Jackson Book Review

I found a new book on the new release section and I was excited to see Jackson: Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by Emily March.  I was excited to read this book and see if there were any other books in the series that I missed.  I was glad to find out if there were no books missing and that I was super excited to get to read this book.

Sometimes it takes a new beginning
Caroline Carruthers thinks she buried her dreams along with the love of her life…until a stranger named Celeste dares her to chase a dream all on her own. Moving to Redemption, Texas, is chapter one in Caroline’s new life story. Opening a bookstore is the next. Finding love is the last thing on her mind as she settles into this new place called home. But when she meets a handsome, soulful man who’s also starting over, all bets are off.

to reach a happily-ever-after
Jackson McBride came to Redemption looking only to find himself, not someone to love. Ever since his marriage ended, he’s been bitter. Sure, he used to believe in love—he even has the old song lyrics to prove it—but the Jackson of today is all business. That is, until a beautiful young widow who’s moved to town inspires a change of heart. Could it be that the myth of Redemption’s healing magic is true…and Jackson and Caroline can find a second chance at a happy ending after all?

I thought that this was a great book and a great addition to the Eternity Springs series and get to see the new area that this is set in Redemption, Texas.  It is interesting to see the three cousins and get to know Jackson the most (and know that there are two other cousins we are going to see soon in other books).   Caroline is dealing with having her husband who has memory issues and is forgetting the life that they had together.  She wasn't able to care for him so she had to put him in a facility to take better care of him and keep him safe.  She felt guilty and really missed the life that they had together.  She went to visit on their anniversary and ran into Celeste who needs help writing an article on the town of Redemption, Texas so she visits and falls in love with the small town.  Jackson came to Redemption because he and his cousin's inherited the old western town.  He stayed because his marriage fell apart and he was missing his daughter.  He made a life in this new town and worked to renovate the inn and dance hall to bring in tourists.  Caroline and Jackson found each other and they felt like kindred spirits and stayed friends when she left Redemption when she heard that her husband had a medical issue.  Time passes and Caroline decides to leave her old life behind and start a book store in Redemption and loves to make a new a life for her.  Jackson is excited to find her on her first day back in town.  You have to pick it up and find out what happens but I know you will like it.  I hope that you pick up the book and enjoy it.  Make sure you check out the Eternity Springs books if you like this because you will enjoy them as well.

Menu Plan Monday 2/24

Pasta with Sausage Sauce and Garlic Bread
Taco Rice with cheese and corn bread
Simple Fried Rice and Egg Rolls
Salsa Sloppy Joes with mac and cheese
Leftovers (soup, paninis, fried rice)
Chili or Meatball Subs
Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries

We ate all of our meal plan last week except on Saturday, we got a free pizza from Safeway so we decided to have that for dinner instead of making a bigger meal. It was a great easy week and I this weekend I put in a huge effort to make this week easy too.  I made the salsa sloppy joes, chili, sausage sauce in addition to getting everything ready for dinner.  It was a lot but I hope that means that the week will be that much easier.  I have some chicken that I bought to cut up and freeze in meal sized portions and a few other things to make but loving being ahead this week.

Raising the Challenging Child Book Review

I thought that Raising the Challenging Child: How to Minimize Meltdowns, Reduce Conflict, and Increase Cooperation by Wendy Lyons Sunshine sounded like an interesting book that might have some pointers on different things to do when raising children which is always something that I like to hear.  I thought it would also be helpful for working at preschool too.

What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police? Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.

Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to

- minimize behavioral meltdowns
- reduce conflict
- increase cooperation
- promote healthy attachment
- improve family relationships

The strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma, and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.

I like the beginning with the relationship bank because it gives information because it talks about how you need to have a good balance with the yes and nos.  There is some information about calming down which is helpful.  I thought that the book was a little strange because it wasn't really written from one person's perspective but rather constantly quoting staff at a facility but that was the only thing that was a little different. Although the examples were helpful and gave good descriptions of the problems to help illustrate the resolution.  I am not sure it is super helpful for a challenging child but there are a few helpful hints included.  I am all for learning anything that we can from reading interesting books.  I think that it would be more helpful for a first time parent or someone who is looking for a quick solution to the problems that they discuss.  I think that it might also provide ideas that you haven't tried to deal with some problems.  I hope that you get some helpful hints to try and find at least one thing that will help you and your family.

**I got a copy of the book to read for my review but I was not expected to post a positive review.

Menu Plan Monday 2/17

Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries and tater tots
Pasta with Sausage Sauce and Garlic Bread
Stir Fry with Popcorn Chicken and White Rice
Wewalka Pizzas- one Pepperoni and one Buffalo Chicken
Leftovers (soup, paninis, fried rice)
Steak and Baked Potato
Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries

Last week went pretty well against the plan.   We had pasta with sausage sauce and garlic bread Monday.  I started the soup on Monday and refrigerated it so I was ready for a super easy dinner.  I put the crock pot insert back in the crock pot a few hours before dinner and added a little bit of instant mashed potatoes.  I made the simple fried rice but forgot to make the egg rolls until we sat down to eat.  Ooops!!

Thursday, I made Rosemary Chicken with egg noodles with melted butter.  It raised a lot of questions because I used the butter from the freezer from Thanksgiving that was in the shape of a turkey.  Not sure why my husband asked but I told him it was turkey butter which some how confused him so I asked my son to tell him and he said turkey butter which suddenly made my husband understand but my son was totally confused.  It started to sound like who's on first but it was nice to pull that out and use up the things in the freezer because I didn't need to measure the butter.

Friday was Steaks with baked potatoes which was really tasty.  It was a nice treat and I am glad to have the propane back for the grill outside which has been awhile.  Saturday was leftovers.  I made a huge batch of buffalo chicken mac and cheese and a huge batch of fried rice which lasted my husband for dinner and lunch the next day.  I also made super pretzels, tater tots, chicken fries for my son.  I had some sweet potatoes and some pretzels that my son didn't finish.

Sunday we had a basketball game rescheduled at 6:15 so we decided that my son's favorite dinner would be moved to Monday since it was a holiday anyway.  We decided to go with tacos because I just bought ground beef at Wegman's and froze five portions and left one in the fridge.  It was the last day to an easy meal week that I put in my best effort to get the meals on the table.  Love when a meal plan comes together!!

I had most of the meals planned for the month so I was excited to get those meals made and use up many things in the freezer, fridge and pantry.  It is almost time to take the inventory again and see what we have to use up for March.

Meant to Be Yours Book Review

I put a book on reserve when I saw it on the new release section because I love the books by this author.  I didn't know what series it was part of but I knew that I needed to read Meant to Be Yours (Happily Inc) by Susan Mallery.  I was super happy to find out that it was part of the Happily Inc series.  It is the 5th book in the series and even more exciting news is that I checked it out on Amazon and there is 6th book in the series too but currently only available for preorder so I know that I need to be patient!!

Wedding coordinator Renee Grothen isn’t meant for marriage. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, plan. But she never could have planned on gorgeous, talented thriller writer Jasper Dembenski proposing—a fling, that is. Fun without a future. And the attraction between them is too strong for Renee to resist. Now she can have her no-wedding cake…and eat it, too.  After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he’s too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation—and more—with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.  Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?

Renee is working at Weddings Out of the Box in the small town of Happily Inc and enjoying her new life.  She works hard to make sure that the bride and groom have the wedding of their dreams.  She asks all the questions to make sure that they have thought of everything.  Renee is working extra hard because her boss is out with a new baby.  She is working six days a week with Monday being the only day off.  It is also the down day for everyone else so there is a game night at the local bar.  Renee goes out with friends and sees famous writer, Jasper, who is just back from a book tour.  They partners in the game leave because it is their first night away from their new baby. Renee and Jasper are left to talk and get to know each other.  They both decide that they could have a no strings attached fling with no future.  Renee thinks that her past heart breaks mean that she is no good at love and Jasper things that his time in the military has left him broken and unable to love.  The decide that they are the perfect match.  Jasper jumps into writing another book and needs Renee's help to finish the new characters in the book.  You have to pick up the book to find out what happens with the new book and the new relationship.

Love With A Perfect Cowboy Book Review

I was working on the series that I was reading but I was missing a book in the series so there was a brief pause to reserve it at the library.  It came in quickly so I started reading it after another book.  Love With a Perfect Cowboy: A Cupid, Texas Novel by Lori Wilde was the 4th book in the series.  This one was interesting because it started in New York City so I was wondering if they were going to be in Cupid, Texas in the book.

Melody Spencer had long-ago wiped the dust of Cupid, Texas, off her cute shoes . . . and done her best to forget the chiseled jaw and strong arms of cowboy Luke Spencer. Their families might be part of a long-time feud, but he was her very first love, even if it turned out they never wanted the same things.  But now Luke's come striding back into her life, tempting her with the memories of long, lazy evenings and hot, passionate kisses. And he has an ulterior motive—as Mayor of Cupid, he knows Melody's business savvy can help save their beloved hometown. His smooth talking might get her to Texas, but that doesn't mean he'll get her in his bed. Still, people do say love can be more perfect the second time around . . .

I thought that this book was different from the other books in the series with enough of the small town charm to have you interested in the same characters who we have met in previous books.  Melody had left Cupid to make a life for herself in New York City.  She is now right where she wants to be with a great job and famous boyfriend.  Never does she say she likes her job or her boyfriend but it is what she has been working towards for years.  She goes into work one day and meets with her boss.  She is fired and her life is turned upside down.  She goes home to her apartment that she is sharing with her boyfriend and finds that he has packed up all her stuff and left it in the lobby.  She has no job and no apartment.  At that exact moment, in walks Luke Spencer from her hometown.  He says that he is going to take her out to dinner and then gives her a mission to save the town of Cupid. They are going through a big drought and many shops and stores are having to close.  You have to pick up the book to find out what happens but I promise that you won't be let down.  It is a good story that has you wondering what is going to happen next for this small town.

Wrapped Up in You Book Review

I put this book on reserve because it was the new release in a series that I had just finished reading.  I was excited when it came on my reserve shelf.  Wrapped Up in You: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel by Jill Shalvis was book 8 out of 8 books in the series.

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.  Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-term plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.

I thought that this was a great book to learn about the newer character that we didn't know much about, Ivy Snow.  She runs the food truck in the neighborhood where most of the story takes place where people live and work.  She keeps herself separate from others that are in a tight knit group of friends because she is used to protecting herself.  She realizes that she has friends if she just reaches out to them but not until Kel comes into her life.  He is there to visit with his friends and just happens to be the one person that she doesn't want to trust because he is a cop.  Kel is there for her when her food truck gets broken into and he stays with her to help clean up.  Kel and Ivy become really close and he starts to realize that she is lying when she is talking about her brother.  He doesn't call her out on it but wonders what the truth is until he learns.  These two become closer but you have to pick up the book to find out how Ivy tries to block everything until she can't anymore.  I hope that you enjoy this book and the rest of the fun series as much as I have.

The Protective One Book Review

I reserved The Protective One (3) (Walnut Creek Series, The) by Shelley Shepard Gray before I knew anything about it because I saw it in the new release section online.  It came on my reserve shelf so I was ready to read it and figure out what it was about.  I figured out that I didn't read the rest of this series!!  WHAT?  I started with the third book in the series.  Going back and reserving the others in the series to catch up now.

The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he’s Mennonite like herself and has her parents’ approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off—wondering if, perhaps, she’s the one who’s missing a spark.

When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.

But E.A.’s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she’s not the only one struggling—Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, Elizabeth Anne begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined...one that ultimately enables her to find everything she’s been searching for.

In this latest installment in the Walnut Creek series that “both delights and surprises” (Leslie Gould, bestselling author), Shelley Shepard Gray pens a powerful and poignant tale of friendship, courage, and love.

I am starting with this book so I didn't have a background but the book started with the loss of a close friend of Elizabeth Anne, EA to her friends.  EA is dealing with the loss of her friend and her odd relationship with her beau, David.  When David says something negative about EA's friend, EA breaks up with him.  David doesn't move on and keeps telling lies about her to her friends and family.  EA becomes closer to her friend Will and they end up dating.  EA is also working in the local fabric shop and teaching sewing classes.  She has one student that she is worried about but she isn't sure what is going on with her.  EA is working hard to be there for everyone in her life but you have to pick up the book to find out what happens.  There is no shortage of adventure and character building.  I hope that you check out this book and the rest of the series for yourself.  Make sure you know that this is not the first book in the series so start with which ever book you would like.

January Month End Reading Review

I am trying to do better this year of tracking the books that I have read over the month so that I can keep to my goal of reading over 100 books a year. Here is hoping that I can keep better track this year of the books that I read every month.

Below are the books that I have read and you can click on the title to see my summary and original review to see if it is something you want to add to your list.

The Soldiers Return and Daddy Makeover

Herons Landing

Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses

Love At First Sight

Somebody To Love

All Out of Love

January Books Read 8


Books Reading Currently:

The Protective One

 

Menu Plan Monday 2/10

Pasta with Sausage Sauce and Garlic Bread
Baked Potato Soup with cheese and bacon
Simple Fried Rice with Egg Rolls
Rosemary Chicken with egg noodles
Steaks and baked potatoes
Leftovers (soup and paninis)
Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries and tater tots

Last week we had pasta on Monday, Rosemary and Chicken Casserole Tuesday and moved things around Chicken Tacos to have Wednesday because I thawed the chicken earlier then I needed.  We had Philly Cheese Steak Pasta on Thursday.  We had two Wewalka Pizzas on Friday instead of fixing all the leftovers before heading back to school for Bingo night.  Saturday my son went to a sleepover and had Pizza Hut and we have leftovers and things from the freezer.  Sunday was Chicken fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade french fries.  It was a busy week but having a plan really helped to get the meals on the table every night.

I have enjoyed being ahead and getting the whole month calendar done because I haven't done that the last few months.  We really don't have that much left in the freezer to make meals after we finish the month so I know that I will be looking for some stock up sales going forward.  I was excited to add homemade pizzas when I got the Wewalka pizza dough for $0.50 each.  I cleaned out the fridge today and wiped down all the shelves.  I got rid of things and combined things so that I could get a better idea of what was in the fridge.  I did find a pouch of yogurt on the top shelf that was shoved to the back which was expired and moved the corn meal into a container for the freezer.

I was super excited to make a loaf of bread, make two corn bread mixes for the cupboard, make nutella hand pies (from free pie crusts), and baked potato soup.  Super excited to get to eat Baked Potato Soup this week since I didn't get it made last week.  Super frugal meal and great for the cold days!!  I used homemade chicken broth from the freezer, made my own cream of chicken soup from milk and a few other ingredients, and then chopped up the frozen hash browns that I got on sale for $0.50.  I added the block of cream cheese that was free and I froze immediately so I would have it when I needed it.  I will add instant mashed potatoes tomorrow while it is heating so that it will thicken the soup because it is a little thin.

Hope you have a yummy week planned!!

Somebody to Love Book Review

I started a new series and I was trying to make sure that I kept it in order but I really had a hard time keeping track of the books in order.  Somebody to Love: A Cupid, Texas Novel by Lori Wilde was the third one.  I finished it and wished that I could start the next in the series but I had to head back to my sheet of paper to see which book came next and see if I got it out of the library.

Sexy cowboy-scholar Jericho Chance always knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. And after sauntering back home to Cupid, he’s shocked to discover that he wants Zoey McCleary. After years from home, he takes one new look at his bubbly best friend, with her lightning smarts and luscious body, and it hits him like a bolt: she’s his somebody to love and he’s not leaving town again without her. Settling down always seemed like a time waster to Zoey, a man magnet with a trail of broken hearts behind her. She’s not meant to settle down—but how can she resist someone as persuasive as Jericho? There’s no way they can ignore the explosive chemistry seething between them . . . even if it means risking their friendship . . .

I thought the mystery and intrigue in this book was really interesting.  It was like the movie where you want to yell at the screen that they should talk to each other because the two main characters both have pieces to the puzzle that might help the other figure things out and they are best friends but going through a lot of transitions in their relationship.  It was interesting to see how the best friends Jericho and Zoey change when they realize that they should be together.  Jericho is working towards his full time position at the local school teaching archeology but his past means that his stipulation is that he can't get involved with any students.  Zoey has decided to go on the archeology dig which is Jericho's trial run at working for the local school.  The tough part is that she is out of money so she has to get special permission to get the money out of her trust fund and the limitation is that if she quits, she will not get any more money from her trust fund so there is a lot on the line.  I thought that this was a fun book that really had you on the edge of your seat.  I had a hard time putting it down because I always wanted to know what was going to happen next.  I hope that you check out this book and see if you enjoy it too.

January Month End Budget Review

We decided to do this year a little different then past years just a little in our accounting.  We are still doing a $160 monthly budget but I am adding the rebates that I get during the month back into the budget.  While in the past, we didn't do this because the money was transferred to PayPal and used for other purchases.  I didn't want to double count the money but now PayPal is set up a little differently and I can't use it the same way.  I now transfer the PayPal money into my checking account so I can use it to pay for groceries directly.  This is a nice little addition that helps me to fight harder to get the most month back on receipts from Ibotta, Checkout 51 and Saving Star.

Below is all of the shopping trips that I got for the month.  There is the cost, break down and the picture with the items that I got. Check out what I got and how I did against my budget.

Harris Teeter $25.63

The Kelloggs Cereal was an amazing deal that we haven't seen in a long time.  Each box was on sale for $2.24 and there were coupons for $2/4 which doubled during super doubles so they were $1.24 each and there was a bonus $5 off $15 of Kelloggs Cereal.  It was $17.92 for 8 boxes less $5 promotion and $8 coupons so all 8 boxes were $4.92 which is $0.62 per box.

Late July Popcorn and Maruchan Noodle Bowls were free.  I also needed a head of lettuce which is $0.99 everyday at Harris Teeter.  We got Cheez-Its for $1.49 per box after sale and coupon.  I made a crazy decision and added Tide to my cart at $9.97 and I used a printable coupon on each to make them $5.97 and $6.97.  Although we have plenty of Tide, there are few deals on detergents so I decided to get them even though we were already well stocked.

Aldi $27.72

We were in Woodbridge so I stopped at the store there to get the cheaper prices.  The cheddar cheese was $1.48 per block so I got 5.  The Chicken Fries were $5.37 so I got two.  I got the $2.85 turkey lunch meat.  The pretzels were $0.82 per bag (they are $1.29 at our store).  I grabbed the margarine spread at $2.19.

Harris Teeter $9.80

I got the Kellogg's deal with Raisin Bran and Frosted Mini Wheats for $15 less $5 instant promo and $6 coupons and $2 ecoupon means that these 6 boxes cost $2 or $0.33 per box.  The Kahki Chicken Egg Rolls were $0.50 per box.  Children's Motrin was $1.99 after sale and coupon per bottle and the Children's Robitussin was $0.99 per bottle. I also  got Ranch Skinny Pop for $0.15 and free Pasta.  I earned $3 from the Robitussin and Barilla Pasta from Saving Star.

Harris Teeter $18.68

I couldn't pass up the cereal deal another time so I got 2 Froot Loops, 2 Raisin Bran and 4 Frosted Flakes for $5.44 or $0.68 per box.   I got the $1.99 Motrin but they were out of the liquid so I got the chewable tablet.  The Taquitos were $2.99 per box instead of the shelf price of $6.29 which are great to have on hand for weekend lunches or backup dinners.  I got the Skinny Pop for $0.15 per bag and three are three bags on the receipt but it is hard to see in the picture.  I got an amazing deal on bacon because these ended up being $0.49 per package (forgot to put in the picture so took a second picture).  I got free Noodle Bowls, Finish and Truvia. I got back $5 from Saving Star for the Kellogg's cereal and $3.10 for the Truvia and any item.

Harris Teeter $29.31

I went a little crazy on this trip but I got an email with a coupon for $10 off $50 purchase.  The electronic coupon comes off before coupons so I just needed to make sure that the price after sales was over $50.  I went through and got lots of deals so that I wouldn't end up spending too much money but I got the Cottonelle for $3.87 per package.  The Viva paper towels were $3.97 after coupon and sale.  The Oatmeal was on sale for $1.47 per box after sale and coupon so I got 4 for my husband.  I got the Gushers for $0.99 per box and I got 6 boxes.  The Lysol toilet bowl cleaner was $0.67 per bottle and I got 6 bottles.  The Ortega Taco seasoning was $0.29 per package and we were out so I was excited to get the coupon again.  The Hormel were the most amazing deal because they were on sale for $1.25 and there was a clearance sticker for $1 off making them $0.25 but I got to use my coupon for $0.50 off that doubled so I made $0.75 on each package or $3 for all four.  I added the Perdue Popcorn Chicken for $4.99 per bag less $1.50 coupon making them $4.24 per bag because I was afraid how the meat clearance was going to affect my bottom line.  I ended up saving $22.70 in coupon savings and $71.46 in VIC savings so it was an amazing trip with lots purchased.

Aldi $16.36

I thought I had a good handle on my spending for the month but I didn't find this receipt or picture until February so this was a big surprise.  I got chicken for $7.12, bananas for $0.42, Ice cream bars for $2.39, Cheddar Cheese for $1.69, Corn Tortillas for $1.89 and lunch meat for $2.95.  We were out of everything here...except the cheese which I got because I wasn't sure and I know it won't go to waste because we love cheese.

Giant $8.57

I went to Giant to get the free Goldfish crackers with the sale price of $0.99 each and the electronic $1 off coupon.  I bought two just in case I would get the full value of the coupon but it just made one bag free.  The Pop Tarts cereal was $0.99 per box but we aren't big fans so probably not a great choice to get them but glad we tried them.  The Ritz Crackers are one of my son's favorites and they were on sale for $1.79 per box and I got $0.75 back from Saving Star.

Harris Teeter $3.67

I sent my husband to the store which I normally don't do but I was starting dinner and we needed eggs for dinner but didn't make it to the store earlier in the day.  The eggs were $0.77 per dozen limit 2.  There was also a good price on lunch meat making it $1.99 after sale and coupons which is an amazing price.

Aldi $3.37 

We were out of vegetable shortening so my husband again stopped at the store when he was out because I was home ordering the pizza for my son's birthday party and starting the party.  We needed the shortening to fry the chicken that we were making to go with the pizza. 

Harris Teeter $3.80

This might be my favorite deal in a long time.  I got Turkey Hill Ice Cream for $0.97 per container and Wewalka Pizza Crusts for $0.84 each.  Then I found the sausage clearance and they were a money maker because they were on sale for $3.50 and there was a sticker for $4 on each one.  I came right home and cooked up all the sausage and make sausage spaghetti sauce which we love and I got $2 off my total.

Harris Teeter $3.21

I went to the store to get the free candy bar and the $0.77 Quaker Oatmeal.  It was hard to pass up that deal even though I just got oatmeal that we hadn't finished.

Aldi $3.16 

I stopped at Aldi on the way home from Harris Teeter and got milk at $1.40 and two stick margarine at $0.84 each because we were out of both.  I decided to go with the half gallon because my son hadn't been finishing the milk that we had been getting and he finished this in three days!!

Harris Teeter $22.91

I went back to the store and got the next round of deals with Super Doubles starting.  I was also pretty excited because my neighbor gave me a coupon for $5 off $25 so I decided to use it in this transaction.  I got the Tater Tots for $0.50 per bag.  The Super Pretzels were $0.09 each and I got back $0.75 for 5 bags making it a money maker.  The Wewalka Pizza Dough was $0.50 each.  The Cacique cheese was $1 each.  The Perdue Chicken was $1.09 each.  The Hormel was on sale for $3 and there was a $0.50 coupon off each that doubled making it $2.00 per package and there was an Ibotta rebate for $0.75 per package making them $1.25 each.  In addition, there is also a $3 Saving Star when you buy $12 of Hormel Natural Choice.  I added three bottles of Cran Grape at $2.14 each to make the total over $25 after coupons to get the Giant coupon off my total.

Harris Teeter $2.97

I got two boxes of Super Pretzels for $0.09 each.  I got the Pretzel Pop Tarts for $0.80 each box.  I got the Cheez Its for $0.49 per box.  I got the Tater Tots for $0.50 per bag.  The Aveeno Wipes were $0.49 per package.  I got free Texas Pete Hot sauce and Wewalka Pie Crust. The Icy Hot and Rolaids were free after coupons and adjustment at customer service and I made $3 on the promo off the rest of my groceries.

Aldi $2.40 

I had to go back to the store and get the gallon of milk because my son finished the half gallon in three days.  This milk sat untouched for a few days but is now getting a little more attention so fingers crossed we finish it before it goes bad.

Harris Teeter $17.10

I took stock on where I was with my spending for the month and I knew that getting the soda was going to put us over with all the other super double deals but they had all the kinds we wanted so I didn't want to put it off until next month.  The soda was on sale for Buy Two, Get Three Free so it was $14.98 for five cases.  I got free rice, pie crusts, and pretzels.  I got the Sweet Baby Rays marinate for $0.09.  The Tater Tots were $0.50 each.  I got the Kids Vitamins for $4.49 instead of the $16.99 shelf price.  The Rolaids were $0.49 each after coupons.  After buying three, I got $3 instant rebate so I made $1.50 on the groceries.

Harris Teeter $2.89

I got free Maruchan Noodles, Texas Pete Hot Sauce, and Fruit Parfait.  I got the Prego sauce for the taste and tell and it didn't come off so I went back and returned it later and took the money off the total.  I got the Rice Krispie Treats for my son's Valentines at school.  They were $1 per box but some other coupon came off so I saved an additional $1.50 off the total.

Harris Teeter $14.75

I got three boxes or Super Pretzels and three bags of Super Pretzels for $0.09 each.  I got three bags of Tater Tots for $0.50 each.  The Perdue Chicken was $1.09 each.  The Pie Crust and Texas Pete Hot Sauce for free.  The Hidden Valley Bacon Ranch Dip for $0.14 each and then I turned each one in for $0.75 rebate on Ibotta.  The Ken's Dressing was $4.78 for all or $0.96 each.

Total Retail $1,066.72

Total Savings $850.42

Total Spent $216.30

less Total Rebates $32.85

Total  OOP $183.45

Although I went over budget, I hope that this shows you that you can get a lot for very little money.  It is possible to make lots of wonderful meals for your family by just shopping a little differently.  I only get the lowest priced items to stock up the fridge, freezer and pantry so that I can pull out things to make the meals on the calendar with the lowest priced items.  I was $23.45 over my grocery budget but I used my $8.66 left in my take out budget so I was only over $14.79 my total $200 budget.  Got a bonus Saving Star rebate and one of the Ibotta ones didn't go through!!  I actually lost a receipt in my bag that I didn't realize until I was putting together this post because it wasn't in my spreadsheet at all which was my $16.36 Aldi's receipt.  I thought I was really on target for making a great number until I found a picture with no receipt!!  If I did a little better cleaning out my bag, I might have figured it out... or not!!
 

Eating Out and Take Out

This month was a little crazy but we had my son's birthday party.  Our only take out was Pizza Hut for all the kids.  We had a gift card so we only spent $31.34.  Our budget was $40 so we still had $8.66 left in the budget which we spent on groceries.

All Out of Love Book Review

I went straight from the last one into this book which is the second in the series.  All Out of Love: A Cupid, Texas Novel by Lori Wilde was the next book in my stack so I was hoping that it was the next book that was in the series and I think that I was lucky because it was.

Millie Greenway and her friends have tried for years to keep the Cupid legend alive in their hometown, but she’s not getting much help from her granddaughters. Lace Bettingfield knows the legend is bogus. As a teen, she left a letter at the Cupid statue and got nothing in return but humiliation. But now the guy she dreamed of is back in town, Lace begins to wonder if the tale might just prove to be true.

Football star Pierce Hollister has fame, fortune, and beautiful women who'll do anything for him... whether he asks them to or not.  But when it all comes crashing down, Pierce finds himself back home, running the ranch in Cupid, Texas, wondering how it all went wrong.  But one thing is right: Lace Bettingfield. The former plain-jane has turned into a luscious knockout--- trouble is, she won't even give him the time of day no matter how many passes he makes.  Being in love with your older brother's best friend is awkward enough, and Pierce was the cause of Lace's most embarrassing high school moment ever when her secret letter to him declaring her love landed right on the front page of the school newspaper! Pierce is still as stubborn, sexy, and arrogant as ever... but Lace is about to see that things aren't always as they seem... especially when it comes to love.

This might be the worst description of any book on Amazon that I have ever seen except one that was actually wrong so I wrote the review from the back of the book second.  When Lace Bettingfield was 14 years old, she wrote a note that wasn't intended to go anywhere about her crush on Pierce Hollister, her older brother's best friend.  However, he broke up with a girl who found the letter and published it is in the school paper to embarrass Pierce.  It ruined Lace in the process.  Pierce left Cupid to play football for the Dallas Cowboys and had a life altering injury and his father's health was declining so he returned.  He is working on the ranch and doing rehab for his injury to try to return to football.  At the same time, he realizes now that four years isn't a huge age difference, Lace is someone that he could see himself with.  The realization is shocking but Lace turns him down.  The harder he has to fight, the more he knows she is the right person for him.  You have to pick up the book to find out what happens and how the doctors solve the mystery of his dad's sickness.  I thought it was a good book with a lot of different things going on.  I can't wait to check out the rest of the series.

Love At First Sight Book Review

I grabbed a book off the new release section and tried to get all the other books in the series so that I could read it from the beginning.  The first book in this series is Love at First Sight: A Cupid, Texas Novel by Lori Wilde.  I was excited to get started on this cowboy series.

Welcome to Cupid, Texas, where every wish for love comes true…In her sexy new series of romance novels, New York Times bestselling romance author Lori Wilde, introduces a town where the residents are more than likely to fall in love at first sight.

Passion has been notably lacking in the life of sensible Natalie McCleary. But when ex–Navy SEAL Dade Vega roars into Cupid on his motorcycle, and she stumbles on him stark naked and soaking wet, she suddenly understands what it means to be struck by love. Dade feels it too.  Will he stick around and give them both a happy ending or will this footloose loner move on and leave her heartbroken?  Love at First Sight, told with the humor and spice fans have come to expect from Lori Wilde’s delightful romances, including A Cowboy for Christmas and The Cowboy and the Princess.

I hadn't read a lot by this author or anything in the series but I wanted to start at the beginning of the series.  This was the first book and although it started off a little slow with lots of characters to introduce, it went quickly once you got to know everyone.  The main character in this story is Natalie McCleary who is still fighting her demons after loosing her parents in a plane crash when she was little.  Her whole life is built around her injury and taking care of others in her life.  She is living in the town called Cupid, Texas where people make wishes for true love and write letters to the cupid statue to try to get their questions about love answered.  Her family works on answering all of the letters.  Dade Vega comes into town to find his best friend and foster brother Red but is afraid that he can't trust anyone.  He ends up trusting Natalie with the truth because they have a spark that draws them together so he trusts his gut.  Pick up the book to find out what happens and I know that you won't be disappointed with this interesting and action packed story!!

Menu Plan Monday 2/3

Pasta with Sausage Sauce and Garlic Bread
Rosemary Chicken with Potatoes
Philly Cheese Steak Pasta
Chicken Tacos with white rice pouch
Leftovers/Homemade Pizza
Baked Potato Soup and Paninis
Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries and tater tots

Last week, we had a great week and it actually got most of the meal plan according to plan but we moved one meal forward because I thawed it and was ready earlier then I thought.  We had Pasta Monday, Chicken and Rice Casserole Tuesday, Pork Chops with mac and cheese Wednesday, Simple Fried Rice and Egg Rolls Thursday and Leftover Friday.  The weekend brought my son's choice for Pizza Hut for lunch which we got a free order of bread sticks with rewards points and free cinnasticks with a birthday promotion and one pizza with a gift card.  It was lots of food and we actually had three pieces of pizza leftover so we ended up having a slice for dinner instead of breakfast for dinner.

We are set up for our meals this week and I am excited because I got some shredded hash browns so I am super excited for making crock pot baked potato soup. We also have bacon so I am going to make it for the soup.  I haven't used the pizza crusts yet and I might make them on Friday in addition to leftovers so there is less grumping over leftovers (mostly from my son).  Looking forward to another week with all food already in our house.