Stockpile Low

My stockpile has been dwindling since I have not been couponing. Today I went to CVS to help fill up our stash. Laundry detergent, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes were all on my list. My total was $112.  I handed her my coupons and paid $77 out of pocket. I got $15 ECB back for my next visit. Now that's good savings!

Back to Saving

I haven't used coupons in well over 3 months.

Last night I decided to make a run to Harris Teeter, matching items with a handful of coupons, and grab their B1G1 deals and their B2G3 deals.

I got $300 worth of groceries for only $150!  The cash register had an over-ring because the savings was so high!  SCORE!

That was enough to get me motivated to start saving again.

Have you checked out HT's big savings this week?  Better go before they end.  Last day is Tuesday.

They have lots of cuts of meat for B1G1 that I got and the cashier told me their shrimp was B2G3 which had almost $100 in savings.  I might need to go back!

Hot Cocoa

Sometimes I just buy the Hot Chocolate mix packets because they are easy. 

But sometimes it's just cheaper and easier to make it homemade.  

Have you ever had it homemade?  It's yummy.

I just use my recipe from Betty Crocker.

Here it is.  Give it a try!

Lost & Found....The Sequel

You might be wondering how my Lost and Found box turned out.

Well, it worked!  And it's still working.

After my box filled up, one Saturday I told the kids it was Clean-out-the-Lost-and-Found-Box Day.

If their items were not claimed and paid for, then they would be donated to Goodwill.

I dumped the box in the middle of the floor and each Fish Stick made their pile of belongings (apparently there were items they weren't ready to pay for but items they didn't want to get rid of).

I made a list of the amount of money they owed to reclaim their things.

Then they were given the option to pay up or work it off.

Some kids opted to pay....the ones who actually have money and don't allow it to burn holes in their pockets.

Others wanted (or needed) to work it off.

I pulled out my trusted Home Management Notebook and pulled up the Paid Chores pages.

I ended up having my garage pressure washed, cleaned and organized and my Lost and Found box emptied all in one Saturday.  Everyone was happy.  Well, maybe not everyone was happy but I was happy and all Fish Sticks have since been TONS better about keeping their personal belongings picked up!  My Lost and Found box has never been so full again.

It's working....try it!!

Paid Chore List

Clean Garage!

New Year's Day Fish Traditions

Cheese ball with crackers

 New Year's Day has always been a big cooking day for me.  I cook a large variety of our favorite appetizers and of course New Year's Punch.  We feast at lunch and supper with our spread of goodies.

Today we've had sickness plaguing us since Christmas.  It seems to be the flu.  Thankfully not many folks have lost their appetite and the traditional meal was still very much anticipated. 

Star Anise Waffle Cookies - reminds me of our days in Singapore

Hummus and veggies

Asparagus Beef Roll Ups - my favorite!!!

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts - DELICIOUS!

Lime Fruit Dip with fresh fruit

New Year's Punch

 Here's my recipes in case you want to try some!

May your year be filled with lots of quality family time around the table!