We have plenty of food from all our triples deals so let's get planning.
Monday - Majadarah for Community Group
Tuesday - Crock Pot Ropa Veija, Yellow Rice, Cuban Black Beans for dinner guest
Wednesday - Spaghetti
Thursday - Crock Pot BBQ Pork, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Grilled Steak, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans
Sunday - Burritos
I've been trying to use what I have and buy less at the grocery store. Or learn to make meals with the sale items I buy.
So here's this week's past and future meals.
Monday - CG Cookout Burgers
Tuesday - Beef Tacos
Wednesday - Zucchini and Asparagus Pasta with Pesto
Thursday - Pizza
Friday - BBQ Chicken, Baked Sweet Potatoes & Peas
Saturday - Family Event?
Sunday - Grilled London Broil & Roasted Veggies
Jude has kept me sufficiently busy this morning. Aside from the regular breakfast, poop, play-time and reading here are a few things he's gotten into this morning.
1. he pull out a bunch of joe's books and tried to bend the pages
Jude and I went today at 11am and they were already sold out of a few things so we'll probably make another trip possibly to another location.
Here's what we got:
(* = No Coupon)
Pepperidge Farm Gold Fish*
EL Fudge Shoppe x2
Huggies Wipes
Viva Paper Towel
Cottonelle Ultra
Ragu Sweet Tomato Basil
Lipton Tea Bags
Whitehouse Applesauce x2
Smuckers Ice Cream Topping
HT Olive Oil*
Weathers Chocolates
HT Natural Steak* (discounted)
HT Natural Ground Beef* (discounted)
Sweet Sixteen Donuts
NY Cibatta Rolls
Heluva Cheese
Mission Tortillas
Total: $72.20
OOP: $36.86
Today I have an 11 month old son. CRAZY!
This time next month Jude will be 1 year old. It's hard to believe it's already been a year since we met this little man. It seems like only yesterday I was holding my soft gentle babe in my arms. But at the same time, I feel like we've know each other forever. I think I may cry when he turns one... but alas I have yet another month to mentally prepare for that.
So what does an 11 mo old babe like to do. Jude loves to GO! He's always been very alert and desperately wanting to be mobile. Now that he's a champion crawler there's no stopping him. We're on the brink of walking and I know it's only a matter of time. However I don't try to facilitate walking in any way in hopes he may never learn. Right now he can cruise around the room while holding on to furniture and on occasion stood without assistance. But only for a few seconds before he was overcome with excitement and hurled himself toward me. Over the weekend he discovered stairs and automatically knew how to climb them. Therefore, the safety gates have been put into action. He also loves to open and close things; books, cabinet doors,Cell Phones, Nintendo DS, the record player lid. He also loves all things music. Probably because he's surrounded by it but we're crossing our fingers for a musical prodigy! Jude also LOVES baths, being in water in general. He consistently crawls into the bathroom, stands by the tub and bangs on the side hoping we'll give him a bath. I've taken him to the indoor pool a few times and of course he's loves it. Maybe we'll be luck and have a musical prodigy and an Olympic Swimmer on our hands! HAHA... we're not living vicariously through our son already! He also loves going for walks. I think I'm already starting to wear down my stroller. We try to go for a walk everyday if the weather is some what compliant. We usually walk to the neighborhood park where Jude can swing and watch the other kids play. Finally, he loves to eat. According to the Dr. his weight is on the low end of the charts but anyone that's seen him eat knows he can put it away. I think it's a mix of high metabolism from his father and being super active. He still nurses 4-5 times a day, usually around sleeping. But when he's not nursing he enjoys eating bananas, sweet potatoes, avocado, cheerios, peaches, yogurt and ice cream. Of course he eats other things but those are his favorites. No doubt he gets his love of ice cream from his father.
I'm starting to plan for his 1st birthday party. Nothing to elaborate just a bunch of people that love Jude coming together to celebrate my favorite little man in the world. So if you love Jude even 1/4 as much as we do... mark your calendar for June 27th... there's going to be a PARTY!
This weekend we took a quick trip to Charleston to visit Joe's grandparents. Joe's grandfather recently had shoulder replacement surgery and has been in rehab for a few weeks so we thought now would be a good time to visit. Baby Jude can cheer anyone up!
Speaking of Jude, he did wonderfully the whole trip. The drive from Raleigh to Charleston is between 5-6 hours. Traffic on the way down was a bit heavy and we stopped 3 times. (1 for gas, 1 bathroom, 1 dinner) Arriving around 8pm Jude was pretty tired but also excited to be in a new place with new people. Joe's parents also came down to Charleston so Jude didn't lack for attention. That evening he learned to climb the stairs, Grandma and Great-Grandma fed him a banana and he opened and closed all the cabinets in the house. He had a pretty hard time going to sleep that night but finally around 11:30 he fell asleep after fighting sleep for over 3 hours. However, during the middle of the night we were all awaken by Joe falling off the bed. Apparently, he dreamed Jude was falling off the bed and he was trying to catch him. Unfortunately, Joe fell of the bed and bumped into Jude's bed scaring him. We sat up for a bit with a scared screaming baby but he was so exhausted he fell back to sleep pretty easily.
The next day we stopped at Metto for coffee, tea and a muffin then headed over to visit Jude's great-PaPa. Jude didn't get any of his regular naps but did pretty well with little cat naps as we drove in the car from place to place. We ate lunch at Melvin's BBQ then went in search of a record store. We didn't find any but we did get sufficently lost. We drove around all of Mt. Pleasant and even took a little trip over the bridge to the Isle of Palms(where Joe lived when he was little) and Sullivan's Island. We took a wrong turn down a dead end street with a large median so we had to back-up about 1/2 a mile. Finally we gave up on the record store and went back to visit Joe's grandfather again. Jude crawled around the room, playing with anything he could find. Smiled and laughed at everyone he saw! Then we stopped by the house to pick up more diapers and food then went to the Shoppes at Sea Side farms and walked around a bit before meeting up with Joe's extended family at Gilligan's Steamer and Raw Bar for dinner. Joe's parents, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin and her son were there. Jude had a great time showing off for everyone and tried his first hushpuppie. After lunch we finally found Mt. Pleasant Towne Center. We walked around a bit, got a Carvel Ice Cream Cone and met an interesting guy named Justin. (Ask us about Justin and Geneology and we'll give the awkward details)
Finally we headed home with a sleepy baby who slept great that night! My plan was to run him until he crashed and I think we succeded.
Sunday we went to First Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant with Joe's grandma. Jude played in the nursery, where he was treated with extra special care since his Great-Grandma served in the nursery for over 30 years. They even have a picture of her on the wall! Of course Jude was the best baby every and all the ladies wanted to keep him but we decided they couldn't keep him. After church we visited PaPa again before going to lunch at Queen Annes Revenge. Then it was time to go home so we packed up our stuff, stopped by Metto for a coffee to go and off we went. Traffic was great we made home by 8ish even after stopping for an hour for dinner. Jude is the world's best traveling baby. We brought plenty of toys and snacks on the road and he even got a new toy for being so great. Also his grandma bought him his very own pair of sunglasses since he took such an interest in playing with everyone's glasses.
Now we're home and it's nice to relax and get back into the swing of thing. Vacations are fun but not usually very relaxing.
Our little planter garden is doing pretty well with the exception of our Pillbug, Sowbug, roly-poly (Armadillidium vulgare) infestation.
They are devouring my basil and pepper plants.
Anyone know of a way to get rid of them? The only solution I've found so far is to dry out the soil but that doesn't work to well when it's raining outside.
Hey Moms! Wonder where to take the kids when the summer heat is too much. How about a FREE MOVIE?
Regal Cinemas is offering FREE movies for kids. Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.
Find the nearest Regal theater to you.
North Hills Regal Cinemas Schedule
| 06/16/2009-06/17/2009 | Horton Hears A Who (G) |
| Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG) | |
| 06/23/2009-06/24/2009 | Space Chimps (G) |
| Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG) | |
| 06/30/2009-07/01/2009 | Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) |
| Spiderwick Chronicles (PG) | |
| 07/07/2009-07/08/2009 | Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G) |
| Nim's Island (PG) | |
| 07/14/2009-07/15/2009 | Everyone's Hero (G) |
| Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG) | |
| 07/21/2009-07/22/2009 | Mr. Bean's Holiday (G) |
| Kung Fu Panda (PG) | |
| 07/28/2009-07/29/2009 | Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G) |
| Shrek The Third (PG) | |
| 08/04/2009-08/05/2009 | The Tale Of Despereaux (G) |
| Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG) | |
| 08/11/2009-08/12/2009 | Charlotte's Web (G) |
| Surf's Up (PG) |
You may ask yourself. Is it possible to save money and buy organic? Why yes it is!
Check it!
http://www.organicvalley.coop/coupons/
Go to http://www.pfchangs.com/briny/
Enter your email address
Get FREE Lettuce Wraps!
One Million Beef Franks will be given away, Today ONLY (May 20). Get a coupon sent to you for a free package of Beef Franks from Oscar Mayer! These will go extremely fast. Offer is limited to one per household.
Read more...Blue Bunny has a 100% rebate for either their 'aspen' or 'sedona' novelties.
Must be purchased between 5/23 & 5/25, postmarked by 6/10
http://www.bluebunnyfrozenyogurt.com/
Prodlix Custom Guitar Works is giving away a FREE Guitar Pick Holder with 5 Picks.
Simply fill out the form and activate the confirmation email and you should receive your picks with in 1-2 weeks!
Save $.50 on Recycled Reynolds Wrap.
Get the Coupon Here!
From now until May 25th at Baskin Robbins get a .88 cent Soft Serve Cone (6 oz.)!
Yesterday I celebrated my 29th birthday. Since I got my big present on Saturday we kept it kind of low key for my actual birthday.
During the day I hung out with Jude as usual. Then in the evening my parents came over and watched Jude so Joe and I could go out on a date. Because it was my birthday and Joe's birthday is exactly on week after mine and because I'm always signing up for free stuff. We ate dinner at Red Robin where we both had FREE Burgers! Neither of us had been there before so it was an adventure. The burgers were decent but still no match for MoJoe's or Raleigh Times.
Afterward we went to the Galaxy Cinema and saw Sunshine Cleaning. It was good but a bit sadder than I expected. However, I would still recommend you see it. We had one free movie ticket and got the other at the "member" price. So all together my birthday date was pretty economical. :) I think we probably spent about $15 (including the generous tip for the waitress) on an evening that would have otherwise cost almost $50.
Next week we'll celebrate Joe's birthday in a similar fashion... dinner and a movie... and of course we will use coupons!
Oh yeah Jude got me a present, via his father. I now have 3 new potted plants to add to my garden. Basil, Dill and a Banana Pepper.
Hooray for May Birthdays!
Andrea wrote a blog about how wonderful her Mother's Day Weekend was so I thought I would write about my Mother's Day as well.
As noted earlier my Saturday rocked! But my Sunday could have been better.
Since we didn't get home from IKEA until 1am we were pretty exhausted. We all slept in on Sunday till 10am but still felt tired. Additionally, Joe forgot it was Mother's Day, in all the excitement of my birthday (which is tuesday) he forgot. (that seems to be the theme of all my birthdays - let's celebrate mother's day and jessica's birthday together.) We were late to church. Late to Mother's Day lunch at my parents house. Ate cold food. Had an exhausted baby with exhausted irritable parents.
After Mother's Day with my family the day did improve. Jude took a much needed super long nap. Joe hung some shelves and put together our Ikea loot while I clipped coupons and read the paper. After Jude woke up Joe made dinner, we went to Borders and he cleaned my kitchen.
However, Jude decided not to go to sleep and fuss for a few hours because he wanted a midnight snack. He finally fell asleep and Joe and I got a good night's rest finally.
In hindsight we probably should have skipped church and lunch with the family and rested. Being tired, feeling rushed and over-committed doesn't make for a good day. Maybe next year I'll boycott all events and actually get to relax on Mother's Day.
This past Saturday, after my yard sale excursion, Joe took me on a Secret Birthday Day-Trip. (Well it wasn't that secret since he told me about a few days in advance so I could plan.) We drove to Charlotte to visit the new IKEA.
Before we got married Joe and I took a big trip to the IKEA in Virginia (which was the closest location at the time) to buy furnishing for our new apartment. Since then they built one in Charlotte and we constructed a list of additional things we needed. So my for my birthday we put aside a little money and went shopping!
We mostly got small things but a few larger items came home with us... thanks to the Bonchaks who called us while laying on the beach in Charleston to ask if we could buy a 6ft Lack Wall Shelf. (We are good friends!)
So here's what we got...
Hannes Computer Unit w/Drawer
4 Vagen Curtain Rod Sets w/ 1 additional Double Rod wall hardware
3yds of Fredrika Fabric (the blue on blue print)
Ikea 365+ Garlic Press
Lattsam Potty in Blue
Barslig baby spoons
Kalas bowl set
Tripp tin set
Sy sewing Kit
Mula Bead Roller Coaster
4 Nyttja Frames
2 Granat Cushions
Charm Funnel Set (Blue)
3 Bars of Chocolate
1 box Kakor Chokladflarn (Double Chocolate Cookies)
We also ate at the Resturant and Bistro:
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Fries
Mac n Cheese
Ligonberry Soda
and
$1 Ice Cream to finish the day.
After our 4+ hour visit to IKEA we met Joe's friend Metal Mike at Akropolis Cafe for dinner and then let Jude play in the kids section of Barnes and Noble. Jude was great the whole trip! It was a great day spent with my family. Joe thought he was giving me a shopping trip but he gave me so much more.... all the things I love: Family, Road trips, Shopping, Deals, Chocolate, Greek Food and the perfect day!
Happy Birthday to ME!
This past Saturday, May 9th my neighborhood had it's Annual Community Yard Sale. Mom and I hit the streets at 8am and got some great deals. We didn't cover the whole neighborhood as it's pretty large, it was getting hot and Joe was taking me on a secret birthday trip (more about that later.)
Here are a few of our great finds...
Mom got a high chair for all of her grandchildren to use. She got a Peg Perego Prima Pappa High Chair that retails new for over $200 but she only paid $10 a used one in excellent condition.
I got all of the things pictured below for $8 total!
Jude loves his new toys!
Grab your friends and family for FREE fun at the State Fair Grounds, for down-home celebration North Carolina-style at the 2009 Got to Be NC Festival. The festival will feature North Carolina’s agricultural bounty and mix in a generous dash of music and fun for everyone.
Genuine NC Attractions Include: Antique Tractor Parade, Classic Car Showcase, Draft Horse Pull, NC Pig Jig, Parade of Hogs (Harley Davidsons!), Lawn Mower Racing, and the Back Porch Bluegrass Band.
Raleigh May 29-31
General admission is free to all ages, with $5 tickets for all grandstand events, and pay as you go rides, games and food.
More Information
Who doesn't like to go out for dinner. I know I don't like cooking every night, however restaurants are expensive and with the current economy more people are eating at home.
But fear not you can hang up your apron because there are affordable solutions for dining out.
USE COUPONS and gift certificates.
This summer come out to the renowned Duke University Gardens to enjoy the beautiful flowers and the beautiful music! The Summer Concert Series offers a little bit of everything for everyone from classical, to indie rock, to gospel.
All of the shows will be free for Duke students and children under 12, $5 for Duke employees and $10 for the general public. For ticket info, click here.
Here's the schedule with individual venues:
May 28 - The Ciompi Quartet - Indoors at Duke Gardens
June 11 - Mallarmé Chamber Players - Indoors at Duke Gardens
June 18 - The Ciompi Quartet - Indoors at Duke Gardens
June 22 - Portastatic - Outdoors at Duke Gardens
June 29 - Bowerbirds - Outdoors at Duke Gardens
July 6 - The Allen Boys - Outdoors at Duke Gardens
July 12 - Les Savy Fav - Outdoors at Nasher Museum of Art
July 20 - Malpass Brothers - Outdoors at Duke Gardens
July 27 - Capial City Five & Gospel Jubliators - Outdoors at Duke Gardens
August 3 - Madison Elites - Outdoors at Duke Gardens
They Might Be Giants is coming to Raleigh!
The Grammy award winning group will play two shows at The North Carolina Museum of Art on September 19. They will play a 4pm show for kids and an 8pm show for adults.
Kids Show | 4 p.m.
$18 ($15) General Admission
$9 Children 3–12
Children 2 and under free
Adults Show | 8 p.m.
$18 ($15) General Admission
$7.50 Children 7–12
All you coupon savvy folks I'm sure you have some non-perishable food items that are crowding your pantry. If you don't think you'll use it, lose it! And a good way to rid of that food is to put it in your mailbox.
Well, not IN your mailbox but in a bag next to it, this coming Saturday, May 9th. For the 15th year, Campbell Soup Company and the United States Postal Service are partnering with the National Association of Letter Carriers to co-sponsor Stamp Out Hunger, the nation's largest single day food drive.
Third Place not only has coffee but they serve breakfast, sandwiches, vegetarian fare and yummy desserts.
Save $1.00 on the weekly special with this coupon on the Independent Weekly's website.
Just in time for Mother's Day!
Walgreens is offering a free 8x10 photo enlargment TODAY ONLY! (May 6th)
Promo Code: MOTHER
or
For in-store photo development like, using a digital card, negatives or prints you will need a coupon from this week's ad. If you don't have one, they have extras in the front of the store.
Also check out "How to Get 1,761 Free Digital Prints"
I made this for our Church Community Group last night and it was a hit so I thought I'd share the recipe. (I got this recipe from a friend, who got it from a friend and I modified it a bit to my liking!)
Ingredients
1 Can Black Beans (drained)
1 Can Corn (drained)
1/2 Red Onion (diced)
1 Large Tomato (diced)
1 Avocado (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 jalapeno (finely diced)
Any other peppers you desire
Juice from 1 Lime
Cilantro
Salt and Pepper
Directions
Mix all of these ingredients in a bowl!
Serve with Chips!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Happy Mother's Day from TCBY!
Hey moms, visit the nearest TCBY on Mother's Day, May 10th and receive a free cup or cone!
I always see cute give-a-ways for little girl's dresses, accessories and toys. So I've decided to post give-a-way links that have cool stuff for little boys.
Today's Link:
Haiden Surf Boardie Bathing Suit Give-A-Way by dkMommy Spot
There's lots of cool stuff at Haiden Surf !
I love free stuff! I especially love getting emails for free stuff on my birthday.
So I was very happy when I opened my email and received 8 emails with coupons for my upcoming birthday!
Alot of resturants offer Freebies for you birthday! Simply sign-up and they'll send you an email with a printable coupon.
Here are a few you might want to join: (NC)
Baskin Robbins
FREE TREAT: Free 2.5 oz scoop of ice cream
Bear Rock Café
FREE TREAT: Free Dessert
Caribou Coffee
FREE TREAT: Free Birthday Drink
Carolina Auto Spa
FREE TREAT: Free $13 Car Wash
Cold Stone Creamery
FREE TREAT: Free Creation
Maggianos
FREE TREAT: Free Dessert
Qdoba Mexican Grill
FREE TREAT: Free entrée with one entrée purchase
Red Robin
FREE TREAT: Free Gourmet Burger-13 and over
Sephora
FREE TREAT: Free Birthday Item
Smoothie King
FREE TREAT: Free 20 oz. Smoothie
The Melting Pot
FREE TREAT: Free Chocolate Fondue for Two!
Cafe Carolina
FREE TREAT: Complimentary Cafe Carolina Sandwich with the Purchase of a Drink
Greek Fiesta
FREE TREAT: One complimentary Meal up to Ten Dollars!
There are many more that I don't have listed. So if you have a favorite resturant, check their website and if they have an e-club JOIN!
Babies receive alot of attention. Rock Stars equally receive alot of attention. Imagine what happens when your baby is a rock star....
Wherever we go Jude draws a crowd. Joe and I are both laid back introverted people so it seems only appropriate that our babe is outgoing. (Fortunately he's pretty laid back.) We go to a restaurant, store or just out and about and inevitably someone stops to talk to him. Yesterday while eating a MoJoes he spent most of the time laughing at the guys next to us, smiling at the older couple in the corner and flirting with the girls behind us. Saturday night while playing in the grassy area a North Hills he got kissed by a 3 year old girl. At church he's gotten multiple phone numbers from cute college girls wanting to babysit him. A Busy Bee the whole resturant turn and pointed as we walked down the stairs. (I think I forgot to zip my fly or had a big booger) Maybe all babies receive this kind of attention but I'm not used to it. I like to fly under the radar most of the time... slip in an out of a store unnoticed. But when you have a cute baby that likes to sing while you're shopping that's pretty much impossible.
Jude isn't exactly a rock star but he does have a rock star look-a-like dad... so maybe somehow that factors in to his celebrity.
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