The 25th Hour ~karenjcardoza.com~

Since it’s the day after Thanksgiving and I have the  day off from school, I was hoping to get some extra sleep this morning but still got up around 6:30.  I’m getting a bit sleep deprived because I haven’t gotten much all week. Unfortunately, we have commitments both Saturday and Sunday morning so there won’t be any sleeping in for me.

I did more or less take it pretty easy though which was good.. I had to make a run out to look at Luci’s computer then did a couple of CVS runs to finish off my deals for the week and grab them before the 3 day sale ends.  I ended up spending just $2.66 out of my pocket for a lot of merchandise because I had Extra Care Bucks from earlier purchases.

They are running an unbelievable number of promotions where the item ends up free when the ECBs print. The trick is to use them on the next purchase (and not let them expire!).  It’s even better if you have mfg. coupons because you end up buying it for less than you even get back.  It happened on mostly  everything that I bought tonight! So, I spent $2.66, got all of that stuff and walked out with $29 to use next time!

I also put away all of my glassware, dishes and serving pieces from yesterday. I needed to wait for all of the dishwasher loads were done so that I could put them away together so they would fit.  Tonight, I finally got the Jets tailgate up and posted which I’ve been trying to do for two weeks. But between the holiday and having Sugar added to the mix, her surgery, and my 3 Thanksgiving dinners,  it’s been harder to find the time. Once I get into bed, it’s not always possible to type and/or I’m usually beat by the time I get there.

As mentioned yesterday, here’s a list of some of the new blogs that I’ve subscribed to and have been reading lately. I’m sure that there will be more as one usually leads to another but here’s my start. I’ve done really well and have picked up lots of deals this week. I’ve also gotten the heads up on sales and online coupon opportunities and how to combine them for the best savings.  Tomorrow’s an incredibly busy day for me so this is a shorty for tonight as I’ve got to hit the hay.

Deal Seeking Mom

Frugal RI Mama

A Full Cup

Money Saving Mom

Stretching a Buck

Tales of the Tightwad

Nickels-N-Dimes

Jane4girls

So, in my quest to turn over a new leaf and do some bargain shopping, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the CVS flyer and my coupons. I’m also making a point to NOT let those Extra Care Bucks  expire before using them. This week, I went in twice and on the first trip, spent $29.85 (after mfg. coupons) and got $25 back in Extra Bucks. Today I went in and spent $32.72 out of pocket after cashing in yesterday’s $25 (but I didn’t have any mfg. coupons) and got another $29 bucks back. I literally got toothpaste, food, sanitary items, dish soap, and a variety of HBA items for almost nothing. Had I had more coupons the discounts would have been even deeper but for some reason, my newspaper doesn’t include the Redplum insert, just the Smartsource one in the Sunday paper.

I’ve recently subscribed to a host of new blogs which I’ll list in tomorrow’s NaBloPoMo. These women have the money saving shopping technique down to a science!  They not only use the regular mfg. coupons but print internet coupons and combine them with in store specials and cash back. It takes a bit of time, but it feels good to get items for next to nothing!

WOW… a picture says a thousand words!

I’m posting early today because I’ve got a busy pre-game day ahead.  I already did my shopping and had a very successful trip. I bought lots of things on sale at Shaws and used coupons (turning over a new leaf!) and ended up with some OYNO (On Your Next Order) coupons for next time totaling $33.50!

I’m getting ready to start cooking for tomorrow’s tailgate in a little bit and then we’re going out tonight for sushi at my favorite spot, Ten Prime Steak and Sushi.  But right now, I’m going to spend some time with the girls and give some extra snuggles to my little one, Chloe who is one year old today. <3

5 days old!

11 days old

Homecoming: Christmas Day

Birthday Girl!