Splashing on a Cold Day...

Here is another cool idea I stumbled upon somewhere on the Internet...I can't remember where I saw it, but when I did I filed it away in my memory for future use. I like chilly weather, but I am not built for COLD. And lately it has been just that. We pretty much stay inside except to get from point A to point B, those points being heated buildings or cars. I don't want Oscar to get bored though, so I am always on the lookout for fun things to do.

He loves bathtime and water in general so I pulled out his infant tub and put some towels down in the middle of the kitchen floor. We grabbed a few toys and got wet! I let Oscar go splash crazy and he loved it! I thought about stripping him down to his diaper but even inside it's a little chilly so I left his shirt and pants on. He got soaked and cold after about 15 minutes, but what fun it was! I am sure that if we find ourselves in a particularly long afternoon stuck inside, this activity will be just the trick!

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It's a good day to save some money!

This year, like most people, we are trying to reign in our budget. We'd been saving for a new car and as of Saturday, we will have one! After years of driving older/paid for vehicles, we are a little nervous about taking on a car payment. It's relatively low compared to many, but still more than nothing. So I am continuing to do what I can to curb spending. Since I do most of the Household management and spending, this responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders. I do an ok job, but I can do better. Enter coupons. I love using coupons, but I lack consistency, something I hope to change in the coming months.

Today starts a week of Super Doubles at Harris Teeter. You can get some great deals with a bit of work. I've done it before, but today has to be my best yet! I documented it for myself for those times when I think, man wouldn't it be easier to just shop sales? Yes, self. It would be easier, but not cheaper! Get thee to your newspaper! Once you get your coupons, check these sites for match-ups so you don't miss the free stuff! That's where it really adds up. Also, check each week for the freebies even if it's not your typical shopping week. If it's FREE then it doesn't matter! I also started a spreadsheet to keep track of my spending/savings to make sure I stay on track. This is the year of accountability. Let's do this.

2 boxes Celestial Seasoning Tea

2 1/2 Gallons Turkey Hill Iced Tea

1 Yoplait Yogurt Smoothie kit

4 pk Toilet Paper

2 boxes Ziploc Bags

1 Chobani Greek Yogurt

1 Oikos Greek Yogurt

1 Little Debbie Choc Cupcakes

3 boxes Lean Pockets

1 Lean Cuisine

2 Boxes Special K Cereal

2 Boxes Spec K Cereal Bars

3 Jars Ragu Spaghetti Sauce

2 Boxes Barilla Plus Angel Hair Pasta

2 Boxes Whole Grain Muellers Rotini Pasta

3 Boxes Pasta-Roni

1 Pkg Organic Valley Cream Cheese

1 Canister Lysol Wipes

1 Roll Paper Towels

1 Can HT Rolled Oats

1 Pkg Chinet Guest Towels

1 Box Band-Aids

4.5 lbs Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts

5 Bottles Northland Cranberry Juices

Total Before Savings: 132.78

Total Spent: $41.41

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All good things must come to an end....

It's the end of an era. The red bed is gone. 

Sometimes you just have to do the right thing. After Oscar's first Christmas, it became clear that our guest room, albeit adorable, was a silly waste of space. We needed that space. For what you ask? For playing and building and imagining. That's what!

The room is now an all-purpose family room which hosts our computer, music equipment a dog bed and toys! It's a play room for the whole family and we love it! Ahhh the times, they are a changin....

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