Wednesday, April 30, 2008

My new Blog!


I am very excited to say I just started a new blog.  Really it is just a photo-blog for all of my toiletry products.  I haven't made many since my daughter was born, but plan to start up again full force. Have a look!  The more people look at it the easier it will be to find on google! Thank you!

Walgreens



Welcome to the Technology Age, Walgreens!

Well, I assume everyone has heard by now that Walgreens has joined the rest of the country and now does rebates on-line.  Yippee!  This should be a lot easier for all of us, and cheaper, with the climbing price of stamps and all.
Check it out Here.

Happy rebate-ing.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Albertsons week of April 30-May6

Not the greatest of deals this week.

The best 10 for 10 deals (don't need to buy 10 for the discount):

Red, Yellow or Orange Bell Peppers
Cameo apples
Hass Avocados
Old El Paso Taco Shells, Enchilada Sauce or Salsa and use coupon here
Fresh Express Garden Salad, Coleslaw or Spinach
Rosarita Refried Beans

There is also a mail in rebate form in the ad for Tostitos. You have to buy 2 bags of chips and 2 jars of salsa to get the $8 rebate. Your final price would be $2.00 for the 4 items.

Also a lot of meat sales. Sorry, I really dont know what a bargin is since we dont eat meat in our house!! But you can see them all here.

For all those Texters out there....

For a Free sample of chocolate turtle Chexmix:

Text CHEXMIX to 467467

-Seen in Elle magazine-

Be ready for any hot situation with Secret Clinical Strength. Count on prescription strength wetness protection even for heavy sweating. Text CLINICAL to 467467 for a free, new hypoallergenic sample.

(we dont pay for free texting on our service, so I wont be trying this one)

Monday, April 28, 2008

Oh, all our goodies!




Does this look familiar? Do you have a similar way of storing all those stockpiled items that dont fit in the pantry?
I keep some of my dry goods on a big shelf unit next to my big freezer in my basement. Its almost like my own little grocery store, when I run low on something, I just run down to grab more. But when do I have enough? I really enjoy getting great deals and free food, but is there a point when I need to stop? I think I am pretty good about knowing when to say when. Although I do have a few more boxed of cereal sitting next to this bin on the shelf, I only have about 3 boxes in my pantry, opened and being eaten. I wont buy any more, unless they are free of course. I have lots of cans of corn and tomatoes down there as well.
Doing this helps keep my pantry organized and keeps my life easier. Dinner is faster when Im not overwhelmed.
Plus, I have to keep my newly remodeled pantry looking oh-so pretty.
Sometimes I wonder about the expiration dates on the products I buy. How long do they really last? To my pleasant surprise Denise from the 'Cent'sible Sawyer has a wonderful article on this. I like to test expiration dates myself, mainly on dry goods, but did learn a lot from her article, check it out!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

A few freebies to start off the week.


Tighten up those fine lines with Garnier Ultra Lift Pro face cream.  What fine lines?

Sit down and relax with a cup of tea.  Try herbal tea from the Amazon Rainforest.

Like to smell pretty?  Try Nina Riccis new parfume Nina.

How about a sample of Totally Organic skin care lotion?  This sign up does include their e-newsletter.

Dogs or cats nudging at your heels?  Get a free bag of Nutro pet food.  I have already recieved my free bag coupon by mail!


Super Sample Sunday!


My newest idea is to post all of my free samples for the week on Sunday.  I would love for other people to post theirs as well.  I have spent a looooong time, finally asking help from my IT tech husband, to figure out Mr.Linky.  Lets give it a shot.

SOO, What freebies did you receive in the mail this week?  
And keep track of those samples, I'll do this every week if it becomes popular!



Saturday, April 26, 2008

Freebies

A couple of unusual ones today, hope someone likes 'em!

Free Kinderstart fridge magnet here

Try a sample of 25 Fizzy Wizzie bath tablets for children.

Free Advil sample and downloadable $2 off coupon.

Free subscription to Off Road Adventures, a magazine for 4x4 driving.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Show and tell Saturday. My moneymakers!


I spent 13.72 at Albertsons, which is kind of a lot.  But I did get a few things we needed.  The breakdown;
3 boxes of cereal
5 boxes of Bagel-fuls
3 2 liters of Coke, a treat for my wonderful husband
A 6 pack of t.p.
5lbs of potatoes
4lbs of red grapes

I did awesome at Rite Aid this week.  I did make 2 transctions so I get 2 hair dyes, which I will now donate somewhere!!  My total?  A profit of $20.67!!!!

I also must add that I spent $38 at the Commissary for the rest of our groceries, including lots of produce and stocking up on a few canned items as well.
My weekly total is $31.05!!  Yippee, this leaves me some room to hit up Costco in a few days!

Free tote at Macys


Macys is giving away another free 100% natural cotton tote tomorrow to the first 150 customers.  No purchase is necessary.  Mine opens at 10am.  Check your local store for giveaways as well!

(couldnt find a pic online, but the one in my newspaper is cream canvas with a green star and says Macys on the side)

Frugal Friday

This friday I will share a secret I have been using for some years. I use it to clean grapes, but I suppose it would work for other produce as well.

I start by getting out a very large bowl, pouring a large capful of white vinegar in, tossing in my grapes then filling the rest of the way with water. I then let it sit for about 10- 15 minutes, rinse well and enjoy!

This method is supposed to help loosen and get rid of the dirt and some chemical and pesticide buildup on produce. I cant guarantee anything, but I can tell you it makes my grapes feel and taste a lot cleaner than just rinsing!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

My monthly budget


Since I have become a stay at home mom, and thus becoming coupon and sale savvy, I have been keeping better track of my spending.  I have been saving receipts in a file and adding them up at the end of the month.  As I now hit more stores more often I think I will devise a graph.  This would make it easier to add each receipt as I go along.

I had my daughter in November and just got into the coupons and bargin-only shopping starting in February.  My goal is to spend $200 or less per month for myself, my husband, baby and 3 cats.  This will include all foods for everyone, drugstore needs, baby and pet items, friday night pizza, ect.  

Can I do it??  I think I can.

January total
45o spent
?? saved

February
235.00 spent
150.00 saved

March
246.72 spent
256.94 saved

How much does everyone else spend per month?

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Freebies


A free guide from the What to Expect company A Guide to a Healthy Home. (thank you Jennifer @ Sisterly Savings)

Berry Burst Metamucil sample here

Coupon for a free shopping bag from Babies R Us with purchase.

maybe more tomorrow...  I like to try to find others dont have posted, not an easy task!!




Albertsons deals Week of April 23-29 (pac NW stores)


A little late today, deals started this morning and I have already done my shopping!  Some fair bargins this week.  Here is what I thought was worth our money.  Nothing to get too excited about.  Not that I saw anyway. 




Coupons in ad;

5lb potatoes .99

Charmin TP big rolls 6 pack for 2.99, use .25 cents off coupon from P&G insert

Produce;

red seedless grapes .99lb (that is a great deal, I bought 4lbs!)

Mix or Match deal, 8 products for $20 -5 discount from Kraft (each item is 1.88 before coupon)

Post Live Active Cereal use $1 off coupon from newspaper inserts

Kraft Bagel-fuls use $1 off from recent papers

Jello Sugar Free 6 pack use .55 off from recent newspaper

Other;

Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Sprite are .99 each, buy 3 get $1 discount making them .67, I think limit is 9


Please tell me if you saw any great deals!!



Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Help around the house

    Being a stay at home mom is not an easy job.  I had really high expectations before we had our little girl 6 months ago.  I was certain that I would be able to keep the house immaculate every day, always have laundry caught up and a meal made from scratch waiting on the table when my husband arrived home.  All this while of course keeping up on my hobbies, grocery shopping and yard work, oh thats right, on my 6 month old as well!  No, I wasn't born in the 20s, and my mother did not instill old fashioned rules into my head.  I truly thought there was that much time in the day.  Really, stop laughing.
    I have been considering getting some help with the house cleaning.  A local cleaning gal
would be about $50 per cleaning.  If we did this once or twice a month it would allow more time for me to gain financial income elsewhere.  I would do this by clipping coupons, hitting all local grocery sales, some advertising on this blog and even revenue from my soap and toiletries line.  
    Would this really be financially smart?  I really could use the help, even if I don't have extra time to spend on anything but my daughter.  I feel she would benefit greatly.  
    
    Does anyone else have an opinion?  Is anyone else in this situation?  I know I am blessed that we could potentially afford a little help, but is it a smart place to put our money? (my mental sanity and the moulding of our daughter?)
    

Monday, April 21, 2008

Just a few freebies



A new Starbucks link from StartSampling for free coffee.

Some nice natural Body Eclipse shampoo here.

Free sample of address labels, if you need any!  

Ambi moisturizer and exfoliating wash sample here.

As Seen on TV


Become a Product tester for 'As Seen on TV' brand.   Just fill out a little information here and your in.   A little silly, yes, but it may be fun!  I have always wanted to try those goofy excercise machines they make look so fun.  You never know!



Has anyone ever had any luck being a product tester?

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Rite Aid Deals week of April 20-26



Rite Aid is giving away a lot of really great free products this week!!!

All FREE after Rite Aid rebate;

Just for Men Touch of Gray Haircolor.  7.99 with R.A. rebate of 7.99, use a $2 coupon here AND send in the manufactures rebate here for a profit of $10!!!

Hersheys Bliss chocolates 2.99 -2.99= free

Pure Shine hair products 3.99 - 3.99= free

Jane Be Pure mineral makeup 5.99 - 5.99 = free  (does anyone have any coupons or new links??, previous link is dead)

Oral B toothbrush Cross action, vitalizer or ProHealth 3.19 -rebate = free

TheraGesic pain creme 3.00 - rebate = free

Anti-Monkey Butt Powder is 4.99 - rebate = free (I am afraid to even ask what this is!!)

Really Good deals:

American Telecom cordless phone (19.99) free after RA rebate of 9.99 and Manufactures rebate of 10.00  'with activation of free long distance minutes'.

GUM 2 pack toothbrushes are 2.00 - RA rebate of 1.00 - .75 coupon in todays paper = .25 for a 2 pack of toothbrushes!

Advil PM 16-20 count is 3.99 - RA rebate of 3.00 = .99  (was there a coupon for this somewhere?  I dont seem to have one)

Natures Bounty Vitamins BOGO, use 2 $1/1 coupons from recent papers.

Schiff Move Free supplements are BOGO, use 2 $5/1 coupons from recent papers.

Schiff Glucosamine or Renew-In are BOGO, use 2 $3/1 coupons from recent papers



Let me know if you have found any other deals or coupons for these products and I will post them!  Thanks!





Free shopping bag at Home Depot

Today only, per my flyer (Washington State), Home Depot is giving away Free reusable shopping bags if we come in to the store.  Nothing is mentioned about a purchase being necessary!  But I am going to buy a few seed packets and maybe give my husband the Fluorescent light bulb coupon just in case!  I'll report back.
Well, I got there at 2pm and was lucky enough to get the last bag, no purchase necessary.!  Did anyone else get one???

Saturday, April 19, 2008

More Free Starbucks!



Follow the Find my Perfect Coffee game for ANOTHER free Starbucks coffee sample! (and turn off your pop-up blocker)

my freebies!

I had a pretty good week full of freebies so I was ecstatic to read Crystals (from Money Saving Mom) suggestion of posting those as well!  We all love show and tell, dont we?

My best freebie this week was the Home magazine, its a really great mag.  Great inspiration for us as we remodel our house!

What is your best freebie this week?  And we want to know where you signed up for it!



My weeks spending!







My first stop was Rite Aid where with all my rebates and coupons I will have made $1.13 profit!  The girls are starting to know me there and give me a smile when I come in.  I bet they are thinking 'on no, here comes that lady with all the coupons!'.  
Tuesday I went to Albertsons and took advantage of their sales as well.  I did spend $2.90 on quaker items along with the tax.  Oh well, I guess I shouldnt complain!

So, all in all, I spent a total of $1.77.  I saved $80.70!!


Friday, April 18, 2008

Erins Frugal Friday



My frugal tip this week will really only apply to parents who use cloth diapers on their babies.  If you do not have little ones in diapers this may sound icky and bore you.  If you have a baby and only use disposable diapers, think about switching to cloth.  I use Bum Genius 3.0, a one sized diaper with velcro tabs that is more leak proof than the pampers we used to buy.  I love them, and we have tried 4 different types of cloth.  They are pricey to get into, but now we dont ever have to spend a dime on diapers OR wipes, ever.  That is huge.
Okay, my frugal tip is making your own cloth baby wipes.  When I first did this I sewed pretty flannel rectangles with contrasting thread, similar to the designer ones I saw on-line.  I made them into sizes that fit in my wipes warmer.  Fun, but a bit time consuming.
Once I went through them all and realized I really needed more, I had a bright id
ea to cut up one of my husbands (old) white tee shirts, no hemming or surging needed.  I roughly made them all the same size as a regular disposable wipe would be if it were folded up.   I run the whole stack under warm running water then wring lightly and place in my wipes warmer.  For a more pleasant experience I made up a bottle of bottom solution (after some more research online) that I then pour a bit in the warmer to soak into the wipes.  It really helps wipe glide along babys soft skin better, smells nice and the tea tree is a disinfectant. 

Once babys bottom is cleaned I just toss the wipes along with diaper into the pail!

Baby Bottom Solution;
4-6oz distilled water
2-4oz witch hazel
1/2 tsp good oil (I used Apricot)
few drops of lavender, tea tree and/or other essential oils.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Join the G-Dots Club




Sign up with the G-Dots club for free samples and offers sent to your house.  They promise to send a swag bag of samples.  After these items are sampled we are to respond back with our opinion. Sounds easy to me! 

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

who loves freebies?



Join the Schick Quattro Womens Club and recieve a free razor, other coupons and goodies.

A free 3 month supply Bio Spot flea and tick repellant for dogs.

2 free weeks of Naturemade Vitamin C here (for those who did not request the multi)

Free kraft cheese slices for an essay written here, but hurry, offer is only for 1st 1000 people.

And if you want to work for it, a free bottle of Totally Toddler stain removal (see link)

10,000 Clean Home gift pack will be given out, give it a try at  Clean Home Journal


Albertsons deals Week of April 16-22 (pac NW stores)


Albertsons wants to be sure our cereal supply is not getting low (mines not!!)

The best advertised deal I have found is a Quaker deal of 10 products for 15.00, then adding a $3 discount at register with purchase of the 10 items. I can combine this with a few coupons to get most or all items for 0.20 each.  I just came back from Albertsons after only doing the Quaker scenario and paid 2.90 out of pocket!  I will post pics saturday.

Quaker Life Cereals, Coupon for $1 off Cinnamon Life here

Quaker;
Oatmeal to Go Bars
Breakfast Cookies or Morning Minis
Granola Bites
Granola Bars
Cereal or Muffin Bars
Add recent newspaper coupons for $1/1 box of Baked snacks does apply to most of these, as does the .55 off 1 Oatmeal bar box (located by the oatmeal)

Frito-Lay Fritos or Cheetos 9-10oz bags

SoBe No Fear or Mountain Dew Amp Energy Drinks 16oz BOGO coupon here

I also see the Strawberries are at 1.49lb, making the 4lb containers $5.96. Not great, but not terrible for early spring.

Pearl Organic Soy mild is $10 for 10 (dont have to buy 10)

Breyers 16 oz size ice cream is also $10 for 10


Let me know if you find and really great deals at any Albertsons store and what state you live in. (it seems that all Albertsons regions have different sales)

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

I love my pantry!
























We did finally finish our pantry.  We finished it late last week, but with company over the weekend I didnt bother to post it.  
I am so happy with it, it is HUGE, hard to tell from the pics, but 4-6 adults could stand in it comfortably with the door closed.  I am able to be so organized now.  A huge money and time saver.  No longer do I have to buy items at full price last minute because I cannot find them in the pantry.  (remember, my pantry was a 'pantry within a pantry' buillt into the framework of the house in 1939) 

Monday, April 14, 2008

Free Good Housekeeping Magazine

For those of you who dont read Money Saving Mom you did not hear about this great freebie site offering magazines in trade for your time. AdPerk is a wonderful company that offers free magazines in trade for watching advertisements. It was really easy to do and now I get a free year long subscription of Good Housekeeping!! It only took me about 15-20 minutes and I did it while nursing then playing with my baby. They also had a few other choices as well, I think I will do it again and get Popular Science for my husband.

Free Video Game

Join Goozex, a video game trading site and recieve 1 free trade credit and 100 points.  Joining is free, there are no fees and no credit card is required.  Though this is not something I have signed up for, so I cannot promise anything but it really looks like a great thing!


Sunday, April 13, 2008

Lets start off the week with a few Freebies!


Spring Clean those windows!
Free sample of Alessa Windex Window Cleaner.

And in the bathroom;
Scotch-Brite Disposable Toilet Scrubber Kit.

Catch up on that laundry with
Purex laundry detergent.

Stains on those clothes?
Try Tide with Dawn Scrubbers Here.

Free sample for your mouth
Reach Access Flosser

And sample six new
Designer Fragrances through Walgreens

Try Stevia. It is a plant based sweetener. I actually love and use this stuff in my tea every day. Not good for coffee or baking, but great everywhere else. (cereal, fruit, tea, pudding, hot chocolate) Stevia!!

Enjoy!!

Rite Aid Deals week of April 13-19



I heart Rite Aid.

Some money makers this week! Go warm up the car!

Free items;

Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste 2.49 minus 2.49 rebate and use coupon for 1.00. Profit 1.00.

Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 2.99 minus 2.99 rebate and use 1.50 off coupon. Profit 1.50.

Samy Shampoo, conditioners or Stylers are 4.99 with a rebate of 4.99. Cost is Free

Adidas Action 3 deodorant is 4.99, use coupon in todays paper to get this item Free.

Glade aerosol Air Freshener with Rite Aid coupon is .99, stack with recent 1.00 off coupon from recent paper for a profit of .01.

Finesse Shampoo, Conditioner or Styling aid is 2 for $5 with a 3.00 rebate on 2, use 2 1/1 coupons from recent paper insert to get 2 for Free.

Blood Glucose Monitors Free after Rebate;
One Touch Ultra2
Ascensia Contour
Freestyle Freedon Lite
Accu-Chek Avivia

Other Deals this week;

Bic Advance or Bic Soleil razors BOGO and use 2/1 or 3/1 coupon from todays paper to get for 2 pack of razors for appx 1-2 dollars each.

Speed Stick 2 pack (Lady or mens 24/7) are on sale for 2.99. Use a $1 coupon here to get each stick for a buck.
This link may no longer have the deodorant coupon.  It does still offer toothpaste and softsoap coupons though.

Sunsild Shampoo, Conditioner and Stylers are on sale 2 for $6. Use 2 $1/1 coupons from recent paper to get them for $2 each OR a $1/1 coupon and a BOGO coupon (from Home and Gardens magazine or other) to get them for a dollar each.

Suave Shampoo and Conditioner is on sale for .99. Use recent 1.00 off 2 coupon to get 2 for less than .50 each!

Clarotin 10ct is 7.99 with a $1 rebate. Use todays paper coupon for 3.00 off for allergy relief for 3.99.


I just got a tip from Jessica, a reader of Be Thrifty Like Us, who says to register online with Rite Aid for $50 in free coupons mailed to your house. She has done this and said the coupons are great! It was easy, sign up HERE! Thanks Jessica!



Am I confusing? Did you find any other deals? Please let me know!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

more tomorrow


I got to glance at the Rite Aid ad today and I saw some great deals with lots of freebies, I will post in the morning, it was a really busy day. We just got home from a late birthday dinner for my little brother. Happy Birthday Sean!

In the mean time follow this link to the Pinecone Research Ad at the top of the page if you are interested in surveys and research panels. They are a hard to find group that apparently pays decent for its volunteers. I just signed up a week ago as I have heard so many great things about them. Good luck!

sorry, more bad news....





I found my Gerber Organic baby food is also packaged in #7 plastic. What a frightening find. Lucky for us, I have only been feeding her solids for 2 weeks. I was very upset and wrote a letter to Gerber but have not heard back from them yet.
I have since purchased only Earths Best and plan to use my new baby food mill as well. I encourage you all to check your plastic packaging and inform these companies that we will not purchase their goods packaged in toxic plastics.

What plastic items have you found around your house that we should be aware of??

Friday, April 11, 2008

Frugal Friday

My frugal tip for today is a great trick I have recently been using with my Swiffer.  I take a micro-fiber cloth (we have a number for cleaning and dusting) and poke it into the Swiffer, just like you would the purchased disposable cloths.  Throw in laundry when done.  Its just that easy.  No more running out of cloths, spending the money (they are a bit pricey when you use them as often as I do) and no more filling the land fills!

Happy Frugal Friday

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Throw away your Nalgene bottles

 

I have a large stylish pink Nalgene bottle that I am very attached to.  I flipped it over this morning to discover that it is made with plastic #7.  This is a very harmful plastic, Nalgene uses it because it is unbreakable.  The chemicals  bisphenol A and phthalates can cause cancer, neural and behavioral problems, reproductive dysfunction, and other neurological problems.  My mother has been warning me of this for years but I did not really listen until recently, when I became a mother myself.  I hope to God I have not consumed too many of these chemicals during pregnancy, I could not bear it if I have hurt my daughter.  Please check all your plastics and throw away what we know to be extremely harmful.

Throw out #3, #6 and #7

Studies show #1, #2 and #5 to be safe.  (but are they really?)

Some good links on this info are:

Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer on this topic but it is very important to me.  It should be very important
 to you as well.  Protect your children and loved ones please.

On a lighter note, I did just order 2 Klean Kanteens which are 100% safe stainless steel.  My mother has a few and they are quite lovely to drink out of, I had not realized how water really takes on the flavor of what surrounds it. Originally I wanted to order the ever popular SIGG metal water bottle because they are so pretty, but upon further research I discovered that they have a PLASTIC LINING.  Quite absurd, I guess they too only care about the environment and not our bodies.  Oh well, Klean Kanteen it is then.

Freebie Thursday





Try Joicos new K-PAK hair recovery here.

Tampax and Always Samples from Being a Girl.

Something for your furry friend; Greenies pet treats for kitty or dog.

Join the Pringles Advisory Board for free samples and surveys.

Take your vitamins!  Free 2 week supply of Naturemade Vitamins. (you must register with site)

Help our bee population and join the Great Sunflower Project by planting free seeds in your yard this year.

Dry skin?  How about some Eucerin Calming Creme.

And Finally, Visit Walmarts Free Sample Page for a check to see if there are any samples you have not signed up for yet!


Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Todays Commissary Deals; Bangor




I spotted a few good deals today while grocery shopping at my local Commissary.

Baking Potatoes $0.19 per lb
Cucumbers $.39 each
Sunsilk Hair Products are $2.49 each, use recent newspaper insert coupons for $2/1 and BOGO makes them less than $.25 each
Aquafresh Advanced toothpaste is $2.26 minus recent internet coupon here of $2 off
Welches bags of Dried fruit $1.47 each minus coupon in recent papers for $1 off 1
Betty Crocker Frosting is $.99, if you haven't cashed in those $.55 coupons, now is a good time!
 
Well, thats all I have for now.  Let me know if you saw something great!!
Baby is crying and needs some lovin', gotta go!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Gotta Love Freebies




If you happen to wake up early, log on to this site for your free Uni-Ball pen.  I never seem to make it in time, supplies must be very limited and those darn east-coasters are getting them all!

I made $.67 cents at Walmart.

 Though not a big fan of the store, I will go for really good deals.  These are all the freebies I got today at Walmart. Most of these coupons were from recent newspapers.  
The cat treats were for 1 Free Bag, I had 2 coupons.  
The Suave lotions were for $1 off 1, giving a $.03 profit on each.  
The Glade Scented Oil was a $3 off coupon giving me a profit on that item of $.53.  
These toothbrushes were purchased with an online coupon you can print here.  One dollar off any Colgate toothbrush and if you search the shelf  (it took me a minute!) you can find the $.96 toothbrushes. This adds a small profit of $.04 each!
I also saw the big aerosol Glade fragrance sprays for $.94 each and I know there has been recent $1 off coupons, this would be another freebie!!  And a BOGO coupon as well.  Ill get mine next time!

Happy Shopping

Pantry Remodel

Early last week I had a genius idea to re-shelve our pantry.  Well it took me a good few days to empty all the food out and organize into bins.  It took my husband a day and a half to demo it after we discovered the 'pantry inside a pantry' had been built into the framework of the house back in 1939.  He worked really hard and finally got it stripped clean.  
My stepfather came over to help frame out the back half, thank you Marty!  My husband then re-wired for lighting and the installation of a microwave (yes, we want it in the pantry, no place to install in the kitchen).  He then attempted sheetrock, another first for him, and did a fabulous job.  
I, yesterday, did all the mud and spackle work, which was quite a job.  Today I did a primer coat of paint  (and remember, choosing 'just a bright white' is never an easy task)  then I added wall texture spray.  I will not attempt to scrape all the texture off the old half of the pantry, just not worth it, I do need to remember this is just a pantry after all.  I then took baby to the store while the paint and texture dries.  (I will post my freebie deals soon)
Upon my return I discover that my husband has gotten off of work early and will be a great help to move this project along.
Here we go.......

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Rite Aid and Walgreens post

I did really well this week.  Did 2 runs to Rite Aid and one to Walgreens.  I spent $4.88 total.   After, of course, all coupons and rebates.
Yikes, the picture is sure fuzzy, maybe next time Ill take a moment to charge the camera first instead of grabbing my husbands iphone instead!
click for more quotes from the office

PlanningFamily

FamilyPlanning