Better blogger

I know I say it all the time but I need to become a better blogger! I am still here, trying to getting into my blogging groove but life gets the best of me. The kids n I are enjoying the summer, although I must admit I am just counting the seconds until our disney cruise in November!! Not that I want to wish my life away or anything. I am usually a big fan of the summertime but I think it is not the same since I moved to Florida. Doing things alone with my 3 kids is a lot harder then when I was in NY in the summers and had all my family and friends there to help me. Anyway enough of my I miss NY rant!

Crystal Prek graduation

My lil mushala graduated from pre k yesterday. I know I tend to get a bit more emotional then neccesary about these types of events but I cant help it. She will be 5 next month and starting kg in the fall and Im just not ready! I held it together pretty well during graduation until they sang twinkle twinkle which is the song I always sang to her as a baby..n I just about LOST my mind!! The tears would not stop flowing. It made me realize how fast the time really does fly! Day to day we might feel stressed n overwhelmed but before we know it our children are embarking on more and more milestones. It made me realize the coldhard fact that we really are done having babies..n that no matter what I do I cant stop my kids from aging. Time needs to slow down!!

John

My lil man John is having surgery today! Having tubes put in and adnoids out. I know I havent written in a while but I figured I would jump on here to try to write out my feelings because Im in a slight panic. One part of me is telling me that we have exhausted any other option and we have no other choice. He is speech delayed and has hearing loss due to fluid and blockage in his ear. But, another part of me thinks hes too young and is scared that its the wrong decision. Being a mom and being responsible for someone else's life is TOTALLY scary. Sure every day decisions such as meals, clothes , and activities all seem like second nature to me now, but these serious health decisions are always a struggle! How do I know the right choice? How do you know the right answer? I guess the answer is you dont! You can only do what you think is best and Im praying I made the right choice!

My battle against the scale!!

I hate the scale right now!! I have been fasting ( no meat or dairy) for a week now. I also decided to give up junk food to go along with my fast so it could be a religious cleanse and a healthier lifestyle all at the same time. I have not had a chance to really excercise this week but I have been super busy running around. I have not cheated on my diet at all this week except for having a dew sips of butterbeer at universal and one bag of chis there as well..( I couldnt help it I was starved and theme parks have limited snacks for vegans. I was NOT going to cheat on my fast so I had to improvise) Anyway about 3 days in I was 2 lbs down, so I was SUPER excited! My total weight loss goal is 24lbs so that was a nice start. Well , 1 week in today I did my official weigh in assuming I would be about 3lbs down in total. I gained one of those 2lbs back. So I am only down 1lb total...( WEll about 1.5lbs total) So how did I manage to gain back almost a lb when Im not eating anything?? When I was younger I would lose it sooo fast! BOO too getting old, boo to the scale!! I guess I need to add something to this routine to get those lbs moving in the other direction...

40 days... how long is that again?

Today has started the lent season for us Greek Orthodox's. We do not get a choice to gain or give something up. We have a pretty strict lent process although it is not nearly as strict as those that fast all day for other holidays so I should stop complaining..lol We need to give up meat and dairy for 40 days. While I will admit I might miss the occasionally turkey burger or chicken cutlet the meat is not my big issue. As most of you know dairy is the main staple in my diet. So how do I go 40 days with out it? I switched to Almond milk which is bareable enough ( although I miss my milk already) and Im sure by day 10 I will be dreaming of cheese but it is nothing compared to the sacrifices that people make everyday. So also on my quest of veganism for 40 days I have also decided to finally kick start this diet..because it would be way too easy to say I could just eat a bag of chips for dinner right =p!!! So I'm hoping that by the end of these 40 days I will have a lighter belly and a happier heart knowing that I can stick with it this year!! Life is way to short to NOT be healthy....so wish me luck =)

No more!

No more germs allowed! My house has been a total germ fest since November and I am so done. It is interferring with so many things I want to do like , blog, clean, read..etc! So I am putting my foot down and saying no more germs!!!!
Lol !!!!
I doubt this will work but it's worth a try....
Spring is almost upon us and I cant wait... who else is starting their spring cleaning because I need to get a move on mine =)

My score of the week

I had a GREAT food shopping trip today...

I spent 20.56 and saved 115.67!!!!

My list

5lb bag potatoes
2 bags fresh express salad
1 large container of strawberries
2 bags uncle bens rice
1lb beef
2 classico tomato sauces
4 loaves of whole wheat bread
1 bag of purina cat treats
3 bags of kotex
1 gallon of milk
1 half gallon of almond milk
1 6 pack of dannon smoothies
1 box of hair dye
1 pack of 120 gain dryer sheets
6 bottles of diet pepsi
1 bag of fish sticks
1 bag of fish fillet
2 tilapa fillets
2 salmon fillets
2 spray pams
cool mint listerine (large bottle)
cool blue agent kid listerine (huge bottle)
4pkgs of pillsbury grands
2 large coffeemate coffees

All for 20.56!!! WOOOHOOOO!

One less lonely girl

Crystal has informed me she is THE one less lonely girl that Justin BIeber is talking about in his song....ahhh young love..sooo sweet..lol!!!
Just thought I would share that =)

My big score of the week

I actually had two huge scores this week!!

My first score is I FINALLY got my prize coffee pack after a bunch of madness. It was AMAZING! It included

- 17 ( yes 17) coupons for a free huge coffee creamer...
-leather bound recipe book
-recipe cards
-heart shaped muffin tin
-cups
-napkins
-a huge bag of individual instant coffee
-a huge bag of individual powder coffee creamer
-A heart shaped apron
As far as a free prize packs...this was the best thing I have EVER gotten for free..wooohooo!

My other big score was at Publix today. After a traumatizing week of food shopping with an insane cashier I finally got a great cashier, insanel great deals and spent barely anything.

This is what I got
- 3 1 and a half lb packs of fresh ground turkey meat
-2 coffeemate creamers ( big bottles)
-10 2liter bottles of club soda
-4 bottles of medicine
-6 boxes of 100 each packets of splenda
All for 10.25!!!! I saved 55.00 in this trip! WOOHOOO!

February

Just realized I did not blog about how excited I am that January is FINALLY over!!!! February is always a great month!!
Things to look foward too:
-V-day- my FAVE holiday
-Moms bday
-State fair ( soo much fun)
-Nando's bday
-Friends bday parties

Plus so much fun in March too:
-Kelli n boys are coming to visit ...HURRRRRRRRAY!
-Ninas bday
-Ninas bday party
-Getting new Disney passes n going to Disney
-friends bday parties
-income tax refund( yayyyy)
-Girls gymnastics competition
-going to FINALLY see Harry Potters wizarding world!

So much fun to look foward too....so bon voyage to yucky January!!

Potty Trained

Im not sure why because it has been about 2 weeks now..but I just realized that my last baby boy is POTTY TRAINED!!! No more changing diapers! No more lugging around a diaper bag! No more paying for diapers ( although I will still buy wipes because they come in handy for messy hands n faces) WOW!!!! Almost 9 years of diapers n I am done...Part of me is SUPER EXCITED!! (Bring on my new coach bag) but part of me is really sad....
I cannot kid myself into thinking I have babies anymore =(...................Where did the last 9 years go? They happen WAY too fast!!!

Menu for the week

I would LOVE some new food ideas if anyone wants to chime in...

Monday- Taco/rice/beans
Tuesday- Sausage/ Pasta/Salad
Wednesday- Red Baron Pizza/Nuggets/rice & pasta (make up gymnastics class)so no choice!
Thursday- Turkey cheeseburgers/ sweet potatoe fries/ green beans
Friday- Stuffed chicken/ Baked mac n cheese/ salad
Saturday- Meatloaf muffins/ mashed potatoes/ corn
Sunday- Take out pizza n wings...SUPERBOWL PARTY!!

Food shopping for February

So my goal this month is to hit 700. I know my goals probably seem high to people but remember we are a household of 6 and this covers EVERYTHING...so I think once I get down to the 600 or less I will be happy dancing!
Date/store/spent/saved
2-1-11 /Publix /37.14/63.07 ( Not the best of my deals but I did pick up all the candy for nina's goody bags for her bday party)


To be continued

My monthly total is......

So this has been my first real month of stockpiling as I had said before. In my research I have read that the first 2 months or so you will spend a bit more but then your bill will get MUCH less. So to recap my goals for the next 3 months

Jan- 800 total on ALL groceries, household items etc...
Feb- 700 total on ALL groceries, household items etc
March and beyond- 600 or less total on ALL groceries and household items etc

Even though I feel like I literally lived in the store this month I actually JUST made my goal by a TINY margain....

Total spent in Jan - 799.65 ( a 35 cent under budget WOOHOOO...LOL)
Total saved- A whopping 844.32

Plus I scored :
4 free 12 packs of soda for dealing with a bad customer service issue
A free Coffee party kit which included several goodies and 15 free coupons for coffee creamer for dealing with a bad customer service
issue!

Yay for me!! Now onto next month =)

Varsity

Nina is starting her first time ever season of varsity cheerleading. She has been cheering for 2 years now and has been on the jv squad. Now I am a total soccer mom, I admit it but I am SO psyched for her to be on varsity now. They have much more advanced cheers, stunts, and they always win =). I know it's not about winning but since her jv team hasnt placed yet it will be nice for her to finally get a victory under her belt and hopefully build up her confidence. She is very good and is ready for the next step. She is however a bit nervous since she isn't supposed to start varsity until she is 10 and she is still only 8. Her coach and I though both believe that since she will be 9 by the competition she is ready for the challenge. So I have my fingers crossed and am praying that she gets excited about it! So every1 cross your fingers too please =)

Food shop score of the week

With this new plan of budgeting I probably run to the store a few times a week and while I always do well sometimes I score HUGE!
For anyone following my excitement or wants to learn how to save on grocery shopping themselves here was my big score

1-16oz mozzerella cheese- on sale 2 / 6 - 1 publix store $1/1 coup= $2.00
1-16oz mozzerella cheese- on sale 2 / 6 - 1 publix store $1/1 coup=$2.00
1 8oz mild cheddar sargento cheese on sale 2 / 4- 1 publix $1/1 coup +50cent coup=50cent
1 8oz swiss sargento cheese- on sale 2 /4 - 1 publix $1/1 coup + 50cent coup=50cent
1 8oz swiss sargento cheese- on sale 2 / 4- 1publix $1/1 coup + 50 cent coup=50 cent
1crisco canola oil on bogo - 3.65 -1 / 55cent coup= 3.10
1crisco canola oil on bogo- free plus 1/55cent coup= 55 cent overage
4pack ge energy saver lightbulbs on sale 1.59- $2/1 coup + $1/1 comp cop= $1.39 overage

Total bill for this whole shopping was $6.89 ...WOOHOO!

January Blues...

Does anyone else get them? Every year after all the excitement of Oct-Dec activities, holidays and planning I find myself having the blues. It is cold ( yes even in FL), money is not as plenty because I always go over my "budget" on the holidays, n there just isn't much going on. For some reason this also feels like the LONGEST Jan ever. Seriously, how was Christmas only a month ago??? How is there still almost a full week left of this month? I for one am SO ready for Feb because at least things pick up a bit with birthdays,county fair, tax returns(woohoo) and a glimpse closer to the summer....so in the meanti,e I will be daydreaming of vacations n pina colodas until it is actually time for them =)

Planned Menu for the week of January 24th

Here is my projected menu for this week( of course things will change and I will edit as such )

Monday- Leftovers
- Pasta Fazool ( pastina for the kids)
-Chicken CUTLETS
- Salad

Tuesday-Taco night
-Tacos
-Rice
-Beans

Wednesday- Wacky Wednesday ( although not a wacky dish today)
-Turkey and cheese meatloaf muffins
-Au gratin potatoes
-Brussel SPROUTS

Thursday-
- Honey mustard chicken and pasta
-salad
-corn for kids( since they arent big salad lovers)

Friday-
-Turkey burgers w/turkey bacon
-Fries
-Green beans

Saturday
-BBQ ( Hot dogs n burgers)
-macaroni salad
-veggies

Sunday
-Baked chicken cutlet
-pasta in vodka sauce
-garlic bread
-mixed veggies

Im hoping that this will keep my shopping easier if I plan ahead and cause me to make new dishes if I see my hubby is right and that I do constantly cook alot of the same things...=p

Organizing

So as I posted before this year I am working on organizing just about every aspect of my life. One thing I have really gotten into is couponing. I am learning that I can save an INSANE amount of $ by using coupons and coupon match ups. I didn't even know such a thing exsisted ..and they are awesome..so I will be tracking my grocery trips on here.
Here is my LONG term goal. Get food/household product bill down to 600 per month
Usually on average we spend about 800 per month on grocery and household products. ( This is actually down since we used to spend like 900-1100)
So this whole couponing /stockpiling ( but def not HOARDING) thing is roughly new to me. I have been doing couponing a bit more hard core for a few months now and am ready to jump into the stockpiling. It is said it takes a good 2 months to build a good stockpile. So this month I am probably going to still max out at around my 800 or a bit less. By next month I am hoping to get it down to 700 and by the end of March I want my food bill to be at around 600 or less.
How am I doing this?
1) Buying about 3 Sunday newspapers
2)UNCLIPPING my coupons- All I do is skim the papers for coupons I will use that NEVER go on sale that I buy anyway. I then just date it n put it in my coupon folder.
3) Go to my publix coupon match up site n match the sales with my coupons
4) Go to my coupon folder with dates n coupons n then clip knowing exactly where everything is.
5) Then go shopping and save a bunch...
So here is my list of shopping trips so far....

date store Spent Saved
1-5-11 publix 10.88 14.76
1-5-11 sweetbay 19.94 10.00
1-6-11 publix 55.36 105.00
1-8-11 wg 17.13 17.05
1-8-11 wg 7.96 21.97
1-9-11 wg 9.85 8.00
1-9-11 wg 11.37 26.97
1-9-11 wg 8.07 33.19
1-12-11 publix 28.30 62.86
1-13-11 publix 24.00 72.00
1-15-11 publix 41.39 86.08
1-18-11 sweetbay 206.13 27.56
1-19-11 wg 7.01 10.00
1-22-11 publix 49.91 67.83
1-23-11 wg 16.43 23.81
1-23-11 wg 15.69 5.48
1-25-11 publix 29.10 3.91(hubby did this trip...uh-oh)lol
1-26-11 publix 6.89 22.60
1-27-11 publix 45.11 102.29
1-29-11 sweetbay 143.20 49.91
1-29-11 wg 19.21 20.05

Shopping month over!!! Total in new blog

Germs

Dear germs,

I know you are looking for a place to live, however, this whole family has grown VERY tired of your stay. 3 months of nonstop sickness in one house is more then enough. So, I beg of you..PLEASE take your things and go elsewhere( or just disappear in general)
Thank you very much!!!

Central air

I guess part of being organized is being prepared for the unexpected? WEll, problem is..Im not that organized yet. It is only January 21st and two big surprise expenses have arrived.

1) Giovanni will probably need tubes in his ears and while I do have insurance it comes with an insanely high deductible that I must pay before it kicks in...
2) My central air system is on the fritz again and is going to be ALOT of $ to fix!!!

So, instead of getting frazzled by this like I usually do I will just have to work it into my newly organized budget..only problem is, I havent created one of those yet either..doh!!

This organizing isnt as easy as I was hoping it to be =p!

A new year, a new blog

Wowza! I just realized I have not blogged in quite some time...almost 5 months to be exact! I just wasnt inspired to write, I have been insanely busy and sick(constantly) so there has not been much extra time either. So with a new year upon us my New Years resolution was to get my life more organized. In every which way. So I am going to redirect my blog a bit. It will still cover tons of tidbits from our crazy lives, but it will also be geared upon organizing n renovations I want done in my life. The biggest changes I am trying to make this year...
1) Get healthier- I had lost most of my baby weight 2 summers ago only to have put about half of it back on by just not watching, not excersizing enough n I wont lie..pure laziness. So I will be tracking my weight loss on here to be Disney cruise body ready!! In November we are going on our first ever family cruise( and its a Disney one sooo woooohooo). So my goal will be to lose about 20 or so pounds in about 10 months..totally doable if I keep track. I will also try to be posting my weekly menus.
2) Budget- Being that we are going on this enourmous vacation..we really need to work on our budget so I will be tracking, my grocery bills n coupon craze, my paying off debts, n ways I am trying to save all around
3) house stuff- This year we plan to do quite a few changes around here so stay tuned to the fun!!
Just realized how much I missed blogging, Glad to be back!