One Day at a Time-Ginger

Cats On Tuesday

2012-01-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat parents who write about their sweeties once a week. Go to Gattina's for more.

I thought this was too cute; this morning I found Snowflake and Humpty Dumpty bathing insync.

Eating from the Pantry

2012-01-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

Jessica over at Life as Mom is hosting this month's Eat from the Pantry Challenge. I have joined in twice before and found it a great way to clean out the freezer and pantry.

My goals are simple: 1)use up what I already have and 2)save money. This doesn't mean I will pass up good grocery deals if I see them, but I won't be spending as much. Last year during this challenge I fed myself and my son for about $125 for the month.

Cats On Tuesday

2011-12-20T05:46:00.001-05:00

Minnie has a thing for the Christmas tree; she has undressed the bottom half of the tree. I caught her in the act of trying to climb the tree and she helped her sister to take the ornaments off the bottom half. So, our tree is top heavy with ornaments. I added presents since this picture was taken, so she has been pushed to the outer edge.

ALERT::::I heard a jingling this morning, ran into the room, switched on the light, and found her SITTING high up on a branch of the tree, shaking the ornaments off. The mystery of the deformed limbs facing downward on the fake tree was solved....the bent branches are caused by Minnie's wide hips and posterior.

For more cat stories, head over to Gattina's.

Cats On Tuesday

2011-12-13T04:50:00.000-05:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who share their cat pictures/stories once a week. Head over to Gattina's for more.

The tree holds a special spell for my kitties.....Miles, Minnie, and Snowflake enjoy that there are no packages yet to get in their way, which is why there are no packages yet.

December 3, 2011

2011-12-03T11:35:00.001-05:00

Under the tree---sweethearts

Cats On Tuesday

2011-11-28T18:59:00.000-05:00

Cats on Tuesday is hosted by Gattina. Head over there for more cat stories.

My kitties LOVE the fireplace. It has been cold enough to have a fire, and here is Humpty Dumpty mesmerized by the flames.

$74FREE@CVS

2011-11-26T17:37:00.000-05:00

CVS had the BEST Black Friday they have had in recent years. I got to the one CVS in my town about 15 minutes before it opened. I did 6 transactions to get over $74 FREE plus an additional ECB of $12.

Publix Steals

2011-11-25T04:52:00.001-05:00

I did not keep the receipt to see the actual savings, but this haul was right at $30 and it fed 2 families for Thanksgiving. I purchased (on behalf of a friend and myself):

2 turkeys
2 bags of potatoes
2 bags of stuffin
2 cans of beans
2 cans of cranberry sauce
2 cans of yams

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T04:49:00.000-05:00

Today as we celebrate Thanksgiving I am ticking off the things I am thankful for.....and it is quite a long list. This has been both a year filled with blessings and trials, but I will focus on the blessings.

Saved 45% at Publix

2011-11-19T18:02:00.000-05:00

This trip to Publix was $70.52 before sales; $38.43 afterwards. That included a nearly 12 pound turkey for Christmas!

Cats on Tuesday

2011-10-24T20:03:00.000-04:00

Cats on Tuesday is hosted by Gattina.

Above: Another shot of my Humpty getting fresh water from my bathroom sink.

Above: Humpty lying on my side while I watch tv. If I am on the couch, he is on me.

Above: another shot of Lovey getting fresh water

Cats on Tuesday

2011-10-10T19:47:00.000-04:00

Lovey and Humpty Dumpty both love to drink water from the faucet in my bathroom. Lovey doesn't care if it flows down his head; whereas, HD laps it directly.

Below: Humpty Dumpty and his tiny little mohawk. Can you see it?? It's natural.

For more cat stoires go to Gattina's

Sunrise

2011-10-08T09:18:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Saturday morning sunrise~~

My Town

2011-09-30T21:07:00.001-04:00

I love living on the South Carolina coast. I went to college in the state capital and hated that town....it was too landlocked. Here are some recent pictures taken from our local coffee shop.

In the top picture, the bridge is an old swing bridge that opens at least once an hour for boats to come and go

Cats on Tuesday

2011-09-19T20:42:00.000-04:00

Cats on Tuesday is hosted by Gattina. Here are some recent pictures of Humpty Dumpty. He has been very loving since his brother Thumper died.

Farewell My Friend

2011-09-12T19:50:00.001-04:00

For more cat stories, visit Gattina's.

Tuesday night I found Thumper on the floor on the backside of my bed....paralyzed with his back legs. Wednesday the doctor tried steroids to reverse the damage, but since an xray showed no damage to the spinal chord, she believes a blood clot had gone to his spine. I had to say farewell to a young cat (5) I had not had for two years yet. I got him and his brother Humpty Dumpty from a couple at my former church. Their little girls had named them. I loved him soooo much. He will be so greatly missed. (The same thing happened back in October 1990 to a twelve year-old I had, Fluffy Marie.)

PJs for $2.13

2011-08-20T12:14:00.000-04:00

These pajamas were regularly $34 at JCPenney, but I got them for $2.13 with tax. They were marked down to $16.99, and I had a $15 gift certificate I received in the mail.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-08-01T22:37:00.000-04:00

Below: My gorgeous Snowflake with one blue eye and one green eye....

Below: Enemies Miles and Thumper have a truce for naptime.

The blood brothers show how much they love each other: Thumper with his arm on his brother...sweet

Below: Minnie, Miles, Thumper during nap time one afternoon

They are wondering what that sound was!

For more cat pics, go to Gattina's

Saved 90%atCVS

2011-07-30T18:30:00.000-04:00

I paid 2.39 for the above items. Here is the breakdown:

1. Herbal Essence: on sale for 2.49: coupon in mail for FREE
2. Pantence: on sale for 3.49: coupon in mail for FREE
3. Purpose cleanser: 10.49
4. 2 root beer: on sale .88 cents each

I got the shampoo and conditioner free and used 9.99 in ECBs

The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McKnight (Part 5)

2011-07-30T08:26:00.002-04:00

Points from Chapters 8 and 9: (my paraphrases)

Our reputation with others is not important; what matters is who we are with God. An example given was Joseph, earthly father of Jesus. He struggled with what to do with Mary when he discovered she was pregnant. His reputation was important to him, but he followed God and sacrificed that reputation to obey God and marry her. (Chapter 8)

Each of us is called by God to "bloom where we are planted" (not from this book, but it sums it up)---we have a vocation, a calling, and we are to do God's bidding there to the best of our ability.For some it is homeschooling their own kids; others, it is construction work; for others, it is painting houses (etc....). Whatever it is, we are to be ambassadors of Christ. Example from the text: Mary, mother of Jesus: her vocation was rearing Jesus and his siblings. (Chapter 9)

The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McKnight (Part 4)

2011-07-29T08:26:00.000-04:00

Points from Chapter 7:

The secret to a new beginning is repentance, confessing we are sinners.

"We exist on 3 levels (most people, that is): the person we are in public; the person we appear to be to friends and family; and the person we are to ourselves (and God). In other words:

a. our public persona
b. our family image
c. our inner self (the hardest part filled with our dreams, desires, insecurities---that which is known to us and God)
Confessing our true selves to God is the only way to be truly set free through His forgiveness.

We are to tell the truth about:

a. our spirituality: Where is it anchored?
b. our possessions: Do we possess 'things' or do they possess us?
c. our power": How do we use it......or abuse it?

Good reminders of things I already knew---puts it all together, though.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-07-26T07:16:00.000-04:00

For more cat tales, head over to Gattina's.

Above: I can not stress enough how much NONE of the other cats like old man Miles. They sometimes tolerate him. Here, both he and Humpty are trying to sleep on *my* bed, but Humpty is giving him "the look".

Above: Thumper is always serious about his eating. This is how he eats, almost crawling into the bowl. The other cats don't relax their bodies like he does; he plans on being there awhile.

84% Savings at CVS

2011-07-25T11:40:00.000-04:00

Today I made another trip to CVS (I forgot to take the pic yesterday). The retail for the above items was $18.65; I had $4.75 in coupons and discounts were $3.88. I paid $10.73 out of pocket and earned $6.99 in Extra Care Bucks, so when all was done, I paid $3.74 for the above 5 items!

The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McKnight(Part 3)

2011-07-25T05:06:00.001-04:00

Parts 1 and 2 of my study of The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McKnight can be found here and here

"Loving God properly means tending to those in need.

Those who follow the letter of the law often miss fundamental teachings about loving God and others.

Look to the side to see the need in others.

Christians are not called to tolerance; christians are called to love. Toleration condescends; love honors.

From Francis Schaeffer's The Mark of a Christian: 'Love and the unity it attests to--is the mark Christ gave Christians to wear before the world. Only with this mark may the world know that Christians are indeed Christians and that Jesus was sent by the Father.'"

Friday Finals

2011-07-22T09:59:00.000-04:00

I got some great deals today for Friday Finals. The first trip to Publix where I saved over 53%, you can read here. Then, I went back when I found more Morningstar Farms coupons. For these 4 boxes I paid $4 and some change.....$1 a box. They were 2 for $4.19 and I used 4 $1 coupons.

Then, I went to Walgreens. I am not happy with them, and don't go there nearly as much as I used to. They had these Mitchum deodorants on sale 2 for $6, and they would generate a $4Register Reward. I had 2 $1 coupons. I used the coupons, but no register reward printed. I got my money back, including the $2 for the 2 coupons. I took that money and went to the other Walgreens in town and effectively with the register reward that printed, got these FREE:

Saved 53.69% at Publix

2011-07-22T08:46:00.000-04:00

I love, love, love Kashi cereal and stock up whenever it is on sale at Pubix. This is how I paid $18.61 for $39.87 worth of groceries:

Publix has a coupon out whereby you get a free box of Kashi crackers or cookies when you buy 1 box of cereal and granola bars. I got 2 deals, so 2 FREE boxes of KASHI cookies
Morningstar Farms: B1G1F: 2 for $4.19/I used 2 1.00 coupons.

I really messed up on the Morningstar Farms because I found I had *4* more $1 coupons, so I will be making another trip to Publix for 4 more boxes.

The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McKnight(Part 2)

2011-07-21T05:58:00.001-04:00

This is Part 2 of my study of The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McKnight. Part 1 can be found here.

"Our love for God is sacred.

We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Love is sacred because genuine love is total in its commitment.

Compromises of love can crush the heart, darken the day, and harden the arteries of trust.

Our love for God is truly sacred when we surrender to him totally.

Sacred love transforms our speech.

Sacred love converts our acts.

Our Abba father is impeccably pure, majestically marvelous, and embarrassingly faithful in his love for us. It is this good sense of embarrassment that evokes repentance from us, and helps us to see our violations of love against God and others as sin.

Sacred love converts acts of sin to acts of love.

Sacred love inspires our worship."

Cats on Tuesday

2011-07-18T22:36:00.000-04:00

For more cat stories by cataholics like me, go to Gattina's. On an episode of "Animal Planet" they talked about how there are two types of cats: tree huggers and bush stalkers. Tree huggers are climbers; bush stalkers tend to stick close to the ground.

Below: Humpty Dumpty is an obvious Tree Hugger (at times) He spends much of his day asleep on *my* (his) bed, but he does survey his kingdom some, as below. This is the ledge above the cabinet ABOVE the refrigerator.

same ledge, different angle---Tree Hugger---Below: Tree Huggers Humpty and Snowflake

Below: Miles and Thumper are both Bush Stalkers---They *rarely* climb at all, but stick close to the ground.

Below: Lovey is a Bush Stalker, even though he does climb on the bed. He looks at the Tree Huggers in a puzzled way when he sees them climb because he doesn't know how! (or perhaps doesn't understand *why* they do it)

Below: Both of my girls, Snowflake and Minnie, are Tree Climbers.

So, to sum up, I have 3 Tree Climbers and 3 Bush Stalkers. Can you see that your cat(s) are one or the other?

Summertime Pantry Challenge(Week 3)

2011-07-18T07:33:00.000-04:00

I am joining in the Summertime Pantry Challenge hosted by Jessica. Last week I got busy and didn't get around to putting out our menu. You should know that it's only my 17 year-old son and me, so our food can be stretched pretty far. Another thing you should know is that I am on Weight Watchers, so sometimes I *do* fix 2 meals, one for me and one for him, or a variation for each.

I had plenty of meat, rice, potatoes, and veggies on hand, but I am not staving off grocery shopping entirely. I shop at Publix, and they have certain deals that come around every 4-6 weeks. I had some too-good-to-pass-up coupons that matched some deals this week, so I *did* stock up. You can see those here.

So, last week we ate these items from the freezer: flounder, chicken, Boca crumbles in spaghetti (which son did not know), steamed veggie bags, and for son's lunches and snacks: hot dogs and lunchmeat. From the pantry we had: packaged rice, jarred spaghetti sauce, and potatoes made a variety of ways.

This week's menu:
Monday: Breakfast: cereal and blueberries for me/son does not eat breakfast in the summer
                Lunch: hot dogs or lunchmeat for the son/canned chicken to make chicken salad and Ritz
                            crackers
                Dinner: chicken in the crockpot with Lipton onion soup mix

Tuesday: Breakfast: same for me
               Lunch: fruit smoothie made with frozen strawberries, pineapple, and blueberries with Greek yogurt
                           in the fridge
              Dinner: spaghetti with jarred sauce in pantry

Wednesday: Breakfast: none for me....liquid diet today in preparation for outpatient surgery Thursday
                    Lunch: son: hot dogs or lunch meat
                    Dinner: son: fish and chips

Thursday: Breakfast: none due to outpatient surgery
                 Lunch: out somewhere
                 Dinner: hamburgers and homemade fries

Friday: Breakfast: cereal and blue berries for me
             Lunch: hot dogs or lunchmeat for son/chicken salad and crackers for me
             Dinner: chicken, rice or potaotes, veggie

That's as far as I've gotten for the week; I will re-assess later and plan the weekend.

The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McKnight

2011-07-18T06:57:00.000-04:00

I have been doing a lot of reading this summer--something I have truly missed in the hustle and bustle of this thing we call "life". One book that made an impact on me was The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McNight. I think it is worth sharing major points from the book, which I will do over several posts.

3 Things we learn when we infuse The Lord's Prayer with our prayer life:

"We learn to approach God as Abba: to love God means, in prayer, to call him Abba, the signature term of Jesus.

We learn what God really wants: In pondering God's Name, kingdom, and will, we are prompted to yearn for what God yearns for. Love always prompts yearning.

We learn to think of others: When we use the Lord's Prayer as a framework (not rote recitation), we will learn to pray for others.

"Jesus invites to his table those who are (spiritually and socially) sick, because Jesus can heal. When chided by the Pharisees for eating at Matthew's table, Jesus says, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.' He heals them by inviting them to the table and dispensing grace through his presence and his words. In other words, at the table of Jesus other human beings found Abba's love, and they find love of others---a fellowship of the Jesus Creed."

"The observant person's table story: You can eat with me if you are clean. If you are unclean, take a bath and come back tomorrow evening. Jesus' table story: clean or unclean, you can eat with me, and I will make you clean. Instead of his table requiring purity, his table creates purity. Jesus chooses the table to be a place of grace. When the table becomes a place of grace, it begins to act. What does it do? ....It heals, it envisions, and it hopes." (last part sums it up for moi)

Blueberries out of my ears

2011-07-16T09:30:00.001-04:00

I have written before about my blueberries. This week I went back to the farm and got almost another 5 gallons FREE. You may not be able to tell from the bottom picture, but it's 13 quarts. Coupled with what I had before, that may last me in the deep freeze til next summer!

Publix: Saved 49.71%

2011-07-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

This was my shopping trip today: $92.59 worth of groceries for $47.36. I had $12.75 in internet coupons and Publix B1G1Free savings was $33.28. This included 2 packages of Spenda 100 count for .29 each, 4 packages of President's feta cheese for about $1.09 each.

Kashi pizza: 2 for $10/used .75 coupon
President's feta cheese: 2 for $5.19/bought 4 and used 2 $3 coupons,, bringing them to 1.09 each
Bubble bath: 3.49
Spenda: 2 for 4.19/used 2 $2 coupons/bringing them to .29 each
grated cheese: 3.59
Pillsbury crescent rolls: 3 for $6
Orville popcorn: 2 for 5.14
Vlasic pickles: 2 for 2.48
Diet Root beer: B2G1F: 3 for 8.22(treat for my son)
Cascadian Farms organic cereal: 2.69 each (used 2 1.00 coupons)

Total in coupons: 12.75/Total in PUblix savings: 33.28

4 Years Cancer-Free: Thanks to Jesus

2011-07-11T05:22:00.001-04:00

In May of 2007, I started experiencing the symptoms of colon cancer. In fact, when I went to my doctor 2 weeks later, I told him that. He found I was losing blood so he put me in the hospital on Memorial Day weekend. A cat-scan showed diverticulitis, so that is what they treated me for until July. I took the doctor's advice and had a colonoscopy on July 5. The next day I was told I had colon cancer, and the rounds of tests began for surgery.

When I was diagnosed with colon cancer, I never asked, "Why me?", like some might. I saw it as another obstacle in life we are handed. We all have them; some are larger than others. That first weekend (I got the diagnosis on Friday.) I was worried. What happens to my son if I die? His father had moved back to his home state without a word five years earlier. There was no way of getting in contact with him. My parents were 76 and 79.

The morning of the surgery, Wednesday the 11th, I woke up in the night to go to the bathroom. As I lay back down, a peace came over me. I had a vision, a picture. It was the only one I've ever had. There was Jesus wearing a white robe on a white horse. He had a spear in one hand. I was behind him, and behind me were faceless people. I knew then that I was going to be ok. That was God reasssuring me because Jesus was leading me into battle, and behind me were prayer warriors: people from my school, my parents, and people from church.

The surgeon biopsied 19 lymph nodes and they were all clear. I was cancer-free. Nevertheless, he said I needed chemo as a precaution. More than a month after surgery, I started chemo. I lost much of my hair, but I survived...Thanks to Jesus.

Blueberries!

2011-07-07T07:55:00.000-04:00

Blueberries are one of the BEST fruits; they are high in fiber and anti-oxidants. Being a colon cancer survivor, I think that's really important for my diet. I have a long-time friend from my childhood who has had blueberry bushes for over 25 years....and they are plentiful. Last summer she told me to come get all I wanted, and the other day, she invited me back. This is from that first picking, as I plan to go back 2 more times this month to get enough for my freezer to last a year.

That's a 5 gallon bucket almost full, though it doesn't look like it here. Do NOT wash the blueberries before freezing them. I learned years ago that makes them mushy. I simply bag them up straight from the garden and wait to wash them as I take them out to use them.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-07-04T22:12:00.002-04:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their cats on Tuesdays. For more cat tales, head over to Gattina's.

Either Minnie or Thumper at the door/Snowflake and Humpty Dumpty took over the couch. I was sitting between them.

Miles is my snoring cat.

One night I was trying to watch 24 on Netflix in bed when Miles and Minnie tried to take over.

Below: For anyone new, Thumper (my polydactyl) and Humpty Dumpty are blood brothers. They act like their connection is similar to what twins would experience.

Menu Plan Week of July 4

2011-07-04T16:01:00.001-04:00

In keeping with the idea of Eating From the Pantry Challenge this month, here is my menu plan for the week:

Monday: breakfast: bagels
               lunch: chicken salad
               dinner: 4th of July celebration with friends: I'm making brownies with a mix I had in the pantry, taking potato chips I had on hand, and pigs-in-a-blanket (made with crescent rolls and little smokies I had in the freezer)

Tuesday: breakfast: cereal and blueberries
                lunch: at my parents' house after a morning of blueberry picking
               dinner: baked chicken, wild rice, grilled mixed veggies

Wednesday: breakfast: cereal and blueberries
                     lunch: lunchmeat sandwiches
                    dinner: grilled shrimp, homemade french fries, corn on the cob

Thursday: breakfast: cereal and blueberries
                lunch: sushi at our favorite restaurant
                dinner:  spaghetti

Friday: breakfast: Flatout foldout bread with 3 egg white/cheese omelet for a homemade Egg McMuffin (my Weight Watchers version)
             lunch: hot dogs
             dinner: steak, baked potato, corn on the cob

Snacks: popcorn, grapes, homemade smoothies

**Everything this week (except the sushi) is either in my freezer, refrigerator, or pantry.

Eating From the Freezer/Pantry--July Edition

2011-07-01T08:26:00.000-04:00

This month I'm participating in the Summertime Pantry Challenge hosted by Jessica.

I went to Publix this morning to take advantage and stock up on some great deals to see how long they will last me this month. I spent $118.55, but $50 of that was on a gas card. Publix is running a deal through the 6th where for every $25 in groceries you buy, you can get $10 off a $50 gas card. So....I am deducting that for this purpose.

Grocery-wise I spent $68.55. My savings was $47.05 (for the groceries only)

My goals for this month are as follows:

see how creative I can be with the meat I bought today---to see how far I can stretch it
spend less than usual
use up what I have

I did not take pictures in the freezer because I didn't have that much in there. I did take one of the cabinet where I keep rice, couscous, and canned tomatoes. There are a lot of staples here to use up. I did not get one of the 8 boxes of pasta in another cabinet.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-06-27T23:49:00.000-04:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their cats once a week. For more, go to Gattina's. I apologize to those of you who commented last week if I could not comment on your post. Blogger would not allow me to comment to some of you right up through Saturday, the last day I tried. I don't know what was wrong with it.

Isn't Lovey adorable? He has this thing about lying on the blow dryer.

No room at the inn---Miles and Minnie. I had actually been on the edge of the bed where the laptop is.

And...the brothers Humpty Dumpty and Thumper. No COT would be complete without their pics. This is a favorite napping spot for them..the couch...together.

CVS Deals

2011-06-26T13:08:00.000-04:00

The above represent $26.85 worth of products. Everything was on sale, and several items created ECBs. Here is the breakdown:

Charmin Basic: sale--$5.49/used a $1.00 coupon
Colgate: $2.87/used a .75 coupon/gained a $1.00ECB
2 Pantene: 2 for $6.97/used a $3.00 coupon/gained a $2.00ECB
ERA laundry detergent: $1.49

I used what Extra Care Bucks I had as well and spent $2.21. I got in return the $3 ECBs above and a $5ECB for beauty club spending.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-06-20T22:11:00.000-04:00

For more cat stories, go to Gattina's.

My sweet Thumper spent some time in the hospital about 3 weeks ago. He had a blockage between his stomach and his intestines. We think it was a hairball...yes...hairball. After two trips and two overnights, he is fine. With what I spent on his medical treatment, he can do whatever he pleases.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-05-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their cats on Tuesday. For more cat tales, go to Gattina's.

I found Lovey like this on Sunday. Was he wanting to blow his already long, gorgeous hair? It has enough volume. Or...was he armed against the other cats??

Cats on Tuesday

2011-05-17T05:49:00.000-04:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their cats once a week. For more cat pics, go to Gattina's.

Power of the Paw

Cats on Tuesday

2011-04-19T04:39:00.000-04:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their felines once a week. For more cat tales, go to Gattina's

Thumper imitating the Fonz from "Happy Days" : Thumbs up

57%Savings@Publix

2011-04-16T17:27:00.000-04:00

This is $73.95 worth of groceries that I paid $31.37 for, using coupons and the BOGO deals.

March Finals

2011-04-03T05:55:00.000-04:00

In March, I spent a record-low $104 for groceries/toiletries from Publix, Bi-Lo, and CVS. My budget was $200, so this is phenomenal to me that I was almost at *half* of that. My savings rate was 63%.

Publix Savings:50%

2011-04-03T05:17:00.000-04:00

Publix has some great deals this week. This is what I snagged: $89 worth of groceries for $44:

2 Red Baron pizzas
2 Flatbreads: B1G1F
2 cans of chicken B1G1F
2 Thomas bagels B1G1F
1 carton eggs
2 Publix lunchmeat
1 head of broccoli
2 packages of ground turkey
4 cartons of Smart Milk
2 pkgs. Gardein meat-free alternative
1 6 pack Pepsis

I was able to use, among other coupons, a $5 off $25 coupon from Family Dollar (because there is one nearby they consider a competitor) and a Food Lion $3 off $8 meat order.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-03-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

Cats on Tuesday is about cat lovers who write about their cats once a week. For more, go to Gattina's.

Lovey, you can not get into the washing machine with the comforter!

My sweet Lovey has an unnatural obsession with water. He fell into the tub a few weeks ago, and although he climbed out, he was unruffled.

CVS:Saved65%/BiLo75%

2011-03-20T16:08:00.000-04:00

After church today I stopped at CVS and BiLo. Here is the breakdown:

The Tribe hummus at BiLo is 2 for $6--I had 2 $2.00 coupons, making them a $1 each!

CVS: The rest was over $47 worth of products for $5.83 after coupons, cashed-in ECBs, and ECBS earned.

Tostitos: 2 for $6
Free jar of con queso with the Tostitos
Starbucks coffee: $5.99 and I used a $1 coupon
1 CREST: 3.49 and I used a $1 coupon and earned 2.50ECB
Nexxus: 9.99 and 10.99:

I used a total of $24 in coupons and ECBS and got back $12.50 in ECBS

Cats on Tuesday

2011-03-14T20:41:00.001-04:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their cats once a week. For more, go to Gattina's

Below: Humpty Dumpty and Thumper have taken over the couch-----again.

Below: HD and Lovey dream of the impossible: being outside

None of my cats have ever gone outside; I would worry the entire time. Most of mine have lived 17-20 years; I guess that's why.

Saved 97% @CVS

2011-03-13T09:34:00.002-04:00

This is one of the BEST CVS trips I have had in awhile. The picture represents $68.77 worth of product that I paid $4.97 for. Here is the breakdown:

Shelf cost: $68.77
Coupons: $28.29 (Coupons and Extra Care Bucks I cashed in)
Discount: $19.60
Extra Care Bucks back to me: $19

2 Herbal Essence: Shampoo and Conditioner 2 for $5.97 --used 2 $1.00 coupons/got back $2ECB
1 Charmin Flushables
1 Charmin 16 roll
1 Bounty 12 pack: Spend $25 on the Charmin and Bounty and get $10ECB back, plus I had 2 $1 coupons
1 Irish Spring Body Wash: $2.99/Got back $2 ECB
1 Crest Mouthwash
1 Crest Toothpaste: $3.49 each/used 2 $1 coupons/got back $5ECB
2 Gain Dish Liquid: $.97 each/used 2 $1 coupons

Cats on Tuesday

2011-03-07T20:29:00.000-05:00

For more cat stories and pictures, go to Gattina's

Lovey did not want to wait for the dishwasher to be emptied.

Publix Savings: 45%

2011-03-06T08:17:00.001-05:00

Publix has some great B1G1F deals this week, and since I had coupons for Ritz, Orville, and Bocca, I just had to stock up! Before coupons, the shelf cost was $71.49, but out of pocket I paid $40.32. That's a lot of meat-replacement savings for just my son and myself. Breakdown:

1. 2 boxes of Ritz
2. 3 packages of Bocca burgers
3. 3 packages of Bocca crumbles
4. 1 organic Publix pizza
5. 2 packages of crescent rolls for M's party later this week
6. 4 boxes of Orville R. popcorn
7. 1 box of Arm and Hammer cat litter
8. 1 carton of milk (which I FORGOT to use the coupon for!)

Cats on Tuesday

2011-02-28T21:08:00.000-05:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their furry babies once a week. For more go to http://www.gattinamycats.blogspot.com/

Above: Miles standing his ground with his tiny, ordinary paws against the baseball glove paws of Thumper. Miles is nearly 14 and refuses to take anything from the younger ones.

Above: My sweet Lovey; he's not yet 3, and he is still very kitten-like.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-02-21T20:31:00.000-05:00

For more cat stories, go to Gattina's.

For any new viewers to my COTS, below are my true blood brothers, Thumper and Humpty Dumpty. I think you can tell from the pictures how much they love each other. I love taking pictures of them.

And, yes, Thumper is a polydactyl, for those of you who are new to my boys. He has paws like baseball gloves and look at those awesome THUMBS!

Publix Savings and Mid-Month Total

2011-02-19T07:56:00.000-05:00

There is not a lot I needed in the way of groceries this week, but I did want to partake of some of the Publix sales. Before coupons and discounts, the total was $53.72; post-deals, I paid $32.61. My total grocery spending for the month thus far is $93.07, well below my $200 grocery allowance. Of that, I am pleased.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-02-14T18:27:00.000-05:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who blog about their cats once a week. For more cat stories, go to
Gattina's.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-02-07T20:38:00.001-05:00

For more cat stories, go to Gattina's.

Humpty Dumpty likes to drink from the bathroom sink:

Isn't she precious? She is my little sweetpea! (Don't let her looks fool you, though; she is a devil to the other cats!) (Her name is not really Sweetpea; it's Snowflake)

Cats on Tuesday

2011-01-31T19:33:00.000-05:00

Last week I had to skip COT due to exhaustion and not any new pics of the babies. We are back this week:
For more, go to http://www.gattinamycats.blogspot.com/

Top Pic: Minnie
Middle and Bottom: Humpty Dumpty and Thumper at bath time

Eating From the Freezer/Pantry---End of Month Totals

2011-01-30T09:19:00.001-05:00

As the Eat from the Pantry Challenge winds down, here is how I did at the stores. My goal was not to stop shopping entirely but to use up a lot of what I had and only buy produce, the occasional meat, and stock up on good sales coupled with coupons.

Total Shelf Cost: $348.39

Monthly Budget: $200.00

Total Coupon Savings: $87.12                                Variance: $9.31

Total Discounts: $78.24

Total Savings: $165.36

Amount Paid (after rebates): $190.69

Savings Rate: 47.46%                         Amount Paid (exc. Rebates) $190.69

So, I am in UNDER budget; for that I am REALLY excited!

CVS Deals Jan23

2011-01-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

This CVS trip was not as lucrative as I'd like, but still it was not bad. Before coupons the total was
$22.46. I used a $10 ECB and a 1.50 ECB. It came down to $12.08 and I got back a $3.99 ECB. My son was having a big time chips and salsa craving, so there you have it.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-01-17T20:59:00.002-05:00

For more cat pics, head over to Gattina's.

Below: Lovey, Thumper, and Snowflake on Momma's bed---Lovey is still wearing his Christmas collar to give him some color. (I have been known to step on him in poor lighting or the dark. :( ).

Thumper washing his thumb

This is common EVERY night: Snowflake, me(my legs are between them.), and Humpty Dumpty on the sofa

and.....Thumper and Humpty Dumpty curled up together on the couch---no room for humans!

More Than Free at CVS

2011-01-17T06:41:00.000-05:00

Sunday I went to CVS for my weekly trip and basically did the same deal as last week. I had $11.89 in ECBS from the Pepsi and other deals last week AND 2 Orbit B1G1 Free coupons. Before coupons my total was $22.58. I had $14.47 in coupons with the ECBS and Orbit. I paid $8.11 but got back $10 in ECBS for the Pepsis you see above! You have to love more than free!

Eating From the Freezer/Pantry: Mid-month Update

2011-01-15T18:03:00.002-05:00

I decided since it is the 15th of the month, I would see where I stand in my Eat from the Pantry/Freezer Challenge. This is my budget and what I've spent so far:

Total Shelf Cost: $182.55
Monthly Budget: $200.00

Total Coupon Savings: $44.50
Total Discounts: $30.20

Amount Paid $107.85 : This includes a $37 trip to Petsmart for cat litter and a huge bag of dog food. Do I count pet food? I don't know, but I do.

Walmart Trip

2011-01-15T17:54:00.000-05:00

I thought I made it pretty well at Walmart today. Before coupons, the total was $36.14; after coupons, it was $23.45. The breakdown:
5 boxes of Kashi cereal
1 5 lb. bag of Idaho potatoes
1 bag of apples
1 5 lb. bag sugar
1 3 pk of yeast
1 bag of Hall's cough drops

I had $9 off the Kashi from coupons I got in the mail from Vocalpoint.

Cats on Tuesday

2011-01-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their cats once a week. Go here for more pictures.

Below: This is my FAVORITE picture of the brothers. They and Snowflake had taken over the couch. I used this on my Promethean Board at school, and a student asked if I put them like that. Pullleeezz...No one tells a cat what to do!

Above: Miles in my spot before bedtime

Week 2 of the Pantry Challenge

2011-01-10T04:39:00.000-05:00

I am beginning week 2 of the Pantry Challenge issued by Jessica. I am thrilled to say I have not set foot in the grocery store in ONE WEEK!

We have used frozen fish, potatoes, fresh broccoli, leftover taco meat I had frozen, and tacos. Keep in mind we are gone at lunch, so this is for dinner. I take leftovers for lunch, and my son chooses not to eat lunch.

Sunday at lunch I pulled out flour tortillas, frozen brown rice, shredded cheese, and a partial can of nonfat refried beans. I had never made burritos, but it took about 5 minutes to assemble and then nuke in the microwave. We enjoyed them and there are plenty of the ingredients left to do it again later in the week.

Are you in the Pantry Challenge? If so, how is it going?

CVS Pepsi Deal

2011-01-09T19:31:00.000-05:00

Buy 6 Pepsis at CVS this week and get a $10 ECB.
I had a $5 ECB, so I paid $15 plus 1.05 in tax. I got back a $10 ECB, so that amounts to a little over $1 for each `12 pack.

100%CVS Savings

2011-01-08T09:44:00.001-05:00

I went back to CVS today with 2 $1.00 internet coupons for Xtra and 2 $1ECBs. They were priced at $1.99 each. The cashier adjusted the second ECB to .98 so I paid just .21 for the tax! (My CVS registers will not accept ECBs that exceed the pre-tax total.)

Frugal Friday

2011-01-06T20:45:00.000-05:00

I used to spend a LOT of money on lavendar vanilla scrubs at Bath and Body Works. Over the Christmas holiday, I found a recipe online for a homemade scrub that I find just as good-----and I had ALL the ingredients already. I started with my old Bath and Body Works jar, which I had kept in case I found a good recipe.

To it, I added olive oil and sugar until it was soupy. Then, a few drops of lavendar oil from my health food store. Voila---

What's on Your Plate

2011-01-05T04:47:00.000-05:00

I love omelets for breakfast when I have time to devote to them. This one was made with 3 egg whites (I don't like the yolks.), 1/4 cup cheese, diced broccoli stalks, sweet potatoes, and onions. I used nonstick cooking spray and my Rachael Ray cookware. It was yummy and filling.

Eating From the Freezer/Pantry

2011-01-04T04:49:00.000-05:00

Jessica over at http://www.lifeasmom.com/ is hosting this year's Eat From the Pantry Challenge. Here are my freezer and pantry as I begin this quest to use what I have and spend very little this month.

I already have white chicken chili and potato soup in the containers.

Meat-wise I have flounder and perch.

Veggies galore

Cats on Tuesday

2011-01-03T19:15:00.000-05:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their feline babies on Tuesdays. For more, head over toGattina's.

Snowflake can not decide which bookbag to take to school.

Humpty Dumpty on the left chased Snowflake up the cabinets. They are fierce rivals.

Lovey and Miles trying out the dog bed; it's cozy!

My sweet brothers!!!!

.73@CVS

2011-01-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

CVS breakdown after church:
I went in armed with $13 in ECBs.
Each 1 liter bottle of Listerine rang up $5.00. The gum was 3 for $2. Total prior to ECBs: $12 plus tax of .73. I handed over $12 in ECBs. Out of pocket I paid .73! I got back $6 in ECBs!

WAGS Dirt-Cheap

2010-12-31T08:55:00.000-05:00

I don't like paying full price on anything, but *especially* on cleaning products and toiletries. My son has to use Head and Shoulders shampoo; it is usually very expensive. Here is the deal I snagged at Walgreens todsay:

Buy 2 for $7. I had a $2 coupon and $2.14 on a gift card (from a register reward deal gone bad earlier in the week; the manager insisted on putting the RR on a gift card when it wouldn't print). That brought the 2 Head and Shoulders down to $2.86 plus tax. I paid $3.36 (tax on the $7). Then, it printed out the $2 RR, so I got 2 Head and Shoulders for $1.36, or .68 each!

More Than Free at CVS

2010-12-30T05:00:00.001-05:00

Pantene:          for $6.97
Colgate:                 2.99
Tone Body Wash: 3.88
Total:                   13.84 before ECBs and coupon
After:                     7.40
ECBS Back:        12.00

I had ECBs and a coupon that brought it down to $7.40. Then, I got back in ECBs $3 for the Tone, $2 for the Colgate, and $2 for the Pantene, PLUS $5 for buying $50 in beauty products over the course of the year I guess. That was a surpise to me.....So, I paid OOP $7.40 and got back $12 in ECBS. That's my kind of CVS trip!

Turkey Stroup

2010-12-29T05:27:00.003-05:00

We had a LOT of leftover turkey this year, so I headed to Rachael Ray's site to get ideas. Now, Rachael is the one I believe coined the word stroup. It is a cross between a soup and a stew. I modified a recipe of hers, leaving out celery and ravioli (of all things). Here it is:

1 quart of chicken stock
shredded turkey
onion
carrots
bay leaf
chopped up broccoli stalk (in lieu of celery)
noodle shells
poultry seasoning
1 can crushed tomatoes

I sauteed the onions, carrots, and broccoli stalks in 5 Tblsp. olive oil. Then I added the stock, turkey, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, seasoning, and noodle shells. I cooked it for 30 minutes on low once it came to a boil. There is enough for 4 or 5 meals. (remove bay leaf before eating)

For more GOODEATS, head over to Fishmama's GoodCheapEats.

Cats on Tuesday

2010-12-27T20:24:00.000-05:00

For more cat stories, go to Gattina's. Thumper has been to the vet twice in the last two weeks for urinating issues. When he first came back after spending a night, his brother Humpty Dumpty would not have anything to do with him. After about 3 days, he came around.

Cats on Tuesday

2010-12-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

For more cat stories, head over to Gattina's.

3 Felines plus me. You can't see me, but Snowflake is against my leg. Right after I took this picture, she decided Thumper was too close, and she chased him down. Later she came back, of course.

I am now having to close my computer when I don't use it because Snowflake has decided it is warmer than the printer.

Publix:$106 for $63

2010-12-18T07:55:00.001-05:00

The above is $106.27 worth of groceries for $63.47. I had $16.10 in coupons and $26.70 in Special Price Savings. My greatest steal was 10 boxes of Mueller's pasta. They were 2for$1.29 and I used 10 .55 coupons, making them .19 each!

10 Mueller's pasta

bag of Idaho potatoes

bag of sweet potatoes

2 boxes Orville Reddenbacher popcorn

Greenwise Organic Milk and Eggs

2 boxes Ritz crackers

1 carton sour cream

2 pkgs. cream cheese

pack of 2 sponges

1 bag Pedigree dog food

1 container Comet cleanser

1 bag coffee filters

1 bag Pedigree snacks

1 bag Splenda

1 container Publix lunchmeat

2 cans Swanson beef broth

3 cans Glory vegetables

1 box Minute Rice

1 bottle Draino

Thumper

2010-12-15T21:30:00.001-05:00

My baby Thumper is in the hospital overnight. He has had trouble urinating, so we are waiting on the results of the urinalysis.

Update: Thumper came home after a night in the hospital. He had feline urinary syndrome (or some such thing). He and all the others are now on a special (i.e., expensive) vet food for bladder health.

Cats on Tuesday

2010-12-14T18:52:00.001-05:00

The boys Thumper and Humpty Dumpty helping with wrapping gifts for the Angel Tree.

For more cat pictures, go to Gattina's

Cats on Tuesday

2010-12-06T21:15:00.004-05:00

For more cat stories, to to http://www.gattinamycats.blogspot.com/.

Above: Thumper

Below: Minnie

Below: Snowflake

Above: Lovey in his Christmas collar

Cats on Tuesday

2010-11-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

For more cat pics, head over to http://www.gattinamycats.blogspot.com/.

Lovey checking out the dishes BEFORE they are washed~~

Black Friday CVS Steals: $.01

2010-11-26T08:51:00.001-05:00

I do not do Black Friday; I have no one to buy for except my son and my parents. I can not stand crowds. However, I will go out to CVS to take advantage of their deals. Above represents $30.95 worth of products after my coupons. I got back $30.94 in ECBs. I promptly went back in and, using some of those ECBs, got this for $.65:

Cats on Tuesday

2010-11-22T21:55:00.000-05:00

For more cat tales, go to Gattina's.

My sweet boys, Humpty Dumpty and Thumper

Cats on Tuesday

2010-11-15T18:30:00.003-05:00

Cats on Tuesday are cat lovers who write about their cats once a week. For more, go to Gattina's

Above, Humpty Dumpty and Thumper, my blood brothers. Notice the difference in their paws. On the left, ordinary paw; on the right, massive paw!

Here's a close-up if you need it. Can you believe they were from the same litter???

In case you missed the weekend posts, go here: Typical Saturday or Video

Thumper and Humpty Dumpty

2010-11-14T15:50:00.000-05:00

Typical Saturday

2010-11-13T12:41:00.000-05:00

When my son has his guitar lesson on Saturday mornings, I retreat to my bedroom to work on lesson plans for the upcoming week. This is pretty typical of what happens. From top left: Minnie, Snowflake, Humpty Dumpty, Thumper, and Lovey in the forefront. The only one missing is Miles; he was on the floor on his pillow. What can I say? They LOVE MOMMA

Veterans' Day

2010-11-11T06:14:00.000-05:00

Today in the United States we celebrate Veterans' Day in honor of all those who have protected, served, and those who have given their lives to keep America free. I am remembering my close family members who served:

My dad, Staff Sgt. Holland R. Williams (USAF RET)
My brother, Lt. Col. Myron E. Willliams (USAF RET)
My uncle, Lt. Commander James E. Williams (USN Deceased)
My cousin Lt. Col. Michael E. Williams (USMC RET/VIETNAM VET helicopter pilot)
My cousin, Lt. Commader Cynthia E. Williams (USN RET)

Cats on Tuesday

2010-11-09T19:02:00.000-05:00

For more cat stories, head over to http://www.gattinamycats.blogspot.com/.

Here, Miles thinks he is King of my bed. He's in my spot.

Here he and his MORTAL enemy, Thumper, are a bit too close. I will never understand how they can spit and fight one minute and have a truce the next. Make no mistakes, they are NOT friendly towards each other at all. It's more of a tolerance.

Happy Birthday!

2010-11-09T15:46:00.000-05:00

Today my dad is 83 years young! Happy Birthday, Dad!

Cats on Tuesday

2010-11-01T21:10:00.000-04:00

For more cat stories, go to Gattina's.

Above: Humpty Dumpty and Minnie--This is very rare for Minnie to get up here.

Above: Minnie in the freshly laundered dog bed--

Above: This is one of my favorite pictures of Thumper. He is such a sweetie!

Cats on Tuesday

2010-10-25T20:49:00.000-04:00

For more cat stories and pictures, head over to Gattina's.

I haven't posted the brothers together recently, so here are some pictures I took over the weekend of Humpty Dumpty and Thumper on my bed. Humpty makes a good pillow, I suppose.

I love the one below here where Thumper's head is squished into Humpty's stomach. So sweet!

See his little thumb sticking up in the above picture?

Lovey lovin' on Matthew's shoes----He says they make a good headrest.

Cats on Tuesday

2010-10-18T20:08:00.000-04:00

For more cat pics, go to Gattina's

Lovey shaving with Matthew. In reality, Lovey has this water obsession, so he was waiting for water to be turned on.

Cats on Tuesday

2010-10-11T19:53:00.000-04:00

For more cat pics, head over to Gattina's.

I think this says it all: I was trying to take a nap Sunday afternoon and this happened:

From left: Thumper and Lovey, Humpty Dumpty on my legs, and Miles and Snowflake at the top. Minnie was nowhere to be seen. I think this is precious!

Cats on Tuesday

2010-10-04T19:15:00.001-04:00

For more cat stories and pics, head over to Gattina's.

Every time I lie down on the couch , this is what happens.

Lovey looking into the bath water

Lovey is obsessed with water--even bath water. I don't think he would mind if he fell in .

Publix

2010-10-04T04:45:00.001-04:00

Total before coupons and B1G1F savings: $74.97. Total after: $37.92. Total savings: $37.05

Making Your Home a Haven

2010-10-03T21:33:00.000-04:00

Dear Monica over at The Homespun Heart is hosting the Make Your Home a Haven this week. Since I work such a crazy schedule, it is important for me to make my home a haven. It is my most favorite place in the world to be when I'm not at work.

Here is my routine even though I work:

On Sunday night I look at my schedule for the week and see if how many after school meetings I have. I plan our dinners around that. Usually early in the week I will do leftovers or spaghetti--whatever is EASY.

Up between 4 and 4:45. I prep my coffee pot the night before and get it going. I feed the cats first and let the dogs out in the backyard. I take my coffee back to bed for some meditation time with God. I could not go to work and work where I do if I did not have that strong faith in Him. He literally gets me through each day.

After about 20 minutes, I get up, get dressed and makeup on. Then it's time to get my son up. While he's in the shower, I vacuum. This saves me time at night when I don't feel up to it. Then, I let the dogs in and feed them. Before I know it, it's time to let the dogs back out in the yard for the day and we're out the door by 6:10 am.

The entire time I'm driving I'm praying for wisdom and protection at work. The Evil One abounds at every corner.

By the time we get home in the afternoon, it is between 4 and 5 pm. I rest before either reheating dinner or whipping up something fast. Before I know it, it's time for bed.

CVS Steals

2010-10-03T12:36:00.001-04:00

Counting the $10 ECB I received for buying all this, I paid $6.20!

Cats on Tuesday

2010-09-27T18:09:00.001-04:00

For more cat stories, go to Gattina's.

Thumper and Miles hate each other, so I'm not sure why they are so close---except they BOTH wanted the bed.

Lovey in the popcorn bowl

Humpty stole ANOTHER of Snowflake's spots

Lovey watching the movie "Home Alone"