Target Toy Clearance

My Christmas Shopping is practically done thanks to Target and their awesome toy clearance. My brother has 7 kids and that starts to add up. In addition to getting all of their Christmas presents I got most of Jude's gifts, and birthday presents for the rest of the kids till the end of the year. I only spent about $70 for everything.

Here's what I got:
2 Wolverine Extending Claws
4 X-men Action Figures
3 Only Hearts Club Dolls
Matchbox Hard Hat
Playskool lil Jiggle Garden
Fisher Price Shake and Go Police Car
Guess What I am? Game
Fisher Price Fun 2 Learn Cash register
Yo Gabba Gabba Viking Ship
Yo Gabba Gabba Toodee Doll
Infantino Play & Build Workshop
Parents Look at me Camera

I also got a summer picture frame for 90% off... a total of $.59!

I did a little math and if I bought all of this at retail price it would have cost over $300! That's a savings of almost $250!

You can guess who's getting what but I'm not telling!

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He Walks

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Cheap and Simple Homemade Cleaner

Even though I pinch every penny I see no reason to use sub par products. Especially when it comes to cleaning products. As my previous post mentions I got some great deals on 7th generation dish products by using coupons. When I can find good deals I usually stock up. But I don't have to wait for a good deal to use effective yet safe cleaners. I just make my own.

Here is a simple recipe for an All Purpose Cleaner.

Ingredients:
2T vinegar
1 t Borax
Hot water
a few drops of a mild dish detergent
10 drops of essential oil (optional)

In a 16 oz spray bottle add vinegar, borax and hot water. Swish around until borax has dissolved. Add the drops of dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Add the essential oil (I like to use eucalyptus).

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HT Super Doubles Round 4

Ok Seriously I think I'm done. Jude and I made one final trip to the Teeter yesterday. I think it's probably a sign you go to the grocery too much when your baby cries because he doesn't want to leave his friends at the checkout. (They know him by name)

Our Order:
2 Candy Bars @ $.95 ea BOGO (-$1/2 mfc x 2) FREE
7th Generation Automatic Dish soap $2.99 (-$1 IP x 2)
7th Generation Dish soap $1.99 (-$1 IP x 2) FREE
7th Generation Wipes $2.99 (-1 IP x 2)
2 Blue Bunny Ice Creams @ $3.00 ea (-$1.50 IP x 2) FREE

OOP: $2.43
Saved: $22.10

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Kids Exchange 50% off Day

So yesterday I decided to brave the crowds at the NC Fair Grounds for the Kids Exchange. It actually wasn't too crowded in the building but the parking lot was crazy due to the Flea Market and Bead Expo.
The Kids Exchange is a bi-annual event where moms bring their kid stuff to sell and other moms com to buy that stuff. I went to the one in January on Saturday and got some good deals on toys, baby gear and clothes but the crowd was crazy and the line was pretty long. So I hadn't planned on going this time but last minute I changed my mind and went on the last day where everything is 50% off (except items written in red).
Most of the toys and good baby gear were pretty picked over but the clothes still had a decent selection. If you saw something that was really nice chances are it was priced too high and wouldn't be 50% off. Last time I never made it into the book and DVD room but this year I looked around a bit, they should have named it the VHS room. Seriously who even owns a VCR anymore. (Ok we have one but it's not hooked up.)
Toward the end of the day the line was pretty short and moving really fast, I think I only spent 20 min in line.

Here's what I got for Jude:
2 Guitar t-shirts (1 long sleeve and 1 short)
1 Gap Sweet pants
1 Batman PJs
1 Cute Jacket
1 Pair Jeans
1 Pair of Green Pants
and 1 Firetruck book.

I spent $11

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HT Super Doubles #3

Seriously I keep finding more things that are free or that we actually really need... like bananas. Jude loves bananas!

So last night we made a family trip to the Teeter. I like night time family trips... it's a fun little outing where Joe and I work together to keep Mr. Baby happy and find the best deals.

Here's what we got:

Starbucks Coffee Drink $2.49 (-$1 mfc x 2)
Newmans Own Salad Dressing $3.59 (-$.75 mfc x 2)
2 Muir Glen Tomatoes $2.49 ea (- 2 $1 mfc x 2)
Qtips $2.79 (-$.30 mfc X 2)
Bananas $1.91
Starbucks Ice Cream $3.34 (-FREE Coupon)
Danonion Yogurt $1.99 (-$1 mfc x 2) makes it FREE

OOP: $10.10
Saved: $13.58

I will actually be making ANOTHER trip either today or tomorrow to get some 7th Generation Dishwashing Liquid that will be FREE after Joe prints the coupons at work. (We were having some issues last night getting it to print from home.)

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6 week challanege update

So.... It guess it's the beginning of week 4. I've gotten a little side tracked with keeping up with everything. However, I have been walking and doing yoga pretty regularly. There were a few days of rain and me and Jude not feeling well so we took a little "break". But I'm hoping to start blogging about everything again this week.
But here is some exciting news! Over the weekend I got my husband to do yoga with me. The easiest and most explanatory video I had was a pregnancy/postnatal yoga video, so he followed along as we pull up our pelvic floor and worked our birthing hips! And I might add that he did pretty well for a first-timer. He asked if we could do it again, he thinks it might help the tightness in his shoulders and back. I'm excited I think it will be fun doing yoga together!

So the plan for today is to take a long walk with Jude after he wakes up.

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HT Super Doubles - Round 2

So I went back to Harris Teeter today to return the overpriced Toilet Paper. While I was there I picked up a few more items.

Here's my order:
Sucess Rice - $2 (-$1 IP x 2) FREE
2 Blue Bunny Champ Cones @ $3 ea (-2 $1.50 IP x 2) FREE
Luigi's Italian Ice $1.64 (-$.50 mfc x 2)

OOP: $.74

I could have got more frozen items except my freezer is jam packed full.

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HT Super Doubles

Yet again this month Harris Teeter did Super Doubles instead of Triples, which I greatly miss. However, I've done pretty well with the Super Doubles so I won't complain too much.

Here's what I got today:
Reynolds Aluminum Foil $3.29 (-$1 mfc x 2)
Hefty One Zip Freezer Bags $2.34 (-$1 mfc x 2)
Alexia Waffle Crisps $2.89 (-$1 mfc x 2)
Huggies Natural Diapers $10.00 (-$3 mfc)
4 pk Cottonelle TP $3 (I thought I had the right coupon but didn't... I will be taking these back!)
2 Skintimate Shave Gel @ $2 ea (-$1.50/2 mfc x 2)
Reach Dental Floss $1.39 (-$1/mfc x 2) OVERAGE
Large bag of Zucchini, Squash and Cumbers $2
2 Earthbound Salad @ $3.99 (-$1.00/2 mfc x 2)
Baby Carrots @ $1.79
Kashi Frozen Waffles $3.39 (-1.50 IP x 2)
Lil Drumstick $3.99 (-$1/mfc x 2)
Mayfield Ice Cream $1.99 (-$1 store coupon that doesn't double)
California Pizza Kitchen Pizza $5.99 (-$1 mfc x 2)
Pillsbury Simple Cookies $3.79 (-1.25 mfc x 2)

OOP: $37.14
Saved: $56.97
(I will be returning the TP we already have plenty and $3 for 4 rolls is just silly.)

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Menu Planning Update and Grocery Shopping

Yesterday while Joe was home hanging my new curtain rods and Jude was napping I took off for a little me time shopping. (with a little less shopping a little more browsing.) I went to Cameron Village's sidewalk sale, even with the sale prices the boutique stuff was still over priced but it was fun to walk around and pretend!

However, I did buy some organic baby soap from Beanie and Cecil Baby! Also, I stopped by the Harris Teeter and scored some great deals which will slightly alter my menu for the upcoming week. Every so often HT bags produce that's on the verge of being bad and sells it for super cheap. If you are lucky enough to catch it buy as much as you can and work it into your menu, it's totally worth it.

Here's what I got:
10 bananas - $.50
4 eggplants - $1.25
2 peppers, 5 cucumbers, 2 organic zuchinni, 2 organic yellow squash - $1.50
1 big bag of red potatoes - $1.00
HT Oatmeal - $1.89
1 California pizza kitchen pizzas @ $5.99 (-$2/2 blinkie)
HT butter - $1.49
YoBaby Yogurt - $3.99 (-$1 mfc)
Organic Eggs $4.39
Organic Valley 1/2 gallon milk - $4.39 (-$1 mfc)

OOP: 34.32


Menu Update:
So I'll be working the eggplant in by making Moussaka sometime soon.
Jude will eat the bananas and I might make banana bread
I'll incorporate the zucchini and squash into a pasta dish
The peppers will work well with taco night.
Looks like we'll be having mashed potatoes sometime soon too.

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Menu Planning

2 Weeks

Monday - CG Macaroni and Cheese
Tuesday - Tacos
Wednesday - BBQ Baked Chicken, Rice & Squash
Thursday - Cincinnati Chili
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Burgers for a Party
Sunday - Spaghetti w/fried Zucchini

Monday - CG Brownies
Tuesday - Pork Chops w/Red Beans and Rice
Wednesday -Burritos
Thursday - Baked Ziti
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Burgers, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Sunday - Grilled Beef Steak Fajitas

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Kroger

I made my bi-weekly trip to Kroger today. Fortunately they are having a 4 day sale right now where if you buy 10 of their preselected items you get $5 off. So I took advantage of that and stacked some coupons to result in a 50% savings. If you shop at Kroger always check out their website for all the coupons you can load to your Kroger Plus card. (So far they offer 3 different sites where you can sign up. Cellfire, P&G eSavers, & Shortcuts)

Here's what my order looked like.
8 pk Brawny Paper Towels (-$3 sale price, -$1 mfc) (10 item sale)
2 Simply Orange Juice (10 item sale)
2 Multi Grain Cheerios (-$.55 Cellfire Coupon, -$.55 Shortcuts Coupon, -$1/2 mfc)
Raisin Bran (-$.1.20 sale, -$1 mfc) (10 item sale)
Corn Pops (-$.86 sale, -$1 mfc) (10 item sale)
2 Kroger Brand Mac n Cheese @ $.39 each
1 Kroger Brand Macaroni @ $.77
1 Kroger Brand Spaghetti @ $.77
2 Betty Crocker Brownies (-$.60 each sale) (10 item sale) (*had a $.75/s mfc but didn't use it)
Pillsbury Simply Cookies (FREE coupon)
Pampers Wipes (-$.25 P&G eSavers, -$1 mfc)
2 Zatarains Rice (-$.70 each sale, -$1/2 mfc) (10 item sale)
Gillette Venus Razor (-$2 eSavers, -$3 mfc)
Kroger Bread (clearance $.79)
Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream (-$.40 sale, -$1 store coupon)
Cheezit (-$1 sale) (10 item sale)
1 Large All Natural Kroger Applesauce @ $1.92
Kroger Hamburger Buns (clearance $.49)
Kroger Tortillas @ $1.39
Kroger Black Beans @ $.78
2 Sweet Potatoes @ $1.58
1 English Cucumber @ $1
2 Avocados @$3
1 Watermelon @ $3.99
1 Bunch Banans @ $1.01
Chiquita Bites (FREE coupon)
1 Yellow Squash & 1 Zuchinni @ $.95
Kroger Drain Cleaner @ $2.49

- $3 OYNO Kroger Coupon

OOP: $50.66

*We do eat meat but I find it cheapest to buy organic meats at Whole Foods in bulk. I'll post about that trip after I make it!

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Grocery Riddle

Today I went to Whole Foods and only spent $0.62. I bought 4 things. How was this possible?

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6 Week Challange: Week 1 Review

I am officially 1 week into my 6 week exercise challenge and I'm feeling pretty good. This weekend was a bit busy but I did manage to get a nice family walk to the park in on Sunday. All day Saturday I was feeling the effect of my leg workout so I'm glad I didn't do too much.
Today we'll start out with a nice long walk around the neighborhood and then finish it off with a nice workout for my arms! Hopefully I won't die in the horrible humidity today.

I don't know that I've lost any weight yet but I do feel better. I'll reassess the weight situation at the end of the week. (My scale has been acting up but I can't really complain since it was like $1)

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6 Week Challaenge: Day 5

We got off to a late start today since Jude slept in till 11am. Him and I both had a weird night. I had a headache all night and I think I heard him whine a couple times during the night. I don't think we got very good sleep. But after a slow morning we appear to be doing better.

Jude's Grandma came over a little before lunch and we went for a nice long walk. (About 1.75 miles) then we stopped at the park for a bit of playing. During naptime I'll be working my legs!

I'll be honest and admit that the walking isn't a big deal but I do dread the workouts. But I'll keep on doing them hopeing to establish a healthy habit and maybe eventually enjoy it. (I doubt it.)

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Shopping Trip to Kroger

Today we stopped by Kroger to pick up a few things. (They always have the best prices on Avocados and since we eat them on almost everything I'd prefer to pay $1 each than $3+ at other places) While Kroger doesn't have the best coupon policies and as good of an organic meat selection or a fancy atmosphere they do have pretty great prices. I'm especially fond of the clearance section, it can be a hit or miss though. Today was a miss but I do have to thank the clearance section for $.50 cake mixes.

Here's what we got today:
4 Kraft Block Cheeses
Graham Crackers
Waffles
1 Can Peas
1 Yellow Squash
2 Avocados
1 Cantalope
Total OOP: $10.87

Plus I got a $3 OYNO from the Kraft Cheeses.

I do have to thank my kind and possibly incompetent cashier. I had a $1 off (2) Kraft Cheese coupon which he tripled. I'm pretty sure he was supposed to do that but I'm not going to complain.

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6 week Challenge: Day 4

Today was an off day with my workout regime but Jude and I still went for a little walk around the block this morning. (According to walkjogrun.net it was little under a mile around the neighborhood.)

Tomorrow we're going for a BIG walk. I'm hoping to discover some new territory.
Anyone have suggests for a good morning walk inside the beltline?

My scale is acting weird so I'm not sure what the number are but I already feel a bit more tone.

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6 Week Challenge: Day 3

So Day 2 was supposed to be a day of rest but actually turned into a day of stress.

But luckily, today has started off much better. We took our 1 hour walk and stopped at the park to play for a bit. I haven't done my strength training yet. But I probably will after I finish this email.

Today's strength zone is the BUTT!

Try the single leg squat.

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Meal Planning Monday

2 Weeks worth of meals for us Liebs!

Monday - Community Group - Steak Taquitos
Tuesday - Green Curry Chicken and Rice
Wednesday - Black Bean Burritos
Thursday - Baked Ziti with Zucchini
Friday - Hamburgers
Saturday - OUT - OF - TOWN WEDDING
Sunday - Grilled London Broil, Rice & Salad

Monday - Community Group -
Tuesday - Burritos
Wednesday - Gnocci
Thursday - BBQ Chicken, Baked Sweet Potatoes & Peas
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - TBD
Sunday - Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce

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6 Week Challenge: Day 1

Today marks the beginning of my fitness challenge. I planned on going for a nice walk around 9am after Jude woke up and ate breakfast. However, after his crazy busy weekend and only taking one short nap yesterday he decided to sleep 15 hours last night resulting in his final waking time at 11am. So we got off to a late start but we still knocked out a hour + walk (complete with play time at the park). When we got home I did a small Ab workout. Each day I plan to focus on a different zone.

According to www.walkjogrun.net I walked 1.78 miles!

Also, here is one of the ab exercises I did today: Plank with Side Rotation (WARNING: It's freakin hard) 3 sets of 10 on each side! OUCH

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6 Week Baby Weight Challenge - Introduction

So apparently baby weight doesn't just fall off even if you are breastfeeding. The first two months after Jude was born the weight came off pretty easily. Since then I've been stuck at 10lbs over my pre-pregnancy weigh. So I've finally decided to get pro-active... like chasing around a 1 year old isn't active enough.

So here's my plan. I'm trying to keep it realistic especially while taking care of a precocious toddler.

6 weeks to lose 10lbs.

PLAN
3x's a week 30 mins of cardio
3x's a week target strength training

I hope to document each day's activities to 1) keep myself accountable 2)encourage others to join me.

TODAY:
I did a little planning walk to see how long it takes me to do a fast walk around the neighborhood. 32 minutes (with a small pit stop to talk to a neighbor and his dog) I will probably be counting fast walks as my cardio since 1) I don't have a jogging stroller 2) I'm not a big fan of jogging anyway. I hope to get out before Jude's morning nap then do my strength training during the first 30 min of his nap leaving the next 30 min for getting cleaned up and ready for the day.

The plan starts Monday morning.

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Vocabulary of a 1 year old.

mama
dada
byebye
nana
kat kat

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