The 25th Hour ~karenjcardoza.com~

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’ve got a very busy week coming up and I was dragging a bit yesterday because of the game Thursday. When I woke up this morning and it was pouring outside, I decided to just “mail one in” and lounged out all day catching up on feeds, cuddling my girls, and planning my shopping lists for tomorrow.

I only left the house to go Petco with Bella to buy a car seat for Sugar and to get gas, then go to church in the evening. It was important to take her along with me because she gets nervous and starts shaking when we enter buildings other than houses, probably because of all she’s been through and thinks we’re going to the vet. She did well at the store and loves to be in the car. I couldn’t believe that I filled up my tank and only paid $1.99/gal. I know that there are actually some spots that are cheaper but I didn’t go shopping around, just stopped near Petco on the way home.

Tonight, we’re in for our usual movie and wine night and tomorrow I’ll head out with coupons and lists in hand to get my shopping done bright and early. I’ve still got two tailgates to write-up and the website to update so hopefully I’ll be able to get that done tomorrow.

What  a game last night!  Coming from behind 24-6 only to lose it in overtime.. what a bummer!  Luckily, today was a good day at school and it was pretty low key.  I’m thankful for that as I’m operating on reduced sleep today. It’ll likely be an early one tonight… as soon as the wrestling ceases and things calm down!

I tried dropping an Utter into my podcast feed and I’m happy to say that it worked! It came right through into iTunes without a hitch.   Now, I’ll be able to still reach my listeners even if I don’t have time for an actual podcast during busy times. What’s great about it is, I can call it in then post it to the feed from any computer, any time.

I’m hoping to get a lot of errands done tomorrow then relax and watch a movie at night.  I’ve got a VERY busy week ahead and every day afterschool is booked with appointments. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it and there’s lots to do before then.

As of now, I may have to actually separate these girls and put them in their crates if the royal rumble doesn’t stop soon!

Grrrrr… I hate fake, processed, chemical-laden, meat-like substances!  I also hate tons of email notifying me that every one of my blogs has gotten hit with multiple messages from Amsterdam resembling the fake food goo!  Seriously, my inbox is full of comment notifications for each of my blogs that are nothing but Spam. I’m twittering away right now and many of my followers are tweeting back that they’re having the same problem as well. Talk about annoying and a waste of time and energy.

I spent tonight making chili for tomorrow’s tailgate (not made from Spam…hehe) and I’m getting prepared for a cold, soggy night as rain is in the forecast. I wish the mercury would dip just a bit and we would be blessed with snow but it’s not in the cards.

Tomorrow’s game is HUGE with the AFCE first place position on the line. Of course, any tilts against the arch-rival Jets are always games that are extra exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends and the tailgate will likely be stellar as always. The plan is to bolt at the bell and head straight up to Gillette. Hopefully, everything goes off without a hitch and runs smoothly. (Have I mentioned that I hate weekday games?!)  Friday should be fun (NOT!)  As of now, I’m curled up with 3 furry bundles and I’m getting ready to head to dreamland… See you tomorrow, kids!