We're home!

We are home!! I love coming home! baby hugs and kisses, big girls happy to see us, Grandma and Grandpa happy to see us!

I'm happy to report that despite playing blackjack again until 2 a.m. last night, we finished our trip with a gambling profit of $50! Enough to buy Grandma and Grandpa a nice thank you gift! We chose a lovely handcrafted item from the street market in downtown Vegas. It feels good to properly thank them with a nice gift.

I came home to a very clean house (thank you Grandma!), no laundry waiting, and to several new/fixed things. Grandpa cleaned out our garage, tightened the door pulls on my kitchen cabinets, hung a towel rack and tp holder in the bathroom, and replaced lightbulbs. Grandma bought some new trash cans, a new comforter for Casey's bed, some closet organizers, a fully stocked kitchen, re-organized kitchen cabinets, clean pantry, clean fridge, and the list goes on.....What a blessing!!! She also let the girls go to the movie twice over the weekend and took them out to eat several times.

I had lots of fun and the trip was very good for Matt and I - he is truly my best friend and love of my life!

It's back to work tomorrow.....UGGG.

Where have I been?

I'm in Vegas Baby!!!!

My husband and I are on a rare - extremely rare - getaway. Our anniversary was in March, but we deferred it until this weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Soares are watching the kids. Las Vegas isn't my normal destination of choice, but we got in on the deal through my work (see payroll deduction article here). We left at 0645 Friday morning, arrived in Vegas at about 2:30 pm (several stops, lots of seniors on the bus). We are staying at the Plaza hotel in downtown Vegas (not on the strip). I have only been to Vegas one other time (for a cheerleading competition) and we had all the kids, Natasha was a newborn. Needless to say, I didn't exactly see the sites.

I have to say that gambling goes against my frugal nature and I've been trying hard not to focus on money while we are here because this is something Matthew truly enjoys. I have discovered though, that if you have the ability to stop when you are ahead, gambling can be profitable - or at least you can recover what you've spent. We played blackjack until 2 a.m. this morning and walked away negative $15.00 - not too bad. Of course, we got numerous free beverages while we were playing and had a great time (had a fun group of people at our table). Matthew can be quite funny and outgoing in these situations, so he kept the group laughing. It is good to see him relaxed. Fast forward to this morning. We went to Starbucks (sorry, I had to.......) then stopped in a nearby casino. We played the penny slots and each lost $10 (GASP!) but then went to the poker machines and I ended up winning $75.00!! Now we are actually sitting at a gambling profit of $30.00! Needless to say, as soon as i won, I stopped and cashed out. We plan to play blackjack at a $3 table again tonight and now i won't feel so guilty, we can have fun!

We decided we wanted to see a show and were going to go to the Strip tonight to do just that. But, we decided to ask here at the plaza about their shows and found that since we are staying here we can attend with a 50% discount, even with VIP seating and dinner! Since this is our anniversary trip, we decided to "just do it". I'm sooo looking forward to it! I've never been to a show like this before - it is a tribute to singing legends and it's supposed to be really good!

My Winco now accepts printable coupons!

Just called my local Winco to confirm and was told they accept them as long as they scan, they will not push through those that don't scan. YIPPEE!!! and...of course the product must match the coupon exactly....

This is very exciting!

"Super" Target Deal!

Passing this on from Money Saving Mom (original post is here).

There's a new coupon out here for a free box of Special K crackers when you purchase any two Special K products at Target.

Buy any three Special K cereals ($2.39) and get a free box of Special K crackers.Buy 3 boxes of Special K cereal and 2 boxes of Special K crackers

Use 1 B2G1 manufacturer's coupon
Use 3 $1/1 coupons from 6/7 RP insert (if you have multiple copies)
$0.83 plus tax per box after coupons and store promotion

Payroll Deduction - it's evil....

My employer offers an amazing benefit. It's called "payroll deduction." Basically, we can purchase food, trips, scrubs, work wear, soda, snacks, movie tickets, etc just by swiping or scanning our employee badge at the register. It's very convenient, too convenient. On one hand, it can be a lifesaver if I don't have time to make my lunch. On the other hand, it adds up quickly.
In reviewing my last paycheck, I noticed i had $89 in deductions. I called payroll and got an itemized statement. I did purchase a trip (more on that below), but otherwise it was just food. So..this week i'm trying very hard to get my act together in the morning and make myself a lunch. I'm not a morning person, so wish me luck! So far, so good - but it's only Tuesday.

I usually buy movie tickets to have on hand for birthday gifts, stocking stuffers, and for those times when people are bored and want to see a movie. An added benefit is that you can choose to have the money taken out of one, two, or three paychecks. So, I can purchase a $10 shirt and pay for it over 6 weeks (3 payperiods). I can buy a $1.35 soda and pay for it over 3 payperiods. We can also get tickets to waterparks in Clovis, CA and Fresno, CA.

They offer fairly frequent trips via charter bus to various California sites. June 19-21 Matt and I will be taking one to Las Vegas (hotel included), Total cost: $300 (over 3 payperiods). Sept 20th we will go to a Dodger's game in LA, good seats. Total cost: $198.00 (over 3 payperiods). For this, payroll deduction is a gem. We otherwise wouldn't be able to go. We very rarely get away together (the last time was when I was in the hospital having Arihana).

Overall, we are blessed to have a responsive employer and this is a nice fringe benefit. I liken it to the "debit card movement" - it's so much easier than writing a check, we are sometimes too quick to "swipe".

Menu Plan Monday (a day late)

Menu planning really is key in sticking with a budget. I so often come home from work tired and less than ambitious, it helps to know what i'm making for dinner or for Matt to know what to make for dinner. My general practice is to shop first, then draft menus. This way I can shop sales and eat at home too. Over the summer, my kids will be helping with menus, couponing, shopping, and cooking during their turn at managing the kitchen.

DINNERS:

Monday - Baked salmon, rice, watermelon, homemade bread
Tuesday - Burritos (used pre-cooked taco meat and leftover rice) & watermelon
Wednesday - Potato soup, homemade bread, sliced cheese
Thursday - Shrimp in pasta/alfredo sauce, steamed broccoli
Friday - pulled pork on homemade rolls, coleslaw
Saturday - leftover
Sunday - mom's choice (don't know what that will be until Sunday a.m.)

BREAKFAST AND LUNCHES:
(these are really up to Matt, I just try to make sure there is plenty to choose from)

SNACKS:
homemade granola bars (boy, these are good!)
popcorn
peanut butter & crackers
watermelon
apples
carrot sticks
kiwi
bananas
banana bread (i made this Sunday and i think it is already gone!)
chips & salsa

See more menus over at Organizing junkie

Super Savings Saturday

Joining everyone at Money Saving Mom with this post. I went shopping today, first to Super Target and then to Winco. I had planned 2 other stops but met my budget before I got there (and was running late to my Sara's softball game).

Super Target

Sorry...no picture...(had to put things away and rush off to softball).

Total retail: $134 Total after coupons: $86

Best deals:

• 7 packages Kashi frozen waffles , on sale for $1.79 each - had $1.50 coupon for each= net cost of about $0.30 each
  
• Pantene shampoo and conditioner 6.7 oz, in clearance section for $1.75 total - $1 coupon=net cost of $0.75
• 4 Dry Idea deodorants, on sale for $2.49 each - $2 coupon for each=net cost of $0.49 each
• Skintimate shave gel, priced at $2.34 - $1 Target coupon - $0.75 = net cost of $0.59
• 2 Edge shave gel - same deal
• 4 Kraft BBQ sauce - FREE after coupons
• 6 mini packages of Crystal Light (by the register) - FREE after coupons

Winco

No coupons used, spent $151 on produce, 6 gallons milk @ $1.90 each(we go through 6-8 a week), butter - on sale for $1.98(I only like the real stuff), meat (pork for $1.48/lb), diapers, etc. Winco has a pretty awesome bulk foods section. I got the following there:

• Rice - $0.60/lb (white Jasmine)
• Hummus mix - $3.50/lb, but only need 1.5 cups to make a batch.
• Quick oats - $0.50/lb
• Chocolate chips - $2ish a pound
• Butterscotch chips - same
• Walnuts - $2.80/lb
• Barley - $0.50/lb

Oh...how i wish Winco would accept printables! but they won't......i am very poor at organizing my insert coupons right now....going to get some help from the kids. The other disadvantage to Winco is that they do not publish ads...online or mailed. This makes it difficult to plan my trip, know what is on sale, etc. However, most of the stuff i buy there are not coupon-friendly (produces, staples, etc).

Tomorrow I will post menus!

Blogger Weirdness!

Well..I was dismayed to find a lot of my links in the post below are not working/giving errors or going to other sites. They worked fine when i posted them, as i did test every one. I'm not sure what is going on.....and unfortunately I don't have time to figure it out right now. Here are the websites (that the links are not working for) in plain English:

Money Saving Mom (probably my favorite site) = www.moneysavingmom.com

Krazy Coupon Lady = www.krazycouponlady.com

Thanks for your patience!

Laura

Super Target deals

I used to score some major deals at Albertsons but it has since closed in our area. I do most of our shopping at Winco as they generally have the lowest before coupon prices and are definitely lower on staple items. I am finding, however, that I can make some super-duper deals at Super Target.
I need to shop tomorrow, so i'm going to start perusing the deals posted around the blogosphere today. Here are some sites i use that routinely post Target deals:

Hot Coupon World (forums -> national chain stores -> target) Also has a target coupon generator (you can combine Target coupons with manufacturer coupons = great savings at times)
Money Saving Mom
Mommy Snacks
Attention Target Shoppers
Krazy Coupon Lady

As I begin my list, I will post the deals I think are out there (remember there can be some variation between different parts of the country). Some of the deals offer a printable versus insert option for coupons. I don't organize my coupon inserts by date (though i probably should) so on those posts i am relying on the source for accuracy. I file my coupons individually (for now, anyways).

First: My Super Target is very easy-going with coupons (for those local to me, I go to Tulare) but not all stores are (this is why i avoid my local Target). It can be very frustrating, but if challenged hold your own, be polite, and offer them a copy of their own coupon policy. (thanks Krazy Coupon Lady!). I would also place a call to your Target in advance and make sure they accept printable coupons.

Kashi frozen waffles (these are great! high fiber and protein - good breakfast for my diabetes)
Around $1.79 each
$1.5o coupon here (click on coupon tab at top) or here
Net cost: $0.29

Dry Idea deodorant
$2.49
$2.00 coupon here(there are lots of coupons here, look through the pages)
Net cost: $0.49

Smart Ones $1.80
$4/10 coupon here
$3/10 here
Net cost: $14.00 plus $5.00 gift card {$0.90 each. when you buy 10, after gift card savings}
Update: this link did not work for me. Sorry! try it anyway.

South Beach Bars 2/$5.00
$1/1 here
Net cost: $1.50 each
Update: this link did not work for me. Sorry! try it anyway.

Purex Complete $5.99

$1.00/1 Printable Coupon

Net cost::$4.99

Velveeta Shells & Cheese $1.50
$1/1 here
or here
Net cost:: $0.50 each, when you buy 2

Kraft Barbecue Sauce (18 oz.)--$0.99
Use $1/1 printable here or $0.75/1 from the 5/3 inserts
Net cost:Free or $0.24 after coupon

Edge Shaving Gel--$2.24
Use $1/1 Target printable here
Stack with $0.75/1 or $1/1 in 5/17 SmartSource insert
Net cost:$0.24-$0.49 after coupon

3M Command Hooks (2-pack medium)--$2.75
Use $2.50/1 coupon here
Net cost:$0.25 each after coupon

Aquafresh Toothpaste--$1.99
Use $1/1 Target printable here
Stack with $1/1 here
Free after coupons

Grocery shopping

Coming soon to a blog near you (uh..this one...) .....how the heck am i going to feed this tribe over the summer?!

i'm formulating a game plan.....

Pump changes

Quick call with Dr. Mary tonight. For Natasha we are changing her 9 pm target to a blood sugar of 150 (those nighttime lows scare me, she doesn' t wake up!) and decreasing her carb ratio at 0700 (correction insulin) -we'll see how those changes do....

For me, we increased my basal to 1.2 units/hour and increased my Symlin to 90 mcg. She believes i'm almost on target, but i would like to see my numbers lower.

In case i've never elaborated, we see Dr. Mary Simon in Fresno, CA. She is a Diabetologist, MD, and type 1 diabetic herself. We love her!! She is also the medical director for the diabetes camp we attend every summer at Bearskin Meadow (see my sidebar for the icon). Bearskin Meadow camp saves lives and saves marriages! It's a wonderful experience!

I know the text is too small to see....here are Natasha's numbers for the last week. The red are lows.....look at all the lows! i felt like we were having quite a few, though i've been so sleep-deprived from checking her at night. Will call Dr. Mary tonight (she prefers we download one day, review it ourselves, then call her the next night to review together). Will post later.....

My numbers were improved, though nothing exciting. Average is 140's - better but still have a ways to go....

A Homemaker's Day Book

I saw this on another site - a homemaker's journey blog - and thought it might be fun to write out.
I've got homemaking on my mind tonight, i'm even baking bread! (though we are truly out of bread).

Outside my window: it's nearly dark. I can see our pretty blue pool, the neighbor's fence and shed.

I am thankful for: God's love, my children, my husband, my home, my job, my health. I am thankful for insulin pumps, pediatric ICUs (they saved Natasha's life), softball, basketball, and coaches. On most days i am thankful for chocolate.

From the kitchen: Dinner was grilled Tilapia, grilled summer squash (from our garden), rice-a-roni, green salad (lettuce and cucumber from our garden). Now i am letting whole wheat bread raise on the stove.

I am reading: just finished the Da Vinci Code. good book. not sure what i'll read next, maybe the Host by Stephanie Meyer. Will read Love and Logic (about teens) as soon as its available through the library.

I am hearing: the TV - the Dodgers are playing Arizona. The window air conditioner, my daughter talking.

I am creating: multiple sewing projects underway. who knows when i will finish.

I am going: to fall asleep, seriously....soon..let's hope i get the bread done first.

I am hoping: i can be a stay home mom someday.

Around the house: there are 5 kids....5 girls! At dinner tonight we discussed the housework plan for the summer. Mom will not be coming home from work and doing housework. We have assigned jurisdictions (mom and dad have ours too) and the kids have been told that if their areas are not complete by the time i get home from work, they will not go to practice. This includes a rotation of planning menus, learning to shop with me using coupons, and assisting with dinner prep.

One of my favorite things: my computer

A few plans for the rest of the week: work, work, work...possibly switch bedrooms, grocery shop.

I have my pump!

My very own insulin pump arrived on Friday. Medtronic gave me some financial assistance so out of the $7000 cost, we will pay $660 divided into monthly payments of $25. Not too bad. When Natasha got her pump, i had different insurance and they paid 100%.

My setting are: basal of 1 unit per hour, carb ratio of 1 unit/10 grams carbs, sensitivity of 33.j
What does all that mean?

• Basal: Rate of insulin that is continuously infused (24 hrs a day). So I get 1 unit per hour for a total of 24 units/day.
• Carb Ratio: how much insulin to take based on the amount of carbs i've eaten. In this case, for every 10 grams of carbs the pump will give me 1 unit.
• Sensitivity: how much 1 unit of insulin will drop my blood sugar.

I call Dr. Mary tonight after I upload my pump and Natasha's pump. I'm sure we'll make some modifications to both hers and mine, so i'll post tomorrow or tonight what we are changing. All in all though, I've noticed better control just since Friday and It is soooo much more convenient. For all the pump resisters out there - this is the life! no joke! sooo much easier and so much flexibility.

An Insulin pump - if you don't have one, get one! (only if you have diabetes, LOL)