity books for each course.
The courses she was required to do for kindergarten were:
Math
Common Core Math
Phonics
Handwriting
Language Skills
Lit and Comp
Music
Art
Science
History
Social Studies
Seems like a lot. But when you break it down it's not.
At the beginning of the year we did the recommended schedule, each day doing 1 core, (1 math, 1 phonics, 1 hw, 1 language skills, etc) and didn't test out of any lessons but we soon learned that by doing that we were hurting ourselves because of our struggle with phonics. we eventually switched to block classes and choice. This stopped many arguments and we got things done faster and at our own pace. Our schedule at this point looked like "Monday- 5 math. Tuesday 5 Phonics Wednesday- 2 music, 2 art, 1 social studies. Thursday- 2 history 2 science, 1 common core math. Friday- 5 language skills. Handwriting and Reading were done almost daily.
It was easier focusing that way than one of each subject.
In addition we also had class connects on Monday and Tuesday. Class connects are like Skype sessions where they connect to the teacher and other students. The teacher would put them in groups, they'd read to the class, answer questions. Very social (for those worried about socialization)
There were MANY days we fought, many days we breezed through. Some days yes were 5-7 hours, some days we were done in 2. Depending on the subject, the activities and how cooperative she was.
We also had her set up in the living room. Something I'm hoping to change this year if she receives a wireless computer from her school. It was a huge distraction. We had all her school supplies and books in one place and my books in a basket put away with some of her supplies (like the art supplies and science supplies)
Socialization: Other than her class connects, me and her brother, socialization depends on the parent and what they're willing to do. Children do not need school to be social. They can get socialization in many other ways. There are activities just for students that are home schooled at discount prices, girl scouts, YMCA, community center, town sports, going to the park and getting together with other homeschooling families. All of these circumstances still enable your child to get socialization. Just because they're home schooled doesn't mean they're hermits.
"I don't have the patience for that". It's actually not about patience, you know your child. You know how they learn, what they like and it's one on one. Different methods help with the patience. There are days we have our struggles at which point we walk away, do a different subject and come back later.
After our first year our verdict is: We still LOVE it. I love being a part of her learning and what she's learning. If I don't want her to know something or I want to put our beliefs into it, I can. It also helps with me being able to teach her. My daughter loves it still as well. She likes her short days, the limited structure and being able to go anywhere we want, whenever we want.
We look forward to starting 1st grade in August.
As a public school, K12 sends you everything you need. If you qualify for reduced lunches they even send you a computer and printer (I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to use the printer, so I used my own). We received books, paints, musical instruments, science tools (like a beaker and magnifying glass) as well as teachers books and student activity books for each course.
The courses she was required to do for kindergarten were:
Math
Common Core Math
Phonics
Handwriting
Language Skills
Lit and Comp
Music
Art
Science
History
Social Studies
Seems like a lot. But when you break it down it's not.
At the beginning of the year we did the recommended schedule, each day doing 1 core, (1 math, 1 phonics, 1 hw, 1 language skills, etc) and didn't test out of any lessons but we soon learned that by doing that we were hurting ourselves because of our struggle with phonics. we eventually switched to block classes and choice. This stopped many arguments and we got things done faster and at our own pace. Our schedule at this point looked like "Monday- 5 math. Tuesday 5 Phonics Wednesday- 2 music, 2 art, 1 social studies. Thursday- 2 history 2 science, 1 common core math. Friday- 5 language skills. Handwriting and Reading were done almost daily.
It was easier focusing that way than one of each subject.
In addition we also had class connects on Monday and Tuesday. Class connects are like Skype sessions where they connect to the teacher and other students. The teacher would put them in groups, they'd read to the class, answer questions. Very social (for those worried about socialization)
There were MANY days we fought, many days we breezed through. Some days yes were 5-7 hours, some days we were done in 2. Depending on the subject, the activities and how cooperative she was.
We also had her set up in the living room. Something I'm hoping to change this year if she receives a wireless computer from her school. It was a huge distraction. We had all her school supplies and books in one place and my books in a basket put away with some of her supplies (like the art supplies and science supplies)
Socialization: Other than her class connects, me and her brother, socialization depends on the parent and what they're willing to do. Children do not need school to be social. They can get socialization in many other ways. There are activities just for students that are home schooled at discount prices, girl scouts, YMCA, community center, town sports, going to the park and getting together with other homeschooling families. All of these circumstances still enable your child to get socialization. Just because they're home schooled doesn't mean they're hermits.
"I don't have the patience for that". It's actually not about patience, you know your child. You know how they learn, what they like and it's one on one. Different methods help with the patience. There are days we have our struggles at which point we walk away, do a different subject and come back later.
After our first year our verdict is: We still LOVE it. I love being a part of her learning and what she's learning. If I don't want her to know something or I want to put our beliefs into it, I can. It also helps with me being able to teach her. My daughter loves it still as well. She likes her short days, the limited structure and being able to go anywhere we want, whenever we want.
We look forward to starting 1st grade in August.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Getting back to blogging.... First post.. CLEANING
Homeschooling through a public school all year our house has taken a back burner to the cleaning and now that school is over for a few weeks... It's been nice to get it clean!
Right now is tag sale season, so it's a perfect time for decluttering!
So we started in the attic. We didn't do a ton up here because it was for the most part done, but we still got rid of 3 trash bags full of just JUNK. Papers that were kept...for no reason. Broken toys that never made it downstairs... and random CRAP. What a nice feeling.
Next up was my sons room...which was pretty much our storage room/place we hide the christmas presents.
This room was SO overwhelming. Where do I begin?! Here are the before pics:
Right now is tag sale season, so it's a perfect time for decluttering!
So we started in the attic. We didn't do a ton up here because it was for the most part done, but we still got rid of 3 trash bags full of just JUNK. Papers that were kept...for no reason. Broken toys that never made it downstairs... and random CRAP. What a nice feeling.
Next up was my sons room...which was pretty much our storage room/place we hide the christmas presents.
This room was SO overwhelming. Where do I begin?! Here are the before pics:
Crazy mess right?
Well... first place I started was the closet since that was the least overwhelming. After that I tackled baby clothes from my 6 year old... TIME TO DONATE! So 5 boxes full of clothes 0-2T got taken out. I kept the 3 and 4T to consign for the fall. I took the jumperoo out and put it in the attic with the baby swing and bouncer as these can also be consigned.
WOW, the room looks loads better already.
Now it was a case of just sweeping the floor, going through some old baby items from my 2 year old and making the four piles:
Keep.
Trash.
Sell.
Donate.
Only 1 bag came out for trash, and 7 boxes, a seat and a bag of stuffies got donated. It felt WONDERFUL.
Here's the after:
Well... first place I started was the closet since that was the least overwhelming. After that I tackled baby clothes from my 6 year old... TIME TO DONATE! So 5 boxes full of clothes 0-2T got taken out. I kept the 3 and 4T to consign for the fall. I took the jumperoo out and put it in the attic with the baby swing and bouncer as these can also be consigned.
WOW, the room looks loads better already.
Now it was a case of just sweeping the floor, going through some old baby items from my 2 year old and making the four piles:
Keep.
Trash.
Sell.
Donate.
Only 1 bag came out for trash, and 7 boxes, a seat and a bag of stuffies got donated. It felt WONDERFUL.
Here's the after:
What are you doing to declutter?
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Starting a new life... sort of. Day 1.
Disorganization. Clutter. Mess.
That's become my life lately.
The problem?
WHERE TO START?!
So today we're going to start.
Day 1. Figure out what I NEED to do. Lets start with 2 things.
A. Make lists.
It's a start. I'll add to it as I think of things to help get organized. Any suggestions? Comment below!
That's become my life lately.
The problem?
WHERE TO START?!
So today we're going to start.
Day 1. Figure out what I NEED to do. Lets start with 2 things.
A. Make lists.
1. Schedule
2. Chores
3. Daily Room to clean out.
B. Thoroughly Clean one room a day. Make 4 piles.
B. Thoroughly Clean one room a day. Make 4 piles.
1. Keep - Find a PLACE
2. Toss - Trash Items
3. Sell - City wide tag sale coming up ;)
4. Donate - After all is said and done... don't bring it BACK into the house.
C. Look up ways to get organized better.
4. Donate - After all is said and done... don't bring it BACK into the house.
C. Look up ways to get organized better.
It's a start. I'll add to it as I think of things to help get organized. Any suggestions? Comment below!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Restarting the 21 day fix
I started the 21 day fix again! I did it for both November and December (yes during the holidays) and had great results.
But when you don't do it for 6 weeks and eat rather unhealthy and eat a few bags of mini eggs, the weight tends to pile on.
So here's what we don't do.
We don't say I'll start it tomorrow; or Sunday; or March 1st.
You say I'll start TODAY!
That's exactly what I did! I ate horrible today. That doesn't mean I'm going to tomorrow, but I did exercise and that's how I started TODAY!
You can too! Tell me what motivates you:
But when you don't do it for 6 weeks and eat rather unhealthy and eat a few bags of mini eggs, the weight tends to pile on.
So here's what we don't do.
We don't say I'll start it tomorrow; or Sunday; or March 1st.
You say I'll start TODAY!
That's exactly what I did! I ate horrible today. That doesn't mean I'm going to tomorrow, but I did exercise and that's how I started TODAY!
You can too! Tell me what motivates you:
Monday, February 9, 2015
Throwing a Frozen Birthday Party.
My daughter turned 6 in November and wanted to a Frozen birthday party (because no ones done with Frozen yet right?)
Being so close to Christmas I had snowflakes at my disposal as well as Christmas lights.
My plan for decor: Use Tulle and lights on the windows. Hanging snowflakes, snowflakes on the walls, birthday banner, tulle on the ceiling and a photo area for kids.
For the snowflakes on the walls I used my cricut machine and used the new snowflake cartridge (perfect timing since it only came out in the couple months). Originally we were going to cut snowflakes out of coffee filters but I'm glad we went this route. They were cleaner cut and looked much nicer o the wall. They also took a lot less time and I was able to get 72 snowflakes done in about an hour. Works for me!
The snowflake lights and Christmas lights were up with the the white tulle on the windows and looked great. My sister helped out and put up the twinkling lights to make it look cooler. It definitely made a difference.
Then we put the tulle up and I only had enough to do the one room, which still looked great.
My sister and I also made a Wandering Oakens trading post.
Finally we hung the birthday banner and snowflakes. For the birthday banner I used my cricut again and cut out snowflakes, letters and the back part of the banner. It looked great! We also bought snowflake ornaments to hang everywhere.
We did end up sticking up a blanket as a back drop but my son kept tangling himself up in it and coffee was spilled on the pieces for the picture, so we never did that activity.
Next we had food. We did troll rocks, Elsa's icicles (cheese sticks), Elsas snow storm, Eternal Winter mix (My recipe for "muddy buddys"), Svens antlers (long pretzal sticks), Olafs arms (small pretzel sticks), true loves kiss (cookies and cream hershey kisses), Hans frozen heart (frozen strawberries), Svens Carrots (long carrots), Annas snowballs (white chedder cheese balls), Kristoffs Iceblocks (blue jello), Marshmellows Snowballs (big marshmellows), Olafs Popcorn.
Do you want to build a snowman?: We had 3 marshmallows, small pretzel sticks for arms, 2 chocolate chips for eyes, 3 for the buttons, candy corn for the nose (.23 on clearance!) and we cut up pretzel sticks for the hair.
Being so close to Christmas I had snowflakes at my disposal as well as Christmas lights.
My plan for decor: Use Tulle and lights on the windows. Hanging snowflakes, snowflakes on the walls, birthday banner, tulle on the ceiling and a photo area for kids.
For the snowflakes on the walls I used my cricut machine and used the new snowflake cartridge (perfect timing since it only came out in the couple months). Originally we were going to cut snowflakes out of coffee filters but I'm glad we went this route. They were cleaner cut and looked much nicer o the wall. They also took a lot less time and I was able to get 72 snowflakes done in about an hour. Works for me!
The snowflake lights and Christmas lights were up with the the white tulle on the windows and looked great. My sister helped out and put up the twinkling lights to make it look cooler. It definitely made a difference.
Then we put the tulle up and I only had enough to do the one room, which still looked great. My sister and I also made a Wandering Oakens trading post.
Finally we hung the birthday banner and snowflakes. For the birthday banner I used my cricut again and cut out snowflakes, letters and the back part of the banner. It looked great! We also bought snowflake ornaments to hang everywhere.
We did end up sticking up a blanket as a back drop but my son kept tangling himself up in it and coffee was spilled on the pieces for the picture, so we never did that activity.
Next we had food. We did troll rocks, Elsa's icicles (cheese sticks), Elsas snow storm, Eternal Winter mix (My recipe for "muddy buddys"), Svens antlers (long pretzal sticks), Olafs arms (small pretzel sticks), true loves kiss (cookies and cream hershey kisses), Hans frozen heart (frozen strawberries), Svens Carrots (long carrots), Annas snowballs (white chedder cheese balls), Kristoffs Iceblocks (blue jello), Marshmellows Snowballs (big marshmellows), Olafs Popcorn.Do you want to build a snowman?: We had 3 marshmallows, small pretzel sticks for arms, 2 chocolate chips for eyes, 3 for the buttons, candy corn for the nose (.23 on clearance!) and we cut up pretzel sticks for the hair.
For Games we just let the kids play, did a scavenger hunt using quotes from the movie and pin the nose on Olaf. (My husband hand drew Olaf...so the noses were WAYYYY to big.)
Sunday, November 23, 2014
21 Day fix Meal Plan for week 11/23-11/29
$191 later at Big Y with the extras for the family, (Pistachios, steak, steel cut oats, soda)
A meal plan was created. This trip should last around 10 days and I'll go back on Wednesday to get some more of the buy 1 get 2 free deals before the sale is over.
A meal plan was created. This trip should last around 10 days and I'll go back on Wednesday to get some more of the buy 1 get 2 free deals before the sale is over.
My Plan on the 21 day fix is the highest bracket. I'm also nursing. Some of the numbers are a bit different because we have Thanksgiving this week!
My plan is 6 red and green, 4 purple and yellow, 1 blue, 1 red.
I color coded everything, as well as you can see on the right hand side how many total containers I should be having for the week.
My plan is 6 red and green, 4 purple and yellow, 1 blue, 1 red.
I color coded everything, as well as you can see on the right hand side how many total containers I should be having for the week.
Friday, November 21, 2014
21 day fix on a budget!
There are probably a lot of people who are thinking, no way! Junk food is cheaper!
Well we're going to create a meal plan that is on a budget using local deals, thats healthy and that you can also get a VARIETY. Too many times I see meal plans and its the SAME thing every single day. BOOOOORING. I need some variance in my life.
The closest store is Big Y. Then stop and shop. Sometimes I do peapod service because of having the kids. It's a great service! You can pick up to avoid the $7-10 delivery charge, or you can have it delivered! (Typically what I do) You can also give them manufacturer coupons when they drop off your order to deduct from your total.
For those interested, please click on my referral link where you will be able to help me feed my family but also get $20 off your order to feed your family! Win win!
http://peapod.extole.com/v2/share/6084005717445877656
Thanks!
Back to the topic on hand.
Big Y is B1G2 free this week, so that will get me the most for my money.
I already have some ground beef and yogurt, I don't eat steak and we're going to be having turkey for thanksgiving so I can take leftovers. With everything I'm getting this should equal $90, and last 10 days, if not more for the chicken. I will most likely go back on Wednesday to grab more of the b1g2 free deals before they expire. Like the chicken.
My list is:
Well we're going to create a meal plan that is on a budget using local deals, thats healthy and that you can also get a VARIETY. Too many times I see meal plans and its the SAME thing every single day. BOOOOORING. I need some variance in my life.
The closest store is Big Y. Then stop and shop. Sometimes I do peapod service because of having the kids. It's a great service! You can pick up to avoid the $7-10 delivery charge, or you can have it delivered! (Typically what I do) You can also give them manufacturer coupons when they drop off your order to deduct from your total.
For those interested, please click on my referral link where you will be able to help me feed my family but also get $20 off your order to feed your family! Win win!
http://peapod.extole.com/v2/share/6084005717445877656
Thanks!
Back to the topic on hand.
Big Y is B1G2 free this week, so that will get me the most for my money.
I already have some ground beef and yogurt, I don't eat steak and we're going to be having turkey for thanksgiving so I can take leftovers. With everything I'm getting this should equal $90, and last 10 days, if not more for the chicken. I will most likely go back on Wednesday to grab more of the b1g2 free deals before they expire. Like the chicken.
My list is:
| Perdue chicken breast |
| steam fresh veggies |
| yams |
| San georgino pasta |
| cooked salad shrimp |
| Apples |
| carrots |
| asparagus |
| kale |
| Wheat Bread |
| Steel Cut oats |
| Eggs Deli Meat |
Most of these I will be getting 9 of to take advantage of the buy 1 get 2 free deals. Then on top I will add in the few things extra my kids and husband like to eat, so food shopping should be around 100-125 without coupons.
Now time to search for some coupons and make the meal plan before shopping!
Now time to search for some coupons and make the meal plan before shopping!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Starting the 21 Day fix.
Ok, here we go! Yet another "diet regimen" I can fail at.
Well I'm hoping thats not the case for the 21 day fix.
I am looking at the 21 day fix as a change of lifestyle. Yes, I will make some bad choices, yes I will probably eat bad things, BUT the 21 day fix will show me how to portion; how to make BETTER choices. Instead of eating an entire bag of doritos (seriously...do they put drugs in them to make you want MOOOORE?!) I will only have like 5-6 or I will make my own corn Tortilla Chips, where I can then have 16 because it's healthier.
It's all about the choices you make. It's 80% diet, 20% exercise.
Here's to a new. Healthy. ME :)
So where does one start her journey in losing weight? Well first we take the before and after pictures and take the measurements. I'm not ready to share the before yet, but measurements are good.
Bust: 51
Waist: 44
Hips: 54
Thighs: L: 28 R: 28 1/2
Arms: L: 14 R: 14 1/2
Weight: 247.6 :'(
Goals:
I have a Long term goal of 160 pounds. This will allow me to play with my kids, donate eggs, and be over all healthy and not hate looking at myself. I believe this goal will take me 2 years.
In the mean time, my accountability partner Katie and I will be focusing on 5 pounds! We both weigh about the same, give or take a couple pounds and we both want to lose roughly the same (me a bit more). But we have our goal "Pictures" in mind. Having 2 kids, I'm not sure its entirely possible, but we'll soon find out :)
So for every 5 pounds we lose, we get something. BOTH of us have to lose those 5 pounds though. It'll help motivate the other so we both get something.
Next we need a plan, but I'm also an extreme couponer, so spending hundreds of money on a new "plan" is NOT in my budget. So in addition to taking this journey with me, we're going to be doing the 21 day on a BUDGET!
Stay tuned, because we're far from over, but it's time to go match deals, coupons and meal plan. More tomorrow. :)
By the way. I am not a beach body coach.
Well I'm hoping thats not the case for the 21 day fix.
I am looking at the 21 day fix as a change of lifestyle. Yes, I will make some bad choices, yes I will probably eat bad things, BUT the 21 day fix will show me how to portion; how to make BETTER choices. Instead of eating an entire bag of doritos (seriously...do they put drugs in them to make you want MOOOORE?!) I will only have like 5-6 or I will make my own corn Tortilla Chips, where I can then have 16 because it's healthier.
It's all about the choices you make. It's 80% diet, 20% exercise.
Here's to a new. Healthy. ME :)
So where does one start her journey in losing weight? Well first we take the before and after pictures and take the measurements. I'm not ready to share the before yet, but measurements are good.
Bust: 51
Waist: 44
Hips: 54
Thighs: L: 28 R: 28 1/2
Arms: L: 14 R: 14 1/2
Weight: 247.6 :'(
Goals:
I have a Long term goal of 160 pounds. This will allow me to play with my kids, donate eggs, and be over all healthy and not hate looking at myself. I believe this goal will take me 2 years.
In the mean time, my accountability partner Katie and I will be focusing on 5 pounds! We both weigh about the same, give or take a couple pounds and we both want to lose roughly the same (me a bit more). But we have our goal "Pictures" in mind. Having 2 kids, I'm not sure its entirely possible, but we'll soon find out :)
So for every 5 pounds we lose, we get something. BOTH of us have to lose those 5 pounds though. It'll help motivate the other so we both get something.
Next we need a plan, but I'm also an extreme couponer, so spending hundreds of money on a new "plan" is NOT in my budget. So in addition to taking this journey with me, we're going to be doing the 21 day on a BUDGET!
Stay tuned, because we're far from over, but it's time to go match deals, coupons and meal plan. More tomorrow. :)
By the way. I am not a beach body coach.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
A person is a person, no matter how big or how small.
Many of the posts on my page are about dealing with infant loss, mainly in the terms of miscarriage because that is what I personally have gone through. Today while on Facebook, I made a generally innocent remark and had vultures attacking me (as that is what Facebook has become as of late, a bunch of woman attacking other woman instead of supporting them.)
In the end I found out this mother had lost her child to SIDS, (Being new to the group I was unaware and told I was rude, along with many many other hurtful comments. I remained level headed and continued to apologize profusely for making a jerk comment.) However the more I tried to relate with this woman, apologize and make amends, the more these other woman attacked and the conversation again turned on me saying "How dare I compare my miscarriages to a live loss of a child that they got to see, and coo and play with for 3 months".
This is where it struck a nerve (I removed myself from the post before I stooped to their level). Personally I have lost 5 children of my own. I have lost twins, conceived 8 weeks apart because I ovulated while pregnant. We went to find out the gender only to find out that baby had passed away and we were pregnant with a second. The first baby lost all of its amniotic fluid because the second baby took it all and pretty much drowned in amniotic fluid and would pass away within a few days.
My third baby I lost was my daughters identical twin. Who didn't make it and was absorbed into my daughter. The final loss was my mono mono twins. Carried until 12 weeks and though it was almost inevitable that I would lose them too, it didn't hurt any less.
Every August, I think back to my first ultrasound. So excited to find out the gender, only to hear devastating news, and even worse news. Knowing my babies would have been born around February/March and that I found out I was pregnant with my daughter on the day I was supposed to have my babies. People called me lucky, said I could try again. But again, it didn't hurt any less. I lost 2 children. Two children were taken from me in a moments time. I didn't get to hold them or cuddle them. I didn't get to find out their genders and name them. But they were already apart of my family. Even if for a short time. We had already bought items because miscarriages don't happen and I was already 16 weeks. Out of the clear! But it did.
Every November I think about the fact that my daughter would be sharing her birthday with her sister. She'll make comments about her sister every now and then, and you can see it in her eyes that she's missing something. Someone.
Every January, not only am I celebrating the birth of my son, my husband, my niece and my mother in law. But I'm also mourning the death of my last set of twins. The twins that I was told I'd never be able to have a child again. I thank my lucky stars that I was able to have my son after that, but it does not take the pain away from losing them.
A friend of mine, not only had a miscarriage at 8 weeks, but she also lost her daughter at 21 weeks. They held her for just under two hours before she took her last breath in her fathers arms. Alexandria would have been four years old yesterday. And though she has a wonderful just about two year old little boy, not a day goes by that she doesn't think about her daughter or the child she miscarried. Each year she celebrates Alexandrias birthday with an Ice Cream Social. If you'd like to participate please take a picture of yourself, family, friends, anyone eating icecream and hashtag on twitter, facebook and instagram #alexandriasicecreamsocial. This would mean a great deal to the parents.
Finally, I have lost friends my age to cancer, drinking and more. Their families devastated. In a kind of pain that is unimaginable.
The bottom line is this, "A person is a person, no matter how big or how small."
The second you become pregnant, you are that childs family. All the pain is different, but grief is the same. You can't compare losses and pull the "mines bigger". You have both lost a child. No one knows how you feel except you. Instead of attacking each other, we should be supporting each other in a time of loss.
In the end I found out this mother had lost her child to SIDS, (Being new to the group I was unaware and told I was rude, along with many many other hurtful comments. I remained level headed and continued to apologize profusely for making a jerk comment.) However the more I tried to relate with this woman, apologize and make amends, the more these other woman attacked and the conversation again turned on me saying "How dare I compare my miscarriages to a live loss of a child that they got to see, and coo and play with for 3 months".
This is where it struck a nerve (I removed myself from the post before I stooped to their level). Personally I have lost 5 children of my own. I have lost twins, conceived 8 weeks apart because I ovulated while pregnant. We went to find out the gender only to find out that baby had passed away and we were pregnant with a second. The first baby lost all of its amniotic fluid because the second baby took it all and pretty much drowned in amniotic fluid and would pass away within a few days.
My third baby I lost was my daughters identical twin. Who didn't make it and was absorbed into my daughter. The final loss was my mono mono twins. Carried until 12 weeks and though it was almost inevitable that I would lose them too, it didn't hurt any less.
Every August, I think back to my first ultrasound. So excited to find out the gender, only to hear devastating news, and even worse news. Knowing my babies would have been born around February/March and that I found out I was pregnant with my daughter on the day I was supposed to have my babies. People called me lucky, said I could try again. But again, it didn't hurt any less. I lost 2 children. Two children were taken from me in a moments time. I didn't get to hold them or cuddle them. I didn't get to find out their genders and name them. But they were already apart of my family. Even if for a short time. We had already bought items because miscarriages don't happen and I was already 16 weeks. Out of the clear! But it did.
Every November I think about the fact that my daughter would be sharing her birthday with her sister. She'll make comments about her sister every now and then, and you can see it in her eyes that she's missing something. Someone.
Every January, not only am I celebrating the birth of my son, my husband, my niece and my mother in law. But I'm also mourning the death of my last set of twins. The twins that I was told I'd never be able to have a child again. I thank my lucky stars that I was able to have my son after that, but it does not take the pain away from losing them.
A friend of mine, not only had a miscarriage at 8 weeks, but she also lost her daughter at 21 weeks. They held her for just under two hours before she took her last breath in her fathers arms. Alexandria would have been four years old yesterday. And though she has a wonderful just about two year old little boy, not a day goes by that she doesn't think about her daughter or the child she miscarried. Each year she celebrates Alexandrias birthday with an Ice Cream Social. If you'd like to participate please take a picture of yourself, family, friends, anyone eating icecream and hashtag on twitter, facebook and instagram #alexandriasicecreamsocial. This would mean a great deal to the parents.
Finally, I have lost friends my age to cancer, drinking and more. Their families devastated. In a kind of pain that is unimaginable.
The bottom line is this, "A person is a person, no matter how big or how small."
The second you become pregnant, you are that childs family. All the pain is different, but grief is the same. You can't compare losses and pull the "mines bigger". You have both lost a child. No one knows how you feel except you. Instead of attacking each other, we should be supporting each other in a time of loss.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Perfect
Pinks song Perfect hits home everytime I hear it. I honestly wish such a beautiful song was out when I was in my adolescence. It may have just stopped a long dark hallway. A hallway that makes me sick to my stomach thinking my daughter may go the same route.
I had a lot of problems getting friends, I was a beautiful young lady, but I was weird. So while boys flirted, girls hated. I had self esteem issues, body image issues, especially with sisters and a mom like mine who are naturally thin, typical teenage girl problems.
I saw a school psychologist for years for cutting and a eating disorder. I hated life, I hated my parents, I hated my sister, I didn't have too many friends to hate. But everything in my life just sucked. Looking back, I have no idea why. I was never hit or abused. My father was retired military, who worked 40+ hours, and my mother as well, to make ends meet to give us a roof over our heads. While they weren't around often, they were there protecting us, providing for us, making sure we had clothes. Yet there I was trying to hurt myself, and for WHAT reason?!
I look back at pictures and think how sick I looked. While therapy I don't think truly helped, and group (a bunch of teens with similar issues all in a psychology setting) was a joke, my ex boyfriend was there helping me. He kept me busy, got me involved in activities, programs, brought my grades up from D's to B's and helped me find an outlet through writing and poetry. To this day I will be eternally grateful.
Then I think of my daughter and the path that she could go down and it makes me sick to my stomach to think of. To wonder if she will ever hurt herself, to wonder if she won't come talk to me if she ever feels low.
But I guess as a parent, I just need to keep my eyes open and tell her she's perfect.
I had a lot of problems getting friends, I was a beautiful young lady, but I was weird. So while boys flirted, girls hated. I had self esteem issues, body image issues, especially with sisters and a mom like mine who are naturally thin, typical teenage girl problems.
I saw a school psychologist for years for cutting and a eating disorder. I hated life, I hated my parents, I hated my sister, I didn't have too many friends to hate. But everything in my life just sucked. Looking back, I have no idea why. I was never hit or abused. My father was retired military, who worked 40+ hours, and my mother as well, to make ends meet to give us a roof over our heads. While they weren't around often, they were there protecting us, providing for us, making sure we had clothes. Yet there I was trying to hurt myself, and for WHAT reason?!
I look back at pictures and think how sick I looked. While therapy I don't think truly helped, and group (a bunch of teens with similar issues all in a psychology setting) was a joke, my ex boyfriend was there helping me. He kept me busy, got me involved in activities, programs, brought my grades up from D's to B's and helped me find an outlet through writing and poetry. To this day I will be eternally grateful.
Then I think of my daughter and the path that she could go down and it makes me sick to my stomach to think of. To wonder if she will ever hurt herself, to wonder if she won't come talk to me if she ever feels low.
But I guess as a parent, I just need to keep my eyes open and tell her she's perfect.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Two Months Later... We're going to go all natural!
So I've really been getting into the better eating, better self and I know it's on the rise.
So here we are today (2 months after my last blog post), I haven't been able to keep Rockin Body up (let's be honest... I really don't have a lot of time and I need something that I can do 10 minutes here and there.)
I've decided to jump on the band wagon for "no poo" and daily intake of coconut oil. As well as having a pea protein shake, and starting to cut dairy out AGAIN. I would like to be below 200 pounds by my birthday and feel good about myself.
You're all holding me accountable!
Also the 21 day fix is out and on back order, but I have a general regard for their portion controlled containers and I think I'm going to give that a try on my own. I'm going to pull out the containers and those will be my containers to use. It's time to get fit and STAY healthy!
First up... coconut oil... anyone know the best way to ingest this? The thought of ingesting it makes my nose scrunch ;) LOL
It's great for my skin externally though hahaha.
Talk to you all again tomorrow!
So here we are today (2 months after my last blog post), I haven't been able to keep Rockin Body up (let's be honest... I really don't have a lot of time and I need something that I can do 10 minutes here and there.)
I've decided to jump on the band wagon for "no poo" and daily intake of coconut oil. As well as having a pea protein shake, and starting to cut dairy out AGAIN. I would like to be below 200 pounds by my birthday and feel good about myself.
You're all holding me accountable!
Also the 21 day fix is out and on back order, but I have a general regard for their portion controlled containers and I think I'm going to give that a try on my own. I'm going to pull out the containers and those will be my containers to use. It's time to get fit and STAY healthy!
First up... coconut oil... anyone know the best way to ingest this? The thought of ingesting it makes my nose scrunch ;) LOL
It's great for my skin externally though hahaha.
Talk to you all again tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Day 2 of my Rockin body work out
Well I did day 2 of my Rockin Body with Sean T work out. I feel good and I'm loving it. It's great to be able to dance and my calves are KILLING me on day 2!! Who would have thought I would be this excited to exercise. I can really see myself sticking with the 10 weeks because its FUN.
On other fronts, I'm getting barely the 64 oz of water in...unless you include my cup of coffee. I know coffee is a dehydrate, and for the most part, I drink my coffees black. I can't STAND stevia though. It's gross.
Also keeping up on my B12. If it wasn't for my baby waking me up 3-4 times in the night, it would be great. But he's teething...4 more, so a total of 16 teeth soon. Poor kid. My energy is just, well lets say I feel great.
As soon as my swagbucks gift cards come in I'll have more than enough to buy 2 pea proteins. I've chosen pea proteins because Whey Protein is milk based and I'm allergic to dairy.
If you'd like a referral link, I've just gotten 5 $5 gift cards to amazon. They're 450 points. I got 1250 point just for signing up to a website because they just started. Awesome!
swagbucks.com/refer/amoggio816
Question of the day: What's your favorite Chicken Recipe?
On other fronts, I'm getting barely the 64 oz of water in...unless you include my cup of coffee. I know coffee is a dehydrate, and for the most part, I drink my coffees black. I can't STAND stevia though. It's gross.
Also keeping up on my B12. If it wasn't for my baby waking me up 3-4 times in the night, it would be great. But he's teething...4 more, so a total of 16 teeth soon. Poor kid. My energy is just, well lets say I feel great.
As soon as my swagbucks gift cards come in I'll have more than enough to buy 2 pea proteins. I've chosen pea proteins because Whey Protein is milk based and I'm allergic to dairy.
If you'd like a referral link, I've just gotten 5 $5 gift cards to amazon. They're 450 points. I got 1250 point just for signing up to a website because they just started. Awesome!
swagbucks.com/refer/amoggio816
Question of the day: What's your favorite Chicken Recipe?
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Taking B12 Vitamins
Monday I started taking a B12 vitamin daily and the CHANGE in emotions, fatigue and general feelings is astonishing.
I couldn't wake up with my kids at 7 and the last week has been a huge difference.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency:
I couldn't wake up with my kids at 7 and the last week has been a huge difference.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency:
may causes symptoms such as:
- weakness, tiredness or light-headedness
- rapid heartbeat and breathing
- pale skin
- sore tongue
- easy bruising or bleeding, including bleeding gums
- stomach upset and weight loss
- diarrhea or constipation
If the deficiency is not corrected, it can damage the nerve cells. If this happens, vitamin B12 deficiency effects may include:
- tingling or numbness in fingers and toes
- difficulty walking
- mood changes or depression
- memory loss, disorientation, and dementia
A lot of these symptoms are also common with a low thyroid (like I have) however they could also signal other problems as well.
We'll see if symptoms continue to improve!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Making a latte at home without an expresso maker
Cost of lattes for a large is $3.20 at Dunkin donuts or $4.49 at Starbucks. That is an insane waste of money to be spending if you get 5 per week. Thats between $15-25 depending on tips. Over the year between $780 and $1300. That's A LOT of money.
How to make it for less? Here's how I do it:
First buy one of those Keurig My Cups - as little as $10 on amazon.
Then buy a flavor of coffee you like packaged. (I love Dunkin Donuts french vanilla - $8 lasts me about 20 cups of coffee, if not more)
Make it according to directions
I add caramel to mine.
Then you take milk, put it in a mason jar (lid off) and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds, take oven mitts, put the lid on and SHAKE VIGOROUSLY.
Use a spoon to keep the froth at the top and add the milk to the coffee, then add the froth.
BAM latte :)
How to make it for less? Here's how I do it:
First buy one of those Keurig My Cups - as little as $10 on amazon.
Then buy a flavor of coffee you like packaged. (I love Dunkin Donuts french vanilla - $8 lasts me about 20 cups of coffee, if not more)
Make it according to directions
I add caramel to mine.
Then you take milk, put it in a mason jar (lid off) and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds, take oven mitts, put the lid on and SHAKE VIGOROUSLY.
Use a spoon to keep the froth at the top and add the milk to the coffee, then add the froth.
BAM latte :)
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Getting back into writing
So last week I decided I wanted to start writing again. Now and again I'll be posting little excerpts from it and asking opinions.
Currently I'm writing a story for adults, but incorporating our inner child.
We'll see how it turns out.
In other questions, does anyone know how to heat an old house?
Currently I'm writing a story for adults, but incorporating our inner child.
We'll see how it turns out.
In other questions, does anyone know how to heat an old house?
Monday, January 6, 2014
My baby turned 1 today!!
My last and final baby turned a year old today!
Its a very emotional feeling knowing I'll never have another child again to see turn one, and I was just in a really AWFUL mood today (lack of sleep maybe?)
It's amazing to see how much he has TRANSFORMED into such an amazing young toddler. He has gained 3 times the amount since he was born (8 pounds)
I can't wait to watch my son grow into a handsome young man. Just not so fast.
Mommy loves you baby!
Its a very emotional feeling knowing I'll never have another child again to see turn one, and I was just in a really AWFUL mood today (lack of sleep maybe?)
It's amazing to see how much he has TRANSFORMED into such an amazing young toddler. He has gained 3 times the amount since he was born (8 pounds)
I can't wait to watch my son grow into a handsome young man. Just not so fast.
Mommy loves you baby!
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