1. I am dying to break out my Cricut again. I've been horrible about taking pictures though; I didn't even bother to start a 2011 scrapbook. I will have to do the baby's first year scrapbook, so I MUST get better about that.
2. Alcatraz. Are you watching? I really like it, but that is usually the kiss of death for shows. Everything I like gets cancelled. I haven't seen any ratings for Alcatraz yet, but please watch it so it stays on the air. The man behind it is the same guy who created LOST and there are a lot of similarities between the two shows. But Mr. Abrams has promised this will not be as hard to follow as LOST was - which is good for me because I'm not sure I completely understand what happened on the Island. (We have to go back Kate! We have to go back!)
3. Super Bowl! Is anyone else redic excited for the Ferris Bueller ad? Anyone? Anyone?
4. Pretty soon we will know if Lil Sibling is a boy baby or a girl baby! Last night the idea of keeping it a secret. Andrew was intrigued, if not completely on board. I think I can get him here by Monday. We'll see.
5. The cravings have arrived. I can't say I was missing them. IMMA DIE IF SOMEONE DOESN'T BRING ME A BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWHICH IMMEDIATELY. Pay no attention to the fact that my northern Eupropean taste buds can't handle the spiciness of buffalo sauce. I NEED IT.
6. Recovering from quadruple bypass surgery seems to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. And I figured it wouldn't be easy.
7. I can't believe its only Tuesday, does anything else think that time is absolutely standing still these days?
8. Picnic is going away. Picnic is a free photo editing site and it's how I make my headers every month. Anyone know a free photo editing site that will allow me to do basic edits, including text? I don't need much, but I need something!
9. I have a coupon for a free dozen eggs and I pretty much cannot wait to use it. Friday cannot come soon enough. Free! Eggs! I also have a $1 off Eggo Waffles coupon this week and they are B1G1!
10. I'm a nerd.
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
I can't find my marbles
We're getting ready for a Life Changing Event here at Casa de O'G, mainly the addition of the 4th member of our little family. Part of the preparation is living on Andrew's salary as much as we can (another part is me drooling over the Beco Gemini. drool. want.) in order to boost up our savings. He does earn a liveable wage, but we are used to having two incomes and we're quite spoiled. I don't want to tell you the amount of money we have spent on take-out over the course of our marriage. Living on one salary has had its share of challenges, mainly accepting the fact that we can't go out to dinner once a week and I can't drown my work sorrows in Italian subs and wine anymore. I've been more stressed out and full of rageful hate at work because of this unfortunate turn of events.
We don't have any ink in our printer, and I'm still not convinced that using a coupon to buy something I wouldn't have bought in the first place will save me money so I'm not couponing (yet.... once I get some ink and someone explains to me how spending more money saves me money, I'm sure I'll join in on the fun). I am, however, watching sales quite closely. I have two main spreadsheets, one to track the weekly specials at my local grocery stores (of which there are only 3. Sad... No Market Basket, Trader Joes, or Price Chopper near me!) and the other to track what we are spending on a particular item over the long term. I live for Thursday when Shaw's and Stop & Shop release their weekly flier. Hannaford and Target don't release theirs until Friday and Saturday respectively. Every Thursday and Friday night I can be found sitting at the computer going over the fliers (does anyone actually use the paper ones anymore? what a sad waste of a tree) and updating my spreadsheets. I'm sure you are very jealous of my super cool life.
It may not be the most fun way to spend 25 minutes on Thursday and Friday nights, but I have cut our weekly grocery bill from $100-$120 per week to around $75-$80. If I can sustain that saving and keep the grocery bill to the $75-$80 range, I can save in the ballpark of $1500 PER YEAR. That's a lot of money that I didn't need to be spending before.
That's like 190 Italian subs.
We don't have any ink in our printer, and I'm still not convinced that using a coupon to buy something I wouldn't have bought in the first place will save me money so I'm not couponing (yet.... once I get some ink and someone explains to me how spending more money saves me money, I'm sure I'll join in on the fun). I am, however, watching sales quite closely. I have two main spreadsheets, one to track the weekly specials at my local grocery stores (of which there are only 3. Sad... No Market Basket, Trader Joes, or Price Chopper near me!) and the other to track what we are spending on a particular item over the long term. I live for Thursday when Shaw's and Stop & Shop release their weekly flier. Hannaford and Target don't release theirs until Friday and Saturday respectively. Every Thursday and Friday night I can be found sitting at the computer going over the fliers (does anyone actually use the paper ones anymore? what a sad waste of a tree) and updating my spreadsheets. I'm sure you are very jealous of my super cool life.
It may not be the most fun way to spend 25 minutes on Thursday and Friday nights, but I have cut our weekly grocery bill from $100-$120 per week to around $75-$80. If I can sustain that saving and keep the grocery bill to the $75-$80 range, I can save in the ballpark of $1500 PER YEAR. That's a lot of money that I didn't need to be spending before.
That's like 190 Italian subs.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Black Friday
I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and the mashed potatoes were plentiful! We had a great holiday and Baby Girl was so excited to see all her relatives! This is the first time she would actually interact with them without me practically holding her the entire time.
This morning, for the second time in my life, I braved the Black Friday crowds. The first time was a few years ago, I woke up at 3:30, got to Kohl's by 4 when it opened and bought the sweater I had my eye on, and went home to go back to bed. It was pretty uneventful.
This year was slightly different.
We have needed a new TV for awhile, ours tended to do a weird squiggly line thing and be funny colors that was somehow related to the HDMI input. We've tried to fix it, but everything was a short term fix and it was clear the end of its useful life was coming. We decided to watch the Black Friday ads to see what was going to be on sale and if we could get a good deal on a TV, we'd do it. Target had a 46" Westinghouse for $298 so we had plans to get it.
We knew there wouldn't be a lot of inventory for this TV, it was well marked that each store had limited quantities. Andrew though we should get in line at 9. I thought he was being rediculous. 9:00? Three hours early in small town NH?
We did a drive by past Target at 8:00 before heading back to the hotel to get ready. I told Andrew 30 times it was ridiculous to check, that there was not going to be a line.
There was a line. At 8:00. Luckily for me, it was still a relatively short line and Andrew hopped out with nothing but a mostly dead iPhone to keep him company. I went back to my in-laws' house to get a camp chair, and some gloves for him. Why I didn't get TWO camp chairs and a blanket is still unknown. Not my brightest moment.
I went back to the hotel and tried to figure out what to do, now that we were going to be sitting in line for 4 hours in the (literally) freezing cold. I put on my flannel pajama pants, put my jeans on over them (thank god I don't wear skinny jeans...), put about 3 shirts on, packed flannel pants, jeans, and a sweatshirt for Andrew and that was the best I could do. I grabbed both of our Nooks (and mine isn't backlit, so clearly it wasn't going to do me any good. Andrew had requested a coffee, but hello - coffee and 4 hours without a bathroom is not a good combination.
The first few hours were awful. It was freezing - I had to go back to the car a few times to warm up my feet since I decided not to bring my Uggs to New Hampshire with me for this trip. What can I say, I'm an idiot. We only had one camp chair, so we had to trade off every 10 minutes. I couldn't ready my Nook. Andrew's phone was practically dead. I wanted to cry I was so cold. It sucked. I almost went back to the hotel about 30 times.
At 9:30 the manager came out, explained how the TVs were going to work. They had 43 tickets for 43 TV's. They were going to give out tickets and you'd bring your ticket to the changing rooms and get a TV. Sounded easy enough. Then he handed out Luna Bars and I decided to name my firstborn after him. (I'll explain to Baby Girl why her name is Manager Jason from Target later).
At 10:00, he actually handed out the tickets and we knew were we guaranteed a TV! It almost made the past 2 hours worth it because there was a VERY long line and most people had to give up the 46" TV for $298 dream. Not us though! Just two more hours to wait!
Around 10:40ish, two of my brothers-in-law, my sister-in-law ,and niece showed up to get in line for X-boxes (and they ended up being lucky to get them, they ran out of them before we left the store!). We chatted for a bit and then the BILs went to get me and Andrew coffee! I have never been so excited to get a decaf coffee. After that, the time flew buy.
For crowd control purposes, Target was letting 30 people into the store, waiting 30 seconds and letting another 30 in, rinse and repeat. We part of the first 30 in the store, ran and got in line for our TVs, ran over to the x-boxes and grabbed three of them and handed over two when the ILs came in, paid, and hit the road. We ran into a slight snafu when the boxes didn't fit in our car, but some car shuffling today took care of that.
So.... long, freezing, boring night of Black Friday insanity yielded a new TV and somehow Andrew ended up with a new x-Box too. I'm still not quite sure HOW that happened.
If we had been more prepared it actually wouldn't have been that bad, but we were kind of flying by the seat of our pants. I hope to not need a new TV for a long time... but we desperately need a new laptop. Good thing Black Friday only comes once a year, and Cyber Monday can be done from the comfort of my house!
This morning, for the second time in my life, I braved the Black Friday crowds. The first time was a few years ago, I woke up at 3:30, got to Kohl's by 4 when it opened and bought the sweater I had my eye on, and went home to go back to bed. It was pretty uneventful.
This year was slightly different.
We have needed a new TV for awhile, ours tended to do a weird squiggly line thing and be funny colors that was somehow related to the HDMI input. We've tried to fix it, but everything was a short term fix and it was clear the end of its useful life was coming. We decided to watch the Black Friday ads to see what was going to be on sale and if we could get a good deal on a TV, we'd do it. Target had a 46" Westinghouse for $298 so we had plans to get it.
We knew there wouldn't be a lot of inventory for this TV, it was well marked that each store had limited quantities. Andrew though we should get in line at 9. I thought he was being rediculous. 9:00? Three hours early in small town NH?
We did a drive by past Target at 8:00 before heading back to the hotel to get ready. I told Andrew 30 times it was ridiculous to check, that there was not going to be a line.
There was a line. At 8:00. Luckily for me, it was still a relatively short line and Andrew hopped out with nothing but a mostly dead iPhone to keep him company. I went back to my in-laws' house to get a camp chair, and some gloves for him. Why I didn't get TWO camp chairs and a blanket is still unknown. Not my brightest moment.
I went back to the hotel and tried to figure out what to do, now that we were going to be sitting in line for 4 hours in the (literally) freezing cold. I put on my flannel pajama pants, put my jeans on over them (thank god I don't wear skinny jeans...), put about 3 shirts on, packed flannel pants, jeans, and a sweatshirt for Andrew and that was the best I could do. I grabbed both of our Nooks (and mine isn't backlit, so clearly it wasn't going to do me any good. Andrew had requested a coffee, but hello - coffee and 4 hours without a bathroom is not a good combination.
The first few hours were awful. It was freezing - I had to go back to the car a few times to warm up my feet since I decided not to bring my Uggs to New Hampshire with me for this trip. What can I say, I'm an idiot. We only had one camp chair, so we had to trade off every 10 minutes. I couldn't ready my Nook. Andrew's phone was practically dead. I wanted to cry I was so cold. It sucked. I almost went back to the hotel about 30 times.
At 9:30 the manager came out, explained how the TVs were going to work. They had 43 tickets for 43 TV's. They were going to give out tickets and you'd bring your ticket to the changing rooms and get a TV. Sounded easy enough. Then he handed out Luna Bars and I decided to name my firstborn after him. (I'll explain to Baby Girl why her name is Manager Jason from Target later).
At 10:00, he actually handed out the tickets and we knew were we guaranteed a TV! It almost made the past 2 hours worth it because there was a VERY long line and most people had to give up the 46" TV for $298 dream. Not us though! Just two more hours to wait!
Around 10:40ish, two of my brothers-in-law, my sister-in-law ,and niece showed up to get in line for X-boxes (and they ended up being lucky to get them, they ran out of them before we left the store!). We chatted for a bit and then the BILs went to get me and Andrew coffee! I have never been so excited to get a decaf coffee. After that, the time flew buy.
For crowd control purposes, Target was letting 30 people into the store, waiting 30 seconds and letting another 30 in, rinse and repeat. We part of the first 30 in the store, ran and got in line for our TVs, ran over to the x-boxes and grabbed three of them and handed over two when the ILs came in, paid, and hit the road. We ran into a slight snafu when the boxes didn't fit in our car, but some car shuffling today took care of that.
So.... long, freezing, boring night of Black Friday insanity yielded a new TV and somehow Andrew ended up with a new x-Box too. I'm still not quite sure HOW that happened.
If we had been more prepared it actually wouldn't have been that bad, but we were kind of flying by the seat of our pants. I hope to not need a new TV for a long time... but we desperately need a new laptop. Good thing Black Friday only comes once a year, and Cyber Monday can be done from the comfort of my house!
Thursday, November 03, 2011
5 minutes
I have maybe 5 minutes before a certain co-dependent toddler realizes I'm not watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with her. I'm relishing the silence. Well.... if you could Mickey Mouse Clubhouse playing in the background as silence.
We lost power for a few days after the random snow storm we got on Saturday. I was less than thrilled with that. We had to leave and go to my parent's house on Sunday, which meant I had to leave for work from Quincy, which ultimately means I have to be out the door by 6am. INHUMANE.
But we are back in our house, we all seem healthy, and I bought two more Christmas presents today. Life is good.
Yup, I bought two more presents! HA! I AM THE BEST CHRISTMAS SHOPPER IN THE WORLD!!!
And on of of them I found a 10% off coupon plus free shipping. So something I thought was going to cost about $31 actually cost me $23.
Oh, and I used a 30 cent manufacturer's coupon (that got doubled) on Chobani, which Stop and Shop had on sale this week. So that means I got 9 Chonabi's at 40 cents each!
I'm waiting for Extreme Couponing to knock on my door to make a show about me.
I know, no new November picture. I'm still undecided. In few days, I promise. It takes a really long time to edit the picures - this computer is practically an antique and doesn't move quickly!
We lost power for a few days after the random snow storm we got on Saturday. I was less than thrilled with that. We had to leave and go to my parent's house on Sunday, which meant I had to leave for work from Quincy, which ultimately means I have to be out the door by 6am. INHUMANE.
But we are back in our house, we all seem healthy, and I bought two more Christmas presents today. Life is good.
Yup, I bought two more presents! HA! I AM THE BEST CHRISTMAS SHOPPER IN THE WORLD!!!
And on of of them I found a 10% off coupon plus free shipping. So something I thought was going to cost about $31 actually cost me $23.
Oh, and I used a 30 cent manufacturer's coupon (that got doubled) on Chobani, which Stop and Shop had on sale this week. So that means I got 9 Chonabi's at 40 cents each!
I'm waiting for Extreme Couponing to knock on my door to make a show about me.
I know, no new November picture. I'm still undecided. In few days, I promise. It takes a really long time to edit the picures - this computer is practically an antique and doesn't move quickly!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
free stuff!
Want some free K-Cups? Here you go! Sign up soon, they do tend to run out of these samples kind of quickly.
Want a free audio book? (if you've never listened to an audio book, I highly recommend them) Here you go! On that one, you do have to sign up for an Audible.com membership. You will NOT BE CHARGED unless you forget to cancel your membership, and you can cancel the membership as soon as you have downloaded your audio file. If you have an Amazon account (and let's be real here, who doesn't have an Amazon account?) you don't even have to put your credit card information in, it uses your saved one. Just don't forget to cancel your audible account!
I signed up for the free audio book for the sole purpose of getting Room by Emma Donoghue. It's my book club selection for November, and I need to get started on it. Much to my dismay, it was not available in ebook format at Boston Public Library! What? I have a $7.00 late fee at my local library, so I can't place a hold on the physical book. I'm firmly against paying late fees, so I'll probably never be able to place a hold on a physical book again at my library (still can get ebooks though!). What's a girl to do? I don't pay for books. I find it offensive, much like paying late fees. I do have a gift card to Barnes and Noble, and it was only $9.99 in Nook format, but still - $10 for a book? No thank you! Luckily, I remembered about my free audio book that I've been hearing about on the Stuff You Missed in History Class, and Stuff Mom Never Told You podcasts, so off I went. VICTORY IS MINE! Another free book!
Want a free audio book? (if you've never listened to an audio book, I highly recommend them) Here you go! On that one, you do have to sign up for an Audible.com membership. You will NOT BE CHARGED unless you forget to cancel your membership, and you can cancel the membership as soon as you have downloaded your audio file. If you have an Amazon account (and let's be real here, who doesn't have an Amazon account?) you don't even have to put your credit card information in, it uses your saved one. Just don't forget to cancel your audible account!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
I'm not sure how it's already the middle of October. It's ridiculous how fast time goes by. I'm starting to buy into that old saying that they older you are the faster time goes by.
But time going by means it's almost Thanksgiving and then Christmas!!
Speaking of Christmas, I'm tempted to buy the Santa's Little Helper app for my phone (sorry, I don't know if it is available for Droids). Has anyone used it? Rants? Raves?
It helps you keep track of what you have already bought, how much you have spent, and what you still need to buy. I usually track all that on a spreadsheet, but I really like the idea of having an app for it. My idea is that having that information at my fingertips when I'm at the store will help me spend less money. I can never remember what I've bought and how much I've spent while I'm at the store shopping, and this should help.
It's only 99 cents, so I don't know why I'm so hesitant. I hate paying for apps though, even ones that are less than a dollar. I want to know that I am getting something for my ninety nine pennies!
But time going by means it's almost Thanksgiving and then Christmas!!
Speaking of Christmas, I'm tempted to buy the Santa's Little Helper app for my phone (sorry, I don't know if it is available for Droids). Has anyone used it? Rants? Raves?
It helps you keep track of what you have already bought, how much you have spent, and what you still need to buy. I usually track all that on a spreadsheet, but I really like the idea of having an app for it. My idea is that having that information at my fingertips when I'm at the store will help me spend less money. I can never remember what I've bought and how much I've spent while I'm at the store shopping, and this should help.
It's only 99 cents, so I don't know why I'm so hesitant. I hate paying for apps though, even ones that are less than a dollar. I want to know that I am getting something for my ninety nine pennies!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
mother's day weekend, part 2
Part 2 actually starts right where part 1 ends. And it's not as long, involved, hospital ridden, or interesting. But I decided to write this in two parts because I thought that would be a good idea...
So after the ER drama, Baby Girl was in bed, and I was exhausted. I didn't make it very long before I went upstairs and collapsed in bed. I was almost asleep when I realized -- I never saw my dress make it inside. We were going to a Mother's Day brunch the next day and jeans are not allowed - especially my unstylish boot cut jeans that a half size too big. I got up, ripped apart my bag, looked through the closet, sent Andrew down into the cellar to see if it was down there - nothing.
The real problem is that our reservations were for 11am and none of the clothing stores around opened until 11. I must have looked up every store in the town of Falmouth and surrounding areas. Every single one of them opens at 11 on Sundays, at least in the off season.
Every store, except one.
Yup, Walmart. I had to get up early and go out to Walmart for my fancy clothes. There I was at 9am standing in the ladies clothing section of Walmart (located between the grocery store and hardware sections) assessing my options. Short shorts, polyester capris, jeans that could fit 37 of me... let me tell you, there were some slim pickings. But I persevered, and managed to find khaki pants! That were made from real fabrics! (okay, mostly made from real fabrics) And they looked nice on me too! As nice as they can look, since I am currently in between sizes and all my pants are a half size too big.
Wal*Mart Success!! And no one got a tick.
So after the ER drama, Baby Girl was in bed, and I was exhausted. I didn't make it very long before I went upstairs and collapsed in bed. I was almost asleep when I realized -- I never saw my dress make it inside. We were going to a Mother's Day brunch the next day and jeans are not allowed - especially my unstylish boot cut jeans that a half size too big. I got up, ripped apart my bag, looked through the closet, sent Andrew down into the cellar to see if it was down there - nothing.
The real problem is that our reservations were for 11am and none of the clothing stores around opened until 11. I must have looked up every store in the town of Falmouth and surrounding areas. Every single one of them opens at 11 on Sundays, at least in the off season.
Every store, except one.
Wal*Mart Success!! And no one got a tick.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
one of those days
My shopping trip this morning was an epic fail.
Here was my dilemma - Baby Girl cannot be riding in a car after 11:30 in the morning, because she will fall asleep. And if she falls asleep in the car, she will not nap. And if she doesn't nap, she makes life awful after 3pm. Andrew isn't here today to help, so I really wanted her to nap. But I needed to go to Target, Stop and Shop, and Stride Rite. Stride Rite is in the opposite direction of Target and Stop and Shop, by about 25 minutes. I didn't want her in the car all morning either, because she gets really restless, and I can't blame her. I thought and thought and thought and it finally came to me: Stride Rite may not be near Stop and Shop, but it is near Whole Foods! I can just run into Whole Foods and get what we absolutely need (my 2nd mortgage hasn't been approved so I can't afford a full shop at Whole Foods) and then run into Stride Rite and take advantage of the their BOGO sale! Wooo! Mama is so smart!
We went into Whole Foods and did our thing - I got about half of what I needed because that store makes no sense and I can't find anything. Then we strolled down to Stride Rite. Jokes on me, it doesn't open till 11 and it was only 10:30. It was also about 30 degrees, so I couldn't even walk around Legacy Place window shopping and passing the time. So to au bon pan I went. Baby Girl and I split a blueberry muffin (read: I ate an entire blueberry muffin) and she watched You Tube videos of Elmo and Beaker. We finally go down to Stride Rite, I get her back out of the stroller, and we measure her foot.
It's the SAME size that's she's wearing now.
AAARRRGGHHHHH!!!
We bought those shoes in November! According to "them", her foot is supposed to go up a size every 3 month! She's gone up one full size since last August. She "should" be up 2.5 sizes.
I could have to gone to Stop and Shop and actually went food shopping! Instead I went out of my way to get to Stride Rite since I figured she's been wearing the same shoe for 4 months, she's got to need new ones.
Of course her feet will grow next month when Stride Rite isn't having a sale. And I still haven't gone to Stop and Shop or Target.
I am woe.
Here was my dilemma - Baby Girl cannot be riding in a car after 11:30 in the morning, because she will fall asleep. And if she falls asleep in the car, she will not nap. And if she doesn't nap, she makes life awful after 3pm. Andrew isn't here today to help, so I really wanted her to nap. But I needed to go to Target, Stop and Shop, and Stride Rite. Stride Rite is in the opposite direction of Target and Stop and Shop, by about 25 minutes. I didn't want her in the car all morning either, because she gets really restless, and I can't blame her. I thought and thought and thought and it finally came to me: Stride Rite may not be near Stop and Shop, but it is near Whole Foods! I can just run into Whole Foods and get what we absolutely need (my 2nd mortgage hasn't been approved so I can't afford a full shop at Whole Foods) and then run into Stride Rite and take advantage of the their BOGO sale! Wooo! Mama is so smart!
We went into Whole Foods and did our thing - I got about half of what I needed because that store makes no sense and I can't find anything. Then we strolled down to Stride Rite. Jokes on me, it doesn't open till 11 and it was only 10:30. It was also about 30 degrees, so I couldn't even walk around Legacy Place window shopping and passing the time. So to au bon pan I went. Baby Girl and I split a blueberry muffin (read: I ate an entire blueberry muffin) and she watched You Tube videos of Elmo and Beaker. We finally go down to Stride Rite, I get her back out of the stroller, and we measure her foot.
It's the SAME size that's she's wearing now.
AAARRRGGHHHHH!!!
We bought those shoes in November! According to "them", her foot is supposed to go up a size every 3 month! She's gone up one full size since last August. She "should" be up 2.5 sizes.
I could have to gone to Stop and Shop and actually went food shopping! Instead I went out of my way to get to Stride Rite since I figured she's been wearing the same shoe for 4 months, she's got to need new ones.
Of course her feet will grow next month when Stride Rite isn't having a sale. And I still haven't gone to Stop and Shop or Target.
I am woe.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
want
My kid is still sick. She got a bonus day with Nana and Grandpa today, but from what I understand, she slept through it. Poor kid.
Switching topics...
I really want a right hand ring.
Or this:
(Oh wait, that's Diana's Kate's engagement ring. My bad)
Switching topics...
I really want a right hand ring.
One like this:
(Oh wait, that's I don't really have a point to any of this. It's just what I want. Alas, my husband does not read my blog, and we really need to boost up savings so we can move out of our 881 SFOH so we don't have the money to spend on this. But if I start planning now, in 20 years when we do have this kind of money, I'll know what I want.
Or I spent a lot of time at work today shopping for my fantasy jewelry. Either one.
Or I spent a lot of time at work today shopping for my fantasy jewelry. Either one.
Friday, December 17, 2010
I'm a supahstah
We left the house at 8:30 this morning. We went to Marshalls, Starbucks, the post office, the library, AAA, mechanic, Border's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Chipotle for an early lunch, Target, BJ's, another Target, and came home at 12:30. (in all that we were in at least 5 different towns.)
How's that for productivity?
My Christmas shopping is 100% DONE! A whole week and a day before Christmas! Haven't wrapped a thing, but it's all done. I'm extremely proud of myself.
How's that for productivity?
My Christmas shopping is 100% DONE! A whole week and a day before Christmas! Haven't wrapped a thing, but it's all done. I'm extremely proud of myself.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
meh
I just need it to be Friday. I somehow need to make it through the next 5 days. Right now it seems like an eternity. 5 days.... just 5 days...
I went to Target today to do as much food shopping as the limited food selection at my local Target allows. I almost went crazy. I have a hard time dealing with crowds at stores, to the point where I have become so overwhelmed that I've had to walk out and leave a half full cart behind me. Going to Target at the beginning of the Christmas shopping season may have not been my smartest idea. I almost lost it on a few different occasions, but we really needed our food so I kept going with my mind half gone. Baby girl left a trail of pretzel goldfish throughout the whole store. I couldn't have cared less since she was behaving, but I do feel bad for the employee who has to sweep up tonight. Sorry dude, but I needed to keep my kid quiet.
Yes, I bribe my child with food.
No, I don't care that you think that makes me a bad parent.
5 more days...
I went to Target today to do as much food shopping as the limited food selection at my local Target allows. I almost went crazy. I have a hard time dealing with crowds at stores, to the point where I have become so overwhelmed that I've had to walk out and leave a half full cart behind me. Going to Target at the beginning of the Christmas shopping season may have not been my smartest idea. I almost lost it on a few different occasions, but we really needed our food so I kept going with my mind half gone. Baby girl left a trail of pretzel goldfish throughout the whole store. I couldn't have cared less since she was behaving, but I do feel bad for the employee who has to sweep up tonight. Sorry dude, but I needed to keep my kid quiet.
Yes, I bribe my child with food.
No, I don't care that you think that makes me a bad parent.
5 more days...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
FYI: Anyone who makes Green Mountain coffee at home (or has a Keurig) - the Limited Edition Gingerbread coffee is phenomenal. Like manna from heaven.
So... back to our regularly scheduled post. Seriously though... get yourself some gingerbread coffee.
I had a great idea. Little People (you know, Little People) have a nativity set. I thought it would be perfect to buy for Baby Girl and keep with our Christmas decorations and take out every year. I loved the stuff that only came out at Christmas when I was a wee one, and I thought it would be fun thing for BG too. My mother has an absolutely gorgeous nativity set that she made herself. It must have at least 20 pieces - it took up our whole mantel. She doesn't put it out anymore. If I had anywhere to put it I would have taken it by now, but I don't. So it sits in her attic until I buy a house. sad.
Oh look, I went off on a tangent again
Anyway - I wanted to get that Little People Nativity set.
Isn't it cool? I mean it's not the hand-painted one that my mother made, but it's so cute and great for toddlers.
Here's the problem. It's $33
THIRTY THREE DOLLARS. For a plastic nativity set. And we already have the cow and a sheep from the farm set. Amazon has it for $31.95. So whoop de doo, I can save $1.05. Though I do get free shipping right now from Amaon for signing up for Amazon Mom...
Anyway. $33 for a plastic nativity set... and it's the holiday season which means we are hemorrhaging money. Not a good time of year for $33 on a toy that will only be played with for one month each year.
So my great idea was foiled again!
So... back to our regularly scheduled post. Seriously though... get yourself some gingerbread coffee.
I had a great idea. Little People (you know, Little People) have a nativity set. I thought it would be perfect to buy for Baby Girl and keep with our Christmas decorations and take out every year. I loved the stuff that only came out at Christmas when I was a wee one, and I thought it would be fun thing for BG too. My mother has an absolutely gorgeous nativity set that she made herself. It must have at least 20 pieces - it took up our whole mantel. She doesn't put it out anymore. If I had anywhere to put it I would have taken it by now, but I don't. So it sits in her attic until I buy a house. sad.
Oh look, I went off on a tangent again
Anyway - I wanted to get that Little People Nativity set.
Isn't it cool? I mean it's not the hand-painted one that my mother made, but it's so cute and great for toddlers. Here's the problem. It's $33
THIRTY THREE DOLLARS. For a plastic nativity set. And we already have the cow and a sheep from the farm set. Amazon has it for $31.95. So whoop de doo, I can save $1.05. Though I do get free shipping right now from Amaon for signing up for Amazon Mom...
Anyway. $33 for a plastic nativity set... and it's the holiday season which means we are hemorrhaging money. Not a good time of year for $33 on a toy that will only be played with for one month each year.
So my great idea was foiled again!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
fall: autumn
Yesterday it was pushing ninety degrees. Today is barely hitting 70. I love New England.
(except during the months of January, February, and March. I hate New England during that time)
I bought a new sweater yesterday. I felt guilty about spending the money. And then I realized it was $17.50 and I was buying it from Old Navy. Then I stopped feeling guilty; though I kept thinking that for $17.50 I could buy Baby Girl 2 complete outfits (I'm a big fan of the Circo $4 pieces). But Mama needs some clothes too, right? Plus it's a cute sweater:
I also went out to dinner with a bunch of people to celebrate our 30th birthdays. I am not yet 30, but I still got to celebrate. It was a whole night all for me! Shopping for me! Out to dinner with just me! (and my friends, natch). Yay for me!
Speaking of me time, it's currently naptime which SHOULD mean it's Mama's naptime too, but it really means it's time go to make my chili for lunches for the week.
(except during the months of January, February, and March. I hate New England during that time)
I bought a new sweater yesterday. I felt guilty about spending the money. And then I realized it was $17.50 and I was buying it from Old Navy. Then I stopped feeling guilty; though I kept thinking that for $17.50 I could buy Baby Girl 2 complete outfits (I'm a big fan of the Circo $4 pieces). But Mama needs some clothes too, right? Plus it's a cute sweater:
I also went out to dinner with a bunch of people to celebrate our 30th birthdays. I am not yet 30, but I still got to celebrate. It was a whole night all for me! Shopping for me! Out to dinner with just me! (and my friends, natch). Yay for me!Speaking of me time, it's currently naptime which SHOULD mean it's Mama's naptime too, but it really means it's time go to make my chili for lunches for the week.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
hmmm
I think I am going to leave the hydrangea picture up through September. Is that cheating? I know what you're thinking "um... hydrangeas aren't even in bloom this late in summer". To which I reply "eff you for mentioning we are closer to fall than spring".
But really, is it cheating?
Anyway, I have already purchased a new fall shirt and I'm looking for new fall shoes as we speak (whoo hoo dual monitors!). My second favorite thing about fall is you always need new clothes! Always! Or maybe that's just me. For some reason, when I go to transition out my warmer clothes for my cooler clothes (which I won't have to do for at least a month, if that) I never seem to have any warmer clothes. Sure I've got sweaters, but that's about it. Oh and since I didn't have any spring/summer clothes (because last year I was pregnant and then on maternity leave), I wore those sweaters into June. And on some desperate days, I still do wear them. I just tell myself it's because of the AC at work. It's really because I don't have any clothes.
So clearly I NEED more fall clothes. So I might as well start now.
What? pay down the mortgage? slip a little more into BG's 529? Boost savings?
PSHAW!
I need clothes!
This is what I bought this morning:
Sorry it's blurry. But you get the idea. It's cute. Can I wear it to work? no. Should I be buying clothes that I can't wear to work? No. Did I buy it anyway? Hells yes!!
Now onto some shoes....
But really, is it cheating?
Anyway, I have already purchased a new fall shirt and I'm looking for new fall shoes as we speak (whoo hoo dual monitors!). My second favorite thing about fall is you always need new clothes! Always! Or maybe that's just me. For some reason, when I go to transition out my warmer clothes for my cooler clothes (which I won't have to do for at least a month, if that) I never seem to have any warmer clothes. Sure I've got sweaters, but that's about it. Oh and since I didn't have any spring/summer clothes (because last year I was pregnant and then on maternity leave), I wore those sweaters into June. And on some desperate days, I still do wear them. I just tell myself it's because of the AC at work. It's really because I don't have any clothes.
So clearly I NEED more fall clothes. So I might as well start now.
What? pay down the mortgage? slip a little more into BG's 529? Boost savings?
PSHAW!
I need clothes!
This is what I bought this morning:
Sorry it's blurry. But you get the idea. It's cute. Can I wear it to work? no. Should I be buying clothes that I can't wear to work? No. Did I buy it anyway? Hells yes!!Now onto some shoes....
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I am in love
I know, I'm a few years behind the times. Hell, I didn't even read the Twilight series until this year. So me being behind shouldn't surprise anyone.
I have to say - Peapod from Stop and Shop is the most fantastic creation ever. Perhaps even better than slice bread. Because they will deliver the sliced bread to your door.
I don't think I can say enough good things about doing your grocery shopping online and having the groceries delivered to your kitchen. We have always had a hard time getting our grocery shopping done during the Summer, but now that we have the baby it was becoming impossible and it's not even Memorial Day yet.
So we bit the bullet and ordered Peapod. And I may never step foot into a grocery store again. Except we agreed we would only do this in the summer because there's no real need for us to pay extra when we have the time to do it in the colder months.
I will say I'm disappointed that they use plastic bags and don't have an option to not use them. But as of right now, that is my only complaint.
I have to say - Peapod from Stop and Shop is the most fantastic creation ever. Perhaps even better than slice bread. Because they will deliver the sliced bread to your door.
I don't think I can say enough good things about doing your grocery shopping online and having the groceries delivered to your kitchen. We have always had a hard time getting our grocery shopping done during the Summer, but now that we have the baby it was becoming impossible and it's not even Memorial Day yet.
So we bit the bullet and ordered Peapod. And I may never step foot into a grocery store again. Except we agreed we would only do this in the summer because there's no real need for us to pay extra when we have the time to do it in the colder months.
I will say I'm disappointed that they use plastic bags and don't have an option to not use them. But as of right now, that is my only complaint.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I heart Kohl's
I know, it's not cool to love Kohl's. But I do. I got a belt, 2 pairs of pajamas for BG, a tank top, and a picture frame for $39. And they carry Carter's baby clothing. What is better than Kohl's? They have sales every day! Every single day! Okay, yes, I understand that since these "sales" are a daily occurrence they aren't really sales. But I still feel like I saved money. And really, would anyone ever pay full price for anything at Kohl's?
I did learn I go to Target way too often. I was headed to Kohl's and ended up in the Target parking lot. I apparently just travel on autopilot.
No, I do not want to ever open a Kohl's charge card. If you never ask me ever again, I'll spend an extra $10. Thanks.
I did learn I go to Target way too often. I was headed to Kohl's and ended up in the Target parking lot. I apparently just travel on autopilot.
No, I do not want to ever open a Kohl's charge card. If you never ask me ever again, I'll spend an extra $10. Thanks.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Busy weekend and random thoughts
I worked on Baby Girl's scrapbook Friday night with a friend. I actually got two pages done - one I think came out well, and one was a disaster. But it's little more than a filler page, so I'm leaving it alone. When I'm done with the book, I might go back and do something else. I wish I had more time to work on my books, but I do enjoy my nights! I'm going with some other friends in two more weeks for a night of scrapping. I think Andrew is getting a little sick of me disappearing every Friday, but I like it :)
Baby Girl is going to get a little cousin this summer, and luckily for us it is going to be a boy! We need a little boy in this family, and this meant that BG got a bunch of her older cousin's hand me downs. I was pretty excited about that, we were having a bit of a pants problem lately. She had about 5 pairs of pants that actually fit, and now we have at least a dozen! I love hand me downs!!! And I'm thrilled to have a nephew, little boys are so much fun.
We spent an hour at Babies R Us this morning and came home with a new stroller for BG. We ultimately decided on an umbrella stroller for her. We didn't go with a travel system when she was born because we thought they were too big and bulky - we used the car seat and a Snap n Go. When we were wheeling the full sized strollers up and down the aisles of BRU today, we still thought they were too bulky. I guess we just aren't full sized stroller or travel system people! So this is BG's ride for the next few years:
It's the Maclaren Quest Sport. She seemed to like it in the store, hopefully it continues to meet her strolling needs. Now we just need to get a jogging stroller down the cape and we will be all set!
Is anyone else looking forward to Parenthood on NBC once the Olympics are over? I think it looks like it could end up being a good show. I'm fearful that I will always see Lauren Graham as Loralei Gilmore, but that probably won't happen to people who haven't seen every episode of Gilmore Girls at least 3 times.
I am SO DONE with winter. SO DONE. I know, I know, I live in New England, I should be used to it. It hasn't been a particular snowy winter here, though it has been almost everywhere else. But it's just so cold and so dark and I've been stuck inside for so many months. On Saturday I was going out of my skin and I was thisclose to bundling up my niece and taking her out to the park to play. I'm praying for a semi warmish March. I need to get out of this house!
I created a trending topic on Twitter. #overpricedbabygear. Watch it.
Baby Girl is going to get a little cousin this summer, and luckily for us it is going to be a boy! We need a little boy in this family, and this meant that BG got a bunch of her older cousin's hand me downs. I was pretty excited about that, we were having a bit of a pants problem lately. She had about 5 pairs of pants that actually fit, and now we have at least a dozen! I love hand me downs!!! And I'm thrilled to have a nephew, little boys are so much fun.
We spent an hour at Babies R Us this morning and came home with a new stroller for BG. We ultimately decided on an umbrella stroller for her. We didn't go with a travel system when she was born because we thought they were too big and bulky - we used the car seat and a Snap n Go. When we were wheeling the full sized strollers up and down the aisles of BRU today, we still thought they were too bulky. I guess we just aren't full sized stroller or travel system people! So this is BG's ride for the next few years:
It's the Maclaren Quest Sport. She seemed to like it in the store, hopefully it continues to meet her strolling needs. Now we just need to get a jogging stroller down the cape and we will be all set!Is anyone else looking forward to Parenthood on NBC once the Olympics are over? I think it looks like it could end up being a good show. I'm fearful that I will always see Lauren Graham as Loralei Gilmore, but that probably won't happen to people who haven't seen every episode of Gilmore Girls at least 3 times.
I am SO DONE with winter. SO DONE. I know, I know, I live in New England, I should be used to it. It hasn't been a particular snowy winter here, though it has been almost everywhere else. But it's just so cold and so dark and I've been stuck inside for so many months. On Saturday I was going out of my skin and I was thisclose to bundling up my niece and taking her out to the park to play. I'm praying for a semi warmish March. I need to get out of this house!
I created a trending topic on Twitter. #overpricedbabygear. Watch it.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday
I hate Mondays. I hate saying that I hate Mondays, because really, does anyone LOVE Mondays? Even if you love your job and don't mind getting up to go to work, I'm still going to assume these crazy people like the weekend more than the week days.
So, yeah, Mondays. They suck!
I have a question to ask of the universe: why doesn't LL Bean carry baby bathing suits, and why does Lands End not seem to have any on their website? Does anyone know where I can get two piece girl's bathing suit (and by 2 piece, I mean shirt and bottom, not bikinis. I cannot stand babies in bikinis) that is UPF 50+? I need 12-18 month sizes. I did find one at Target, but I'm thinking the Target quality bathing suit may not last the entire summer. I'm trying to buy some now because I want to sign her up for swimming lessons in a few months, and I'm trying to buy everything we need for our Great Family Vacation one piece at a time so I don't have to go out and spend $500 the week before we leave.
Any help? anyone?
Also, if someone could buy me this and this, I would love you FOREVER.
So, yeah, Mondays. They suck!
I have a question to ask of the universe: why doesn't LL Bean carry baby bathing suits, and why does Lands End not seem to have any on their website? Does anyone know where I can get two piece girl's bathing suit (and by 2 piece, I mean shirt and bottom, not bikinis. I cannot stand babies in bikinis) that is UPF 50+? I need 12-18 month sizes. I did find one at Target, but I'm thinking the Target quality bathing suit may not last the entire summer. I'm trying to buy some now because I want to sign her up for swimming lessons in a few months, and I'm trying to buy everything we need for our Great Family Vacation one piece at a time so I don't have to go out and spend $500 the week before we leave.
Any help? anyone?
Also, if someone could buy me this and this, I would love you FOREVER.
Friday, January 01, 2010
New Year, New Decade... new shoes?
yes, yes, yes, I'm well aware that the decade technically does not end till 2011, but people who harp on that are lame. Stop being lame. I am talking to you, Andrew.
Are you going to say twenty ten or two thousand and ten? I'm going for twenty ten. I really can't wait until 2021 when we can go back to saying '21. Except I will be FORTY YEARS OLD. And my baby will be 12. OH MY F&*%ING LORD I AM 12 YEARS AWAY FROM BEING 40
new topic, new topic.... if you ignore something it will go away....
I got on the scale this morning. Good news? I weight exactly the same as I did when I got pregnant. Bad news? I in no way look like I did before I got pregnant. Also, that is still overweight. Lesson learned - don't be chubby when you get pregnant, because then you have to lose the baby weight PLUS the chubby weight. But, in order to keep myself motivated (as if this ridiculous matchy matchy family picture with the WHITE SHIRTS isn't going to do that...) I've decided that at 10% lost, I will get new shoes. Also, I really want new shoes, so any excuse I can come up with works for me.
I haven't bought a new pair of shoes since last winter. I kid you not. I don't even know who I am anymore. So 10% lost = new shoes.
Are you going to say twenty ten or two thousand and ten? I'm going for twenty ten. I really can't wait until 2021 when we can go back to saying '21. Except I will be FORTY YEARS OLD. And my baby will be 12. OH MY F&*%ING LORD I AM 12 YEARS AWAY FROM BEING 40
new topic, new topic.... if you ignore something it will go away....
I got on the scale this morning. Good news? I weight exactly the same as I did when I got pregnant. Bad news? I in no way look like I did before I got pregnant. Also, that is still overweight. Lesson learned - don't be chubby when you get pregnant, because then you have to lose the baby weight PLUS the chubby weight. But, in order to keep myself motivated (as if this ridiculous matchy matchy family picture with the WHITE SHIRTS isn't going to do that...) I've decided that at 10% lost, I will get new shoes. Also, I really want new shoes, so any excuse I can come up with works for me.
I haven't bought a new pair of shoes since last winter. I kid you not. I don't even know who I am anymore. So 10% lost = new shoes.
Monday, December 28, 2009
I love naptime
It's not even naptime for me, but I still love it. Andrew and Baby Girl are asleep right now. I started to pick up the house, but I only got as far as picking up the baby's toys. Then I decided that just because I'm not asleep doesn't mean I need to be the only one working!
As I mentioned previously, I got a Cricut for Christmas (I got the smaller one, which a good size for my needs). If you aren't into scrapbooking, a Cricut is a "personal electronic cutting machine" which means that it will cut out letters, numbers, shapes, etc for you. It's tremendously useful, but oh so expensive. And now that I have it, I need to start getting better cartridges for it. Each cartridge retails for around $90, and coupons ALWAYS exclude Cricut accessories. You can find them on e-bay for as little as $25, and up to $50. It's going to take me a while to get all the cartridges I want, but now I've given Andrew an easy out for all gift buying occasions - there will always be another cartridge that I need!
I really need to get going on Baby Girl's scrapbook, I only have 4 pages done, and that only goes through her first week! The next pages that I need to do are the 4th of July pages, but I don't have any embellishments for the 4th. Which means I need to find the money for that, and then make the page.
Why can't I have a cheap hobby?
As I mentioned previously, I got a Cricut for Christmas (I got the smaller one, which a good size for my needs). If you aren't into scrapbooking, a Cricut is a "personal electronic cutting machine" which means that it will cut out letters, numbers, shapes, etc for you. It's tremendously useful, but oh so expensive. And now that I have it, I need to start getting better cartridges for it. Each cartridge retails for around $90, and coupons ALWAYS exclude Cricut accessories. You can find them on e-bay for as little as $25, and up to $50. It's going to take me a while to get all the cartridges I want, but now I've given Andrew an easy out for all gift buying occasions - there will always be another cartridge that I need!
I really need to get going on Baby Girl's scrapbook, I only have 4 pages done, and that only goes through her first week! The next pages that I need to do are the 4th of July pages, but I don't have any embellishments for the 4th. Which means I need to find the money for that, and then make the page.
Why can't I have a cheap hobby?
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